Issue No. 504 Tuesday, October, 7 2003

The Cayman Islands Government will conduct a counter-terrorism exercise involving both the public and private sector at the Community College in early November, Cayman Net News has learned.

Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Haines Chief Fire Officer Kirkland Nixon

Representatives from the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, medical services, Government Information Services, Port Authority, the tourism industry and the local media will take part in this event, which will assess the response capability of Cayman's emergency services and enhance the understanding and ability of local agencies to deal with a terrorist attack on this country.

Those involved in the exercise will be split into nine 'syndicates' and presented with a scenario based on a simulated terrorist incident in Grand Cayman. They will be required to discuss the scenario within their group and nominate a spokesperson to represent the group's views. Other syndicates may then be invited to comment as appropriate.

Their responses will be observed and assessed by members of international organisations including the US Coastguard, FBI, Pan-American Health Organization, US Regional Command Centre, HM Government representatives from the UK, and representatives from overseas territories.

A spokesperson from the Governor's office said, "The foreign office in London is very keen to see this happen and will provide supporting documentation. Terrorism preparation is something we should all be concerned with in the current climate."

Chief Fire Officer Kirkland Nixon is co-ordinating this event, specifically designed for the Cayman Islands, along with a planning committee made up from Mr Rudolph Dixon, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Richard Smith, Director Civil Aviation, Mr Peter Gibbs, Director Shipping Registry, Mr Rosworth McLaughlin, Divisional Officer, Cayman Island Fire Service, Mr Garry Green, Land Information Services Programmer and Mr Derek Haines, Detective Chief Superintendent.

"I hope that everyone involved in this exercise steps up to the plate and plays the game and gets the most out of this exercise," said Mr Nixon, "Everyone has to participate 100 percent to ensure that our current situation and resources can be gauged accurately. I hope that everyone comes out of the exercise feeling that it was worthwhile and that they have learned a lot from it."

According to Mr Nixon this event will be a training exercise and will not be used to embarrass anyone. It will be used to improve the current situation here on the Island and highlight what needs to be done, so that the country's response to any act of terrorism, if it were to happen, would be handled effectively and efficiently by everyone involved.

"We fully realise that we may not have all the resources that may be needed in the response to a terrorist attack," said Mr Nixon.

This exercise is a forerunner to a field exercise that will be carried out on the Island sometime in 2004 and will involve a full-scale response to a terrorist attack scenario that will probably engage everyone on the island.

Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Haines, a member of the planning team, said, "We are ensuring that our contingency plans are up to speed, bearing in mind that Cayman is a tourism and financial centre, besides being a British Overseas Territory. The Cayman Islands attract both employees and visitors from all over the world. We hope that visitors and observers involved in this exercise will take something back to their own territories and this exercise will help in the fight to counteract terrorism."

The Cayman Islands carry out similar simulation exercises to measure emergency services and Government responses for both hurricanes and air disasters.

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Lions support breast cancer awareness month

Dr. the Hon. Frank McField and Grand Cayman Lions President, MLA Mr. Alden McLaughlin share a light moment while showing solidarity for the Lions fight against breast cancer.

A light-hearted moment is captured between two rival politicians as they put aside their differences to support a worthy cause.

Minister of Community Service, Gender Affairs, Youth and Sports, Dr. the Hon. Frank McField and Grand Cayman Lions President, MLA Mr. Alden McLaughlin were attending a special event organised by Lions Club of Tropical Gardens to mark the start of breast cancer awareness month.

The Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital (CTMH) is offering free clinical breast examinations throughout the month, including instruction on how to perform breast self-examination.

Joining hands to show solidarity aganst breast cancer are (l-r) Lion Kery Nixon, Minister of Health, the Hon. Gilbert McLean, Lions Club of Tropical Gardens president Ms. Gina Barnes, Minister of Gender Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Frank McField and Cayman Islands Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar

The American Cancer Society recommends clinical breast examinations for all women from age 20 to 39 years (every 3 years) and 40 and over (every year).

Each woman will receive a thorough breast examination as well as advice and instruction on performing breast self-examination. All women are advised to check their breasts every month.

For this free service, women need to make an appointment with Dr Komal Lawrence, Dr Steve Tomlinson or Dr Michael Geoghegan and are advised to state that they are making an appointment for the free clinical breast examination.

The hospital is also offering some free mammograms through the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens.

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Private Sector Unites Over Terrorism Bill

Representatives from 22 private sector and non-governmental organizations representing virtually all aspects of Caymanian society, are urging the Governor to assent to the amendment to the Terrorism Bill which received bi-partisan support in the Legislative Assembly in July.

The amendment seeks to shift the authority from the Governor, as proposed in the original Bill, to a judge for administering the power to authorise wire tapping and intercepts. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recently instructed the governor to send the Bill back to the Legislative Assembly for approval.

Chamber President, Mr Conner O'Dea and Chief Executive officer, Mr Will Pineau presented the letter with an attached list of supporting organisations to the Governor last week.

The letter urges the Governor to assent to the amendment which reflects the same legislative procedure that is mandated in the United Kingdom.

"Recent events have shown the results of abuse of power by agencies not following judicial process," wrote Mr O'Dea. "As we progress towards a democratic government system we have to build into our constitution and legislation checks and balances between the various arms of government. The subject amendment is but one of these components in a democratic system."

The Chamber is aware of other legislation containing revision which authorise the Governor to act on his own without following judicial process and is calling on these pieces of legislation to be reviewed and amended. "We fully support amendments to ensure that revisions to these laws be introduced in the Legislative Assembly to ensure that judicial processes are followed," says the letter.

The Chamber has asked the Governor to forward its letter to the FCO and to forward any response received so that it can be shared with the membership of the various associations and the general public.

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News

Stay in charge of batteries when travelling

Cayman Airways has issued new guidelines, in compliance with the transportation of dangerous goods, for all travellers who wish to carry batteries in their luggage.

All checked luggage will now be subject to screening by X-ray and to avoid unnecessary delays and any inconvenience at the airport, the Civil Aviation Authority has asked that all batteries be placed in hand or carry-on luggage.

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Purple Ribbon bus service continues

CIRSAC representative Mr. Graham Walker (left) presents Cayman Net News' Mr. Matthew Seales with a certificate of appreciation for its support of the Purple Ribbon free holiday bus service programme.

The Cayman Islands Road Safety Advisory Council (CIRSAC) will once again partake in some direct hands-on activity to help reduce the chances of serious or fatal accidents on our roads rather than just help fortunate road safety policies.

For a number of years, the National Drug Council (NDC) has operated what was called the Purple Ribbon bus service on New Year's Eve, amid all of the holiday revelry. Last year however, the NDC was not able to continue with this brilliant idea and in turn requested that CIRSAC take over. The Council did so and was delighted with the result that there were few problems and everyone reached home safely.

The service operated approximately a dozen buses from early evening until the early hours of New Year's Day. As well as the driver, a volunteer rode on board to help things run smoothly. Buses ran from East End to George Town and West Bay to George Town in a continuous loop. No fares were charged it was a free service.

CIRSAC is not trying to say that people should not party on New Year's night, nor is it encouraging them to do so. It is just trying to be realistic. People will go out and party over the holiday, it wants to help to make sure they get home safely.

The NDC has no funding to support the program and the Road Safety Council has to raise money for each separate project such as this. Last year, several companies were able, at very short notice, to sponsor part of the cost.

Cayman Net News is one of the local business that has recently been awarded a certificate of appreciation for its support in the Purple Ribbon bus service.

CIRSAC is asking individuals and businesses to seriously consider sponsoring this project this year to help ensure all of our loved ones have a happy and safe holiday season. To help, telephone Aileen Samuel on 947-6466 or 926-0355 as soon as possible.

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United Nations report praises Cayman record on racial integration

Report praises Cayman record on racial integration Cayman society is fully racially integrated and serious manifestations of racial discrimination are virtually unknown in the Islands, according to the UK's 2002 report to the United Nations on the elimination of racial discrimination.

The report covers British territories' legislative, administrative and other measures as at 31 March 2002 aimed at giving effect to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).

In outlining its assessment of Cayman human rights status, the report observed that if the territory's current position of racial harmony were to change, "the Government of the Cayman Islands would, of course, be extremely concerned and it would react accordingly. But there is no evidence to suggest that this would be likely."

The CERD report underlined that "the Government of the Cayman Islands is aware of the need to be alert to the possibility that individual, isolated cases of racial discrimination could occur from time to time, especially in the private sector, and also to the possibility that administrative policies and practices might have consequences which, although only indirectly and inadvertently, had a racially discriminatory effect."

The report follows on the heels of Cayman's formation of a national human rights steering committee to oversee local compliance with various human rights conventions, including CERD. This committee is headed jointly by the Minister of Education, the Hon Roy Bodden and the Minister of Community Services Dr the Hon Frank McField.

With that and other local initiatives, the report indicated that the Cayman Islands was considering the best way of ensuring that racial harmony was sustained. This included efforts to incorporate a "justifiable" Bill of Rights in the proposed new Constitution for the Cayman Islands.

The report said this would include a provision "prohibiting any law that is discriminatory (either of itself or in its effect) and also any discriminatory action by public officer or public authority or by anybody exercising a statutory function."

The report referred to the process of ascertaining views of the community in this regard by the three-man panel of Constitutional Commissioners who presented their report last year.

The report noted that the question of incorporating a Bill of Rights into the constitution of Overseas Territories had been advanced by a number of meetings of the Conference of the Attorneys-General of the Overseas Territories, which had commissioned a study on the possible need to update the existing fundamental rights' provision in the constitutions of some Overseas Territories and how best to further this cause among territories that do not have these currently in place.

That study has been completed and its report has been circulated to all the Overseas Territories for detailed consideration, the report said.

The UK CERD report further noted that as far as any potential racial discrimination in the private sectors of territories, the discussion was ongoing as to whether the constitution should be enlarged to embrace this issue or whether it should be dealt with by separate legislation. If the route of legislation was followed, consideration would be given to what form that legislation should take.

Cayman's large expatriate workforce, representing some 79 countries, in addition to the huge numbers of tourist arrivals and the wide racial mix in the settled population, was noted.

In that context, the report highlighted the relevant objectives of Vision 2008 which sought to foster "a caring community based on mutual respect of all residents of the Cayman Islands." That initiative, it was noted, was moving into implementation phase.

The hitherto lack of a formal conduit of publicising reports is to be remedied by the conversion of the Human Rights Today website into one for this specific purpose. The web site is currently being revamped and converted for this purpose by the Government Information Services.

It was further proposed that the Government website would be linked to the Human Rights Today web site and that reports would be distributed to all public schools and college libraries.

A citizenship education course which incorporates human rights issues has been introduced in the public schools, beginning September 2003.

The Government Information Services has also agreed to issue regular releases to inform the public about the availability of, and means of access to, copies of the various treaties and of the reporting information relevant to each of them.

A copy of this report to CERD is available at the Government web site, at www.gov.ky.

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One million dollars in sales and growing

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Expedia, Inc's private label booking service, WWTE, surpassed one million dollars in Cayman Islands sales on 25 September 2003.

This significant milestone comes only nine months after the two formed an innovative new business relationship, allowing potential guests to the Cayman Islands to go online and book their Cayman Islands vacation using the proprietary technology of Expedia's WWTE, directly from www.caymanislands.ky or www.divecayman.ky.

"I couldn't be happier," said the Director of Tourism, Mrs Lania Rittenhouse. "The early success of this strategic business relationship demonstrates that guests are visiting our website for information and that they are taking advantage of the online booking facility. To succeed in today's business environment you have to embrace technology and be willing to lead the pack. That is exactly what we have done."

In what can only be described as a win-win situation, guests benefit from Expedia's industry-leading inventory system by being able to receive up-to-the-minute airfare deals as well as bundled vacation packages including air, hotel, car rental and individual partners' e-brochures directly from the Cayman Islands website.

Industry partners benefit from the Expedia real-time inventory management system, which allows properties to manage their room inventory using a flexible allotment calendar as well as manage their revenue by adjusting their room rates in real-time based on availability and forward booking projections.

"These super results speak to the power of the partnership between the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Expedia's WWTE private label travel service," said Barney Harford, Vice President of Air, Car, and Private label at Expedia, Inc., "WWTE brings the power of Expedia's technology and the breadth of Expedia's inventory to our partners' websites, allowing them to deliver best of breed travel booking services to their customers. We're delighted by the success of this partnership."

\Expedia, Inc's wholly owned subsidiary, Travelscape, Inc, operates WWTE. WWTE provides private label booking solutions for travel suppliers looking to enhance their product offerings. The WWTE private label solution gives travel suppliers the ability to enhance their own Web sites with industry leading cross-sell and dynamic packaging solutions offering highly competitive inventory.

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Editorial

Taking a Break to be Festive

Lately, the Cayman Islands has been the scene of a varying number of anxieties, ranging from political to economic, so that it seems the front pages of our newspapers are filled almost daily with one negative aspect or another.

It is in times like these that it helps to have diversions to distract us, and we are fortunate that there is on the horizon an event that can bring some levity and merriment to our lives, which can provide some relief of the heavy political and social rhetoric impacting our daily lives.

In a mere three weeks, the 2003 Pirates Week Festival begin. With the addition of some special events celebrating our Quincentennial year, organisers are
saying that this year's version of our annual National Festival will be the best ever.
Some features to look forward to include the 28-member strong Jamaica Defence Force Band, and a unique costumed musical group from Philadelphia known across the USA as the Mummers Woodland String Band.

This year's festival will also feature laser effects, an all-girl Cuban band, a visit from Miss Florida, and a glittering downtown street parade. A total of 10 local bands will be pumping out the party music along with the popular Image and Company from Trinidad.

Following its move to the Harbour Drive location four years ago, Pirates Week has taken on new life with its local followers, and weather permitting, the expectation is that the thousands will be out again at the downtown venues.

The District Days, however, have seemed to decline in popularity in recent years, and in these stress filled times leading up to a critical election year, perhaps the residents of this Island should consider, for a change, having some fun with the fellow members of the community.

There is much to be learned about life in old Cayman during the afternoon hours at many of the District Day. Many of the younger generation, who have grown up with satellite or cable television and video games, might find it interesting to learn how their parents and grandparents lived.

Pirates Week obviously needs more promotion overseas, but at home it comes at a time when there is a need for some major diversions, and no doubt, this clearly tops the list with its "something for everyone" promise.

With the Christmas Season celebrations less than 100 days away, and the next general election general election fast approaching in just over 12 months, Pirates Week offers a good opportunity for a break.

Pirates Week, if embraced by residents and the Department of Tourism, could be a perfect highlight for promotions of things Caymanian, rather than having to go overseas. This encouragement could only come if there is practical relief from the daily diatribe of negativism that appears to have a stranglehold of our society.

The long, sluggish off season has broken the entrepreneurial will of many local businessmen because of the absence of funding to develop their companies. And even though the resident body count of citizens has increased with the recent grant of Caymanian Status to nearly 2,000 people, there is no noticeable increase so far in the spending power to stimulate the economy.

National Festivals like Carnival in Trinidad, or Mardi Gras in New Orleans, generate enormous spending in those places, to go with the positive "vibes" that people get from the experience. Pirates Week will probably never approach the scope of those festivals, but there is no reason why it cannot spur the local economy in a big way, and offer some enjoyable moments in our increasingly hectic lives.

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Local Commentary

The problem of drug abuse among today's youth

By Stephanie Bush

This month is drug awareness month. This is the time when a closer and more extreme look is taken at the drug use of teens in the Cayman Islands. Several individuals from the National Drug Council go around to the different schools and give the students information on the different drugs and how they are abused.

This year Mr Ray Lozano and Mr Jevon Thompson have come from the United States to share their knowledge of drug abuse with the young people of the Cayman Islands. Mr Lozano captures the interest of the youth from a comedic standpoint in which he is very well received.

According to Mr Lozano, drugs capture people's lives so intently and gradually that they don't realize it, and it is his goal to speak to them and inform them of the consequences of using these and drugs and put a roadblock in their way, making them think twice before using, and save these kids from a life of pain and
sometimes fatal consequences.

There are said to be two major reasons for teenagers abusing drugs. The biggest reason is peer pressure. Kids may try drugs to fit into a certain "crowd" at school. They'll do whatever it takes to fit in, even drugs.

In this day and age it is so hard to stand up for what you know is right, especially when you're standing up to people who are supposed to be your "friends." So, they go ahead and try drugs and before they've realized what has happened to them, they have become addicted to habits that are almost impossible to break.

The other reason is said to be self-medication. A teenager's life is filled with many ups and downs, and life can sometimes seem cruel. Divorced parents, abusive parents, bad grades in school, no friends, all of these have been identified as contributing factors to a young person's pain and confusion. So, they start to look for something to make the pain go away. Anything to just take a break from the painful reality that they are living in, and that's where the drugs come in.

The kids don't seem to realise that drugs only make you feel good for a short period of time, and then you get so addicted and your body gets so damaged that you don't take drugs for the high anymore, but rather just to feel normal again.

Mr Lozano said: "I've never heard a kid come up to me and say, 'I was doing really bad in school and since I've started drugs my grades have shot right up.' I've never heard a kid say, 'I didn't get along with my parents until I started drugs and now we get along great.' Kids don't tell me that.

Instead I hear, 'I was doing really great on the football team until I started taking drugs and now I can hardly play any more. I used to get along really good with my parents, but now that I've started taking drugs we hardly even speak to each other.' Drugs never lead to a better place."

Something else that was stressed by Mr. Lozano is He was keen to stress that there were more kids who didn't take drugs than did take them.

Perhaps there is a void in the lives of these kids who abuse drugs and they are trying to fill it with the wrong thing.

Maybe you don't have to have a job at the National Drug Council to help these kids. Maybe you can just open your heart and show that you care. Some of them may just need a listening ear every now and then.

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News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Dear Sir,

Please allow me space in your valuable newspaper, to put in my "little bit" concerning the two most "hot" topics in Cayman today that of homosexuals and the granting
of Cayman Status by the Governor in Cabinet.

Firstly homosexuals, and the arrival of the cruise ship with gays, sometime in the future. If and when that ship arrives, I pray that all Special Constables in uniform, along with as many police officers as possible will be on duty at the dock, to make sure that these gay passengers conduct themselves in an orderly and moral manner, and those who don't, simply put them back on a tender, and send them back to their ship.

By doing that, it will show the rest of the passengers that their kind of behavior in public is not the norm and is not condoned in our Cayman Islands. However, we must remember that the homosexuals are all God's children, the same as we "straight" individuals are.

So we are to love them the same as we love everyone else. That is the way God wants us to be. We are to "hate the sin, but not the sinners." The same as God made conjoined twins and Siamese twins, babies born with deformed limbs, lips and ears etc. he too has made gays from their birth, through some freak of nature. This is my firm belief.

I have too many instances of small boys, noticeably acting effeminate who grow into big intelligent, professional respectable men, yet they are known to be gay, little girls as well. Knowing the stigma that is on them, don't tell me that if they could help themselves, they would make sex rather than their own sex.

So Bro. John and Bro. Garnett, the time that you both take to write letters, using passages of scriptures that will back up your beliefs, and ignoring God's words that condemn the hatred that you all are displaying for homosexuals. Please take that time and get down on your knees, and pray for those individuals, that God will correct them and help them to cease their wrong doings.

It makes me wonder how you all would act if homosexuals were to enter your church doors. Would you give them a genuine welcome? Not according to the letters that you both write. I invite both of you to read Mark 7: Verses 24 29. Which teaches us the way Jesus acted towards the Greek woman, whose daughter was possessed with demons. He most certainly displayed no discrimination towards her. That is the way we should try to live.

Now for the granting of Caymanian status to a great number of expatriates. Make it known to them that I am not a PPM or UDP member; I am only giving my opinion "standing on the sidelines."

Last year the PPM stressed up a lot of disharmony among the populace, going round with petitions for a referendum concerning the draft constitution, making persons whose names were not even on the votes list, persons who were on here, but not belonging here sign the petition.

That "died a normal death," costing, I'm sure, Government a lot of much-needed dollars. Now that the economy is on the rise, they are inciting disharmony and hatred among the populace again over the Caymanian Status issue.

I am told that the greater majority of persons having been granted Caymanian Status are residents of George Town and the Eastern Districts.

So it is my opinion that the PPM legislation certainly are not using their brains. For when those new Caymanians are allowed to vote, I doubt that they will be voting PPM, and winning the election in November 2004, is what all of this outrage and threats of demonstrations are all about.

I feel that it is a pity that the Governor in Cabinet had to grant such a mass of Caymanian Status at one time. However, this immigration problem was allowed to fester and grow for too long by previous Governments who did not have the guts to tackle it, only talk, talk, talk about the matter.

So I applaud the Governor in Cabinet for doing the job. No doubt some ineligible person may have had the luck to unintentionally be allowed to slip through the cracks, however, no Government if perfect, not even the Government of the super power nation to the north of us, the Bush Administration.

Yes, we may lose a lot of revenue from work permit fees, and we will need more classroom space. However, I feel new Caymanians will generate the needed revenue.

Now I pray that the UDP Government will quickly pass immigration laws, that all work permits will have a limit of seven years duration. During which time corporate work permit holders must train Caymanians to fill their position. If this policy is implemented by the Immigration Board we will never have the problem of long-time residents like the current Government has.

After this batch of long-time residents is dealt with, these who were not able to get on the list, the Immigration Board should be ordered to grant those persons "Permit Residence with the right to work," provided that they have a clean medical certificate and no major criminal police record.

However, the Immigration Board needs to learn to use their discretion more, learn that circumstances alter cases, and put personal feelings aside, and deal with the issue on hand.

I have heard too many sad stories, the results of those uncalled-for decisions. Kudos to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal who have some smart lawyers, who (legally) are caring individuals, and who legally overthrow the Immigration Board's unwarranted decisions.

Bear in mind though that not all the Immigration Board members are alike, some are very conscientious, I am told. I overheard a remark made a few days ago, that the West Bay executive member of the PPM, who is a "would-be politician," better go back to his place of birth, and try to overthrow Castro, because he surely won't be getting any seat in West Bay, unless he joins up with "Mack".

A young concerned Caymanian

Aljando B Ebanks

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News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Georgia DA cites Cayman extradition co-operation
GWINNETT, USA According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Gwinnett District Attorney will testify before a House subcommittee in Washington on international extradition that the Cayman Islands authorities co-operated well in a recent case.

Another Islamic fund in Cayman
NEW YORK, USA The Financial Times reports that a sophisticated Sharia (Islamic law) compliant real estate fund managed by Investcorp, a Bahrain-listed investment group, is routed through the Cayman Islands to avoid US federal tax.

Cayman helps Bermuda utility meet recovery target
HAMILTON, Bermuda According to the Royal Gazette, the Bermuda utility company BELCO met its goal of re-establishing power to all customers within three weeks after Hurricane Fabian struck the island, with the help of linemen from the Cayman Islands.

Cayman cruise encounters Cuban rafters
PLAINVIEW, USA The Plainview Daily Herald reports that a Royal Caribbean cruise ship en route to the Cayman Islands encountered five Cuban refugees on a homemade raft trying to make it to Florida and waited for six hours for the US Coast Guard to arrive.

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US Immigration Korner

US Immigration Korner

Felicia Persaud

This is a column created especially for immigrants concerned or unsure of issues pertaining to the US Immigration Law. The column will answer some of our readers frequently asked questions and provide answers from qualified immigration attorneys and advocates lobbying for the US immigration cause.

Q: Is it true that the US Citizenship & Immigration Services will raise application fees again?

A: Russ Knocke, a Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman, recently acknowledged to immigration groups that fee increase was underway, but he said the final amount had not yet been decided.

However, the Associated Press recently quoted immigration advocates as saying they were told the increase could be about $15 in application fees. An announcement is expected to be made this week or next week and take effect by next month.

A permanent resident currently pays $260, plus a $50 fingerprinting fee, to become a citizen. An immigrant over the age of 14 must pay $255 to apply for permanent residency or what is known as a green card, and the $50 fingerprinting fee. So fees could now be $275 and $65, respectively.

Q: Soon, the INS will interview me for my green card. What questions will the examiner ask about my marriage? My marriage to a US citizen is "bona fide."

A: Other than the questions on the forms you submitted, there is no telling exactly what an examiner could ask you, says the law office of True, Walsh and Miller. However, to prove your marriage is 'real,' bring as many items as you have that prove your marriage isn't a sham. Examples are photos of you and your spouse together, especially those that include relatives and friends, a bank or credit card statement showing a joint account, and bills and letters sent to either or both of you at the same address.

Of course, says attorneys, the examiner will expect you and your wife to know personal information about each other, such as birth dates. If you don't understand a question, ask the examiner to repeat it, advise attorneys. Among the common questions asked in marriage fraud interviews are: Have ever met each other's relatives? What are the colours of the walls in your apartment? When did you meet? What vacations you have taken together, if any? And, do you have a television?

INS rules say that an examiner shouldn't ask questions that might embarrass you such as whether you sleep in the same bed and the colour of your bed sheets. Still, that's been known to happen so be prepared. If the examiner has any doubts about the marriage, you'll be scheduled for a second interview, called a Stokes Interview, after the federal court decision requiring the INS to record marriage fraud interviews, add the TWM attorneys. Good luck!

About the writer: Felicia Persaud is a New York-based journalist and head of Hard Beat Communications. If you or someone you know has an immigration question, then email Felicia directly at hardbeatinc@aol.com. Individuals can keep their anonymity if preferred, since questions will not be answered personally!

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News From Our Region

Antigua & Barbuda agree not to hand over United States nationals to ICC

Mr. Stephen Rademaker and Sir Ronald Sanders
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has given in to a US request and agreed not to hand over United States nationals, accused of war crimes, to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a government release last week, Antigua & Barbuda officials agreed formally to instead transfer such people to the US for investigation and prosecution where appropriate. Antigua and Barbuda is the 67th country to conclude such an agreement with the US.

The agreement between the two countries was signed by Mr Stephen Rademaker, Assistant Secretary of State in the US State Department, and Antigua and Barbuda's Chief Foreign Affairs Representative, Sir Ronald Sanders.

Commenting on the agreement, Prime Minister Lester Bird said, "This agreement was important to Antigua and Barbuda because the US Congress passed a law which prohibited the US government from providing military assistance to countries which did not sign Article 98 Agreements.

The agreement signed, according to government, is consistent with Article 98 of the Rome Statute establishing the ICC which the country has ratified. It is also in conformity with the agreement of CARICOM Heads of Government at their 24th Conference in Jamaica from 2 5 July 2003, which stated that "Heads (of Government) also recognised that some Member States may wish to negotiate bilateral 'non-surrender' agreements with the United States if they are advised by their legal authorities that any agreement into which they enter is consistent with their obligations under the Rome Statute," said the statement.

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St. Lucian-born United Nations Assembly President speaks out on new post

Session President: Mr Julian R. Hunte
Mr Julian R Hunte, President of the 58th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, says it has been a remarkable first round of intense discussions, especially in the aftermath of the Iraq war.

Mr Hunte also commended Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony's speech to the UN, telling the St. Lucia government information service, "Dr. Anthony's speech was right on target ranking very high as it relates to the 58th General Assembly.

"We have been able to produce speeches which reflect people's concerns, not only in terms of delivery but content. The prime minister did deliver an outstanding speech."
According to Mr Hunte, among the varied goals of the Presidency is to affect a new modus operandi. The new president will also allow a change in the roster in terms of rotating the chair to allow vice-presidents to serve while he attends to other bilateral matters.

President Hunte has also proposed to have meetings with the
ad-hoc working group to run through 15 October to deal with the revitalization of the General Assembly.

And he remains confident that the current Presidency will deliver not only in terms of managing the affairs of the General Assembly but also in dealing with the resolutions tabled by various committees.

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Montserrat's airport to be completed by 2004

Montserrat's new airport is expected to be finished on 10 October, 2004. That's the word from government. The airport will be completed at a cost in excess of EC$44 million and is to be jointly funded by DFID and the European Union. DFID's contribution is the biggest single investment in Montserrat, according to its London-based Desk Officer, Mr Tim Hatton.

The airport will be equipped for day/night landing and will require 220,000 cubic metres of material to be cut away; a mammoth task. Some 195,000 cubic metres of this material will be used for filling and compaction as well as for building embankments. The work includes the filling of the famous pond at the rear of the old Gerald's Park.

Once the new apron and terminal building are in use, the existing terminal building will be converted to airport offices. In addition, a new airport fire station is to be constructed on the site and a perimeter fence built.

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Dominica's new President takes office

Dominica's new President, Dr Nicholas Liverpool, has taken office as the island's new head of state. Mr. Liverpool replaces President Vernon Shaw, who has held the position since 1998.

However, while Prime Minister Pierre Charles and opposition leader Edison James agreed to the new President's appointment, key members of the opposition stayed away from parliament session when the new leadership was announced.

Dominica's president is nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the leader of the opposition and is then elected by parliament.

Dominica, which gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978, joined the British Commonwealth, but rejected its Queen as the island's figurehead in favour of an appointed President.

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Community Calendar

Community Calendar

Monday, 6 October
Grand Court jurors scheduled for jury duty on Monday, 29 September are now required to appear for jury duty on Monday, 6 October, at 9:45 am at the courthouse in George Town.

Friday, 10 October
National Drug Council Drug Awareness Month 'Movie Nite' for youth and young adults at the Aston Rutty Centre from 6 to 10 pm.

Saturday, 11 October
The monthly meeting of the Cayman Islands Early Child Association will be held at George Town Primary at 9 am. There will be a workshop on 'Practice Teaching' and anyone who works with young children is invited to attend. For more information please call Mrs Sharon Robinson at 945 2047 or Mrs Shanna Haylock at 949 1153.

24 and 25 October
A seminar for 'The Seven Laws of the Learner' will be held Friday, 24 October at John A Cumber School Hall, from 7 to 9:30 pm and Saturday 25 October from 9 am to 3:30 pm.

September through October
Updated Events Calendar is available from Government Information Services (GIS). Calendar may be downloaded from the 'Local Issues' section of government website: www.gov.ky, or contact GIS by telephone, 949-8092, or email, gis@gov.ky to obtain a copy.

Every Thursday
The Women's Health Centre is holding a breastfeeding clinic every Thursday from 12:30 to 2 pm. The first Clinic was held 2 October at the Women's Health Centre, in the Cayman Islands Hospital. The service is free and no appointments necessary.

Every Friday
The Kids 4 Christ youth programme has recommenced at the Church of God Chapel Family life Centre on Walkers Road. Kids 4 Christ is for children 4-12 years old. It meets every Friday and runs from 6:30-8 pm and is free of charge. The children learn Bible lessons, create crafts and play games. For more information, please call 949-9393.

Friday, 5 December
The Graduating Class of Cayman Islands High School in 1983, is planning a reunion dinner at Pedro Castle. Graduates wishing to attend, please contact Kevin Moxam 917-1590, Chastine Rankine 916-6193 or Kaye Carby-Ebanks 916-2556 to confirm attendance and numbers.

Lifeline Confidential Counselling Service
Any adult who needs to discuss problems can call 949-6969. The help line is open from Monday to Friday, 7-10 pm, and is organised by the NCVO.

Tuesday, 7 October
Parents Evening for parent and guardians of Year 10 students at John Gray High School, 5:30 pm in the Assembly Hall.

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Sports

Cayman women to play international football

Lined up in medal podium order are the top three finishers (left-right) Brendan Touhey, who finished third, Steve Evans, who finished first and Glen Holden, who finished second.
The Cayman Islands Cycling Association has undertaken to conduct a series of time trials and training rides through the end of November.

Alfred Ebanks and Craig Merren are supervising the action. Varying distances from 10K to 40K time trials are included, alternating weekly with training rides of 100-plus miles.

Two 10K time trials have been completed.

At the first outing, Steve Evans nipped Glen Holding by a single second, as Steve was timed at 13:42. Brendan Touhey was third in 14:05. A total of 13 people participated.
In the replay on the second weekend, the first week's three fastest finishers were among the missing for various reasons.

All six cyclists who were present the first week and competed in the repeat were able
to improve on their initial results.

Dave Walker turned in a time of 13:26 to lead
the group.

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Swim competition success for newly enrolled ICCI student

Newly-enrolled student at the International College of the Cayman Islands, Christian Monsen, recently completed the Neutrogena two-mile Sea Swim, along with 87 other competitors of all ages.

Christian took the foot-long blue and silver trophy for the 20-24 age group, and, as the lone entry in that category, came in first and last! He may be the only one in his category in other pursuits, also. With a variety of interests, this young man plans to further his studies of environmental science, economics, education, ethics, religion and photography.

Swimming isn't Christian's only water sport. He also freedives 140 feet, with a single breath, and is working on an underwater photography project.

Another one of Christian's endeavors ties in with his college's renovation plans. In training for the upcoming triathlon and full marathon, Christian is looking for sponsors for these, and his other, athletic competitions. Anyone wishing to sponsor Christian and, in doing so contribute to the future of ICCI, may call Linda Appelqvist, Director of Public Relations, 947-1100, Extension 206. Born another hemisphere away, in Japan, Christian is certainly making his mark here in the Cayman Islands.

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Sports Calendar Event

Monday, 6 October
Hash House Harriers run, at Windermere St, off Walkers Road, 5:30 pm.

Monday, 6 October
The Cayman Islands Master's Cricket Club will be having its AGM at the VIP lounge of Truman Bodden Sports Complex at 6 pm. Plans for the upcoming Miami trip will be discussed.

Monday, 13 October
Hash House Harriers run/social. 393C Pros-pect Drive, Prospect.

Saturday, 18 October
Cayman Islands Athletic Association will be holding the Flowers Cooperate Relay at JGHS, Walkers Road.

Saturday, 18 October
Kiwanis Club 23rd Annual Bike-a-Thon, 20-mile bicycle ride from the East End Blow Holes to Smith Cove. Bicycles to be dropped off at the trailer situated at the downtown driver's licensing building on Friday, 17 October, 4-6 pm, prior to being transported to Blow Holes at 6 am on Saturday. For further information, telephone Roger, 949-7666 or Arie, 946 5656.

Saturday, 25 October
Beacon Realty International 5K Sea Swim. Race starts at Holiday Inn at 8 am. Participants must pre-register on Monday, 20 October at Lion Pool or Holiday Inn on the 24 October, between 7 and 8:30 pm. For more information, email relaxo@candw.ky or mcfark@candw.ky.

Every Monday
The Cayman Islands Duplicate Bridge Club meets every Monday night at 7:15. Visitors are welcome. For more information, call Audrey at 949-2371.

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*Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Haines*	*Chief Fire Officer Kirkland Nixon*