Issue No. 443 Monday, 14 July 2003

The Leader of Government Business, Hon. McKeeva Bush, announced last week that he would not recommend the adoption of a national lottery for the Cayman Islands to the Cabinet.

The announcement comes just six weeks after a Chamber of Commerce luncheon where Mr. Bush made statements in support of a lottery, saying, "I have made up my mind I have much support to go forward with it."
Attempts to reach Mr. Bush last Friday for comments as to the reason he has withdrawn his support for the national lottery were unsuccessful.

"We're overjoyed to hear that the Minister has taken this new position," says Pastor Al Ebanks, president of the Cayman Minister's Association. "We appreciate that after he studied the issue and listened to the community in relation to the pros and cons of a national lottery, that he has now reconsidered his support. We want to commend him for that."

While some think that a national lottery could be a substantial source of revenue for Government, Pastor Al thinks the negative effects outweigh any potential gains. "We think the decision (not to have a lottery) will benefit the country in the long run more than gambling ever would."

Mr. Burnard Tibbetts, another opponent to the lottery who has frequently voiced his opinion on the matter, is pleased by the Minister's new approach, but thinks the issue could be far from over. "While the Hon. Minister Bush has now stated that he will not back the lottery, we can't be certain that it will not be introduced by another minister," he says.
He stands firm in his beliefs that the lottery would pose problems for Cayman. "I feel like it would be a mistake," he says. "Although it can be a rather complicated subject, when I observe the lack of successes in places with lotteries elsewhere, I don't think it would be a good gamble."

When asked about his opinions on raffles, and whether he places them in the same category as gambling, Mr. Tibbetts said that he did not feel that he was in a position to make a statement delineating what exactly may constitute gambling, but did state the following: "I don't personally buy raffle tickets, but I do feel that there is a difference between them and a lottery. Raffles may be offered once or twice a month, but people would play the lottery almost daily. It makes matters worse for the poor."

Mr. Rod McDowall, immediate past president of CITA, has in the past suggested that some forms of gaming on the island could be part of a larger project to increase tourism, but he has always maintained that the people should decide the issue. "Government has done what it needs to do," he says. "They have conducted due diligence, made investigations, and looked into the matter as they should have. If this is the opinion that has resulted, that's fine, and if the issue needs revisiting at a later time, I'm sure they will go ahead and revisit it."

Attempts to contact Mr. Burns Conolly, Chairperson of the Lottery Committee, for comment were unsuccessful due to his being off the island.

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CIFA Awards Outstanding Players

By Kenisha Morgan

13-year-old Areila Smith receives her trophy for Female Rookie Of The Year from CIFA President Jeffrey Webb

Despite the pending downpour, some two hundred and fifty guests and awardees turned out for the CIFA Awards Presentation Dinner on Wednesday July 9th at the Family Life Center off Walkers Road.

In total sixty-six individuals and clubs received awards in the Primary, Under 14, Under 17, Senior Women and Senior Men's Divisions.

Continued in sport secion below

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New Column Starts Today

As a well-known financial centre and travel destination, the Cayman Islands appear more and more in overseas news reports these days, often on a daily basis.

Starting today, Cayman Net News will run a new regular feature column on page three entitled "News about Cayman in the Foreign Press."

This column will carry short snippets of news reports from around the globe in which the Cayman Islands is mentioned so that the people of these islands will know what the rest of the world is saying about us.

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The Dawn of a New Era

Some of those on hand for the signing of the Main Agreement between Government and Cable & Wireless that allows for competition in the telecommunication industry were (sitting left to right) Acting Governor Hon. James Ryan; Leader of Government Business, Hon. McKeeva Bush; ICTA Chairman, Dr. Christopher Rose; Minister of Communications, Hon. Linford Pierson; General Manager of Cable & Wireless, Mr. Tim Adam; and President of Cable & Wireless Northern Caribbean, Mr. Mark Macfee. Those standing are (l-r) Mr. Bruce Blake, Mr. Stewart Diamond, Ms. Elaine Leung, Mr. Stephen Hall-Jones, Mr. Dick Archbold, MLA Mr. Cline Glidden, Mr. Jonathan Daniels, Mr. Phillip Ebanks, Mr. Rudy Ebanks and Mr. Kearney Gomez.

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News

Bank of Butterfield awards scholarship

Standing from left: Kimberly Huggins, Human Resources Manager Mavis Davies and Jennifer Bodden. Sitting: Ray Farrington and Conor O'Dea, Scholarship Committee Members.

Jennifer Bodden and Kimberly Huggins are joint recipients of the 2003 Bank of Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship. The Butterfield Scholarship Committee stated, "We had two exceptional candidates and a decision was made to award our scholarship to both of them." Jennifer and Kimberly will both receive up to US$60,000 over a four-year period.

Jennifer, daughter of Ethelyn and Clive Bodden, attended Cayman Preparatory and High School and obtained the Outstanding Student of the Year Award at graduation in 2001. She plans to attend the University of Miami where she will study nursing. A former member of the Cayman Islands National Swim Team and Special Olympics swim coach, Jennifer is a very focused young lady who hopes to obtain a double major in nursing and accounting in order to pursue a career in Public Health.

Kimberly, a former St. Ignatius High School student, is the daughter of Gary and Deborah Huggins. Kimberly will be attending Queens University in Ontario, Canada to study biological sciences. She has been a highly involved member of her school and church community and received the Student of the Year Award after completing her IGCSE examinations in 2001. Kimberly's career goal is teaching or working with the environment.

The Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship is granted annually for an amount of up to US$120,000 over a period of four years and was first awarded in 1993. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit and is available for any course of academic study beneficial to the islands as a whole.

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Telecom liberalisation begins in Cayman

Present at the signing ceremony to end Cable & Wireless' monopoly were (l-r) Acting Governor, Hon. James Ryan and UDP official Lewis Ebanks and Chairman Billy Reid.

In an historic event, Cable & Wireless and the Cayman Islands Government signed an agreement on Thursday, 10 July marking the end of the monopoly for the only telecommunications provider this country has ever had.

With spirits undampened by the rainy effects of Tropical Storm Claudette, over 40 people representing Government, Cable & Wireless and the media filled the Cabinet Conference Room at the Government Administration building for the signing of the Main Agreement that allows for competition in the telecom industry.

"Never mind the weather report, today brings a bright new day to Cayman," said Mr. Tim Adam, General Manager of Cable & Wireless.

The Minster of Communications, the Hon. Linford Pierson praised Cable & Wireless for its service over the past 37 years. "They invested in this country at a time when no one else was prepared to do so," he said, "They have put in place an excellent telecommunications infrastructure. They have trained, encouraged and developed local people Cable & Wireless have also been first-class corporate citizens."

The phased-in liberalisation process will take a little over eight months to complete. The first phase starts on Monday 14 July when application forms will be made available for hopeful new telecom service providers.

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The 2003-2004 Budget Highlights

In this ninth and final article in our series on the 2003/2004 Budget, we look at some of the other expenditures and investments totaling some $69 million contained in the Government's recent Budget presentation which do not form part of specific ministry or portfolio budgets.

Of these, the largest item is $15.6 million in respect of payments to the pension fund for the past service government pension liability.

Transfer payments, or those payments to be made without any expectation of something received directly in return, total some $12.3 million. These include poor relief payments at $3.9 million, benefit payments to seamen and ex-servicemen at $4.5 million, and education scholarships at $3 million.

Planned capital developments total some $12 million in respect of 84 new and ongoing capital projects. New equity investments of $10,590,902 are planned, largely made up of $4 million for Cayman Airways and $5.8 million for the Health Services Authority.

Financing expenses are expected to total $7.8 million, comprising interest on loans and public debt, together with overdraft expenses. The expenses of the courts and the judiciary are budgeted at some $4.6 million.

Personal emoluments for the Governor, Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary, Attorney General, Ministers, and MLAs will amount to $2,544,168 during 2003/2004. The cost of the Public Accounts Committee is projected to be $1,188,355.

Contributions to the pension fund for past members of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council total $762,300 and the government expects to repay some $488,008 of overpaid or otherwise refundable fees and duties. Loans totaling $400,000 will be made during 2003/2004, made up of mortgage loans for civil servants of $375,000 and loans for farmers of $25,000.

Constituency allowances for MLAs are expected to total $338,100 and annual contributions and fees to various international and regional organisations amount to $326,306. Payment to the pension fund for past government employees entitled to payments under the ex gratia recipients plan total $138,700.

Other Miscellaneous Expenditure

Past Service Pension Liability Payments 15,601,000
Transfer Payments 12,322,417
Capital Developments 12,091,057
Equity Investments 10,590,902
Financing Expenses 7,832,350
Courts and Judiciary 4,584,074
Personal Emoluments 2,544,168
Public Accounts Committee 1,188,355
Parliamentary Pension Plan Contribution 762,300
Refunds 488,008
Loans 400,000
Constituency Allowances for MLAs 338,100
Contributions and Fees to International Organisations 326,306
Ex Gratia Recipients Plan Payments 138,700
Total 69,207,737

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Governor attends investiture at Buckingham Palace

Mr Dinwiddy receives his CMG from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales

On Thursday 10 July, His Excellency the Governor, Mr Bruce Dinwiddy, was invested at Buckingham Palace by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales as a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG). The Governor was accompanied at the Investiture by his wife, Mrs. Emma Dinwiddy, Emma's mother, Lady Llewellyn OBE, and their daughter, Mrs. Celia Stone.

The Governor's award was announced at The Queen's Birthday Parade on 16 June, among The Queen's Birthday Honours.

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World-renowned Hypnotist to visit Cayman

World-renowned Hypnotist, Kenneth Whitener, will return to Cayman for four shows, guaranteed to have everyone on the edge of their seat. Mr. Whitener has previously performed his interactive hypnosis show at a number of venues in Cayman and has mesmerized many people within the community with his skills. Among other tricks, he is able to persuade people to forget their own names, and convince them to become absolutely fearless in front of hundreds of people! He claims that in thirty minutes he can tap into your mind and recharge your mental and physical batteries, showing you how to achieve a state of excellence and stay there no matter what.

Traveling the world, Mr. Whitener presents over 200 programs each year for many of the top Fortune 500 companies, as well as at theme parks, special events, clubs, colleges, fairs and festivals. His clients include Academy award winning celebrities, stars from motion pictures, television, radio and stage, NASA astronauts, Olympic athletes, leading sales professionals, educators, doctors, lawyers, law enforcement personnel and literally thousands of college and high school students worldwide, who have participated in Ken's workshops.

The shows run from August 5th 10th 2003. In addition to his comic performance for his usual adult audience, he will be including a special performance for kids no parents allowed! He will also be conducting a series of motivational seminars "Stop Smoking & Lose Weight" and a special Motivational Executive Luncheon Seminar.
For more information please call 949-8423 and ask for Charlotte or Andrea or visit www.evibe.com and click on Ken Whitener.

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London staff attend Royal garden party

London Office staff and HE The Governor (seated) are joined for lunch by UK Representatives of the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, St Helena and Montserrat, with spouses.

Her Majesty's annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, held on Wednesday, 9 July, was this year a special gala affair for the Cayman Islands Government Office in London, with a larger than usual contingent attending in recognition of Cayman's Quincentennial Year.

Mrs. Jennifer Dilbert, the Cayman Islands Government Representative in London, usually attends the festive event. This year, however, in view of the significance of the year to the Cayman Islands, the Chief Secretary, Mr. James Ryan, included names of other London Cayman Islands Government staff to attend along with Mrs. Dilbert.

Prior to the Garden Party, Mrs Dilbert hosted a lunch at the Government Office for the UK Representatives of Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, Montserrat and St. Helena. Mrs. Dilbert was delighted that HE The Governor was also able to join the group at lunch. Mr. Dinwiddy was in London this week to conduct interviews for the post of Attorney General and received his CMG at Buckingham Palace on Thursday (10 July).

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Editorial

There is No Going Back

There is no denying that the Cayman Islands has undergone sweeping changes over the past 35 years or so, evolving from a unsophisticated, close-knit seafaring community to a internationally known financial district and tourist destination with a remarkably diverse resident population.

For our country's youth, the Cayman of today is the only one they have ever known, though even in the past decade, there have been many changes. However, for older residents, the changes have been much more drastic in their lifetime, and it is now rather common to hear yearnings for 'the good old days' from many over the age of 40.

The problem with nostalgia is that it tends to be selective in its reminiscing. While many might wish for a return of the friendlier, slower paced and less stressful days of the past, no one is clamouring for a return of dusty marl roads, frozen milk and smoke pots to keep the hordes of mosquitoes at bay.

With development and the resulting prosperity we now enjoy have come a variety of complications. An island that did not even have a traffic light until 1982, now has frustrating rush hour traffic jams. A community that experienced virtually no racial tensions has now borrowed this strife from other countries through residents who come from places with far different histories than ours. The hallmark courtesy and warmth of our people have given way to curt impatience and ill manners in the fast pace of modern day Cayman.

Yet for every negative aspect of our country today as opposed to years gone by, there are just as many, if not more, positive facets. Our roads are better. Our schools are better. Our medical care is better. Our diverse population has exposed us to the global ideas and cultures. The variety and quality of goods available to us now would be the envy of the majority of countries in the world. And while money might not buy happiness, the affluence that allows us to enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean has certainly made our lives easier.

That there have been difficulties in attaining all of the advances to our society is the trade-off, for as the saying goes, you cannot eat your cake and have it too. Most of us, if we really think about it, probably think the trade-off worthwhile. Those who do not, need to understand one vital thing: there is no going back now. The development process, once unleashed, is impossible to reverse without creating unimaginable chaos.

This is not to say that the people of these Islands do not have a say about issues that offend them, or that they cannot change certain things they do not like. However, any changes made at this point must have an eye for the future, not the past. While it is important to remember where we came from, solutions to our problems today must be made from the perspective of today's circumstances going forward.

The Cayman Islands of old is gone, at least on Grand Cayman, where our society has evolved. The facts of life are that traffic will be an on-going issue and that our community will forever more be made up in large percentage by expatriates. As the years progress, our roots will become less distinct in our memories. Our traditional values and culture will face the challenge of our redefined social order and modern exigencies.

Like a caterpillar that becomes a butterfly, our society has undergone a metamorphosis, and now out of the cocoon, we must forget our earthbound days and fly.

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Letter to the Editor

Former ExCo members detail how present Constitution works

Dear Sir,

The present ExCo works similar to a board of directors of a company. It comprises the Governor as Chairman and the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Attorney General who are official members and civil servants and five ministers elected by the Legislative Assembly. These nine persons take joint decisions as a team.
The MLA's represent the electorate and appoint the five ministers from among the MLA's. Only the MLA's can remove a Minister and this is in a public Legislative Assembly sitting.

Bermuda Type Constitution

The Bermuda style "Cabinet" does not include the Governor and the three official members/civil servants (or in the Legislature) and instead replaces them with a Premier and elected ministers.

In practice, the Premier is the leader chosen by the party in power (not by the people or MLA's) and he chooses the other ministers and is chairman of the Cabinet.

The Premier is unquestionably all powerful and can remove any or all Ministers for no reason and without the minister having a right in a public Legislative Assembly sitting to defend himself. This absolute power erodes transparency and democracy and is in breach of natural justice. In effect the Premier exclusively "calls the shots".

Company Directors

Can you imagine a Company Board of Directors in which the company's shareholders appoint the Chairman of that Board. The Chairman appoints 8 directors and can remove them for no reason. Why bother appointing the 8 directors if the Chairman has absolute power to remove them and thus can dominate or override the collective and democratic decisions of the Board.

One step at a time

The people of the Cayman Islands by island-wide popular vote, should have the right to vote their own Chief Minister, a right which the Constitutional Commissioners have acknowledged Caymanians wanted. The Chief Minister can appoint his five ministers. The Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Attorney General should be Caymanians (two now are) who are experienced professionals and appointed by the Public Service Commission consisting of Caymanians (not by the UK) who should remain as civil servants independent of political interference in ExCo.

If they are politically appointed there is the distinct probability that the position will be filled by unqualified, inexperienced people. The 3 official members bring vital continuity, stability and experience to ExCo that Caymanian residents and investors need for confidence in Government.

At this stage the Legislative Assembly, (not the Chief Minister) should have the power to remove the Government in an open Legislative Assembly with the Ministers to be removed having the right to defend themselves in a public hearing, as presently pertains, in accordance with the rules of natural justice.

Decisions of ExCo should continue to be made by all the ExCo members as a team with collective responsibility as it has been for 30 years (in the same manner as a company board of directors) and not dominated by one man, the Chief Minister.

Caymanians do not like to be pushed and coerced into too much change too fast. Tell the UDP Government and Leader of Government Business to find solutions to the rampant crime, low air tourist arrivals, tell them to provide the right climate for increasing jobs for Caymanians so they can better provide for their families, tell them to build much needed schools and infrastructure to help our children and our people. Tell them to focus on these issues rather than on issues of power which can hurt the Caymanian people.

Truman Bodden
Tom Jefferson
John McLean

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'Innocent until proven guilty' say Church Ministers

Dear Sir,

"Gambling Policy Awaited" was the headline of a disconcerting article, which appeared in another local newspaper on July 1st, 2003. The article reports that Crown Counsel Cheryl Richards asked the Court for an adjournment after she had spoken to Senior Crown Counsel. She told the Court "there are certain decisions which need to be made as to policy as to whether we proceed with this matter or not."

The CMA is very concerned by this action and the message being sent because of the apparent judicial posturing of the Crown. The persons charged with this crime are all innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law. The Crown however has a responsibility to the citizens of these islands to prosecute those who they have reason to believe are guilty of breaking our laws.

We question the prudence and purpose of delaying prosecution of this case, in favor of some awaited policy decision rather than on the basis of established law. The possibility of some future change in law does not change the need to uphold our present established laws.

It is a keystone of the whole Government system of the society that the Judiciary functions with a due independence of those who make laws and policies, i.e. the legislature and the cabinet. The article creates concern that this cardinal principle is being compromised.

In addition, we should not underestimate the negative impact such actions will have on those members of the RCIP who took appropriate action to apprehend those whom they found breaking our Laws. We trust the actions of these officers were based on their sense of duty and responsibility to uphold and enforce the laws of these islands. Having taken such appropriate action, how are they now to interpret these actions by the Crown?
These actions could have a detrimental effect on the administration of law enforcement functions and lead to demoralization in the ranks of the RCIP. This will be most unfortunate for all law-abiding citizens in our community.

We trust this matter will indeed be given the appropriate attention due it by the Crown; it is their responsibility to prosecute those who break our Laws in a fair and impartial manner. This case should not be held in limbo because of some possible future policy.

Cayman Ministers' Association (CMA)

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Leader of Government replies to Ex-Ministers

Dear Sir,

On 1st July, Cayman Net News published a letter signed by Messrs. John McLean, Truman Bodden and Tom Jefferson that had the caption "Former Ministers comment on the 2003-2004 Budget." That letter also appeared in another newspaper on 2nd July but under a different headline of, "Give the public the whole financial truth".

The first paragraph of their letter states, "the Government is spending large sums of money, which the Government and the people of the Cayman Islands cannot afford". One of the most widely accepted ways of judging whether a country can afford a certain level of borrowing is to express principal and interest payments as a percentage of the country's revenue. This is often termed Debt Service Ratio.

On a similar level, when members of the public attempt to borrow from banks, they are often told that their borrowing repayments cannot exceed 30% to 40% of their income. The Government has been much more prudent, its Debt Service Ratio for the six-month period to 30th June 2003 was only 4.4%; the lowest it has been in 10 years. For the years ending 30th June 2004, 2005 and 2006, the ratio is expected to be 5.3%, 6.1% and 5.9%, respectively. These ratios are well within the 10% threshold set by the Public Management and Finance Law, 2001.

In contrast, when the ex-Ministers governed, the ratio increased from 5.1% in 1993 to 7.8% at the end of 2000. This Government's performance is much better than that of the former Ministers.

The second paragraph of their letter states that the size of the recent bond borrowing is US$163.5 million. This is incorrect: the size of the borrowing was US$163.2 million. Why is such a small difference important? It is important because it shows a lack of care and a lack of attention to detail on the part of the ex-Ministers! That same paragraph states that short-term loans were refinanced with the proceeds of the bond issue.
Again, this is untrue.

The Public Debt loans that were refinanced had, on average, 10-year lives. It is inaccurate to describe
10-year loans as short-term loans, as the ex-Ministers have deliberately done. In respect of the 15-year bond borrowing, the second paragraph of their letter also states that, "two generations of our precious children will have to repay this debt". How is it possible to get two generations in a 15-year period? Again, it shows sloppiness and dramatics by the ex-Ministers. Pure politics!

It is very important to inform the public that of the US$163.2 million that was obtained from the bond issue, US$153.6 million (94% of US$163.2 million) was obtained in connection with refinancing existing debt debt that this Government inherited and the reimbursement of debt consolidation. The remaining US$9.6 million was used to help finance Capital Development expenditures.

The Government cannot be accused of being extravagant because 94% of the bond issue proceeds was obtained in connection with the refinancing of existing debt that this Government inherited! It is also important to point out that the authority for obtaining those funds was provided by the Legislative Assembly. None of the loans that were paid-off with the proceeds from the bond issue were borrowed by the current Government they all relate to loans that were borrowed by previous Governments.

Of the US$153.6 million (being that portion of the total bond issue proceeds that was obtained in connection with refinancing debt and the reimbursement of debt consolidation), US$87,861,228 relates to debt that was incurred under the ex-Ministers' administration. The remainder of the US$153.6 million relates, mainly, to the substantial loan taken-out in 2001 by an administration that was headed by the present Leader of the Opposition.
The third paragraph of their letter states "all previous governments for the past 30 years borrowed short-term on average 5 to 7 years". Again, this is simply not true! During 2000 the former Ministers executed and drew-down, a single loan for US$19.2 million which was to have been repaid over a 15-year period. So how can they say, "all previous governments for the past 30 years borrowed short-term on average 5 to 7 years"? The public needs to understand that the 3 letters written are not telling the truth and ask why are they so anxious to mislead!

The fourth paragraph of their letter shows an equal lack of attention to care and accuracy. It states that "Government will probably follow the trend in some other countries where, periodically, new bonds are issued to replace the bonds repaid, so that debt remains about the same". This type of strategy is commonly associated with a 'bullet bond' whereby the principal amount owing is payable on the last day of the bond's life. This is not the type of bond that the Government of the Cayman Islands has issued. The Government will in fact repay interest and principal every six months.

As the bond was executed on 8th April 2003, the first payment of interest and principal will occur on 8th October 2003; the second payment will be made six months later on 8th April 2004 and so forth. There is no opportunity for the Government, nor was it ever the Government's intention, to execute new bonds to pay-off existing bond obligations.

What the ex-Ministers failed to mention in their letter is that by Government making the deliberate and conscious decision to repay principal every six months, as opposed to waiting until 8th April 2018 to repay the US$163.2 million, results in an interest-saving of US$62.7 million for the Islands! As far as the claim about debt remaining the same, the present Government has made a tremendous achievement in reducing the Islands' Public Debt: in the year ended 31st December 2002 which was the very first year that this Government can be held accountable for principal repayments on Public Debt and Self-Financing loans amounted to CI$22,574,771 and for the year ending 30th June 2004, Public Debt and Self-Financing loans are budgeted to fall by a net CI$2.0 million ( CI$2.0 million is the net of principal repayments on Public Debt and Self-Financing loans of CI$9.1 million and CI$0.9 million, respectively, and planned new borrowings of CI$8 million).

In contrast with the present Government's performance of reducing debt, during the ex-Ministers' tenure the end-of-year balances on Public Debt and Self-Financing loans increased steadily. When those ex-Ministers were firmly in control of Government, a total of CI$138,974,208 was borrowed over that period as Public Debt and Self-Financing loans.

Government is equally disappointed at the sinister motive for the ex-Ministers mentioning the IMF in their letter. Government does not need to obtain any financing from the IMF so why try to plant this idea in the public's mind? It is an irresponsible scare tactic.

The fourth paragraph of their letter also says that a neighbouring island has to use 66% of its annual revenue to honour its debt obligations. Government believes that this was mentioned for the evil reason of trying to convince the public that the Cayman Islands would suffer the same fate.

As we have shown previously, this present Government's management means that for the year to 30th June 2004 only 5.3% of Government's revenue is needed to honour our debt obligations. For the year ended 31st December 2000, shortly after the ex-Ministers were removed from office by the voting public in November 2000, 7.8% of Government's revenues was used to meet debt obligations. This is much higher than the 5.3% this Government will use for the year ending 30th June 2004, to service debt. For the years ending 30th June 2005 and 2006, the ratio is expected to be 6.1% and 5.9%, respectively.

This Government's performance is much better than that of the former Ministers and much better than the 66% Debt Service Ratio of a neighbouring island.

The fifth paragraph of the ex-Ministers letter states that "the UK restricts Government's direct borrowings so as not to exceed 10% of the annual recurrent revenue". The 10% limit is correct but this comes from Section 14(3)(c) of the Public Management and Finance Law, 2001 not by restriction from the United Kingdom. The
Cayman Islands have not yet agreed any borrowing guidelines with the United Kingdom.

It is also important to state that the 10% limit that the ex-Ministers are touting was passed in 2001 when they were no longer in office a limit, which was supported by Ministers of the present Government. We therefore fail to see why this matter was mentioned because we have clearly complied with the 10% limit.

In the final paragraphs of their letter, the ex-Ministers make the points that consolidated financial statements of Government, its Statutory Authorities and Government-owned companies "must be prepared to the give the public the whole financial truth" and Government is legally responsible when it guarantees debts of Statutory Authorities and Government-owned companies.

Again, the ex-Ministers are making general statements without any specifics. Firstly, consolidated financial statements of Government, its Statutory Authorities and Government-Owned companies do indeed have to be prepared as required by Sections 28 and 29 of the Public Management and Finance Law, 2001 but, those sections do not come into effect until the financial year that starts on 1st July 2004 that is why consolidated accounts have not been prepared as yet. However, according to the law it will be done.

Secondly, Government does acknowledge its responsibility in respect of any debt that it guarantees for Statutory Authorities and Government-owned companies: that acknowledgement is clearly shown by the Contingent Liabilities schedule that appears each year in Government's annual accounts. So Government is in compliance with the observation made by the ex-Ministers.

The former Ministers harbour many misconceptions about Private Financing Initiative (PFI). Firstly, PFI is an acceptable means of governments acquiring the use of an asset without actually owning the asset, when it is built, but when the financing is paid off. It is carried out extensively in the UK. PFI involves the private sector supplying an asset for use by a national Government, for a certain agreed annual payment to be made by the Government to the private sector "supplier" of that asset.

The real purpose of PFI arrangements is to transfer the risks associated with the ownership of an asset to the private sector its purpose is not "off balance sheet" accounting. The reason why national governments do not place PFI assets "on balance sheet" is simply because the asset is owned by the private sector and, the risks associated with ownership of the asset continues to rest with the private sector "supplier" of that asset. Government will have to subject the award of any PFI building to the scrutiny of the Central Tenders Committee and, the annual cash-flow payments for the use of any PFI asset, will have to be placed in Government's annual budget which will be examined by the Legislative Assembly and its Finance Committee. So PFI agreements shall certainly be open and transparent.

The crowning glory of the ex-Ministers' calculations comes in the penultimate paragraph of their letter, where they take $310 million, divide it by 20,491 (the number of Caymanians at the time of the 1999 census) and arrive at an answer of US$151,286. A primary school student with a calculator could do better: the correct answer is $15,128!!
So we ask the public if they believe these ex-Ministers are the financial wizards that they hold themselves out to be? The mess they left the country in speaks for itself. Finances were in a mess, we were blacklisted by the OECD, Education was in a mess and can they yet explain the mess and exceedingly high expenditure for Pedro Castle?

Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP
Leader of Government Business

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Special Report

Grand Cayman's glorious 7-Mile Beach at risk
Experts give alternative options for beach erosion control

In its recent report, the Beach Review and Assessment Committee ruled out beach engineered stabilisation methods, based on Dr. Richard Seymour' findings. The Committee stated that "no scientifically proven system has been identified to date." Dr. Seymour was particularly against the use of groins, but naturalist and master mariner Mr. Dick Holmberg, of Holmberg Technologies Inc., and Mr. John MacKenzie, of the West Indian Marine Group, do not feel that the other technologies have been given a fair hearing. As a continuation of our series on the erosion problem on Seven Mile Beach, we will offer some details on two other options that the Committee considered. Today we report on Mr. Dick Holmberg's Undercurrent Stabilizer system, and in on Tuesday we will explore the ProTecTube II Beach Stabilization and Protection System.

"Undercurrent
Stabilizer" system

Mr. Holmberg is a self-taught natural earth scientist and master mariner, and he is recognised internationally as an expert in the field of coastal erosion and restoration. He is an innovator in the development of underwater construction techniques and his companies have completed more than one thousand erosion control projects.
Through his extensive research, Mr. Holmberg has accumulated numerous scientific documents and nautical data that clearly define the cause of problems of erosion and the degradation and depletion of fresh water supplies throughout the world.

Some of Holmberg's earliest geo-textile designs of concrete filled systems were printed in a United States Army Corps of Engineers manual in June 1973, as state of the art. One of his most outstanding achievements was discovering how to reverse beach erosion to a natural state of accretion by using his patented "Undercurrent Stabilizer" (UCS) system.

This evolutionary coastal restoration system, has been documented in over twenty performance studies. His benign technology and innovative methods have proved very beneficial, without undesirable side effects.
UCS is made of cement-filled geo-textile tubes, arranged in a pyramid shape, with smaller ones on each side. They lie, partly submerged, on the seabed, at right angles to the dune, and allow water to pass over them at a higher plane, thus slowing down the flow of water. The particles of sand drop out of suspension and settle on the seabed. The system has a one off installation, and requires no maintenance.

This water flow theory is supported by the geologist J.D. Dana, who wrote one hundred and fifty years ago: "Doubling the rate of flow increases the sediment-carrying capacity of water sixty-four times."

A Stabiliser field consists of four units about 125 feet apart, covering around 400 feet of coast. A single Stabiliser field generally benefits several thousand feet of shoreline, so fields may be widely spaced along a coast.
Mr. Holmberg has found that modern water management practices and conventional marine engineering designs have turned rivers and streams into systems of drainage, navigation and sewage disposal. These channels flush waste, carrying hazardous materials and contaminated sediments, destroying nature's fresh water filtration and soil retention systems, and they result in erosion.

"Beach replenishment is a short reprieve at a high cost," comments Holmberg. "Since 1962, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has wasted $8 billion of taxpayers' money on 270 replenishment projects to date. This money is totally inappropriate, in view of the number of harbours being built."

Holmberg points out that the building of thousands of harbours is the main cause of the worldwide problems. And yet it is the coastal engineers who are in the business of building these harbours, who are being employed as consultants to governments.

He asserts that left to nature, coastlines were rising for thousands of years, and until 1982, beaches were healthy, there was an abundance of sand, and everything in the eco-systems was in surplus.

This expert believes that there has been a deliberate cover up of the facts causing beach erosion. He says that the textbooks have been altered to eliminate evidence that would lay the blame at the feet of the coastal engineers.

He cites Cape Canaveral as a prime example: "For four years, the engineers watched as 60 feet of shoreline, along 41 miles, were destroyed, and did nothing about it. This was in 1951, and forty years later, in 1994, they were finally found guilty."

Mr. Holmberg is not alone in his theories. A number of American geologists have determined that the Army Corps of Engineers have ignored well-established geological findings about how the beach system works. They disagree with the Corps' contention that coastal erosion is "natural and inevitable," laying the blame instead on the dredged and jettied navigation channels.

The best known opponent to US coastal policy is Dr. Orrin Pilkey, a shelf sedimentologist teaching at Duke University. He says that performance projections for beach restoration projects are deceptive. He notes that coastal engineers fail to take into account the impact of storms, that inevitably remove the artificial beach long before its projected life-span.

The Duke University Donner research group, stated that, "artificial beaches erode one and a half to twelve times more rapidly than natural beaches." and "88% of beach renourishment projects are 'dismal failures,' lasting less than five years."

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Special Report

Swiss airline to eliminate a quarter of its destinations

BASEL, Switzerland (AFP) The airline Swiss, citing a depressed economic environment and heightened competition, said that it would eliminate 25 of the 96 destinations it currently serves under a cost-cutting plan first announced last month.

The carrier said in a statement that the move to be implemented from October 26 was a response to "strong competition and the continuing weak economic environment".

Fifteen European destinations along with 10 intercontinental services, including Rio de Janeiro, Lagos, Accra, Jeddah, Tehran, Libreville, Beijing and Delhi, will be eliminated.

The airline said the new network put a clear focus on "profitable and high-potential routes and destinations".
"The modifications called for under the new business plan are essential if the company is to achieve the profitability required within a reasonable timeframe," Swiss said in a statement.

The company announced the drastic restructuring plan on June 25, including the loss of 3,000 jobs from its 9,000-strong workforce and a reduction of its fleet by one-third, but had not outlined how it would affect services.
Swiss hopes to save 1.6 billion Swiss francs (1.1 billion euros, 1.2 billion dollars) through the move and to pull back into the black from next year.

The airline, formed last year from regional airline Crossair with parts of the now-bankrupt flag carrier Swissair, reported a loss of 200 million Swiss francs in the first quarter of 2003.

Under the changes to the route network, all four of Switzerland's main airports in Zurich, Basel, Geneva and Lugano will be affected.

Swiss's last remaining service from the small airport at the federal capital Bern will also be withdrawn.
Swiss' main hub at Zurich-Kloten airport is to lose 22 of the 92 destinations currently served by the airline.
Officials at the airport say they have already contacted other airlines in a bid to ensure the same destinations continue to be served.

In Geneva, Swiss has been suffering from competition from British budget airline easyJet and will stop its flights to the French city of Nice and London City airport, although it will maintain flights to London Heathrow.
Eight of Swiss' 21 destinations from Basel-Mulhouse will be stopped, while flights on Swiss from Lugano to Basel will be eliminated.

The carrier's new network will be served by a fleet of 79 aeroplanes compared to the current 108.

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Ask Cosmo Girl

Ask Cosmo Girl

Atoosa Rubenstein

My parents can never accept my boyfriends. They always have a little excuse why they don't like them. How can I prove to them that all guys can't be perfect?
Brittnie, 13,
China Grove, N.C.

Let's give your parents a little credit: I'm sure they know that no one is perfect. But I bet that there are certain traits that are really important to them. I'll give you an example from my family, because my parents were also really critical of guys I liked when I was in high school and college. In my case, neither of my parents went to college, so being smart was a very important trait to them. And as fun and nice as the guys who I'd introduce to them were, none of them did very well in school or seemed like they'd be successful. And so, Mom never liked any of them. But she had the total opposite reaction to my sweetie, Ari who may as well be called Mr. Smart and Successful. So next time they reject a guy, ask them why so you can figure out their triggers. You might not decide to pick guys according to your parents' values, but it will definitely help you understand where they're coming from.

I was recently in a musical, and there was a guy there who I developed a huge crush on. He's 19, but I'm only 13. I desperately want something to happen between us, but I doubt it will. It feels like I'm in love. What should I do?
Michelle, 13,
New Market, Ontario

Not to sound like Grandma Atoosa, but as strongly as you feel about this guy, he's too old for you. Six years might not sound like a lot (I know, I know your "parents" have more of an age difference!), but the emotional difference between 13 and 19 is way bigger than, say, 40 and 46. You and he are in totally different places in your lives right now. So I "do" think you need to move on. But not necessarily forget. Write down all the things you like about him. Now, see those traits? That's "your type." This way he can be the prototype for "future" guys you date. And P.S. I'm not belittling your feelings for this guy. I "do" believe you that they're real. But for many different reasons (Ahem, including legal ones! If something physical happened between you two, he could be arrested.), this relationship is just not in the cards.

My sister doesn't love me. It's basically my fault. I used to take her things, and now she hates me, and I really miss her. She cries a lot because my parents yell at her or she says I did something wrong. I really love her. I don't know how to get her to love me.
Jamie, 15, Cleveland

I totally feel your love for your sister, and she's lucky to have you. But just from the few things you mentioned, it sounds like your sister is going through a hard time emotionally, since she's fighting a lot with you "and" your parents. But just because your sister is not acting loving toward you right now doesn't mean you've done anything wrong or that she doesn't love you. Don't feel too bad for stuff you've done in the past (like taking her things). Things like that "happen" between sisters. The best thing you can do? Just keep being patient and be there for her. I'm not sure what she's going through exactly, but she'll find her way out of it eventually. And when she does? She'll have an amazing sister waiting for her on the other end.

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Your Health

Thinking About Having a Baby?

Chad Collins, BSc., R.D.

Last time I spoke about some good dietary recommendation to keep in mind when planning for pregnancy, this week I will elaborate some more.

A healthy weight A healthy lifestyle with regular, enjoyable physical activity and healthy eating will help you achieve a healthy body weight. Talk to a Registered Dietitian to determine whether or not you have a healthy weight. If you are above or below a healthy weight, talk to a Registered Dietitian about lifestyle changes you can make to reach a healthier body weight before you become pregnant.

Caffeine Caffeine crosses into the baby's blood when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Take a look at your caffeine intake and keep it to less than 400-450 milligrams (mg) a day. Instead of caffeinated beverages, drink water, milk, soup and fruit and vegetable juices before and during your pregnancy.

Approximate caffeine content of foods:
· 1 cup of instant coffee 100 mg
· 1 cup of percolated or filter drip Coffee 200 mg
· 1 cup of strong tea 100 mg
· 1 cup of weak tea 25 mg
· 1 can of cola soft drink 28-64 mg
· 1 dark chocolate bar 50 mg
Herbal Teas Citrus peel, ginger, lemon balm, orange peel and rose hip herbal teas are generally safe. Have no more than 2-3 cups of these safe herbal teas a day. Chamomile and other herbal teas can have harmful effects on you and your baby.

Alcohol and other substances Alcohol, drugs, inhalants, prescription and over the counter medications can affect the unborn baby. Avoid alcohol and these other substances if you are planning a pregnancy and when you know you are pregnant. Check with your physician or pharmacist before using any medications.

Smoking Smoking during pregnancy is one cause of babies being born premature, smaller and at a lower weight. Try to cut back or quit smoking now, before you become pregnant. Think about all the great reasons to quit! Look for smoking cessation programs in your area.

Artificial Sweeteners Aspartame (found in Equal and Nutrasweet), sucralose (found in Splenda) and acesulfame-potassium are used in many foods such as soft drinks, desserts, yogurt, fruit spreads, salad dressings, chewing gum and candy. Although evidence shows that aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame-potassium are safe for pregnant women, it's wise to use them sparingly. Read food labels to see if artificial sweeteners have been added. Avoid using saccharin or cyclamates.

Mercury in Fish It is well known that exposure to mercury is toxic to the brain, especially during development of the fetus. Most exposure is through consumption of fish containing mercury. The most common fish contaminated with mercury are swordfish and shark, large predatory fish that live for many years. The U.S. government recommends eating these no more than once a week, but pregnant women are urged not to consume these fish more than once a month.

Other Situations If you have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or HIV, contact your health care professional and a Registered Dietitian before becoming pregnant.

Chad Collins,
BSC, RD, CNSD
Registered Dietitian
946-8749
Nutrix Ltd.

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Overseas People

Lithuania unveils monument honouring king who opened the window to Europe

By Arturas Racas

Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas (l) and his wife Laima (r) welcome Swedish King Karl Gustav XVI and his wife Silvia 06 July 2003 in Vilnius. Karl Gustav came to Vilnius for the ceremonies of the celebration of the 750th anniversary of the coronation of king Mindaugas of Lithuania. AFP PHOTO/JANEK SKARZYNSKI

VILNIUS (AFP) Top Lithuanian officials and heads of state from neighbouring countries gathered in Vilnius recently to honour Lithuania's one and only king, who is credited with guiding the Baltic state towards Christianity and Europe.

Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf were among the figures participating at a ceremony in the Lithuanian capital to unveil a monument marking the 750th anniversary of the coronation of King Mindaugas.

"Mindaugas was Lithuania's first European and Lithuania should be proud of his wise decision to bring Lithuania to Europe", President Rolandas Paksas said after a group of girls in white dresses unveiled the 3.5 metre-high monument.

The Baltic state next year should fulfill the medieval monarch's European vision by joining the European Union, after enduring several decades of dark oppression in the 20th century under the iron fist of Soviet communism.
Made from Finnish white granite, the sculpture is situated in front of the National Museum and shows Mindaugas at his coronation, sitting on a throne and holding a sceptre and a globe.

Mindaugas, who is regarded as the unifier of Lithuania and father of its statehood, was crowned by Pope Innocent IV in 1253, two years after he accepted Christianity for Lithuania, the last pagan state in the region.

He was the first and only Grand Duke of Lithuania, formally recognized by Rome as Lithuania's king.

"The baptism and coronation of Mindaugas was an event that nobody could expect at that time, because pagans had to be christianized by conquest", historian Edvardas Gudavicius said at the ceremony.

Historians still argue over whether Mindaugas then renounced Christianity before his death, but they agree he was one of the most able statesmen in Lithuanian history.

After surviving court intrigues and the ravages of time, the monarch died in bizarre circumstances. After the death of his second wife Morta, he kidnapped her sister to raise the children and later was killed by her husband.
"He did not achieve everything he wanted, but he did establish Lithuania's European direction, which is best proved by today's history", Gudavicius added.

Lithuania last year concluded EU membership negotiations and is set to join the European Union along with nine other new members in May next year.

The celebration of the 750th anniversary of the coronation of Lithuania's only monarch also included the opening of the new King Mindaugas bridge just 300 metres (yards) away from the monument.

Some 50,000 people gathered to watch the first cars cross the bridge and firework displays.

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Overseas News

Retired priests charged with molestation

LOS ANGELES (UPI) - Two retired Catholic priests faced charges in California of child molestation.
Retired 63-year-old clergyman Michael Wempe was arrested near his Seal Beach home.

District Attorney Steve Cooley told the Los Angeles Times multiple charges would be filed against Wempe alleging he molested five children between the ages of 7 and 16 from 1977 to 1986. Bail was set at $2 million
In a separate case, another retired Los Angeles priest, 76-year-old Titian Miani, was arrested on suspicion of molesting two young girls. And another former priest, Matthew Michael Sprouffske, was ordered Thursday to stand trial for molestation.

The newspaper said eight other priests or former priests in the Los Angeles archdiocese have been charged with sexually abusing minors. Prosecutors say they expect to charge another 10.

Wempe's attorney said his client will plead innocent and is very hopeful "that when all the facts come out, he will be exonerated."

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Magazines undermine a mother's role

HOLLAND (UPI) - Magazines represent at-home mothers in a negative light and are almost as harsh on their working counterparts, new studies report.

Deirdre Johnston and Debra Swanson, professors at Hope College in Holland, Mich., reached their conclusions after examining magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, Parents, Working Mother and Family Fun.

"We thought the women's magazine market would really be building up (at-home) mothers," said Johnston. "Instead, they're being framed as incompetent in the area they're dedicating their lives to."

As for working moms, Johnston said they are viewed as "suspect mothers" who have to "continually prove themselves in a way that at-home mothers do not."

The authors said they hoped the research, to be published in the summer, would shed light on why many moms are unhappy.

Johnston said, "Depression is three to five times higher in mothers than in other populations. These kinds of contradictory messages undermine a mother's instincts."

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Treatment of young illegals criticized

WASHINGTON (UPI) - Parentless children detained as illegal immigrants to the US undergo beatings and are denied access to a lawyer, according to Amnesty International.

Amnesty International USA said children often are imprisoned with young convicts, at times strip-searched or placed in solitary confinement for minor infractions.

The 83-page report released is the first comprehensive examination of a long-standing problem that has drawn public attention only in recent years, the Washington Post said.

The children enter the country for widely varying reasons. Some come to find work or are fleeing war or political persecution. Others are running away from abusive families or attempting to find relatives.

The number of unaccompanied minors detained has more than doubled in four years, from 2,375 in 1997 to 5,385 in 2001. At any time, about 550 youngsters are held in detention facilities.

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Pakistan to India busses running again

Pakistani Nadeem Sajjad (l) steps down from the Lahore Delhi bus with his wife Tayyaba Sajjad (r) and their sick daughter Noor Fatima Sajjad (c) at the Ambedkar Bus Terminal in New Delhi, 11 July 2003. Fathima, who is suffering from a cardiac problem, has come to India for heart surgery in Bangalore. Passengers of the bus from Lahore and Delhi made the journey between India and Pakistan for the first time in 18 months in the most tangible sign of easing of tension between the neighbouring countries. AFP PHOTO/Prakash SINGH

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United Airlines enroute to recovery

CHICAGO (UPI) - Lower wages and increased air travel are helping United Airlines along the path to economic recovery.

The nation's second-largest carrier made progress in several areas last month, the Chicago Tribune reported.
United posted a positive cash flow for the first time since filing for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 9 and cleared financial targets set by its lenders for the fourth straight month.

But the news wasn't all good. Officials said the airline lost $155 million on an operating basis in May. Despite an upswing in the number of travelers, there were still not enough for the airline to break even.

Jake Brace, United's chief financial officer, said the airline is "continuing to produce very good results in our efforts to reduce operating costs across the board."

He said in a statement, United is expected to reduce labor costs by at least $500 million in the second quarter.

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News From Our Region

No tension between St. Kitts & Nevis governments

St. Kitts & Nevis Ambassador to the OECS, Caricom and the ACS, Professor Simon Jones-Hendrickson, (l) with PM of St. Kitts, Mr. Denzil Douglas (c) and Premier of Nevis, Mr. Vance Amory (r), at the just concluded Caricom Summit in Jamaica. (St. Kitts/NevisGIS Photo)

Despite Nevis' push for independence from St. Kitts, there is no tension between the two islands' leaders. That's according to both country's heads, Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Premier of Nevis, Mr. Vance Amory.
"There is really no tension between St. Kitts (the federal government) and Nevis (Nevis Island administration) and it is not a question of I (as Prime Minister) resigning to the fact that Nevis will secede. There is a constitutional provision for the People of Nevis to advance towards Independence if that is the wish of the people," Prime Minister Douglas told the BBC's Bertram Niles during an interview following a caucus of OECS Heads of Government during the 24th Meeting of Heads of Government of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The BBC pointed out that there appears to be a general opposition to Nevis' bid to break up the Federation, but Premier Amory said that is not the feeling he is getting at the Conference. "I did not get a sense in talking to them that there is any antagonism to the idea," said Premier Amory.

"As the Prime Minister said the issue is a constitutional issue which the constitution provides for and we have tried to eliminate any tension. There is no tension. We are trying to do this process through one of consultation and dialogue. Consultation between the Prime Minister and his Cabinet and my own self and our Ministers and between and among the people as well," said Premier Amory, who was a member of the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation.

Prime Minister Douglas said the 1983 Constitution of St. Kitts and Nevis is very clear as to the path that needs to be followed and if that is the wish of the people, through that particular path, then that will be the situation, the islands' Ministry of Information reported.

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Preparation underway for Turks & Caicos By-election

By-election in the Turks & Caicos may be more than a month away but returning officers have already been named. Mr. Joseph Swann has been renamed as the Returning Officer for Electoral District No. 5, in South Caicos, North while Mr. Emmanuel Rigby will be the Returning Officer for Electoral District No.12 in Five Cays. Nomination Day is slated for Tuesday, 15 July while the actual By-elections will be held on Thursday, 7 August.

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Guyana's President says racial divide will not be tolerated

Efforts to undermine unity in Guyana will not be tolerated. That's the word from President Bharat Jagdeo, who delivered that message to thousands of Muslims gathered at the country's Muslim Youth Organization for the grand International Qaseeda Competition.

President Jagdeo said his administration would not condone any form of discrimination against any group in society, including Muslims.

"Attempts to discriminate against Muslims are not going to succeed. My government will fight them everyday because I believe that every single day, Guyanese regardless of race or religion, have an equal place here. We must ensure that this discrimination never happens here," said the President.

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August is CARIFESTA month in Suriname

August will be dedicated to celebrating the Arts and Culture of the Caribbean. Suriname will play host to the eighth CARIFESTA, which will be officially opened on 24th August in the capital, Paramaribo, and continue for seven days.

Emphasising the theme of "Cultural Diversity," Suriname's organizers say the host country is planning to have as one of the major attractions of the festival, an Indigenous Amerindian Village to introduce the way of life of the native populations of the four surviving Amerindian nations in Suriname the Caribs, the Arawaks, the Warua, and the Trio. This Village of the Amerindians will be located in the Palmettory a palm tree studded area
in the capita, which will be transformed for the occasion.

Well-known Suriname artist, Henk Tjon is at the forefront of crafting the creative concept for CARIFESTA VIII. Tjon recently told the Caricom Secretariat that, "Suriname is known as the keeper of the cultural treasures of the world's civilisations living in this Western Hemisphere.

We hope to show off our cultural heritage in a glorious, in a delicious and in a splendid way."

Other activities include a Javanese Cultural Festival to commemorate Javanese immigration. Most of the Member States of the Caribbean Community have confirmed their participation in CARIFESTA VIII and China, Indonesia, India, Japan and Ghana have also signaled their intention to participate.

Previous CARIFESTA events have been held in Guyana, Jamaica, Cuba, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Kitts and Nevis.

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Ramphal urges Britain clear the way for Montserrat to join CCJ

Britain should provide Montserrat with the necessary legal instruments to allow the island to be part of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy and the Caribbean Court of Justice. So says Sir Shridath Ramphal, Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.

Sir Shridath was in Montserrat Monday, 7, July, and reportedly made the remark during a news conference. "I would expect that in the normal course of things the British government would give Montserrat that entrustment so that it could become a full member of the Single Market and Economy and I would be very surprised if it did not and I would want to question the motives of the British government if it did not," said Mr. Ramphal.

Ramphal also used what he called the 'Chancellor's Forum' to update the government ministers and officials, the private sector and members of the public about the regional negotiating machinery as it relates to the World Trade Organisation, the Free Trade Area of the Americas and the European trading status with the Caribbean.
Montserrat is still a colony of Britain and will have to get the permission of the Mother Country before signing on to support the establishment of the CCJ and the Caribbean Single Market.

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Former Jamaica crime supt. could face murder rap

He is accustomed to fighting crime. Now he may soon face criminal charges. The Jamaica Observer recently reported that Mr. Reneto Adams, Jamaica's former head of the Crime Management Unit and seven other cops could face a murder rap for the controversial Crawle killings in Clarendon in May. The incident left Lewena Thompson, Angella Richards, Kirk Gordon and a man known only as Renegade dead in what the CMU had described as a shoot-out.

Mr. Adams claims former members of the CMU are being approached by people with ties to British agencies and promised rewards in exchange for changing their original statements.

The former CMU boss claims he has nothing to hide. "... If we are arrested, we will deal with it diligently as we are facing the justice system and know that justice will be meted out," he told the Observer.

But Police Commissioner Francis Forbes has dismissed Mr. Adams' allegations, claiming the investigations into the incident are still incomplete.

Human rights groups have accused the CMU head of extra-judicial killings, including the death of seven youths in Braeton, St. Catherine in March 2001. The Unit was scrapped last month and Mr. Adams assigned to a desk job.

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American missionary ordered to leave Haiti

An American-born Protestant missionary who has spent the last two months in jail was recently ordered to leave Haiti immediately after he was convicted of illegally importing weapons.

Judge Bernard Saint-Vil found Mr. James Glenn White guilty and ordered that he pay a fine of $1,000 and leave the island nation immediately or face a maximum of five-years in prison.

Mr. White, reportedly runs an independent "Sharing the Vision" mission in the north-coast of Haiti's, Cap-Haitien. He was arrested 9, May after police said they found two weapons and an apparatus to make bullets in a shipment from the U.S.

The pastor has pleaded innocent claiming he had told police before the shipment arrived that it would contain weapons of a friend who was planning to move to Haiti. His lawyer Guerdy Lissade said his client was only told to apply for a permit after the shipment arrived.

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Population gain in St. Kitts

The population in St. Kitts is moving on up. The island's Ministry of Finance, Development and Planning said recently that a one percent increase in the population of St. Kitts and Nevis in 2002 compared to 2001 was found recently.

Data indicated there were no decreases in parish populations, which actually showed a growth rate of 13.5 percent between 1991 and 2001, and an annual average rate of change of 1.3 percent.

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Sports

Zulu to fight "unfair dismissal"

South African batsman Lance Klusener. AFP PHOTO/William WEST

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) Hard hitting all-rounder South African Lance Klusener has declared a dispute with the country's cricket authorities, claiming unfair dismissal, his lawyer said Thursday.

Klusener, nicknamed "Zulu" for his fluency in the African language and his countless rescues of South Africa from the brink of defeat by his spectacular, if unorthodox slogging style, was not given a new contract earlier this year.
He was also omitted from the South African squad currently on a Test and one-day tour to Britain.

"Lance has declared a dispute for unfair dismissal after they (the UCB) failed to renew his contract. The matter has now been referred for arbitration," his lawyer, David Gush told AFP.

According to newspaper reports, Klusener, a veteran of 48 tests and 154 one-day internationals, believed the UCB virtually guaranteed him a contract for 2003.

He claimed he was told that he was being rested after not being selected for the squad's tour to Bangladesh following South Africa's disastrous World Cup 2003 campaign.

The team was knocked out in the early stages when vice-captain Mark Boucher with Klusener at the crease, failed to take a single last run which would have seen them through to the Super Sixes part of the tournament, instead of Sri Lanka.

In the 1999 World Cup, Klusener was voted Man of the Tournament, but has failed to achieve consistent form since then.

Gush said Klusener was waiting for the country's arbitration body, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to appoint an arbitrator.

Reports said Klusener argued he had been given expectations of receiving a contract and taking part in the tour to Britain and was now unemployed for six months - time he could have used to play county cricket.

His agent Andrew Shedlock, told AFP Klusener had a contract to play for his provincial KwaZulu-Natal team next year.

But one of the UCB's directors, Brandon Foot said the body planned to fight Klusener's dispute, as it would set a precedent for South African sport.

"This is an important precedent for not only South African cricket, but all South African sport and how it is applied to sportsmen," he said in a statement.

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Former boxing world champ Johansson has Alzheimer's

STOCKHOLM (AFP) Former world champion heavyweight boxer Ingemar Johansson is suffering from Alzheimer's disease at age 70 and has been living in a special care home since January, his wife told the media this week.

Johansson, known popularly in his native Sweden as Ingo, became a national hero when he upset defending champion Floyd Patterson of the United States to win the 1959 World Championship in New York.

His wife, Edna Alsterlund, told several newspapers that Johansson was diagnosed with Alzheimer's eight years ago, but said he does not know that he has the degenerative brain disease.

She said she decided to tell the media of his condition after the special care home outside Stockholm where Johansson now lives called her to tell her that journalists had been poking around into the facility.

"Ingemar is sick. He has been for many years. And now he has reached the stage where he lives in a special care home," she told daily Aftonbladet.

During his career, Ingo won 26 of 28 bouts, including 17 wins by knockout, eight by decision, and one by foul. His two losses were both knockouts.

News of his affliction breathed new life into a longstanding debate in Sweden about the health dangers associated with boxing.

Professional boxing has been banned in the Scandinavian country 1970, largely for health reasons. There are however 19 Swedes who are professional boxers, though they are not allowed to fight in Sweden.

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Ronaldo ticked off for company crash

Brazilian football star Ronaldo smiles before the large picture of Montega Geneva's limited-edition 'R9 Chronograph' watch during a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo, August 1999. As the ambassador for the watch, Ronaldo stamped his personality on the watch R being the initial of his name and nine is the strip he wears. AFP PHOTO/Toshifumi KITAMURA

GENEVA (AFP) A Swiss watchmaker has gone into receivership blaming an injury suffered by Brazilian star Ronaldo for a drop in sales of a watch the player had promoted.

The Montega company has until August 25 to find a way out of insolvency and is currently locked in a legal dispute with the Brazil and Real Madrid striker, Geneva lawyer Benedict Fontanet said.

Montega said it signed a licensing deal with the player's marketing company, Emporio Ronaldo, in September 1998, allowing it to use the "R9" logo representing the 'R' for Ronaldo and the footballer's shirt number.
Under a clause in the contract, Ronaldo was meant to stay in good health to ensure the promotion of the watches, the lawyer said.

But the Brazilian, who was then with Inter Milan in Italy, suffered a highly-publicised knee injury in 1999 which stopped him playing for several months.

The dispute between the two sides is currently being handled by an arbitration tribunal.

Lawyers for Montega claim Ronaldo knew of his knee trouble when he signed the watch deal, and are demanding the return of 1.6 million Swiss francs (1.1 million euros) advance fee paid to the Brazilian star as well as about 10 million Swiss francs in damages.

Ronaldo's lawyers are claiming six million Swiss francs in unpaid fees as well as the seizure of the remaining watches.

He was due to receive a total payment of 5.2 million dollars and royalties from sales, the Swiss news agency ATS reported.

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Gregan says he'll quit when he's ready

Australian captain George Gregan passes the ball after a scrum during a rugby Test against Ireland. AFP PHOTO/Tony ASHBY

SYDNEY (AFP) Wallabies skipper George Gregan said he would not be pressured into retiring.

The world's most capped scrumhalf, in trouble with the Australian Rugby Union over his part in the Wallaby rebellion over World Cup payments, indicated he would carry on after the World Cup from October to November.
"If I'm still enjoying it and feel as though I'm contributing to the team then I'll play on," the 30-year-old Gregan said. "And at the moment I am."

The ACT Brumbies want Gregan to make a decision by September on whether he will lead them into next year's Super 12 series.

Gregan, capped 85 times, was reprimanded for staying away from the Wallaby team hotel on the eve of the Melbourne Test against England last month.

But ARU boss John O'Neill insists he is not trying to strip him of the captaincy.

"I feel under pressure to play well," Gregan said. "But I'll make a decision when the time's right and at the moment I'm focusing on the domestic season and putting all my energies into the World Cup."

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Swim campers get double dose of motivation

Nelson Diebel along with swim camper Summer Flowers, who is wearing a gold medal Nelson won in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

US Gold Medal Olympian Nelson Diebel (center) gives instruction to swim campers at the Lions Pool.

Swim Campers attending Stingray Swim Club's 8th Gold Medal Swim Camp gained multiple benefits this year. A motivational talk and the chance to work with an Olympic gold medallist are traditionally part of swim camp. This year, high-energy Olympian Nelson Diebel spoke to the campers while parents and supporters had session with sports psychologist Dr. Keith Bell.

Mr. Diebel earned two gold medals in the '92 Olympics in Barcelona in the 100m breaststroke and a relay. His successful swim career also includes being a member of the Princeton University team, and coaching stints at both Princeton and the University of Delaware. His animated talk to the campers focused on some poor early decisions he made until the sport of swimming, and a caring, demanding coach helped him get on a better track. All the youngsters got to hold his Olympic Gold Medal.

Meanwhile, in the room next door at the Family Life Center of the Church of God, Dr. Keith Bell, the 'father of sports psychology of swimming' spoke to parents and supporters. Internationally recognized as swimming's foremost expert on performance enhancement, Bell has been the sports psychologist for the US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand teams amongst others. Bell is still a competitor himself. He recently competed in the Flowers Sea Swim, brining the rest of his family along with him to enjoy Cayman's beautiful and relaxing waters. His wife, Sandy Neilsen Bell, is a triple Olympic gold medallist, and still involved in the sport. She helped with the young swimmers in the pool segments of the camp.

Bell's comments to parents focused on the lifelong health benefits and life lessons from the sport, the value being in the process as much as anything. He stressed the importance of keeping the fun in competition, and parents letting the coaches do their job. "Winning is the object of the game, not the purpose for playing," he noted.

In relation to size, the was a huge success. "This is our biggest swim camp ever," said Alan Aron, President of Stingray Swim Club and a key swim camp coordinator. "We couldn't make it as good as it is without the support of Cayman Airways, Progressive Distributors, Plantation Village, Massive Equipment, Lone Star, Naked Fish,
Canton, Ragazzi, Subway, Domino's, Stingray Bowling, Pastor Tom French of Church of God, and of course our hard working coaches and counselors."

Stingray's Swim Camp was started eight years ago at the request of Government. It is designed to give Cayman youngsters an opportunity for a swim camp experience without having to travel overseas.

This year Stingray Swim Club doubled the Landon Von Kanel Memorial Swim Camp Scholarship to include both a boy AND girl who earned the High Point Award for 11-12 year olds at the Mississippi State Championships, as Landon once did. Recipients Timmy Dasinger from Jackson and Hannah Jones from Tupelo kept up admirably with the tough training, while getting to know nearly 100 Cayman swimmers. The Dasinger family decided to expand the opportunity into a full vacation, bringing seven family members of three generations to Cayman for two weeks, staying on Seven Mile Beach.

The camp ended Saturday with two great water events, the traditional Campers vs. Coaches relay race at the Lions Pool and the Foster's Food Fair 800 metre Sea Swim.

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CIFA awards outstanding players

Scholars International's men's team pose for a picture after receiving the Foster's National League Champions Trophy and cheque for $6,500 from Mark Frey, Agency, Sales & Marketing Manager for Progressive Distributors (front left).

Special Order of Merit awards were presented to Ivan Farrington, Derrick Wight, Raybourne McLaughlin and Rudolph "Blemo" Ross for years of contribution to football in the Cayman Islands. Seven special parents were also recognized for their undying support over the years Jane Ramoon, Aldonza Smith, Avolyn Tatum, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Williams and Mr. & Mrs. Rocky Godet.

At the evenings end Sunset's Thomas "Wildman" Elliot and Scholars' Michelle "Mousey" McField walked away with the coveted player of the year awards and two tickets each to any Cayman Airways destination.

CIFA President Jeffrey Webb extended a big thank you to all CIFA's sponsors, volunteers and members without whom the past season could not have been a success. "The accomplishments of any organization are the direct result of the combined effort of individuals that give generously of their resources, knowledge, effort, creativity and vision. It is the work of these individuals which has created the strong foundation on which football now stands, and from which we now go on to achieve our goals. We thank them for their priceless contribution."

He added that Football has evolved over a short period of time to become a powerful social, cultural, economic and political entity. "It is a school of life where we learn about fair play and respect for others."

This year's fair play award for discipline on the field went to Roma International FC.

CIFA Individual Award Winners

Primary School Division
Goalkeeper of the year Cody McLaughlin
Defender of the year Jordan Bush
Leading goal scorer James Ebanks
MVP James Ebanks

Under 14
Goalkeeper of the year Joseph Tatum (ACAD)
Defender of the year Abijah Rivers (SCH)
Leading goal scorer David Bodden (GTSC)
MVP Machel Turner (ACAD)

Under 17
Leadership & sportsmanship Dion Brandon (FUT)
Goalkeeper of the year Mario Dinall (ATH)
Defender of the year Carlos Morgan (ACAD)
Leading goal scorer Justin Rankin (CAD)
MVP Dion Brandon (MVP)

Men and Women
Goalkeeper of the year Antoinette Thompson (GTSC)
Goalkeeper of the year Alfredo Whittaker (SCH)
Defender of the year Thomas Elliot (SUN)
Defender of the year Catherine Murray (SCH)
Leading goal scorer Michelle McField (SCH)
Leading goal scorer Gary Whittaker (FCI)
Rookie of the year Ariela Smith (SCH)
Rookie of the year Machel Turner (ACAD)
Cocoach of the year Antonio Smith (SCH)
Cocoach of the year Paul Macey (SUN)

Club Awards:
Academy SC U14 League Champions
GTSC U14 League Runners up
Academy SC U17 League Champions
Future FC U17 League Runners up
Scholars International DHL National League Champions
GTSC DHL National League Runners up
Scholars International Zone A Champions
Western Union FC Zone A Runners up
Sunset FC Zone B Champions
GTSC Zone B Runners up
Scholars International Foster's National League Champions
Sunset FC Foster's National League Runners up

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Sports SUMMARY

Jason Varitek of the Boston Red Sox.
AFP PHOTO/John MOTTERN

Varitek, Jenkins added to All-Star Game rosters

NEW YORK (AFP) Boston's Jason Varitek and Milwaukee's Geoff Jenkins were named to the 32nd and final spots on the American and National League All-Star teams Wednesday, chosen by fans who cast more than 10.6 million votes in a three-day period.

Varitek, the Red Sox's starting catcher, will participate in the game for the first time. He is enjoying one of the finest seasons of his six-year career, batting .296 with 15 homers and 51 RBI.

The 31-year-old backstop joins teammates Nomar Garciaparra and Manny Ramirez on the American League squad.

Varitek received 3,210,509 votes. Chicago's Frank Thomas was second, followed by Oakland's Eric Byrnes, Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees and Anaheim's Bengie Molina.

Iraq send team of three to world championships

BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) Iraq will send a team of three to the world swimming championships which takes place here from July 12-27.

A total of 2,189 swimmers from 164 countries will be involved in the event although organisers said on Thursday that the Iraqi competitors, who have officially entered, have yet to be accredited.

Around 1,500 members of the security forces will be on duty while the championships will also attract 1,300 journalists and 155 TV channels.

The Iraqi national swimming team had to prepare for the tournament by training in the waters of the River Tigris in Baghdad before being allowed back into their own pool in the city which had been taken over by American forces.

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