Highlights from the Print Newspaper edition - Issue No. 126
Updated
as of | Tuesday,
13 November 2001 | 11:50 AM
Up Front
Editorial
Letters to the Editor
News
Health
Fashion
Community
Community Calendar
Sports
Front Page
The
dramatic changes in the Government hierachy saw a shift of the
majority and Gilbert McLean and Frank McField, were elected to
join...
The New ExCo
The New Executive Council: Hon. Roy Bodden (left), Hon. Dr. Frank McField, Hon. Gilbert McLean, Hon. McKeeva Bush - new Leader of Government Business and Hon. Lindford Pierson new Deputy Leader of Government Business.
The Cayman Islands Government undertook dramatic efforts to change direction and modernize when the Legislative Assembly deliberated for six hours and voted in favor nine to five with one abstention on the issue of the revocation of two ministers on the Executive Council (ExCo), the Honorable Kurt Tibbetts and Edna Moyle Thursday, 8 November.
While no new members were introduced, there
was a reshuffling and two members of the newly formed United Democratic
Party (UDP) were nominated to fill the vacated ExCo positions.
The new Leader of Government Business is now the Minister of Tourism,
Environment, Development and Commerce. He is also the lead minister
for Cayman Airways and will take over responsibilities for the
Liquor Licensing Board.
Mr. Gilbert A. McLean and Dr. Frank S. McField were nominated
to ExCo with eleven secret ballot votes in favor and four abstaining.
The debate ran the entire day with only one break for lunch and did not concern the constitutionality of the revocation, which was not contested by either side. Those who voted "nay" which included Hon. Kurt Tibbetts, Hon. Edna Moyle, MLA Alden McLaughlin, MLA Anthony Eden and MLA Arden McLean centered their arguments on the absence of any justifiable explanation for this motion of no confidence. Though many who opposed the revocation expressed their own dissatisfaction with the current leadership, they argued that the public wanted ExCo to remain as is and stressed that any reshuffling would result in destabilization.
Many of those who voted 'aye' in support
of the revocation which included the rest of the Legislative
Assembly excluding
Juliana O'Connor Connolly who abstained from voting did
not speak. MLA Frank McLean and MLA Rolston Anglin argued in favor
of the no confidence vote and used their time to clarify the events
leading up to the revocation and to dispel false interpretations
and reports. They also tried to reverse the opinion that a change
in direction and leadership would destabilize the country.
Former Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts (left) with former ExCo Minister Mrs. Edna Moyle, MLA Alden McLaughlin and MLA Alrden McLean, acknowledging their supporters.
The Legislative Assembly debate began when the speaker Capt. Mabry Kirkconnell asked for cooperation from the Members. He said, "This is a serious moment in the history of the Cayman Islands" and warned the guests in the gallery against disrupting the proceedings.
Deliberation began when Rolston Anglin stood and asked for revocation of the elections to ExCo of Hon. Tibbetts and Moyle. The representative from Little Cayman, Mr. Lyndon Martin seconded the motion.
George Town MLA Alden McLaughlin was first to speak and argued that the absence of any explanation for revocation should be considered. "Not even the most biased jury in the world could possibly convict on the evidence. The fact that nothing has been said speaks volumes," he said. He denounced the proceedings as a "fight for the power and the glory."
Borrowing the familiar words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt of the United States, Mr. McLaughlin compared the gravity of the situation in the Cayman Islands to the bombing of Pearl Harbour in World War II and said, "This is a day that will live in infamy in the annals of the Cayman Islands."
Mr. McLaughlin, whose presentation was interrupted by a number of objections from the floor based on points of order, cited personal ambition as the only possible explanation and worried that vanity was taking precedence over national interests. He described the current events as irresponsible.
"How can anyone, whatever their motive, possibly believe that this action can be in the best interests of this country at this particular time?" Mr. McLaughlin questioned.
The MLA also questioned whether all the ensuing events the move for a revocation of Ministers Tibbetts and Moyle and the formation of the United Democratic Party could have occurred in forty-eight hours, between the meeting called on Friday, 2 November and the announcement made on Monday, 5 November.
He defended the previous arrangement in ExCo and said that the members assumed office last November facing very difficult situations, citing the international recession and reckless financial spending of the previous government. He admitted there had been leadership problems but argued that those problems should not rest solely at the feet of Mr. Tibbetts.
Determined to correct the assertion that the government had accomplished nothing for the past year, Mr. McLaughlin named several achievements under Mr. Tibbetts' direction: Six months after assuming office, the Cayman Islands was de-listed by the OECD's FATF; fiscal reform and change in conduct in government spending passed with the Government Management and Finance Law 10 months into office; a $100 million shortfall became a $28 million shortfall because of Mr. Tibbetts efforts to convince fellow Minsiters to radically reduce expenditure of their portfoilos
In defense of Mrs. Moyle, Mr. McLaughlin said that her only transgression was her allegiance to Mr. Tibbetts.
In conclusion, Mr. McLaughlin warned that this event would not be forgotten. "Unless they perform an economic miracle, I will have new friends," Mr. McLaughlin said and added "I know the dye has been cast but there are many more times for another dye to be cast."
The next speaker was East End MLA Arden McLean who announced the one-year to a day anniversary of the 2000 election. He spoke of characteristics a politician should possess, including honesty, integrity and justice, and declared "only time will tell" if these qualities are upheld.
He thanked the younger Caymanian generation for taking an active interest in the fate of the nation.
He admitted to not voting for ExCo members last year November and not attending the meeting Friday, 2 November, but declared that his policy is to support any government warranting support. He added, "but I have no intention of supporting frivolous reasons."
His concern with the revocation order was "on principle" and like Mr. McLaughlin, he warned that personal political agendas should not take precedence over national interests.
He also dismissed the idea that the matter before the Legislative Assembly was a mere "reshuffling" and cautioned that a change in leadership would destabilize the country. He expressed concern that the inevitable results would transform the Cayman Islands into other Caribbean countries like Jamaica.
Mr. McLean also expressed concern that a change in leadership is bad publicity for the Islands and cited a 7 November Financial Times of London article that declared, "Rebellion has come to the Cayman Islands."
Like Mr. McLaughlin, he expressed doubts about the current leadership in Cayman but said, "hundreds of people are opposing this move" and believed that because the country wants the leadership to stay as is, it should not change. "This is a dark day and we are debating and making decisions that the public does not support," he said.
After a motion of "tedious deliberation" was called against him, Mr. McLean finally relinquished control of the microphone with a final word that economic miracles would have to occur in order for confidence to be restored.
The next speaker was the Third Elected MLA from George Town, Dr. Frank S. McField who began his deliberation with the admonition that the members should not take the action of the crowd to represent the voice of the people.
"The public must understand what is really going on here," he said. He put all responsibility on any ensuing instability on the public and the people who insisted on politicizing the event. He also asked that the public be more involved in political campaigns and take greater interest in understanding the democratic process.
At this point, the majority of the guests sitting in the gallery stood en masse and left the hall to show their opposition to the proceedings, prompting the Hon. Linford Pierson to call on the Speaker to restore order.
Mr. McField used his time to try to clarify events leading up the revocation and said that he had nothing negative to say about Mr. Tibbetts. "What is happening is not to the disadvantage of this nation or the members involved," he said and added that the move for revocation did not concern personalities. He argued that the motion to revoke is not a motion to cast doubt but a motion to change the coalition relationships.
When he completed his address, Speaker Capt. Kirkconnell announced the break for lunch. Members and guests returned to the Chamber at 2:00 pm to hear Hon. Edna Moyle begin deliberations. She expressed dissatisfaction and disagreement with the entire process. Her debate often rang loud with irritation through the Chamber and it was met by occasional applause and cheering from supporters in the gallery.
She then resumed her seat and Leader of Government Business Hon. Kurt Tibbetts stood and spoke on his own behalf.
He began by pointing out the former ExCo leader Mr. Truman Bodden who was sitting in the gallery and gave a fishing anecdote. However, he clarified his seemingly nonchalant attitude by saying, "I would only ask that people here not lose sight of the fact that I take this very seriously."
He expressed confidence that the vote would return in the majority for the revocation of himself and Hon. Moyle, "justified or not." He said, "If at this point in time that is the view, the constitutional framework allows for it and I am duty-bound to respect that. I have no choice."
He spoke about the past year, calling it a "roller coaster ride" and a great learning experience for him. He said, "What has happened in the past few days has perhaps taught all of us that we are very insecure politically." At one point, he revealed his frustration, saying, "They just keep coming at you. I must be honest, it really wasn't that much fun."
Mr. Tibbetts said that the situation creates uncertainty and, speaking for the public at large, he expressed fears of political instability. The solution he proposed was a new constitution that allows for more structure and makes it impossible for this situation to occur again. "The question is," he asked "if the majority are satisfied that it is the right thing to do at this time and you have a public opinion that it is not the right thing to do, then what do you do?" The answer, he said, time will tell.
He then listed several areas that need to be addressed in addition to the loose structure of the constitution naming expenditure and revenue as grave problems as other members had done. He called for a serious PR campaign to prevent any of the ensuing events to be misconstrued as "destabilizing" by international audiences.
Then Mr. Tibbetts urged the people of the Cayman Islands to respect the decision, regardless of personal opinions, and spoke against any mass public outcry on his behalf, saying it would only serve to destabilize the country.
"My recommendation islet's get on with
it. That is not a giver-upper that is a respect for the
process," he concluded.
MLA Anthony Eden then voiced his discontent with the current events
before the Legislative Assembly and added a personal note to Mr.
Tibbetts commending him for a "touching" speech.
"It would be nice for the public to have a better understanding of the basis of what the two members are being removed for," he said but did not offer any explanation.
He agreed with the legality of the process but questioned the timing and asked if any of the members had gone back and asked their constituents.
He also suggested that the United Democratic Party was formed without the support of the public because none of its members had campaigned with it.
Mr. Eden revealed that he had spent the previous night with two hundred of his constituents and claimed an overwhelming objection to what was taking place. He again expressed discontent that the public was not consulted. "We won't forget in November 2004 what has transpired," he warned.
He concluded by wishing the new government
the best and expressing a hope that everyone would be able to
work together.
West Bay MLA Rolston Anglin, a member of the United Democratic
Party, concluded deliberations and spoke until 5:00 pm.
This time, though some people trickled out, many guests in the gallery chose to stay and listen to the argument given by a UDP member.
Mr. Anglin began by saying, "We are all Caymanians. I am proud to be Caymanian."
Addressing the issues immediately, he denounced opinions voiced by the legislators who were not part of the UDP who claimed it was formed without any public support, saying the very fact that the people had elected him last November spoke for their support and trust in him.
He said that he takes every decision made under careful consideration and does what he believes is in the best interests of the country.
Expressing faith in the public and framers of the constitution, he denounced the claim that a change in leadership would result in uncertainty. He also expressed sincere doubt that the constitution would carry a rule that allowed for any destabilization and would not have been noticed or corrected until now.
"If you're not progressing, by default you digress," he said and asked for a change in direction and leadership on behalf of future generations of Caymanians who would ultimately benefit from political maturity. "Political responsibility is dealing with issues now, not three years from now in 2004," he said. He said that those who align with others solely because of popularity or family ties are another example of political immaturity.
He then mentioned the Financial Times article that MLA Arden McLean used in his argument and continued beyond the headline into the details of the story to show how international opinions were not as aghast and concerned as local ones.
The article began by saying "rebellion has come to the Cayman Islands," which is the line Mr. McLean had quoted, and continued "but it has little to do with the islands' 600 banks and trusts." Mr. Anglin then read deeper into the article, quoting, "the political developments should have no 'adverse impact' on the territory's business sector, local bankers said."
He used the rest of his time to clarify the events preceding the revocation. "What surprised me," he said, "is how there is a vacuum, a complete lack of understanding of what is really occurring." Mr. Anglin said that there was never any order for a change in government in the meeting Friday, 2 November, merely a change in direction and leadership. There was no intention to revoke certain ExCo members, just a need for rearrangement.
Mr. Anglin concluded deliberations by saying, "political unity will bring stability and certainty."
When he finished, the speaker immediately moved for the vote that went against MLA Kurt Tibbetts and MLA Edna Moyle. Those members then took their new backbench seats and after several minutes, they stood with Mr. Arden McLaughlin and left the assembly. The rest of the members remained to vote Mr. Gilbert A. McLean and Dr. Frank S. McField into ExCo.
The speaker, Capt. Mabry Kirkconnell, concluded with announcement of the formal procedure of his retirement on Wednesday, 14 November in the next Legislative Assembly.
Rolston Anglin
Befitting the winds of change sweeping a political maturing of the Cayman Islands, the youngest Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Mr. Rolston Anglin from the Constituency of West Bay, a first time legislator, was the mover of the motion to revoke the appointment of Leader of Government Business, Minister Kurt Tibbetts, and Minister Edna Moyle.
The seconder of this historic vote was another freshman MLA, Mr. Lyndon Martin, who represents the Constituency of the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
The motion was carried, with nine out of the 15 votes. The other Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Sister Islands, Mrs. Julianna Connolly-O'Connor abstained.
Following the resignation of Capt. Mabry Kirkconnell as Speaker of the House as of 14 July, it is not yet known if Mrs. Connolly-O'Connor, will be nominated to fill this post.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Cayman Net News, that Mr. Ezzard Miller, a former Member of the Executive Council is still a possibility for this demanding role. The post was slated to go to the Hon. Frank McField, who was elected last Thursday to sit on the Executive Council.
In any event, the next person elected to be Speaker will be the fourth offered the post in the past nine months.
Editorial
After all is said, the Cayman Islands as a country with a credible name for itself globally, has emerged as what it is known and perceived to be the safest, most peaceful political jurisdiction in perhaps the whole world.
The recent changing of the guard, amidst chants of 'coup'; 'dissatisfaction'; 'hypocrisy'; 'selling out to special interests', has been brought about by correct application of the country's present constitution, a document known to be inadequate in dealing with matters such as the motion which had the required two-thirds vote to remove two of the five elected Members of the Executive Council.
It is important to note that this was done without one single act of civil disorder, a claim unheard of in today's volatile world.
This political storm was created by man seeking control of the administration of a country which claims to be so spiritually blessed. Reasons for that claim were witnessed in an act of God, Hurricane Michelle which left this country with only minor scrapes.
Thankfully, there were no scrapes in the form of civil disorder in connection with the political storm.
In like manner that the country's Public Works, Department of Environment, Police, Fire and Emergency Services along with hundreds of volunteers made up of Caymanians and expatriates responded to save several hundreds of turtles at the Turtle
Farm and the clean up debris after Michelle's departure, we offer that this political storm too will also pass.
A firm and often-repeated saying in Cayman's Christian community is, "God allows things to happen". This mirrors the question posed to Evangelist Billy Graham's daughter by a US talk sow host: "Why didn't God stop this (the September 11 attack on America) or do something about it?" That very question could be posed to the entire Cayman Islands community. Why did He allow a change in Cayman's Government to happen?
It is well known that the Government as it existed prior to the vote of 8 November did not have an effective opposition. It was made up with a coalition of supporters who went along with the various factions comprising Executive Council. Debate on subjects brought to the House offered the opportunity for politicians on both sides to make remarks for entries into the House's Hansard and pitifully, the always almost empty gallery.
Just about every vote witnessed the collective responsibility and little or no substance of opposition to what the previous coalition Government wanted carried into law.
Now, a clearly defined opposition has emerged, to closely scrutinise the personal or collective agendas of the Elected Ministers of Government.
This experienced team of opposition legislators will likely be lead by former Leader of Government Business, Mr. Kurt Tibbetts, and supported by Mrs. Edna Moyle, who is in her third consecutive term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Others are Mr. Alden McLaughlin, an attorney-at-law, and Mr. Arden McLean who unseated the former Father of the House John McLean form his uninterrupted 24-year term as the representative for East End Constituency.
Admittedly, there has been a lot of discontent from the public-at-large who continue to clamor for a change in the downward spiral of the country's economic standing. Many of those who opposed the process whereby two new Ministers were democratically elected to replace the departing ExCo members, are the same ones who were extremely critical of Mr. Tibbett's inability to deliver the 'transparency' of rule that he so many times touted prior to the last election and reiterated at his first press conference.
Why then the public outcry in the change in Leadership of Government Business? The crowd gathered across from the Legislative Assembly, callers in to Radio Cayman's talk show, letters writers to the two local newspapers continue to express their anger, despite the fact that the Hon. McKeeva Bush, has the tacit support of a majority of his peers in the Assembly, that his selection as the new Leader of Government Business, will facilitate a positive change in diminishing fortunes of this country's population.
As this edition goes to press, we implore all residents of these blessed Islands, to stand watch with us over the new Government and the new formidable opposition, so that a level playing field for all who call Cayman home will be prioritized and that good order of rule and transparency which was previously lacking will prevail.
Letters to the Editor
All About 'Cay-PoliTricks' and the Effects Thereof
Dear Sir,
One has to wonder what ulterior motives the instigators of this recent government take-over have. If we were to speculate many conclusions could be drawn most of which would be negative. But all speculation aside lets look at what has really happened.
I'll be the first to admit that I didn't think Mr. Kurt Tibbetts was doing an excellent job as the leader of government business, however I certainly do not support what Mckeeva and his West Bay entourage have engineered.
I certainly don't think Mckeeva is doing much with his portfolio either, remember the old saying, let he who is without throw the first stonewell you get the idea. Is it even legal? Yes, it is legal.
Our constitution provides for such actions with a majority vote of the legislature. The bigger question is, was it ethical? Was this the best way to serve the people of Cayman, which is the sole job of all these elected officials.
Ethics is something that unfortunately has long since faded away from a few of these politicians and for others the loss of it has shown itself for the first time.
Was there not a better way in which to do the peoples business without creating the public outrage and the perception of political instability? These MLA's that have ousted Mr. Tibbetts and Mrs. Moyle have set a dangerous precedent given the manner in which they conducted themselves with this 11th hour tactic.
They have now formed the United Democratic Party after last years election race has long since been decided. Using the UDP solely to remove members of the legislature who may have conflicting views is both unethical and a true testament of each one's character. Those who have jumped on the bandwagon in order to get a bigger slice of the pie have now been seen for the greedy, power-hungry persons they are.
Enjoy it now, most of you just killed any chance for re-election. I personally have lost all respect for every person whose name is signed under the UDP membership, what little I had left.
It came as no shock to myself to see certain persons who are involved in this ill-fated ordeal. What is surprising are those who claimed to walk a higher path and govern with principals, but for what ever reasons have now 'Sold out' to a purely propaganda party.
This party was formed for one reason and
one reason only, to boost the ambitions of a few whilst diminishing
the obligations to the people of these islands. Does anyone actually
believe that this party was formed with any other intention than
this pathetic
Take-over?
Mckeeva, Frank and Roy couldn't agree that the sky is blue, why are they trying to make us think that they are now united under one party for the benefit of the Cayman Islands.
I am from West Bay and not one person that I voted for got into government, that's ok, I did my part. I hope those of you who have elected these members of West Bay see what you've received for all your hard work and support.
This kind of conduct is nothing new for Mckeeva and should come as no shock to those of you who have turned a blind eye all these years. As for the other three 'Servant' members from West Bay, they should sign up for the Organ Donor Program, just in case a spine becomes available.
What must it be like to follow someone who clearly is not fit to lead? You guys keep up the good work, you'll all make fine careers politicians.
It's sad to see what Cayman has come to, personal ambitions and money have perverted and diminished what should be an honoured privilege to be a representative of the people. My suggestion is to stop this voting via districts. Let candidates run for the seats in front of all the people of this small island. Let everyone have a voice on who represents them. Isn't it clear by now that whatever a West Bay MLA does has a direct effect on the people living in George Town and vice versa? So why should you not have a voice just because you live in a district 15 minutes away?
Let them all run against each other and we'll see if these corrupt "Career" politicians will get back in. I doubt it.
James Whittaker
PS - Also, reduce their salaries by 70%, let them receive wages that the 'Real' workers of this nation earn. If they were paid by the assessment of their performance they'd all be on food stamps.
Letters to the Editor
Bringing True Justice to Everyone
Dear Sir,
After spending 5 years in the Cayman islands I chose to leave... for now at least. I do miss the beauty but I do not miss the highly charged, often divisive atmosphere I found in the islands. still, I was surprised to read of recent events.
I believe the ousted leader to be a man of vision and sincere caring for the future of the country. A person I'd wager would put honesty and sincerity above personal gain.
Can the same be said of the new leader?
I honestly don't know ...and this brings me to the main point
of my note to you...
Where there's smoke there is smoke.
To say or infer more is to give advantage to gossiping rumour mongers who, with your support, can succeed in changing the course of almost any endeavor in the land. Is it fair?
What would a court of law say to the granting credence to hearsay? And that brings me to the secondary point... I personally do not take the recent ExCo happenings with a glad heart, save that, in pleading for a calm acceptance of the law of the land, Mr. Tibbetts has once again gained my support. I believe that if there is a rule, use it. If it is a poor rule lose it.
May the passing of time reveal the opportunities that exist. And if I may be so bold...may the people at hand have the presence of mind, and the intestinal fortitude to do what must be done in order to achieve true justice in both the moral and legal sense.In future I hope what has been called the Cayman "just us" system be brought in line with the good word of the Lord...bringing true justice to all.
Art Gale
Letters to the Editor
Thanks to Public Works and the Department of Environment
Dear Sir,
Sincere thanks and congratulations are due to all the hard-working men and women of the Public Works and Environmental Departments for their tireless efforts after the recent storm.
In the face of an almost insurmountable
task, they managed to transform the entire downtown area almost
overnight.
Cleanup was accomplished quickly and thoroughly from West Bay
the South Sound, and beyond . As residents and business operators
, we must say a sincere 'Thank you' to one and all.
L. Anita Ebanks,
Director, Cayman Islands National Museum.
Letters to the Editor
Members of the Legislative Assembly Must Listen to the People, Their Bosses
Dear Sir,
It is indeed a very sad day when the people who elect our representatives no longer have a say.
We spent the whole day of Thursday, 8 November, in George Town to protest the removal from ExCo of our Leader the Hon. Kurt Tibbetts and the Hon. Edna Moyle.
For a working day it was amazing to see well over 1000 people showing their objection to that motion, and we saw that not even one person (we're sure there could have been one or two) in favour. Therefore, for whatever personal differences these MLAs had, they were elected by the people to serve the people and must listen to their bosses, but they did not care (in debate one even said to 'ignore the people outside'), and they passed the motion against the will of the vast majority of the people.
You know, guilt is a hell of a thing! We sat in the L.A. all day, and all the members of the new 'party' (except one, you know who) sat with their backs to the people in the gallery. They could not face the people, and one minister not only spent the whole day with his back to the people, he had his face buried in his hands, and head down all day. Guilt! They knew they were betraying the people. Can they now honestly feel satisfied or happy that even though they have the 'power and wealth', they went against the wish of the people?
We would like to point out that no one we spoke to in the rally on Thursday is against a party system, but it has to be a true party, not what this proposed group is about. We have very often spoken with five members (a couple who are now Ministers) who on many occasions have told us that they could never be associated with the new Leader of Government Business, and others who are now in this so-called 'party'.
The first organised party that we know about was 'Team Cayman' which we were members of. This was not a grouping of politicians like the Unity Team of the 70s and 80s, or the National Team of the 90s. Yet three of the new Ministers were founding members of Team Cayman and saw the difficulties faced over the power struggle for leadership even in an official and organised political party as that.
How on Earth is a political group like this new 'get together' going to stay as a party if the members have many times told us that they cannot trust some of these new team mates? As Kurt said, it was just his time on Thursday, it will be another person's time next year.
We understand that we elect members to do a job, but when it is an important issue and the people who elected them talk, and talk as loud as they did on Thurs- day, they must listen. In 1992 when the National Team was elected into power, Mckeeva Bush took the Health Ministry with the priority of putting a stop to the Dr Horton Hospital even though over $4 million had already been spent, proclaiming he was a people's man and it was 'the wish of the people'.
We cannot therefore understand, how a people's man such as he professes, can now so blatantly go against the wishes of the people in this very serious issue.
He must realise that he is there to serve
all the people of Cayman, now that he is in ExCo, not just an
MLA for West Bay.
Stopping the hospital in 1992 was in his own interest, and supporting
motion 24 of 2001 (the Coup) is obviously also in his own interest.
If he is really for the people, then why not prove it and do what
the vast majority of the people want, even if it is not in his
own interest to do so? It is my opinion that he is a people's
person only when it suits him.
No matter which politician we support, we will always stand for what is best for Cayman and the people, and what took place on Thursday was definitely not in the best interests of Cayman or the people.
It is our understanding that the main issues (and there were others) that caused dissent related to matters of the granting of status, construction of seven story buildings on Seven Mile Beach, proposed development of a dock north of the George Town Harbour, legalising of casinos, and payment of pensions to persons who do not qualify.
We would like to end by saying that only time will prove if these were some of the issues that were disputed, but if in the next few months (that is if this 'party' is still together), we will know the absolute truth, and we will all have to realise that there is far more to this motion 24 of 2001 than meets the eye, and that money is truly a very powerful and evil thing.
Chris and David Wight
Letters to the Editor
Cayman's Tenacity and Strength Demonstrated
Dear Sir,
I am sure I speak for one and all when I say that the ferocity and impact of Hurricane Michelle, despite her fair distance from our shores , shook the island to its core at the weekend.
Given the damage inflicted , everyone imagined that the clean up would take weeks, if not months. However, the speed, efficiency and professionalism with which Government, the public Works Department, the Police Department, Special Constables and also the utility companies stepped in was both heart-warming and extremely impressive.
Despite the large amount of damage, no lives were lost and, within one single day traffic was flowing freely and utilities were restored.
I wish to highly commend the departments involved in the clean up and restoration of George Town and other parts of the island. They truly demonstrated the infallible spirit this island is famous for and I am both indebted and proud.
Whilst I recognise that considerable work remains to be done and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have experienced damage to homes and businesses, the united spirit demonstrated so far is a strong indication of Cayman's tenacity and strength in the face of tremendous difficulties.
Thank you all.
Gene Thompson
Letters to the Editor
An Analitical Observation Of Politics, Change, Burning Issues and Power
Dear Sir,
To a political scientist analysing leadership change, the 8 November changing of political guard in the Cayman Legislature could be referred to as a textbook case in how to come to power without violence.
What also surfaced in a big way is how ill informed the public is about how the Cayman Constitution works and what role the Governor plays in the mix of things.
As an observer of Caymanian politics over the years, I am struck by the apparent abeyance on the part of political leaders to the political education of the Caymanian populace. For example, I listened in disbelief to a former political candidate for Bodden Town, Mr George Ebanks, as a concerned citizen expressing the view that the Governor should intervene to stop the revocation motion from being moved in the House and appoint Financial Secretary, Hon. George McCarthy, as Leader of Government Business, all in the cause of stability.
Here is the scenario: the Governor declares the revocation motion in the Cayman Legislature to be unconstitutional, thereby creating a constitutional crisis and destabilising the local political situation. The offshore industry begins to panic and large sums of deposits begin to leave the banking system. The Governor is summoned to explain his blatant usurpation of power.
The Governor explains to his superiors in London that local politician and concerned citizen, George Ebanks, says it is O.K. In London, the Governor is immediately fired. How stultifying.
The change of leadership in the Legislature has to be viewed as part of an evolutionary political process that had to happen at some time, because of the lag between the dynamics of the economy and the static nature of the political process. Throughout history significant political changes have ridden on the back of bringing issues, and as such the formation of a political party to buttress the leadership changes in the Cayman Legislature marks the end of a political era as to how Cayman Governments were usually formed.
The burning issue is the economy, and differing views as to how to tackle our economic problem will not cause a civil explosion. Such debate is healthy and engaging. What is not healthy is the attempt by prophets of doom to hijack a significant and dynamic internal political event and attempt to turn it into a constitution and international crisis.
What change does is to create new opportunities, and the future conduct of general elections along party lines cannot but add to the political knowledge of the electorate, and assist in defining and re-defining political beliefs and philosophies.
Clearly politics is about power, and power is essential to productivity.
Leroy Johnson
Letters to the Editor
Join in Celebrating International Men's Day
Dear Sir,
The International Men's Day Committee is calling on organisations and individuals throughout the Caribbean and around the world to join with them in celebrating International Men's Day (IMD) on 19 November 2001.
While the committee has received an overwhelming response from groups in North America, the Caribbean and Europe, there is still plenty of work to be done to get people throughout the world to recognize the importance of this special day for men.
The objectives of celebrating an International Men's Day include improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, producing responsible males and highlighting positive male role models.
The annual observance of International Men's Day on 19 November also seeks to address problems and challenges facing men. These issues include the involvement of men in domestic violence, drug abuse, fathering, sports, power and politics, religion, parenting, suicides and family life.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which is based in Paris, France, has come out in support of International Men's Day (IMD) which started in Trinidad in 1999. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Director of Women and Culture of Peace, said: This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance. She added that her organisation was looking forward to cooperating with the organisers of the IMD.
We are also hoping to receive the unequivocal support of the wonderful citizens of the Cayman Islands and other Caribbean islands.
Harrack Balramsingh
Coordinator
IMD Committee
44 Dumfries Road
La Romaine
Trinidad, West Indies
hbalram@tstt.net.tt
News
Medical Doctors React to Draft Health Bill
Among the tasks facing new Minister of Health Services, Hon. Gilbert McLean, is introduction to the Legislative Assembly a Health Practitioners Bill which represents significant changes in regulations over a number of health practices and while the Cayman Islands Medical Doctors Society supports the bill in principle it has some reservations.
Former CIMDS President, Dr Victor Look Loy, recently told Cayman Net News that the doctors welcome regulation of the health sector, which they say is a common and expected practice in most parts of the world.
They are aware that this Bill has been in the making for some time, since the last Government. Their efforts to have the Bill changed to he described as a more reasonable document have failed.
He said CIMDS was promised copies of the draft Bill, before it was tabled in the House of Assembly. Instead, "we got it long after many members of the public were given it by the Ministry of Health."
Focusing on the present draft Dr. Look Loy said that in the previous draft, draconian powers were given to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). "In the new draft, the Inspector and the newly proposed Health Practice Board have been given those powers."
The doctors argue, "In other countries, the medical profession is governed by a Medical Council, which is generally a self-regulating body made up mainly of doctors, representing various factions of the profession. The proposed Health Practice Board, or 'Super Board', is not acceptable to CIMDS because it has power over the Medical Councils, and is politically directed by the Ministry of Health."
The doctors question the Minister's power to direct the Councils to meet. They charge, "This is political interference. It should be taken out" They also question, "why is the CMO back as ex-officio member of each Council?
The doctors object to a government-appointed inspector being given what they see as sweeping powers "to inspect arbitrarily, any medical office at any time, confiscate and demand any article or document from any office, for any reason."
The doctors believe that the normal guidelines for the physical structure and other attributes of a medical facility can be ascertained, before the facility is licensed. Also, the appropriate equipment required for a particular medical facility will depend on the kind of procedures to be conducted there. "This can be determined from time to time or at the time of obtaining a license."
The doctors do not object to inspection
of medical facilities. They demand, the inspection should be scheduled
and the parameters of the inspection should be clearly defined,
as should the expectations of the Inspector." In other words,
CIMDS insists, "There should be guidelines in writing as
to what is expected of different types of medical facilities,
in order that the proprietors may ensure compliance with a written
code."
CIMDS contends, "As the law is written, the doctors are treated
as common criminals, when there is no crime. Our rights of privacy,
which is afforded to every citizen in his home or office, have
been violated since there is no search warrant, no charge, no
crime committed." In addition, the doctors argue, "Most
of the duties of the Inspector are already taken care of in the
Public Health Law and the Criminal Code." They fear, "our
patients' privacy may be compromised to an inspector whose credentials
are as yet undisclosed and whose powers, as described in the in
the draft, not only exceed those of the police, but can be truly
described as absolute,'
CIMDS. disagrees with two of the four lists that each Council register should maintain. According to the draft Bill, the provisional list will contain the names of all persons who are registered to complete internships in the Islands and this list will allow the Councils to identify future Caymanian doctors, nurses, etc.
But, as far as the doctors are aware, "Neither of the two hospitals is accredited by any University to have an internship programme." They recall the experience of Dr. Sydney Ebanks, "who, on his return from Jamaica, after his internship and 2 years of postgraduate work at the Chest Hospital in Jamaica, was told by the then CMO that he would have to rotate through the George Town Hospital as is done during internship. We believe that the provisional list is nonsensical and it should be abandoned. It has the potential for abuse especially when applied to returning Caymanian professionals."
The doctors feel the same way about the overseas list. They see this list as an unnecessary bureaucratic creation, which makes no sense.
An applicant has to satisfy the Council that he/she is of good character and that he is in good health, both physically and mentally. CIMDS objects to the wording. The doctors would prefer the requirement to be that the physician has no criminal record in any jurisdiction. Also, his medical history in the application should be enough to ensure his sound health in mind and body.
The doctors also feel that registration should not be a function of experience. "If a doctor has the qualifications from a reputable University, he should be registered to practise his profession. Professional competence does not follow from experience, nor does experience ensure professional competence. The only true guide is proof of training," they argue.
CIMDS also objects to the requirement that a properly qualified doctor should have to satisfy the Council that his registration is in the public interest. The doctors said, "It is obviously put there to be used to refuse registration in an arbitrary fashion." They believe that the term "in the public interest" should relate to manpower requirements of the Islands.
CIMDS agrees with the need for and insistence on Continuing Medical Education (CME). However, the doctors are suspicious of the power given to the Councils to mandate 'Further professional qualification and training,' in addition to CME, and within a certain specified time frame, in order to retain one's registration.
They fear that the Council "may at any time inform any doctor registered in these Islands, that in the Council's opinion, he needs to undergo further training and obtain other qualifications in order to continue to be registered." Should he fail to begin his further training at a facility approved and chosen by the Board his registration would be suspended forthwith, until he complies."
CIMDS feels that the proposed three-year suspension is too long. How would doctors live during that time, they ask.
They say the rule not to review a suspension under two years is "ridiculous." The doctors find it unfair that a physician can be suspended on the grounds of "an allegation of misconduct or unfitness to practise," particularly when there is an appeal process. The doctors feel that suspension must follow, not precede all appeals.
The doctors object to the removal of a doctor's name from the register because he leaves the government service. "One's employer is not relevant to one's ability to be registered," they argue. They say that it is ludicrous to impose a penalty of $50,000 for operating a health facility without a certificate and a further $10,000 for every day during which the facility is operated without a certificate.
CIMDS believes that a doctor should be able at any time to have confirmation of his legitimacy in writing from the Board, "especially when his registration has been publicly questioned by the Minister of Health in the media". The doctors recall that the Board recently refused to confirm or deny in writing, whether a certain doctor was properly registered to practise medicine in the Cayman Islands. That decision, they claim, was based on advice given to the Board by the Legal Department which said that it was a courtesy, when the Board replies to such a question.
CIMDS feels that compulsory medical malpractice insurance will encourage insurance companies to exploit the situation by indiscriminately raising their rates because doctors would have no choice but to pay. They fear that this provision would also encourage litigation.
Overseas Territory (OT) Governments from the Caribbean met in Tortola with the UK Paymaster General, Ms Dawn Primarolo MP, to discuss the EU's draft "savings directive" which is being promoted by the UK.
Government Information Services said it is understood that similar discussions are being held with the other OTs. EU-sponsored talks with identified third countries (Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, and the US) have also been launched.
The OT Governments re-affirmed willingness to participate constructively in any truly representative, global forum seeking to establish standards for International Cupertino in tax matters. It was further re-affirmed by the OT Governments that the approach to the EU tax package will be guided by the need to safeguard international competitiveness and to meet recognised international standards in financial services.
Representing the Cayman Islands at the Tortola discussions, 24 to 26 October, were head of delegation, the Hon. Kurt Tibbetts, Leader of Government Business; Dr. Christopher Rose, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Portfolio of Finance and Economic Development; and Ms Deborah Drummond, Assistant Financial Secretary.
"The discussions were frank and open," said Minister Tibbetts. "Given that this was the first opportunity to engage directly with the UK Minister responsible, we regarded the Tortola meeting as preliminary and important. The minister undertook to come back to us with additional information and we in turn have agreed to review it."
Mr. Tibbetts said it was expected that further meetings would be needed at official and political levels on the matter of the savings directive, adding, "as long as it is understood that our own economic interests are paramount, there is no objection to this."
Helping Parents Help Their Children
Two Education Week workshops will focus on providing parents with strategies to help their children overcome learning difficulties.
University of Miami Professor Marjorie Montague will lead a public seminar on attention, hyperactive and learning disorders that is scheduled for Thursday, November 15. The following day, Russell Bell, a specialist in "creative mathematics," will talk to parents of high-school students about overcoming the barriers to learning maths.
At the first workshop, Dr Montague who has specialised in learning disabilities for the past twenty years, will share tactics for improving the home, school and life experiences of children who suffer from attention, hyperactive and learning disorders. The workshop, which is to take place at the George Hicks High School Hall, is open to parents/guardians, educators, health professionals, social workers and all other interested persons.
The second session on high school mathematics will be held in the John Gray High School Library on Friday, November 16. Mr Russell is the founder of a mathematics education learning centre in Jamaica that has successfully taught mathematics to students of varying academic and social backgrounds. Due to space constraints and to the presentation's targeted nature, attendance is limited to high-school students and their parents.
Emphasising the calibre of the presenters, Education Officer (Special Educational Needs) Margaret Garcia urges the public to attend the workshops.
Both sessions are free to the public and begin at 6.00 p.m. For more information, interested persons should contact Mrs Garcia at the Education Department, tel. 945-1199.
Overseas Territories and British Citizenship Bill being Tabled
The British Overseas Territories Bill will grant British citizenship to all British Dependent Territories citizens. The Bill is currently going through the British Parliament and is likely to become law early next year.
To help overseas territories residents understand the new law, the British Government has produced an explanatory booklet outlining what rights and duties residents based in the territories will incur as a result of becoming British citizens. The publication, entitled What Does British Citizenship Mean for the Overseas Territories Citizen? is being made available in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac at a number of government buildings, post offices and public libraries.
The booklet covers seven areas: acquiring British citizenship, who gets British citizenship, who is not entitled, implications for the territory, benefits of British citizenship, access to the European Union, and what the new British citizen will not be entitled to.
As the brochure explains, British citizenship has been offered to individual people and not to territories. Consequently it imposes no obligations on territories. Those who are entitled to British citizenship will get the new status automatically when the law comes into force. However they will have to apply for a British citizen passport if they want to travel as British citizens. Otherwise they will continue to be treated as British Dependent Territories citizens.
British citizenship carries with it the right of abode in the UK, which will allow the holder to enter the UK without being subject to immigration restrictions. It will make it easier for people to come and go to and from the UK to work, study and visit friends and relations.
There is no requirement for territories to offer the same freedom to British or EU citizens wanting to come to any of the territories.
The booklet sets out which entitlements and obligations are based on residence in the United Kingdom and which ones are linked to nationality.
Residents may collect a copy of the brochure, beginning Tuesday, 13 November, from the following locations on Grand Cayman: the Passport Office, Government Administration Building, Government Information Services, the public libraries in George Town, Bodden Town, North Side, and East End, and at all the main post offices. On Cayman Brac the booklet will be available at the District Administration Building, the library, and the Spot Bay, West End, Watering Place and Creek post offices. It can also be downloaded from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk. (GIS)
Little Cayman In Natural Habitat Conservation
Signing the
Little Cayman land purchase deal on 6 November.
Seated L to R : Martyn Bould, Chairman for the National Trust,
Mr. Charles Adams, attorney for Marobad, Barrie Quappe, Executive
Director for the National Trust. Standing L to R Fred Burton,
former Environmental Programmes Director for NT and Jeff Yunis
of Marobad Holdings Ltd.
Last week's purchase by the National Trust of 63 acres of land occupied by nesting Red-footed Boobies represents a homegrown effort for preservation of the natural environment by the people of Little Cayman.
The purchase price of US$ 378,000.00 was predominantly raised by the Trust's Little Cayman District Committee, under the remarkable leadership of Gladys Howard. For a number of years this group's outstandingly successful Easter Auction and Mardi Gras events have raised large sums which were dedicated towards this purchase.
In recognition of her contribution, the Trust had prepared a plaque for the occasion, honouring Mrs. Howard and her committee members along with the many donors who made this purchase possible. An additional US$ 100,00 was contributed to the Trust by Holland America Lines in 1996 and has been accruing interest towards today's closing.
The purchased land brings the Trust-owned area of the Booby Pond Nature Reserve to 198 acres, with the entire seabird-nesting colony now protected through the National Trust Law.
The Booby Pond Nature Reserve, home to approximately 20,000 of these Red-Footed Boobies, was designated an international RAMSAR site in 1995 under the United Nations Convention (UNESCO) which protects wetlands of critical international importance as waterfowl habitats.
The Little Cayman National Trust district committee broke ground for the Visitor Centre in July 1995 completing construction of a traditional Cayman-style building within one year. The centre serves as an informational, educational community facility as well as the only library on Little Cayman. Two fixed telescopes, donated by residents, allow visitors to observe the breeding colony.
Protesters Vent Feelings Outside House of Assembly
The orderly, yet quite vocal protesting crowd were controlled by a phalanx of police officers.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Legislative Assembly building Thursday, 8 November, to demonstrate their disagreement with the motion to remove the Hon, Kurt Tibbetts and the Hon. Edna Moyle from their respective ministerial portfolios and at the same time, to express solidarity with the outgoing Ministers.
Judging from a survey of comments, there were some there, who were neutral and merely came to observe the spectacle. Others supported the move. There was a large section of the crowd carrying placards that gave expression to disagreement. Some appeared to be agitated, and quite vociferous as a few MLAs, entered and departed from the main entrance of the Assembly
Chris Wight one of the organisers of a petition with protestor and Mrs. Daphne Orrett former MLA for West Bay.
There were loud cheers and gestures of support for MLAs. Kurt Tibbetts, Edna Moyle, Alden Mc Laughlin, Arden McLean and Anthony Eden. These MLAs acknowledged the crowd; The Hon. Edna Moyle responded, by saying "I feel like a lamb going to the slaughter." MLA, Julianna O'Connor Connolly's greeting was less than warm and there were shouts of "boo" directed towards her. Other MLAs used the rear entrance.
Ms. Daphne Orette, a former MLA, commented, "I am more hurt and concerned than vex. There is absolutely no reason for this. They should have come to the people as they did about Cayman Airways. Is this not as important?"
Mr. George Smith, himself a former MLA for George Town had a different view. He said, "This is the third time in the last five years that something like this has happened. All this will prove is that McKeeva is a better politician than Kurt is a leader. When they asked McKeeva to resign, it was the same thing. Kurt did the same thing one year ago. The same thing is happening in Trinidad and Tobago right now. All this is a normal part of the democratic political process and it is guaranteed to happen again."
Mr George Smith former MLA for George Town.
One young man commented, "It's sad that people can be so motivated by power that a political party could be formed overnight. That shows that this whole thing was planned." Another young man insisted, "This may be legally right, but it is economically and morally wrong this is just a power struggle to satisfy certain big interests".
One young lady said: "This is a wicked plot. How can you trust someone who is only seeking his own interest? It's only about money and power."
Amid the entire clamour, a group of protestors were collecting signatures to a petition they were circulating, to be passed on to MLA. Alden Mc Laughlin. One organiser, Mr. Chris Wight said that they were asking Mr. McLauuglin deliver the petition to His Excellency the Governor, before the vote on the motion was taken in the House.
Despite the obvious resentment displayed by the large crowd, their protest was orderly and carried out peacefully.
Youngsters to Look Closer at Environment
Local young people will soon be taking a closer look at their natural environment thanks to a partnership between the United Kingdom (UK), its Overseas Territories, and a coalition of environmental agencies.
A Breath of Fresh Air is a colourful, multimedia environmental education training pack, sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Overseas Territories' and the UK Overseas Territories' Conservation Forum. The pack, which aims to promote the importance of the environment, is presently being distributed free of charge to schools and environmental agencies in each territory.
Calling the Overseas Territories' natural environment a rich heritage, Governor Peter J. Smith said: "Yet throughout the territories, natural resources are being undermined by the destruction of coral reefs and mangroves, by introduced species, land and marine pollution, excessive use of water and an increase in waste resulting from commercial development and tourism. The training pack was designed to educate young people about the environment's value to them, as well as the dangers that threaten this unique national asset."
While ETV Productions, an independent company with a background in environmental and educational features, produced the video/DVD and audiocassette, environmentalists from various Overseas Territories provided considerable input and are also featured in the video.
An additional 64 pages of laminated teaching notes contain ideas for projects and learning exercises, as well as background information that draws on key research by authoritative sources.
The pack also features a number of highlights. These include an episode of an eco-soap opera; a specially composed environmental rap; a rearrangement of Joni Mitchell's song "Big Yellow Taxi" sung by the London Community Gospel Choir, whose leader is Montserratian; as well as environmental poems by Grace Nichols, John Agard and Mark O'Connor, the poet laureate for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Governor Smith believes the material will quickly capture the young people's imagination.
"It is an educational resource that is also imaginative and entertaining. All the arts music, drama, poetry and vivid images have been employed to tell the story, and issues are treated in ways that will appeal to high school and college students, as well as children at the upper end of primary school, and individuals in adult awareness programmes," he adds.
An ETV Productions team will visit the Cayman Islands November 9-23. They are scheduled to introduce the training pack to teachers at a National Education Conference workshop on November 16.
A Breath of Fresh Air was commissioned following the first Overseas Territories Environment Conference, held at London Zoo in June 1999. The territories had agreed that they needed to initiate a public awareness and education campaign in their countries to foster the balance between the conservation of natural resources and the need for development.
In addition to the Cayman Islands, the UK's Overseas Territories include: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory (BAT), British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), British Virgin Islands (BVI), Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI), and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
Very Few Gender Differences in Skin
Novelette
Bodden,.
Certified Aesthetician
Men and women
are different structurally as well as psychologically. There
are significant difference between males and females that extend
beyond the obvious differences in the sex and reproductive organs.
When it comes to skin, however, there are few differences. These
differences stem from the predominant hormone concentration
testosterone in men; estrogen in women. Hormonal differences also
account for differences in hair growth and distribution between
the sexes. Men have thicker, coarser, more evenly distributed
hair on their bodies and faces and are more prone to genetic baldness
than women.
A man's skin is made up of the same layers of dermal tissue as that of a woman's skin.
Men have high testosterone levels, have larger, more dense bones, and up to twenty percent more muscle mass. As a result men tend to be bigger, stronger, and faster, with more endurance than women. Women have high estrogen levels and tend to have more fatty tissue than men. The distribution of fat deposits also differs between sexes. In men fat tend to be distributed evenly, and excessive, fat tends to be concentrated in the stomach area. In women, fat tends to concentrate around the breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs.
The rough, 'orange peel' fat deposits around the thighs that some members of the beauty industry call 'cellulite' occurs only in women.
Hormonal differences also account for differences in hair growth and distribution between the sexes. Men have thicker, coarser, more evenly distributed hair on their bodies and faces and are more prone to genetic baldness than women.
When it comes to skin, however, the differences are slight. A woman's skin tends to have smaller sebaceous glands than a man's. In addition a woman's sebum (oil) production is influenced by her estrogen level. Once a woman reaches menopause and her estrogen level drops, her skin's production of oil also diminishes. Men, on the other hand, produces sebum in larger amounts with no corresponding decrease in sebum production with age. This makes men more prone to acne. In addition female skin tends to be thinner, finer and more alkaline than male skin. And women tend to perspire less than men.
From an Aesthetician's point of view, there are few differences in treatment for male or female skin. Analysis remains an important step. Male skin will tend towards oiliness, and more prone to acne and be affected more by environmental dirt and pollution. Also men will tend to have fewer wrinkles than women and will also tend to have fewer concentrations of deal cell on the skin surface, simply because daily shaving removes them constantly. However, although the Aesthetician will be able to use the same techniques and products used on female skin.
Novelette Bodden
Spa Novell
How often should you shampoo your hair?
Gary Callan
Everyone asks this question, and the simple answer is as often as it needs it. With today's shampoos there is no set time between uses.
Years ago, people used to shampoo their hair once a week, whether it needed it or not. We would have clients come it for their weekly shampoo and set. They were so regular that you knew what time, and day it was by whose hair you were combing out.
With today's more active lifestyle, hair needs cleansing a lot more often.
Shampoos are a lot gentler than the harsh soap like potions your grandmothers used. In those days the principle ingredient was a strong detergent. They didn't bother with the replenishment of the hair's natural lubrication. They just wanted it clean, squeaky clean. Today we have shampoos that cleanse and nourish the hair.
Last year I formulated my own line of shampoos. Using the past twenty six years experience of dealing with hair and scalp problems, I categorized hair into eleven 'types'. These ranged from chemically treated, to fine limp hair. Each characteristic required a different formula. A combination of ingredients designed for each 'problem'. I even have a de-chlorinating shampoo for swimmers. (No more green hair)
One thing to remember when choosing a shampoo that is right for your hair type, is that hair is neither, oily or dry. It is the scalp that either produces too much oil or too little. No matter if you have a greasy, or a dry scalp, your condition will deteriorate the longer you go between shampoos.
You can not shampoo your hair too often so long as you remember to use a conditioner. You can, however, over cleanse the hair. If you use a harsh shampoo and do not condition afterwards, your scalp will either over compensate and produce more oil, or will become dry and irritated. I always recommend my clients use a protein shampoo with a moisture conditioner or a moisture shampoo with a protein conditioner.
Clients often ask why salon bought products, are more expensive than supermarket brands. The answer is the quality of the ingredients. I once read an article in a trade magazine were all brand of shampoos were tested. It turned out that the more expensive salon brands were 7 cents per application and the supermarket brands were 11 cents per use. The difference did not end there. The more expensive brands used considerable less per shampoo than cheaper brands. This is a very effective argument for buy professional products, especially mine.
Until next week
Gary
Attorney Admitted to Cayman Bar
(From L-R) Mr. Philip Boni, Hon. Mr. Justice Henry Graham, Mr. Paul Joseph.
Paul Joseph was admitted to the Cayman Bar just over one week ago giving him the right to practice as an attorney in the Cayman Islands.
Mr. Joseph joined long-established law firm Truman Bodden & Company as an attorney in the Civil and Commercial Litigation Department earlier this year, and specializes in commercial litigation including injunctions, company law matters and insolvency. One of a select group of English Solicitors to be awarded the qualification of Solicitor-Advocate in the UK, Mr. Joseph has higher Rights of Audience allowing him to appear in higher courts in England and Wales including the House of Lords."My admission to the Cayman Bar is an exciting development as it allows me to continue the advocacy that I enjoy so much," Mr Joseph said.
Mr. Joseph graduated from Robinson College, Cambridge with an honours degree in law and worked at Hammonds Suddards Edge in England before moving to join Truman Bodden & Company.Truman Bodden & Company have been joined by three other attorneys this year, namely Noel C Reilly, Simon Porter and Hugh Sheridan, who all specialize in mutual funds and company and commercial law.more.
Chamber Releases Constitutional Survey
The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce has released a comprehensive Constitutional Review Questionnaire and is urging its 650 corporate and associate members and 15,000 staff to complete the survey before November 23rd 2001.
The four-page survey, developed by a 10-member Chamber of Commerce Constitutional Review Task Force chaired by Past President Mrs. Gailya Hall, addresses the voting system, a Bill of Rights, Initiative for Referendum, the responsibilities of the Financial Secretary and Attorney General, Fiscal Responsibility, Term Limits, Notice and Debate on Bills and Regulations, Code of Conduct and the Constitutional Modernization checklist distributed to the Overseas Territories by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The Chamber's Constitutional Review Task Force released an educational report in late September entitled "A Guide to Constitutional Development in the Cayman Islands". Chamber President Mr. W. Burns Conolly, AIA, presented the report to the Constitutional Commissioners at the monthly membership luncheon. The report was written by Mr. Vaughan Carter, a Cayman Islands Law School professor, in consultation with the Chamber's Constitutional Review Task Force.
The report includes five
easy-to-read chapters:
* What is a Constitution?
* Constitutional history of the Cayman Islands
* The Constitution of the Cayman Islands
* Comparing the Constitution of the Cayman Islands with other
British Caribbean Overseas Territories
* Wider Inspiration for Further Debate on Constitutional Reform
in the Cayman Islands "The Constitution is the country's
most important document and I strongly encourage Chamber members
and staff to complete the questionnaire so that the Council can
clearly communicate your views on this subject when we present
our report to the Constitutional Commissioners," said Chamber
President Mr. Conolly.
Students Deliver Environment
Message
(left)John Gray students braving the rain to deliver their message 'Don't Spoil with Oil'. (right)The Department of Environmental Health uses this container to ship waste oil overseas.
Inclement weather associated with the Pirates Week parade didn't stop dedicated John Gray Recyclers from coming out to promote their "Don't spoil with oil" recycling message. The group, who earned third place for their float, worked with the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), Texaco and the Caribbean Utilities Corporation to promote this important message.
Nancy Kirkcaldy passing on techniques in totem pole making to the group of young people.
National Gallery Assistant Director Nancy Kirkcaldy teaches a group of young people to make totem poles from pine branches during a workshop on Native American at North Side Civic Centre on Tuesday November 7. The session was part of the Art Trek Tuesday series, which aims to introduce children to the artwork of other cultures.
School Principals Happy
with Student's Caribbean Examination Certificate Performance
Students' performance in external examinations this summer was generally pleasing, government secondary school principals recently reported to the Education Department.
Following the release of individual results, John Gray Principal Debra McLaughlin and Cayman Brac Principal Shirley Wahler spent some weeks compiling statistics and analysing trends for 2001. They recently submitted final reports to Chief Education Officer Nyda Flatley.
Commenting on their findings Mrs Flatley notes: "There was generally a good performance by students in most Caribbean Examinations Certificate (CXC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) subjects. Results in the Certificate of Educational Achievement (COEA) and City and Guilds exams were also very satisfactory."
At John Gray High School 19% of IGCSE/GCSE papers received grades of A*-C, while 76% of papers at CXC general/technical proficiency level earned grades I-III. Passes at this level are known as higher-level passes.
Sixty-one students achieved four or more higher passes in 2001, including 16 students with eight passes, 14 with seven, 15 with six and a further 16 with four. In all 172 students achieved at least one high-level pass in the 2001 external examinations, a statistic that represented some three-quarters of a graduating class of 235 students.
Of this school-leaving group, 110 had earned higher-level English language passes. Meanwhile 88 students received higher passes in information technology, and 57 posted similar results in Spanish. Other subject areas in which more than 70% of papers earned top results included extended GCSE physics, as well as CXC accounts, art, Caribbean history, electronics/electricity, English literature, food and nutrition, geography mathematics, office procedure, principles of business, social studies, technical drawing, woods and building technology.
Of a total of 968 CXC papers, 81% were at the general/technical level and 19% at basic proficiency level. At basic level the percentage of the year group sitting higher level examinations ranged from three to six percent for most subject areas, to as high as 18% for social studies and 23% for English language. Two-thirds of all papers received passing grades of I-III.
While CXC and IGCSE/GCSE papers are assessed by regional and British examining bodies, some year 12 students also sat the American Advanced Placement (AP) examinations in Spanish and Economics. AP grades range from 1-5, with 5 being the highest. Of the seven students who sat these exams, five received grades 4 and 5, which are required for college credit.
Among the more vocationally oriented examinations- COEA awarded passes to 91% of papers in 13 subject areas; all 19 Cambridge International candidates earned passes in desktop publishing and word processing and Pitmans candidates achieved an 83% pass rate in various computer and English as a second language (ESOL) qualifications. These last results included six first class passes from a total of 17 entries.
Meanwhile in the Sister Islands, Cayman Brac High School's graduating class of 14 students included three with eight higher-level passes, one student with seven, two with six, a student with five passes, and another with four. A total of ten school-leavers earned at least two higher passes. This was equal to 71% of the graduating class.
In CXC general/technical exams 90% of papers
earned grades I-III, while 54% of papers at IGCSE/GCSE earned
A*-C.
The school achieved a 100% rate of top level results in CXC English
literature, integrated science, food and nutrition, social studies,
Spanish and the visual arts, as well as IGCSE music. Eighty-nine
percent of English language students and 80% of mathematics students
also received higher-level grades.
Among those who sat CXC basic examinations, 50% of papers received passing grades of I-III.
In COEA exams, Cayman Brac achieved a 95% pass rate with 45% of papers receiving marks of distinction, and 40% earning merit passes.
The Chief Education Officer says students' solid overall performance speaks well of the education system.
"While there is obviously a need to continue to improve the curriculum particularly in serving the demands related to the workplace, both schools continue to produce good students who excel in all areas of the work force and display significant achievement at the tertiary level," Mrs Flatley remarks.
She particularly commends the 30 honour students on Grand Cayman and four on Cayman Brac, who achieved higher-level passes in seven or more subjects. These included Jodie Bodden, Arlond Brooks, Erica Bush, Kristin Ebanks, Melissa Edwards, Shawanna Hera, Stephanie King, Michale Letterlough, Lessaneo McLaughlin, Sandra Peart, Lidka Scott, Jacynth Tibbetts, Eric Webster at John Gray High School, as well as Jean-Lucas Bradshaw at CBHS.
Among John Gray students with eight passes were Jared Awe, William Balderamos, Melissa Berry, Donald Erskine, Darren Farrington, Grace Gealey, Daniel Hislop, Rachel King, Carlos Lobo, Schwannah McCarthy, Michael Henry Parchment, Windell Scott, Rene Shortridge, Ariel Tatum, Shameela Tibbetts, Wilbur Welcome and Ruthanna Young. On Cayman Brac Amanda Kong, Thomas Herbert and Mitchell Watt also earned eight passes.
Mrs Flatley also praises the four young people on Grand Cayman and one on Cayman Brac who received A*s-the highest possible grade at IGCSE/GCSE. This is the first time, she says, that so many government school students simultaneously received the A*grade, which is awarded to a few individuals world-wide each year for outstanding achievement in an individual subject area.
St. Ignatius Year One
Students Top Recyclers!
St Ignatius Year One Recycling Winners Pose with Iggy
Iggy, the recycling iguana, visited St. Ignatius Prep School on Monday, 29 October, to congratulate the year-one winners of a contest held to kick off their recycling programme.
Over 4,000 aluminium cans were gathered during the weeklong challenge. Ms Taylor's and Mrs Gibson's class were the champions, collecting a total of 627 cans.
As a way to promote recycling for the new school year teacher Janice Brown, came up with the idea of including the challenge in the school's Pirates Week festivities. Ms Brown initiated the school's recycling programme in February 2001. She continues to play a large role in organizing the in-school recycling program and finding ways to promote reducing and reusing.
"It's great to see such enthusiasm and have the support of teachers like Ms Brown," comments Public Education and Promotions Officer for the Department of Environmental Health, Ms Debbie Montgomery.
St. Ignatius students took a strong interest in recycling following a presentation by Ms Montgomery. "If children are taught early on to understand why it's important to recycle and have the opportunity to get involved, they're likely to continue the practice throughout their lives," she points out.
Schools interested in beginning their own programme and receiving a presentation and visit from Iggy, are encouraged to contact Ms Montgomery at tel: 244-4152.
Kiwanis Club
of Grand Cayman Executive for 2002. From left: President, Frank
Banks; President-elect, Elaine Brown; Secretary, Carmen Forbes;
Treasurer, Roger Bodden; Vice-President, Gregory McKnight.
Kiwanis Changing
of the Guard
More than 70 members
of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman, family, and friends recently
gathered to welcome incoming President, Frank Banks, and to say
a farewell to outgoing President, Wanita Pilcher.
Immediate past President, Scott Roe, served as Master of Ceremony.
President Wanita thanked all club members and directors for making
her year as leader of the Club such a success. She gave a brief
overview of the highlights of the year including the Club's major
fundraisers: Kiwani-bike, Road Angel Awards Dinner, Joe Patterson
Memorial Golf Tournament, and the 5K Fun Run/Walk.
Donations from the Club were made to CASA, George Town Hospital
Paediatric and Maternity Departments , the Lion's Club of Tropical
Gardens After School Programme, Drug Awareness Week, the Special
Olympics and Cayman Hospice Care.
Christmas Calendar Deadline
The submissions
deadline for the Christmas Community and Sports Calendar is 22
November. Material may be sent via e-mail to gis@gov.ky or faxed
to 949-5936. Information may also be delivered to Government Information
Services in Cricket Square II. For more details contact 244-1773.
East End Library Closes
Patrons of the East
End Public Library are advised that the library facilities in
that district will remain closed until further notice.
The closure is due to water damage sustained to the premises during
passage of Hurricane Michelle.
Light of the World
Light of the World
Christian Fellowship has relocated to our new home at Bodden Place,
Shedden Road (upstairs Little Darlings).
We are pleased to announce that since 3 November, we will be having
two Sunday Morning Worship Services, one at 9am and the other
at 11:30am. Come prepared to Worship in Spirit and in truth.
Special Olympics AGM
The public is invited to the Annual General Meeting of Special
Olympics Cayman Islands, scheduled for the Monday, 16 November
at the South Sound Community Centre, starting 6 pm. Reports of
the past year and election of the Board of Directors are on the
agenda. For further information, please contact the SOCI office
at 949 6292 or ciso@candw.ky.
Education Week Workshops
The Education Department
invites the public to two workshops on overcoming barriers to
learning. University of Miami Professor Marjorie Montague leads
the first session on attention, hyperactive and learning disorders
at George Hicks High School on 15 November. This workshop is open
to all interested persons. Meanwhile maths teacher Russell Bell
leads a workshop for students years 10 to12 and their parents,
on overcoming the barriers to mathematics in the John Gray High
School library on 16 November. Both workshops start at 6.00 p.m.
Interested persons should contact the education department at
244-1741 or 945-1199 for more information.
Licensing Dept Open Saturdays
For added convenience
to the public, the Department of Vehicle Licensing's George Town
office announces that it will open for business on Saturdays between
9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from 10 November until 8 December, 2001.
This does not affect the opening hours of its West Bay branch.
Lions Sight Night
Friday 30 November
is 'Lions full moon madness sight night' and the Lions Club of
Tropical Gardens needs your used eyeglasses.
Volunteers will be at the West Bay Road location of Burger King
on full moon night, 30 November from 6.30pm to 10.30pm collecting
used glasses.
These glasses will be cleaned, repaired and delivered to people
who desperately need glasses, but cannot afford them.
Sports Complex Closings
Owing to the Western
Union Super Cup the Truman Bodden Sports Complex will be closed
to the public from 5:00 p.m. on Thursday 15 November and on Saturday
and Sunday 17 and 18 November at 3:00 p.m.
Scholars Park Grand Opening
Join HE the Governor
Mr Peter Smith, representatives of the Cayman Islands Government,
the Dart Foundation and Scholars Park International for the Grand
Opening of the New Scholars Park Saturday, 17 November, from 2pm
to 5pm Across from the Ed Bush Playing Field, West Bay.
Bring the entire family out for an afternoon of fun, games, spot
prizes and tours of the grounds.
Food and drinks will be served.
Kiwanis Hosting Santa
The Kiwanis Club
of Seven Mile Beach will be hosting the arrival of Santa Claus
Saturday, 15 December.
Santa will be arriving by air at the Owen Roberts Airport shortly
after 2:00 pm.
Santa will distribute goodies, pose for photographs with the children,
and listen to their requests for gifts at the Airport Park, across
from Foster's Food Fair.
The event was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Seven Mile Beach for
the past 22 years and last year's landing was a great success
with over 700 pounds of candy, 1000 balloons and drinks distributed
to children.
Weather Can't Hold Back Swimming
All winners at the Mike Lockwood Memorial Pirates Week Swim
The only permissible sport in the inclement weather swamping Cayman over the past two weekends was swimming and people from under six years old to those over 60 took to the water with gusto for a Pirates Week meet and a sea swim.
On the weekend beginning Friday, 2 November, Cayman swimmers six years old and under to 15 years and over of the Stingray Club joined Jamaican counterparts, Tornadoes and Royals, and some from New Jersey, Jersey Wahoos, for the Mike Lockwood Memorial Pirates Week Swim Meet at the Lions Centre Pool.
On Saturday, 10 November, over 75 swimmers plunged into the waters outside the Governor's House for the CUC 800-metres Sea Swim for 12 age categories ranging from eight years old and under to over 60 years old.
Results
Mike Lockwood Memorial Pirates Week
| Girl | Boy | |
| 6&Under | Vicki Philip Stingray | Jason-Craig Burnett |
| 8&Under | Chelsea Nelson Stingray | Dominic Walter Tornadoes |
| 10&Under | Jaime-Lee Eccle Stingray | Jason Adams Tornadoes |
| 11-12 yrs | Jodie Foster Stingray | Robert Chen Tornadoes |
| 13-14 yrs | Lisa Rombough Stingray | Sean Campbell Tornadoes |
| 15&Over | Lizzy Haines Stingray | Andrew Mackay Stingray |
CUC 800-metres Sea Swim
| Name Overall | Place |
| Shaune Fraser |
|
| Jodie Foster |
|
| Laura Stafford |
|
| Brett Fraser |
|
| Peter Stafford |
|
| Gilfredo Gomez Cruz |
|
| Victor Thompson |
|
| Andrew Crowe |
|
| Richard Nash |
|
| Michael Lockwood |
|
Bodden
Town vs Scholars Match up in FA Cup First Round
Will the clash of two Cayman top teams and archrivals, Bodden
Town and Scholars International, see history repeating itself
in the first round of the men's FA Cup?
That became the big question when a draw Thursday, 8 November, for the opening round of this season's FA Cup put these teams to match skills against each other.
When Bodden Town FC first met Scholars International in the FA Cup Finals last season, the purple-clad men, at the top of their game all season, held off the league champions, Scholars 1-1 after regulation and extra time, forcing a second game to decide the winner.
Scholars eventually proved no match for BTFC whose convincing 3-0 score line last May earned them the FA Cup for the first time in the club's over-two-decades history.
The draw for places in the FA Cup took place live on CITN. The Cayman Islands Football Association's President, Jeffrey Webb, and General Secretary, Bruce Blake, drew the lots which produced the uncanny match-up for Bodden Town and Scholars.
No doubt the defending champions will be seeking to crush Scholars' strong opposition in the early stages and last season's runner up may well be bent on avenging its loss of the cup to BTFC. It should be an interesting opening round.
In the other line-ups, George Town and Sunset FC, both with strong showing in this season's CIFA Foster's League will square off. Latinos will play East End, and it will be Academy vs. Cayman Brac; Naya Sporting vs. North Side; Western Union vs. FC International and Roma International vs. Future FC.
The FA Cup schedule of games will be released soon.
Return
Bodden Town and Triple C Win
Bodden Town Primary turned back Truth for Youth School (TFY) 4-0 Saturday, 10 November, at the Bodden Town Civic Center in a Group 'A' Pee Wee league soccer game.
Tereek Ricketts surprised TFY goalie Sean Levy in the 5th minute with an early goal.
Second half goals from Ricketts (2) and Kareem (1) gave Bodden Town the impressive victory.
Principal Joseph Wallace said: " We are very happy with the outcome. It was our first victory for the season'.
Triple C had too much fire power for last year champion, George Town Primary, whom they beat 6-0 in another Group 'A' game.
Alejandro Ruiz got a hat trick while Joe Culbert pumped in two goals and fleet-footed mid-fielder Jeremy Francis scored one.
A goal on either half gave the much-fancied West Bay Primary a 2-0 win over Savannah Primary in West Bay in another crucial group 'A' match up.
In Group 'B' games George Town beat Triple C 1-0, and West Bay drew 1-1 with Savannah.
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