Issue No.510 Wednesday, 15 October 2003

Although their telecom licence leaves them no choice, Cable & Wireless has found itself in hot water with many customers angry over the fact that their dial-up Internet bills will increase dramatically effective 1 November.

Ms Elaine Leung

A letter sent to the approximately 6,000 Cable & Wireless dial-up Internet customers dated 6 October outlined the new prices for the service, showing, for example, that someone who used the service for 30 hours per month would have to pay $87 in the future, compared to the $36 they currently pay.

The announcement provoked the ire of many of their customers. "Instead of becoming more competitive, they have made outlandish increases in their charges," wrote one upset customer in a letter to Cayman Net News, "It appears that with the impending competition, they have decided to get out of this area of the Internet."

Though it seems contrary to the principles of competition, Cable & Wireless has actually been forced to raise their rates by the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) as a result of competitive equity provisions terms in their licence. "When we looked at Cable & Wireless' dial-up rates, we found them uneconomic," said ICTA Acting Managing Director Ms Elaine Leung, "The rates were too low to allow competition to enter. Cable & Wireless was subsidising that product with other services they offer."

Ms Leung explained that while the new telecom licencees will not be subject to the price restrictions facing Cable & Wireless, it is quite normal for the incumbent in a former monopoly situation to be subject such price restrictions for periods lasting as long as five to ten years after liberalisation in order to facilitate fair competition.

Since the new licencees will not have to abide by the price restrictions, Ms Leung said that the possibility exists that some companies will undercut Cable & Wireless' dial-up rates, using that service as a "loss leader" to build market share. "But that's not really sustainable over the long term for economic reasons," she said.

Cable & Wireless is not, however, subject to the price restrictions when it comes to high-speed (ADSL) Internet service, leaving the prospects of lower prices for that service. "I think people will be pleasantly surprised by some of the competitive high-speed Internet offers out there," said Ms Leung.

With the 1 November date for allowing competitors to start providing Internet service a little over two weeks away, consumers will be able to sift through many offers from the various providers. Ultimately, as the gap between dial-up and high-speed Internet cost lessens, more and more people are likely to switch to ADSL, according to one Cable & Wireless spokesperson.

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Water Authority Supports Local Sports

The Water Authority presented a cheque to the Department of Youth, Sports and Community Development to help defray the costs of this coming Saturday's Sports Awards Banquet to honour and recognise local athletes, coaches and supporters who have contributed to sports development in the Cayman Islands over the years. Pictured at the presentation are (l-r) Youth Coordinator, Mr James Myles; Director of Youth and Sports Mr Dalton Watler; Minister of Community Service, Gender Affairs, Youth & Sports Dr the Hon Frank McField; Water Authority Director Dr Gelia Frederick-van Genderen; and Water Authority Chairman Mr Brainard Watler.

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CAL's new jet to arrive next month

The British Inland Revenue has appointed 64 tax-inspecting 'hitmen' as part of a huge offensive aimed at recovering billions of dollars of unpaid tax secreted in companies and trusts in offshore tax havens such as the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

According to the London Times, using a new computer database, the Offshore Arrangements Project has identified 30,000 UK companies whose offshore shareholders are to be the subject of investigation.

In addition, the Revenue is targeting suspect property transactions and intends to use new disclosure rules to collect more information about property owners and trustees from the Stamp Taxes Office.

An inspector of taxes has been appointed to each of the Revenue's 64 area offices. The inspector can shift resources from chasing local tax cheats to targets in Crown dependencies, such as the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.

Reg Day, tax director of KPMG, the accountants, said the crackdown on large-scale evasion in tax havens was a timely move.

He said: "The Revenue has been criticised for not hitting targets and they are trying to catch up.
"The Offshore Arrangements Project is a cluster bomb and it is being dropped now."

In a circular to tax practitioners revealing details of the Offshore Arrangements Project, the Revenue said that entities in offshore financial centres "control thousands of UK companies" and significant UK land holdings.

Mr Day said directors of offshore companies were already receiving letters from the Revenue, which would expose them to potential conflicts of interest. These included demands for names of beneficial owners, the latest accounts, and details of where the company paid tax.

Trustees and offshore directors are likely to have signed confidentiality agreements with clients, but are also ultimately liable for all tax liabilities of the company.

Revenue inspectors are becoming more confident and aggressive, demanding that banks reveal details of offshore credit card payments.

Evidence has been found of UK high street banks giving clients access to internal "sundries accounts" to transfer funds in secrecy offshore.

Mr Day said: "The Revenue knows the money is out there. They are using these new weapons to ferret it out."

The new law will require EU banks to disclose details of income earned on savings held by EU citizens.
British Chancellor Gordon Brown has threatened to impose the new rules on UK dependencies by direct legislation if they refuse to comply.

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News

CUC assists with 911 educational video

Ms Juliette Gooding, Manager for 911 Emergency Communications, accepts the cheque for $1,000 from Mr Ronald Parchment, CUC's Manager Materials and Facilitator of the Company's Emergency Preparedness Team.

In keeping with the Company's commitment to safety, Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd (CUC) recently donated $1,000 to 911 Emergency Communications to assist with the production of an educational video.

As part of a public education programme, 911 is developing the video to promote the correct use of the 911 system which includes understanding what constitutes an emergency and the necessary information required when calling the service.

The video will also include tips from CUC on handling electrical emergencies.

Commenting on CUC's sponsorship, Mr Ronald Parchment, Manager Materials and Facilitator of the Company's Emergency Preparedness Committee, said: "We are pleased to have this opportunity to contribute to this 911 project as they play a crucial role in our community by ensuring that emergencies are promptly managed.

"If the Cayman Islands ever experience devastation from a hurricane, 911's expertise would be critical in the coordination of emergency teams."

According to Juliette Gooding, Manager for Emergency Communications, the video is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will air on CiTN and be utilised for business and school presentations.

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New programme to provide cancer-screening vouchers

Kristina Montemayor at GMIS

General Motors International Sales (GMIS) has announced the start of its new internship programme.
This programme is a first for GMIS in the Cayman Islands and has been based on the existing GM Global Internship Programme.

The overall goal of the programme is to provide the opportunity for young Caymanians to train in an international company and focus on a specific aspect of the business.

After a stringent selection process, Kristina Montemayor was selected to take part in the Internship programme. She commenced the programme on 4 August and will be concentrating primarily on the financial side of the company but will gain invaluable experience across almost all areas of GMIS' business.

Kirstina said: "It's a great company and the team have made me feel at home straight away. Learning the systems and invoicing processes has been quite challenging but with the help of my new colleagues, I've got to grips with it already."

She continues her studies in accountancy and finance at ICCI and has the ultimate ambition to become a fully-qualified accountant.

This type of internship provides exactly the essential practical experience that young people need to be able to fully appreciate the academic side of their studies and hopefully lead them on to be valuable future members of Cayman's business community.

GMIS' Managing Director Luis Ribé said: "Through this programme we intend to provide a real springboard for Kristina's career. The hands-on practical experience will help Kristina to decide on a specific career direction while the income from work can help to defray some educational expenses."

The six-month programme will take Kristina through a wide variety of roles and is very much considered a two-way process. She will be assessed and rated for competency in a range of areas including performance, ability to learn, adaptability, communication skills and initiative.

In the same way, she will also have the opportunity to continually rate and assess what she is getting out of the programme to ensure that she reaps maximum benefit.

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New Enforcement Officers for DoE

Three officers were recently hired to strengthen the enforcement division of the Department of Environment (DoE). In an effort to fortify marine enforcement, the Government funded four new posts for the 2003/2004 budget.

The three new members of staff, Ms Denise McCoy, Mr Ronnie Dougall and Mr Simon Boxall, will allow for a stronger workforce when implementing marine law. These new positions will enable officers to work in pairs and handle a larger array of issues.

The three new employees bring experience in law enforcement, marine surveying, and even film production. The department says it is looking forward to putting these skills to use in the field.
Ms Denise McCoy, a former member of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) uniform and CID/Scenes of Crimes Division said: "I am looking forward to a new aspect of law enforcement and the challenges working in marine enforcement will bring."

The preservation of Cayman Island's marine life is a very important aspect of marine conservation efforts at the DoE, and to new enforcement officer Mr Ronnie Dougall.

He hopes his experience in the marine industry and recent achievement in becoming a special constable of the RCIPS will make him a great asset to the conservation effort. A main objective in his new role is to "help raise awareness of what the Cayman Islands and its waters has to offer."
Mr Simon Boxall has a degree in Marine Affairs and Film Production and is currently finishing his constable training.

He wants to use his talents to help fight the continuing problem of people abusing the Caymanian waters by taking more from the ocean than the law allows and to make the public aware of the rationale behind why these strict limits are in place.

Mr Boxall said: "We come across people taking 150 conch in a single day or 200 whelk from a replenishment zone. That sort of thing does not make any sense to me. I want my kids to actually eat a whelk stew, to see lobster in the corals, and be able to find conch some day, not just hear about it or read about it in books."

Chief Marine Enforcement Officer Mr Ladner Watler is encouraged by the enthusiasm and dedication these three new officers bring to the division. "I welcome them and look forward to having a close working relationship with these officers."

People are encouraged to contact DoE if they are unclear of the current marine park regulations and marine conservation laws. Brochures are available which detail the laws and show where marine parks are located.

Please contact the department with any questions, concerns or to report offences at 949-8469 or 244-6002 or VHF Channel 17 in Grand Cayman, 926-0136 in Cayman Brac, and 926-0135 in Little Cayman or by email at doe@gov.ky.

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Girl Guides come together for ceremony

The new Island Commissioner is welcomed by (L-R) Mrs Emma "Poncianna" Dinwiddy, Lori "Squirrel" Adams, the Past Commissioner Rev Mary "Buttercup" Graham, Assistant Brownies Commissioner Suzanne "Flying Fish" Jackman and girls.

Attending the ceremony were Scout leaders, including Chief Scout His Excellency the Governor, Mr Bruce Dinwiddy, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Cubs, Joanna Clarke, Chief Commissioner Orrett Connor, Assistant Chief Commissioner Programmes Robert Geofroy and Executive Commissioner Winston Hayle. Centre is Guides Commissioner Mellony Bryan.

One hundred young Girl Guides, along with their leaders and family members, have enjoyed a special ceremony and social at Government House.

Patron and Honourary President, Mrs Emma Dinwiddy, or "Poinciana," her Guide name, hosted the installation of new Island Commissioner, Ms Mellony Bryan. She takes over from Past Commissioner Rev Mary Graham.

The Cayman Islands' Chief Scout, His Excellency the Governor, Mr Bruce Dinwiddy, attended the ceremony and was dressed in his Scouting regalia.

In the Girl Guides' tradition of designating special fun names to leaders, Ms Bryan was christened "Raindrop" during the event. The programme also included the girls' singing, socializing and enjoying refreshments.

Mrs Dinwiddy and members of the Guides' Executive Committee were presented with miniature World Pins, which identified them as members of the international Girl Guide movement.

There are some 200 members currently involved in the local Guiding movement and the girls are grouped in different sections dependent on their ages. Rainbows are aged five to seven years, Brownies cater to those aged seven to ten years and Guides are ages ten to 14. The Rangers are for girls aged 14-plus.

Some groups are based in schools and all girls are welcome from any part of the district or Islands.
To learn more about the Girl Guides, or to volunteer time as a leader, please contact Assistant Commissioner-Senior Section, Lori "Squirrel" Adams at 949-0204 or Assistant Commissioner-Training, Liz "Lizard" Scholefield at 949-2062.

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Editorial

Freedom of Information

A common characteristic of governments in the Cayman Islands over the years seems to be a desire to govern in secret and to expect the media to publish only the self-serving official news releases.

In these circumstances, it is all too easy for a daily publication to lapse into bland and unimaginative reporting of mundane minutiae like how many baby iguanas have arrived on the Islands or where in the world are the turtles we are tracking.

Cayman Net News is, however, committed to printing full and complete coverage of issues and events happening in the Cayman Islands and elsewhere in the world that may have an impact upon us.

We will, furthermore, persevere in gathering information from whatever sources are open to us, official or unofficial, even if it often draws the ire of those in official positions.

In the United States, the Freedom of Information Act makes it illegal, yes, illegal, for federal officials not to return journalists' phone calls and answer their questions, except in some cases deemed matters of national security.

In addition, the US legislature can subpoena recalcitrant members of the Cabinet and force them to give testimony under oath during televised hearings. Presidential and other candidates for political office make public their financial statements, tax returns and medical histories.

Even in Britain, from whence we could well derive much of our secretiveness, things are changing. One may now find on the Internet copies of correspondence between the head of MI6 an organization the existence of which the British government did not even formally acknowledge as recently as 20 years ago and the Cabinet secretary, the head of that quintessentially secretive establishment, Her Majesty's Civil Service.

It would be much better for all concerned in the Cayman Islands if Government officials and civil servants would try to cooperate with journalists for the good of the country, instead of pretending that every government document not specifically made public is an official secret.

In one case, for over two months now, one Government Authority has evaded question after question that we have asked, promising responses that never come, often deferring the queries to others who refuse to answer as well. When an arm of the Government responds to fair questions in this manner, it certainly makes us think they have something to hide, and that makes us wonder what.

On of the reasons for the Freedom of Information Act in the United States is to allow the venerable fourth estate the ability to perform its role in a democratic society without interference from the government. By forcing the conduct of government out in the open, and thus holding individuals responsible for their actions, the media serves as an important source of checks and balances on the power structure.

When once asked about he importance of newspapers, the US President Thomas Jefferson said, "Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."

Perhaps the time has come for our own Freedom of Information Law but, let us be honest with ourselves here; the impetus for such legislation will never come from the politicians and civil servants. It can only come from the people demanding change and not taking "no" for an answer, otherwise we leave those in Authority to believe that inquiring minds who need to know will simple fade away.

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Letter to the Editor

I so enjoy your unbiased and complete coverage

Dear Sir,

Many thanks for your extensive coverage of Cayman; I read it every day nearly wherever I am.
The past two weeks, thanks to your fine service, I see Cayman on my MS window and Mt Blanc from my house window! Believe me, what a delightful contrast.

Seemingly unbiased and very complete Cayman Net News and the 1/4 of a page news we can read on our daily local newspaper, Le Daulphine Libere, which, though published for 56 years, has yet to offer a web edition!

I enjoyed your editorial today. Please continue to provide all those interested in Cayman with fair and above all complete news.

Granma (www.granma.cu) is the ideal publication from an autocratic government's point of view! Transparency in democratic government is perhaps bothersome but essential.

Again many thanks for your excellent on line publication.

Joel Dean

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News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Cayman depends on tax evasion
KARACHI, Pakistan According to Hi Pakistan, corrupt people maintain foreign accounts through shell companies to evade taxes. These companies are common in the Cayman Islands, which depend on these holding companies to run its economy.

Cayman neurological disorder
ANN ARBOR, USA EurekAlert reports that scientists at the University of Michigan Medical School have discovered two genetic mutations, which appear to be responsible for Cayman ataxia, a neurological disorder found only in the Cayman Islands.

Pakistan airline in fake deal with Cayman company
NEW DELHI, India According to Business Standard, In a deal unheard of in aviation history, Pakistan's national airline has pledged its entire fleet in the name of a "fake offshore company in the Cayman Islands" in order to acquire eight Boeing-777 aircraft.

Hedge funds encouraged to switch from Cayman
EDINBURGH, Scotland The Scotsman reports that the European Parliament is to propose a "light-handed" regulatory approach to hedge funds, in a move designed persuade them to ditch offshore locations such as the Cayman Islands.

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Sister Islands Report

Island Air: It's so much more than just another airline, with its vital deliveries

Mango Manor's hostess Nena welcomes guests at the front door.

Anyone who has never gone for an overnight stay at thier grandmother's, may not understand the experience of Cayman Brac's Mango Manor.

George and Lynne Walton have spent years converting the old Kirkconnell home into an authentic Brac Bed and Breakfast. Mango Manor was the first Bed and Breakfast on Cayman Brac.

Clients don't come looking for the same amenities that are found at the local resorts. What they seek is as unique as they are. Unhurried and unscheduled adventures are on their itinerary.

Many times members from the academic part of society find their way to Mango Manor. National Trust members, artists, writers/authors, amateur or professional birdwatchers, or others studying in the various fields of flora or fauna use it as their base camp.

After a filling breakfast by your hostess 'Nena', guests can enjoy a stroll on the ironshore to find treasures King Neptune left overnight.

The quiet mile-long road can warm them up for a day of cave exploring, nature tours or some vigorous hikes on either the north or south side of the bluff. The top bluff itself is a spectacular view.

A day at the beach is just a short walk out the back door. A gazebo is available for picnics on the shoreline. A private sandy beach sits just on shore from one of the best dive or snorkel sites on the Brac. Private diving charters or lessons are also available upon request.

George prides himself in providing personal and private fishing trips for his guests. Perhaps such attention to individuals' desires is why customers remain so loyal to Mango Manor. Some prefer to revel in their "aloneness".

"Many return year after year and during the winter holidays of December to January we're always booked solid by an entire family that returns every year at that time to make us their home on the Brac," said George.

After a day's adventures, a cool shower, a rest in a comfortable bed, then a chat on the screened-in front porch or patio in the garden can await one's homecoming.

George gives the history of Mango Manor relating, "the house was built a year or so before it was almost decimated in the 1932 hurricane. Afterwards, the original Kirkconnell family rebuilt the home after it was moved from its first site on the bay to sit just off the Stake Bay Road."

The house was in an advanced state of disrepair when George and Lynne purchased it.

George admits he found himself in need of a project that would help him make the transition from a busy military life to that of the quiet in the Brac. It took almost a year to remodel and bring the house just up to standard accommodations.

"We took the wooden mast that was salvaged from the sailing ship, Negator to build a balustrade for the stairwell upstairs."

Landscaping was the next step in renovation. With resourceful landscaping, it took 11-18 truckloads of sand to fill in the rough spots and plant the garden.

The goal for the surrounding grounds was to preserve much of the natural beauty of the land, yet upgrade to allow niches in the garden to rest, reflect and meditate and includes smoothed out paths to casually stroll down to the sea.

In addition to the Mango Manor, new additions have been built on the property nearer the sea. A more contemporary villa is built on the seaside for further accommodation.

Temple Beth Shalom opened its lovely wooden doors to host special meetings, religious ceremonies, weddings, and serve as sheltered place for pray and meditation.

The experience of Mango Manor can begin with a phone call and reservations. To ask for availability and rates call 948-2551.

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Artist's dream: To recreate the lost city of Atlantis in Cayman Brac waters

Monday, 13 October Tuesday, 4 November
Opening of Knots at the Heritage House. A reception will be held Monday evening, 6 pm for the National Gallery's Opening of Knots. This series will feature traditional Cayman Brac crochet and will run for two weeks.

Tuesday, 14 October 7 pm
Al-Anon Meeting for family and friends of alcoholics whose drinking problems have affected their lives. Call 948-1780 for meeting location.

Saturday, 18 October
International Credit Union Day at Aston Rutty Centre. Call Wanda at 949-222 for further details.

Monday, 20 October

Spelling Bee Semi-Finals at Cayman Brac High School.
Rotary Club Meeting, 7-8 pm at Divi Tiara Beach Conference Room
Leo's Club Meeting, 7 pm at CBHS Hall

Tuesday, 21 October
Lions Club Meeting 7.30 pm Brac Reef Beach Resort Conference Room

Thursday, 30 October
Cayman Brac High School's PTA Meeting at 7 pm.

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Little Cayman's Debbie Truchan: Artist and so much more

Debbie Truchan displays her local eco-art.

At the Hungry Iguana Restaurant, Debbie Truchan has her hands full cooking, doing dishes or the books, but her heart is in arts and crafts.
When she's not running events for all of Little Cayman through the National Trust, she's teaching arts and crafts to school children. Her teaching skills are not only plied in Little Cayman, but Cayman Brac and the schools in Grand Cayman as well.

Debbie came from British Columbia in Canada and has spent much time in Alberta. Her knowledge and rapport with children came from her years of working as a foster parent in Canada. She has fostered as many as 40 children and relishes her work with youngsters.

The school in Little Cayman has seven students who live full-time on the Island and Debbie is training them to look at the resources that surround them to make art.

"I like to think of my works as eco-art," she said. Her jewelry is comprised of seashells, seaglass and coral. Coconut oil and beeswax from the local beekeeper are the only elements in her lip balm recipe. The children are taught to use seagrass and bits from palm trees to make art objects.

After landing at the airport in Little Cayman five years ago, she knew she had found her new home. Since then, she has worked at the Hungry Iguana Restaurant in every capacity the restaurant could call for. "My focus is to get to know my customers and cater to their special needs and diets," she said.

"I attribute my ability to cater to people's special needs by my training in the B'hai faith. I've been trained in recreational, occupational and physical therapy," Debbie said.

Traditionally, the months of September to October are the slow months in Little Cayman. Most businesses, unless connected to the resorts, close down during that time. Debbie is visiting Grand Cayman during her time off. Rest and relaxation take a back burner to her passion to teach.

During her visit, she maintains a busy schedule assisting the world-class chef, Nathan Hyman in his Asian cookery course.

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A new look to Little Cayman's Pirates Week

Little Cayman will celebrate Pirates Week on 1 November with a different itinerary this year.
With new management teams at two of the Island's resorts, the Island will focus more towards family/children's events and also host to a dominoes championship.

The traditional parade will be replaced by the games, which will allow everyone to participate and have a good time.

Scheduled events will include an egg toss and balloon toss. A $100 note will be placed atop a greasy pole (greased with coconut oil) on which contestants will test their skills at such a climb.

The dominoes championship is scheduled for the afternoon. Each participant will be charged $10 to play.

Music is also scheduled, but a specific group has yet to be booked. It is hoped that one will be booked by next week's edition.

The celebration will be centered on the grounds of the Hungry Iguana. Anyone seeking more information can contact Debbie at the Hungry Iguana in Little Cayman after 17 October.
The phone number is 948-0007.

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A brand new Health Centre for Little Cayman's residents and visitors

According to the Health Services Authority (HSA) residents and visitors to Little Cayman now have improved medical facilities and better service, with the relocation of the Health Centre to a more spacious facility adjacent to the Little Cayman School.

The new Health Centre opened on Monday (13 October). It has a waiting area, a triage area, treatment room, a doctor's office and a dental office.

A spokesperson for the HSA said: "The move is part of on-going improvement plans by the Health Services Authority to ensure that the medical needs in Little Cayman are met by providing a safe, efficient and reliable health care service for residents and visitors to the Island."

The doctor's clinic will continue on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9 am and 1 pm.

In the event of emergencies outside regular operating hours, residents and/or visitors can contact the nurse by calling any of the follow-ing numbers 948-0114, 916-5395 or 948-2225.

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News From Our Region

HIV/AIDS epidemic rising in Barbados

Pledge: PM Owen Arthur

The HIV/AIDS caseload in Barbados is
estimated to grow by one each day.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Owen Arthur during the feature address at the second National Consultation on HIV/AIDS at Sherbourne Conference Centre recently.

The Barbados Nation quoted Mr Arthur as urging Barbadians to combat this grave statistic by changing their sexual behaviour and focusing on prevention.

"The millions of dollars that we now devote to care and treatment, especially behind the active anti-retroviral therapy programme, will be of no consequence unless there is a dramatic and drastic change in personal behaviour, especially among members of society who are most at risk," said the Prime Minister.

He said that though substantial progress had been made towards achieving the stated goal of 50 percent reduction of HIV/AIDS mortality by 2004, Barbados was far off its second target of achieving a 50 percent reduction in incidence of HIV/AIDS by 2006.

"Without reducing the extent and the quality of our national care and treatment programme, it is absolutely crucial that we now place an overwhelming emphasis on the national programme of prevention, concentrating on information, education and communication as our main tools," said Mr Arthur.

He indicated that over the next two years the focus of the national HIV/AIDS programme would be on behavioural change communication, particularly among the youth, women, sex workers and men who had sex with men.

And he stated there would be a more emphatic social marketing of condoms to address the problem of inconsistent condom usage.

The Prime Minister added the government was committed to the free provision of anti-retroviral therapy for all citizens living with HIV/AIDS.

He pledged his administration's procurement and distribution of these lifesaving drugs even after the World Bank loan now being used to finance the programme is exhausted in 2007.

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Nevis Island's Premier Vance Amory lauds teachers for role in national development

Praise: Premier Vance Amory.

Members of the teaching fraternity have come in for high praise from Premier, Mr Vance Amory, for their distinct role in nation building.

Addressing an awards ceremony held at the Old Manor Hotel for teachers of the Gingerland Primary School, the Premier said education was the key to any meaningful and successful change in the society, in the area of social change, economic development and growth, and in the development of individuals.

"Based on that premise," said Premier Amory, "I want to say that we could have no real meaningful education and training and development of our children and our people generally unless we have good institutions and we can have no good institutions unless we have good teachers to work within those institutions."

The awards ceremony, hosted by the Premier, was in celebration of the school's 25th anniversary.
"It is a great pleasure for me, and the Nevis Island Government generally, to share in this celebratory occasion, celebrating 25 years of the opening and commissioning of the Gingerland Primary School, as a new physical institution," commented Premier Amory.

He praised the school for the academic achievements and excellence it had obtained over the years, and said it was no mean feat and no mean achievement, adding that it was testimony to the hard work and dedication of the teachers.

He congratulated them for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the development of the people and the country.

"We as a government are always prepared to respond to the requests of our constituents and our social partners and I consider the teaching fraternity as a partner with government, even though you are employed by government," noted Premier Amory. "I think it is really just a formality because you are an entity and a professional body."

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Grenada's Prime Minister is awarded EC$100,000 in damages from libel suit

Victory: PM Keith Mitchell

Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, has been awarded damages of EC$100,000 from a libel suit, CMC news indicates.

The case was brought by the Prime Minister against Steve Fasihi, an Iranian national who was deported from Grenada a few months ago, George Worme, the editor of the Grenada Today newspaper and its publishers the Express newspaper in Trinidad, after the newspaper published a letter by Fasihi in which he made certain allegations about the Prime Minister and the New National Party government. The letter was published by Grenada Today, in March 2001.

In a judgment delivered by Master of the Supreme Court of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Mr Bryan Cuttle, Prime Minister Mitchell was awarded EC$100,000 in general damages in relation to the false statements contained in the letter.

This is the second time that the Prime Minister has won a case brought against the newspaper.
He told CMC recently that it was not about terrorising the press, but all about sending a message to the media that they ought to be responsible in executing their duties.

Meantime, CMC understands that a case brought against the Grenada Broadcasting Network by the Keith Mitchell administration about two years ago, which was also won by Dr Mitchell and the other plaintiffs, is nearing settlement.

The case was brought against GBN outspoken programme host Mr Edward Frederick and another journalist, Mr Stanley Charles.

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Castro's son stresses Cuba's progress in computer technology

The son of Cuban President Fidel Castro emphasised at the 32nd UNESCO General Conference, that after three years of the country's computerisation strategy, 76 percent of Cuba's telephone landlines had been digitised, according to the Notimex news agency.

Mr Fidel Castro Diaz Balart highlighted Cuba's progress in the field of computers during the past three years and the importance of communication technologies in the fight against illiteracy.

Mr Castro Diaz Balart, a nuclear energy expert, took part, as Cuba's delegate, to the 32nd UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Conference.

In his speech he pointed out that the island had 250,000 computers, 60 percent of which were connected to the Internet.

The Cuban delegate also said there were 360,000 e-mail users in the country, of whom 100,000 had international access, in addition to 60,000 Internet users.

Furthermore, Mr Castro Diaz Balart stressed that there were six Internet service providers in Cuba and 400 sites posted on the World Wide Web, 200 of them with a mirror site.

"Computer use is present in all levels of education," the Cuban leader's son stressed, while highlighting that "Cuba has set the goal of starting to move on the computerisation path."

He said: "The economic and social development project undertaken by the Cuban people puts it at an advantage in facing the challenge of computerisation and beginning the journey of becoming a knowledge-based society, despite being subject to great pressure and external threats for more than 40 years."

He denounced the fact that, at present, the private sector carried out two-thirds of the new research conducted around the world, which, in turn, created obstacles to the protection of intellectual rights.

In this respect, he said, "The Knowledge Society must seek effective strategies to prevent the loss of access to more advanced technological and scientific knowledge."

Among other proposals, Castro Diaz-Balart asked the more developed countries to grant complementary access via Internet to scientific and technical magazines, and to establish measures to stop the brain drain from the less-developed countries.

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Jamaica 'highly corrupt,' report finds

A 2003 Transparency International report, which surveyed 133 countries recently, found that Jamaica had slipped below last year's ranking of 4.0, and was moving closer to being highly corrupt.

AP quoted Ms Beth Aub, a member of Jamaicals chapter of Transparency International, an organisation seeking to curb corruption, as saying the new findings may hamper the country's efforts to attract investment.

"What it means is that we are more corrupt than perceived last year, therefore it is less likely that people are going to want to invest here," she said.

Ms Aub noted that Jamaica's lower ranking results from 31 additional countries joining the list this year. Some of the new entrants such as Cuba, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Botswana, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bolivia, ranked above Jamaica.

Other regional countries ranking above Jamaica included Trinidad and Tobago which ranked 4.6, Belize, 4.5 and Costa Rica 4.3.

Caribbean and Latin American countries seen as worse than Jamaica included the Dominican Republic 3.3 and Haiti 1.5.

Jamaica reportedly slipped to 3.8 on a scoring scale, which relates to perceptions of the degree of corruption as seen by resident and non-resident business people, academics and risk analysts.
The scale ranges from 10 (highly clean) to 0 (highly corrupt) and also reflects perceived levels of corruption among politicians and public servants.

Officials from the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Corruption Prevention Commission declined to comment on the report.

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Community Calendar

Community Calendar

Saturday, 18 October
A Native Landscaping Book Fair and Plant Sale at Hobbies and Books, Books by the Bay, Grand Harbour, from 10 am until 2 pm. Includes genuine Caymanian native plants for sale as well as a free native plant seed exchange. Sign up to receive free native plant posters by e-mail. For more information contact Cayman Wildlife Connection at info@caymanwildlife.ky or phone 917-8395.

Saturday, 18 October

An Anniversary Dinner at First Baptist School Hall, in celebration of the World Christian Fellowship's fourth anniversary. Dinner begins at 7 pm. Tickets cost $25.

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 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday 25 October from 9 am to 3:30 pm.

Friday, 25 October

The All Nations United Pentecostal Church's mass choir will be holding a live album recording in its sanctuary at 7:30 pm. The cost for tickets is $8 to help pay for the recording. For details call 949-9533 or 949-9379

Sunday, 26 October

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) will hold a Basic Food Hygiene Course. For more information call the DEH 949-6696.

Throughout October

Updated Events Calendar is available from Government Information Services (GIS). The 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 pm to 2 pm. The Clinic will be held at the Women's Health Centre, in the Cayman Islands Hospital. The service is free and no appointment is 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 pm 8 pm and is free of charge. The children learn Bible lessons, create crafts and play games. For more information, please call 949-9393.

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.

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Sports

Fun Run Series goes right down to the wire

A group of participants of the Brenda Lund-Tibbetts Memorial 5K Run/Walk after the race.

Several hundred walkers and runners gathered at Public Beach in the early daylight hours last Saturday to participate in the Brenda Lund Memorial 5k Run/Walk.

Organised by the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens, the annual event attracted a large crowd of people who came out to join in the fight against breast cancer.

Individuals of all ages and abilities were on hand on this bright and sunny day to enjoy the interaction. Included among the many award winners were adult walker Dalvin Ebanks and youngster Kristen Dixon.

Youthful runners of distinction were Wendy Torres and Marlon Crowe.
Adult lady runners achieving trophy-winning results were Emily Davies (first place), and Anne Scaife (second place). Their efforts were matched by male standouts Steve Jacoby (first place) and Graham Monk (second place).

A number of random prizes were awarded to the participants, with young Ricardo Myrie winning the grand prize trip to Jamaica.

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Sharks win eight-ball tournament

Minor Perez of Los Ticos won the trophy for scoring the most points in the recent eight-ball pool tournament.

The Sharks devoured all the rest of the competition, winning the championship of the recent eight-ball pool summer league at the Corner Pocket

For their efforts, the Sharks team members won trophies and a cash prize.

Coming second place in the league was Los Ticos, whose team member Minor Perez also won the award for being the highest scorer in the league.

Currently, there is a Tuesday night pool tournament running which started on 30 September. Knockout finals with follow the seven-week regular season.

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Sports Calendar Events

Thursday, 16 October
Phoenix Athletic Club will be holding their Annual General Meeting at King's Sports Centre
at 7:30 pm sharp. Call 945 3970 for more information.

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, 18 October
The Cayman Islands Triathlon Association will be hosting the CayKids Milo Stroke and Stride. Starting time is 4 pm. Call 946-6000 for more details.

Sunday, 19 October
The Phoenix Athletic Club presents United Nations Day 2-mile run/walk at 5 pm national costumes or symbols are encouraged. Call 945-3970 for more information.

Monday, 20 October
Hash House Harriers run, Cayman National Bank, Elgin Ave at 5:30 pm.

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 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm. For more information, email relaxo@candw.ky or mcfark@candw.ky.

Monday, 27 October
Hash House Harriers run at Silver Thatch Dr, off Legacy Dr, Tropical Gardens at 5:30 pm

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

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