HEADLINENEWS from C.N.N

-CaymanNet News-

McAndy Thomasand Jeffrey Barnes captured overnight - RCIP relieved

Escaped prisoners, Jeffrey BARNES and McAndyTHOMAS were recaptured in separate incidents overnight.

In a release issued by PC Mike Cansell,the Officer in charge of Press Relations issued the followingstatement:

"JEFFREY BARNES was arrested about9:30 pm last night following a roadblock on Shamrock Road in theSavannah area and McANDY THOMAS was arrested about 6:45 am thismorning in a wooded area near to Cumber Avenue, Bodden Town. THOMASwas located in the woodland and was found inside a makeshift tent,which was covered in branches and bush in an attempt to camouflageit.

They are being held separately in custodyat an undisclosed location.

Police would like the public to know thePolice Officers involved in the search and apprehension of thefour escaped prisoners, have worked long hours in difficult circumstancesto recapture these men. Although as Police Officers this typeof commitment is often made, the RCIP appreciates the dedicationof this involvement. Family life has been disrupted with manyspecial events cancelled and again the RCIP gives appreciationto the Officers' families for their support and understanding."

MORE DETAILS LATER.

Other EscapeeEdwards caught in Jamaica on tip

ImmigrationOfficer on Suspension - Prison Officer helping with inquiry

Howard Anthony Edwards, who escaped fromNorthward Prison last November, posing as a construction workerafter the riot at Northward Prison, and successfully boarded acommercial flight to his native Jamaica, is now in the custodyof Law Enforcement authorities over there

It is reported that he was captured by thePolice over there following a tip that was phoned in to one ofthe lead officers in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

Following up on this breaking story, CAYMANNET NEWS inquired from a Senior Immigration Officer toverify that one his officers has been suspended in connectionwith this matter, to which he replied "No Comment."

It is also understood that an Officer withthe Prison Service is also being questioned in connection withthis escape.

Cayman Airways''Quick Change' (QC) 737 could surpass estimated cost of $10.5to $13. million
Plane willnot be released for service until outstanding sum is paid

Reports are that 'something major is inthe air' to happen, in connection with the National Flag carrier.It is suggested that a payment of $1.8 million must be paid tothe company which undertook the re-furbishing before this thirdpiece of equipment which was acquired from a privately held Armcoin the Middle East is released.

The equipment, which was not previouslyin service as a commercial carrier, was first slated to be operatedas a 'comb' - that is that it would have been flying to and fromCayman with a combination of cargo and passengers.

A source confirmed to CAYMAN NET NEWSthat this was not approved by the airline's Board of Directors,thereby the present management decision to re-configure it tobecome a 'QC', especially since the appointed Canadian Directorof Cargo was on salary since early last year. The source alsorevealed that with the with the high final ticket price for thispiece of equipment, the airline stands to lose as much as $7 millionbecause of it's acquisition - even before it is pressed into service.

Meanwhile, a Press Release was issued bythe Cayman Airline Pilot's Association in connection with themedia report a the meeting held last Friday night:

It reads:

" The meeting at South Sound CommunityCenter on Friday 25th February, (as reported in the Compass onFebruary 28th and caymannetnews,com) was a Cayman Airways (CAL)Staff meeting called by the staff.

It was not a Cayman Islands Pilots' Associationmeeting that other staff was invited to, as may be concluded bysome reports. Some pilots, along with other staff members, wereinvolved with organizing this meeting.

The intent was to have a 'Round Table' discussionon the current position of CAL and to identify problems; lookfor solutions; and find the fastest way to achieve these solutions.

There were over 50 employees present, representingjust about every department of the airline.

The CAL Board of Directors (except thosein management) was invited to 'listen' to our discussion. Dueto the short notice given, most Board members had prior commitmentsor were off the island.

(signed) Capt. Steve Scott
President"

Publishers Note:

Cayman Net News has more to add this reportand will be doing so when information received has been confirmed.

SPECIALREPORT

ImmigrationPolicies harmful to Cayman's Christian, Family Values?

This is a true story:

Approximately 3500 years ago, when it wasfeared by the 'powers that be' of the day, that the populationof Egypt was becoming overcrowded, a caring mother wrapped herbabe in a warm blanket, put him in a basket and floated him downthe river hoping that someone will find her child and care forhim.

The name of that child was Moses, and thisstory is related from the Bible in Exodus, Chapter 1.

Another true story relates:

In this populous country restricted to theproduction of a single child, and if that child happens to bea girl, the baby is subjected to be put to death by the parentsor a person appointed by the 'powers that be', or sent away toone of 100,000 orphanages. If it is found out that the parentshad more than one child, one of the children or the parents isput to death ... often if the child is a girl. The net resultis that there now approximately 20 men to 1 woman -- thereby breedinga significant amount of male homosexuals in the state.

The name of this country where this happensis Communist China

A modern day story,though not near tragic, is happening, right now, today in anothercountry which name begins with "C" .... sadly, it is- the Cayman Islands, a country which claims to be the pillarof Christian principles and the preservation of family values.

It has been a 'policy' for sometime now,not published for the entire population to know, but handed downby the local 'powers that be' through the much feared ImmigrationDepartment, that if a resident family, which has been living andworking here -- whether it is for the Financial or Tourism Industries,produce a second child while living and working, here, they receivea stern written warning from the Immigration Department, thatthey have reached the limit of dependents allowed to the WorkPermit Holder. The letter goes on to state, that should anotherchild be produced, the Work Permit holder may not be granted anotherPermit to Work.

It is a well known fact, that many expatriateparents of new born babes, under the threat of non-renewal oftheir Work Permits must take their children way from the islandwithin a few months after their birth, and place them to be caredfor by others, sometimes strangers - overseas.

A great many children of parents who havebeen working here for several years - in some case up to 15, whowere born prior to the changes in the Immigration Laws, are stateless... without nationality ... and may remain as dependents of theirparents until they attain the age of 18. Thereafter, they aresubject to be 'undocumented' persons, and subject to being deniedthe right to work or live here .... although they were born here.

A prominent business-woman recently stated:"Cayman surpasses many countries in terms of dysfunctionalfamilies." Added to this it shudders one to think of themany abortions which must take place, although it is illegal inCayman - especially, by expatriates who fear having children -because they will not be able to get their work permits renewed,or they will be forced to cast their child off to another place.

And what about the admittance of families... as opposed to the importation of singes, or divorcees or homosexuals?They stand a better chance of being admitted to work and sleeptogether (regardless of their sex) because they are not comingin with a family ... even if it was one child.

The net result? It is inevitable that Caymanis literally becoming a 'breeding ground' for some who will sowtheir seeds, and some husbands and or wives - who must forsakebeing with their families to take up a job in Cayman because ofits opposition to keeping families together - will, and do startaffairs with others living here, sometimes married folk, creatinga domino affect by breaking up established families.

How could this happen? One community leadercommented that "many of these folk who come here ... willfind ways to satisfy their God-given biological functions - whetherit is heterosexual or homosexual."

Immigrationdictates to employers forces up cost of living -- by escalatingbusiness expenses

Locally owned businesses suffer as over-employmentgive upper hand to Employees over Employers

Ask any business owner, especially thosewho must rely on imported help, often of a technical, skilledor management nature which could take up to 15 years experienceto qualify because none is available locally.

Imported employees quickly learn that theirskill is at a premium, and do often use such knowledge - and sometimessucceed in - holding their employers hostage. It is of no concernto the Immigration Board that business owners often have investedthousands of dollars to bring employees to Cayman.

And if this is not enough, given the highcost of surviving in today's business world, especially with thecompetition offered by retail, production and service providersin nearby Miami, employers are often denied permits because theImmigration Department refuse to grant a Work Permit, after acontract for employment has been agreed upon, between employerand employee - the latter having made an exploratory trip to theislands and conducted a feasibility of living conditions and expensesfor their opportunity -- and the hiring company's advancement.

Ironically, indigenous businesses, whichhave historically been at the forefront of visionary initiativesto advance Cayman ... while always offering the opportunity toencourage and train Caymanians - seem to be thwarted in theirefforts.

Does Caymanreally have to go the Immigration route which caused the downfallof the Bahamas?

Just what are the 'guidelines' often referredto and 'discretionary powers' vested in Immigration Officers.The continued harassment - and embarrassment of some visitorsarriving at the Airport is now happening far more. It is understoodthat "very strict measures regarding admittance" havebeen instituted.

Caymanian and other bona-fide residentswaiting on the outside of the arrival terminal are often toldthat the person they were supposed to be meeting have been putback on the plane they came in on - if the flight is returningto the port of departure from whence the citizen of that countrydeparted, especially if they cannot show sufficient United States(and presumably Canadian, British, and of course Caymanian currency)to satisfy the admitting officer.

Often no consideration is given to the pleathat someone is hosting the visitor. It has also been suggested- and Immigration Officers who are guilty of making these illogicaldecisions - backed by the powers given to them and their own assessmentof the host - should be examined for competency. Someday, thisinhumane behaviour by the Immigration Officers will create quitean international stink, which will get Cayman another black eye.

And even if one may be able to get throughthe gauntlet of the Immigration system, there is sound proof,that transparency of the truth and facts in quite a number ofapplications often work against those willing to purvey the truthin applications.

The claim by some Immigration Officers thatif the employer - with the consensus of the employee should lieabout their arrangements for wages and benefits such as housing- will create hardship for both (though it is often the employeris penalized) is a scare tactic that continues to encourage morelies.

It is well known that the Immigration Authoritiesdo not have the Enforcement staff who will not be able to scrutinizeeven five percent - 500 - of the payroll records of the perhaps10,000 employers who have been granted Work Permits. And who willthey target to harass? The Financial Industry companies, the TourismIndustry operators, the myriad of local business entrepreneursinvolved in construction, retail and other trades?

What it often boils down to is, the policesand edict sent out by the Immigration Board and the ImmigrationDepartment which is administered by the Chief Immigration Officerand his deputies, is to instill fear and sometimes senseless actsof control when dealing with just about every matter concerningImmigration.

Is the ImmigrationDepartment being used to raise Revenue?

In regards to the collection of fees, theImmigration goes after these with obvious avarice. Many long termwinter residents, are staying for shorter periods, because theyare given shorter periods of stay, so that they must go back tothe Immigration Department, and fill out yet another form, andpay $25.00 the first time for an extension, which could be fortwo weeks or a month, and then having to shell out $100. eachother time for further two-week or one month extensions, whichare not always granted, after the applicant pays a $25.00 feeto file the application for the extension.

One disgusted visitor, who has been cominghere for well over fifteen years, and owns a home on at leasttwo acres of well manicured land, declared that it seems thatthe Immigration Department is now running a "shell game".Meaning, one never knows, for sure where they stand ... and mustpay in advance to find out.

As regards to those winter residents whodid not apply for Permanent residence while coming here for upto twenty years or more ... they so rightly refuse to pay theextortionate $15,000.00 now demanded for Permanent Residence withoutthe right to work. The fee was only $500. a few years ago.

What is quite clear ... is that the ImmigrationDepartment is now being used as a Revenue-producing body. Thisfunction with obvious disregard to how much it;s decisions negativelyimpact Caymans previous image of friendliness and hospitality,will eventually affect even the visitors and investors expectedhere - for the first time - because people are talking quite alot these days.

It has been expressed by Senior Officials,that the Board will continue to make their arbitrary decisions,often based on personalities and - no doubt also because of connections- as long as they have been given the authority to do so. It appears,that is the preferred style of the Officials dealing with Immigrationmatters, that the thousands making applications, that they haveno right to voice their views, that they must continue to havebe afraid, be stressed out, be unable to make plans to make areal estate purchase or by a new car, be subjected to be recipientsof harsh, negative decisions which impact their lives, those oftheir children, their future .. their businesses.

Today, many days in the past ... and inthose to come - for now, Caymanians have free access to MotherEngland to take up employment. Many Caymanians have raised theirfamilies without any form of restriction to numbers and provisionof essential services such as schooling and medicine ... oftenpaying for these themselves without state support - in such citiesas New Orleans, Port Arthur, Texas - Tampa, New York, KingstonJamaica, Trinidad ... and as far away as Australia.

They have been able to do so without hindranceand encouraged to become a 'partner' in building up the communitywhere they earned money ... and built homes, friends and families.One wonders what strain it would be on the Cayman Islands today,if even 10 percent who were living overseas were forced to returnto the Cayman Islands, or they were forced to send their childrenhere to be cared for by the resident population.

The call for transparency is not only amongthe dealings among legislators. It must also be evident in themanner in which others perceive us. The Cayman Islands is on aglobal stage ... through its international standing as a financialcentre touting good order and governance. It's drive to be effectiveplayer in the emerging necessity for e-commerce will demand transparencynot when dealing with world currencies and economies, it mustalso be seen to be so, when it comes to the global call - forthe respect of human rights for all.

Publisher'sNote:

Almost 20 years ago to this date in 1980,a British Editor, Jim Graves worked alongside a publisher, totake the Cayman Islands to the world. Because many issues affectingthe Cayman Islands were addressed, his permit application forrenewal was denied. Mr. Graves was recalled by the new GovernmentAdministration of the 1984 Elections to head up and raise thestandard of Government Information Service. Following his retirement,he was again recalled by the publisher with whom he worked tohandle public relations releases for the Government Administrationof 1989.

Had Mr. Graves been given the opportunityto continue in his capacity as Editor of the Nor'wester magazine,it's demise might have been avoided and the CAYMAN Islands mightbe far more transparent today.

There are many other Immigration storiesto tell. Enough said ... for now.

PRESS RELEASESFROM THE ELECTIONS OFFICE

The following have been issued in connectionwith the preparation for this year's General Election set for8 November.

REVISING OFFICERNOT NEEDED THIS TIME

The Elections Office has announced thatno objections or claims will be heard in relation to the electoralroll that was published on 20 January - because there were none.

Supervisor of Elections, Kearney Gomez,noted that the registration period's deadline for objections andclaims was 11 February. "None were filed by that date,"he said, "and so it is unnecessary for the revising officerto hold the hearings."

He reminded persons who wish to vote inthe November elections that they have until 30 June to register.The process takes three steps:

1. Checkthe voter registration list, located in 40 locations includingPost Offices and supermarkets, for your name and information.If everything is correct, you are already registered.

2. If yourname is not listed, go to any Post Office and ask for Form 4.If the information is incorrect, ask for Form 13.

3. Takeyour completed forms and any necessary documentation to the registeringofficer in your district or the Elections Office on the fifthfloor of the Tower Building.

Forms must be delivered in person in orderfor the registering officers to check the documentation, Mr. Gomeznoted. Hand-delivering the application also ensures that the person'sname will appear on the 30 June registration list, if he or shequalifies as an elector.

QUESTIONS andANSWERS regarding
ELECTORS REGISTRATION CARDS

Q: Do I need an elector's card to vote?
A: No - but it will speed the process of voting on Elections Day.The Card will also give you information about where you can vote.

Q: Wherecan I get my card?
A: The Elections Office will schedule dates in April for issuingthe cards.

Q: Whereshould I go to get my elector's registration card?
A: Any registered voter may obtain the card in his or her districtwhen the Elections Office schedules a period for the issuancein that district.

Q. Whereelse may I obtain my card?
A: Upon making a daytime appointment, a person may obtain hisor her card from the Elections Office, located on the fifth floorof the Tower Building.

Q. WillI have to pay for it?
A, No.

Q: CanI get a replacement if I damage or lose my card?
A: Yes. You will have to complete a form, available from the ElectionOffice.

Q: WillI be able to vote at any polling station with my card?
A: No. You can only vote at the polling station to which you areassigned, and in the polling division shown on your elector'sregistration card.

Q: Do Ihave to visit the Town Hall/Civic Centre in my district, or theElection Office, to obtain my card?
A: Yes, because your photograph for the card must be taken withthe specialised equipment. This will produce a standard card,with a standard photographic background. However, if you are handicapped,the Election Office will send someone to your residence to takethe photograph.

Q: CanI receive an electors registration card without my photograph?
A: No. The Elections Law requires a photograph.

Q: CanI submit my own photograph?
A: No, because the photographs must conform to the specificationsof the card.

RegisteredVoters' entitlement:

Each registered voter is entitled to voteaccording to the number of seats to the Legislative Assembly forthat particular. That is, if a district is allocated four seats,the elector is entitled to cast four separate votes for the candidatesof their choice from among the field of candidates contestingthe Election.

Registering officers for thesix Electoral Districts:
(Number of seats in brackets)

West Bay (4), Mrs. Darlene Owens-Elliott, 55 West Church Street,916-4402; George Town (4), Ms. Kathryn Myles, 41 Navis Close,916-2117; Bodden Town (3), Mrs. Kerry Nixon, 2037 Shamrock, 916-4478;East End (1), Mrs. Esther Vernicia Watler, 510 Austin ConollyDrive, 916-4647; North Side (1), Ms. Esther Patricia Ebanks, 165Hutland, 916-4349 and Cayman Brac and Little Cayman (2), Mrs.Georgene Lazzari, 2650 Creek, 948-0343.

For more information onregistering to vote, please call the Elections Office at 949-8047.

COMMUNITY NEWS

DUKE OF YORK'S ITINERARY

His Royal Highness Prince Andrew arrives on Saturday, March18th to begin a three-day visit to the Cayman Islands. He willbe accompanied by the Governor to Pedro Castle where he will meetmembers of Executive Council and the Legislative Assembly, followedby visits to The Pines Retirement Home and the Turtle Farm. Inthe evening he will attend a reception at G.H. and the VeteransAssociation dinner.

On Sunday, His Royal Highness will attend the Service At ElmslieMemorial Church, after which he will preside at the InvestitureCeremony for royal and national honour recipients on the GovernmentHouse Lawn. Later in the day, the royal party will embark on apolice launch, Cayman Protector, for a North Sound tour and abriefing on anti-drug issues. Prince Andrew will have an opportunityto meet with community leaders the same evening, during a buffetsupper hosted by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Peter Smith.

On the final morning of the tour (Monday) a visit to the Chamberof Commerce is planned, to be followed by discussions with theChief Justice, the Hon. Anthony Smellie, QC, JP.

Prince Andrew will then depart for Cayman Brac, accompaniedby the Governor. A Reception at the Aston Rutty Centre, a visitto the Faith Hospital and an opportunity to meet schoolchildrenat the airport, will all precede the prince's departure by airfor Miami and his return to London.

Honouring Women Month

"Honouring Women Month" is observed every year andthe Minstry for Women's Affairs has again planned events. Thefirst of these is a panel discussion on women's issues on Thursday,March 2nd at the Community College from 2:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m. Panelists: Annie Multon, businesswoman; Annie May Roffey,Registered Nurse/Midwife; Karin Thompson, Attorney, and RCIP detectiveDenise Campbell and the moderator will be Marilyn Connolly. Thepublic is invited.

Another event planned by the Ministry is a Walkathon on Saturday,March 4th. with such prizes as a free trip to any AmericanAirlines destination in the United States, or a local vacationcompliments of the Hyatt Regency Resort. The Walkathon startsfrom Public Beach at 7:00 a.m. and concludes with a beach breakfast.Entry fee of $20 includes T-shirt, raffle entry and breakfastbar, provided by Foster's Food Fair and Kirk Beverages. The Governor'sWife, Mrs. Suzanne Smith will draw the prizes but walkers mustbe present to win.

International Women's Day has been designated by the UnitedNations as March 8th every year and celebrated by women's groupsworld-wide.

For complete information on these events, contact Tammy EbanksBishop at the Women's Resource Centre in Elizabethan Square -949-0006.

Crime Stoppers assists Policein efforts.

The Directors of Cayman Crime Stoppers wish to thank the communityfor utilising the tipster hotline with information during themonth of January. Information received has assisted the R.C.I.P.with investigations as well as burglaries and thefts.

Residents calling the confidential tipster line and providinginformation that leads to an arrest are eligible to receive cashrewards. To date, the programme has paid out more than $7,000to 3informants who called in to the confidential tipster linewhich is routed to the Metro-Dade Stoppers programme in Florida.

In January, Crime Stoppers tip information helped to apprehenda criminal within one hour of the tip. In certain instances, tipinformation has helped to close police cases that were unsolvedfor more than two years.

Residents are strongly encouraged to call 800-TIPS if you haveany information that may lead to the arrest of a criminal. Yourassistance in the fight against crime in our community is essential.

Cayman Crime Stoppers

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