Issue No.510 Wednesday, 15 October 2003

The Cayman Islands Cabinet was scheduled to approve another large batch of Caymanian Status grants by special dispensation in their meeting on Tuesday, according a senior Government official.

Though efforts to confirm the exact number of expected grants of Status were unsuccessful, estimates vary from another 200 to 2,000 persons

These grants come in addition to the 200-person 2003 Status quota on which the Immigration Board is now deliberating, plus the approximately 110 persons who will receive Caymanian citizenship from the Immigration Board through the naturalisation requirement.

Reports indicate that the Cabinet met to discuss the new special dispensation grants over the past weekend, and that Members of the Legislative Assembly were to be asked to supply a list of citizenship candidates.

However, as of press time late Monday night, George Town MLA Mr Alden McLaughlin said that neither he nor any other MLA's of the Opposition Party had been asked to provide a list of Status candidates.
Prior to the special dispensation of more than 1,900 grants of Status last month, the Opposition Party MLAs had been asked to provide a list of people for such grants, which all declined to do for a number of reasons.

The special dispensation Status grants by the Governor in Cabinet have come under sharp criticism from the Opposition Party, as well as many private citizens.

Last week, the Caymanian Bar Association (CBA) also voiced several concerns over the previous 1,900 Status grants by the Cabinet and called for full disclosure concerning those grants. While reserving judgement on the legality of the grants, the CBA did say that the grants might be "subject to challenge if they were made in circumstances in which the Cabinet exercised its powers unfairly, for an improper purpose."

Members of the Opposition have accused the Government of trying to influence the outcome of the 2004 General Elections by adding new citizens who would vote for United Democratic Party (UDP) candidates because of gratitude for getting Caymanian Status.

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Primary School Football Begins

The Primary School Footballer League got underway last weekend with a full slate of games. Pictured here is St Ignatius' Fabio Gall (with ball in hand) with his team-mates after his four-goal spree helped defeat North Side 5-1.

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Armed Robbers Fail in Bid to Hold-up Bank

An attempted armed robbery of FirstCaribbean Bank in the Industrial Park was thwarted on Tuesday afternoon when the would-be raiders arrived five minutes after the bank had closed, according to informed sources.

Up to three masked men, one armed with a handgun, reportedly approached the bank only to find the doors locked. A security guard alerted police as the bandits fled in a car that was later found ablaze in the bank's vicinity.

The description of the getaway car matched that of one reported stolen along West Bay Road.

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News

FirstCaribbean International Bank

Mr Junior Fisher was presented with his cheque on Monday, 13 October by Ms Tracey McField, Mortgage Specialist at FirstCaribbean's Main Street Branch and Ms Lynne Whittaker, Manager, Personal and Private Banking from Edward Street Branch.

Mr Junior Fisher was the lucky winner of the monthly prize draw for September in FirstCaribbean's ongoing Win-Win Loan Campaign.

A sales representative with Heston Limited, Mr Fisher, from Savannah, recently became a mortgage customer at the Main Street Branch of FirstCaribbean, which entered him into the prize draw to win a monthly cash prize of US$1,000

Launched in July this year, the Win-Win Campaign is the biggest combined mortgage and consumer loan campaign seen in the region, according to the bank. The campaign allows existing and potential customers to get financing for a variety of purchases including a new home, vehicles or land. Additionally, customers who qualify for mortgages and/or loans under the campaign are pre-approved for a FirstCaribbean credit card.

A grand prize of a Nissan 4X4, X-Trail is being offered for consumer loans and a regional grand prize of 50 percent of the capital borrowed, up to US$75,000 for mortgages will also be awarded. The campaign will run until 31 December and will culminate with a regional grand prize draw in January 2004.

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Digicel gets license promising competition

Digicel Cayman Ltd, last month named by the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) as one of the new telecommunications companies that would be licensed to operate in the Cayman Islands, formally received its license from the Authority this past Friday, 17 October.

The license authorises the company to proceed in setting up operations and roll out services to the people of the Cayman Islands.

Digicel has been granted a full service license, which means that the company can provide mobile, fixed wireless and Internet services.

Acting Chief Executive Officer for Digicel Cayman Ltd., Ms Lisa Lewis said the company would roll out its mobile service first, and then follow with fixed wireless and Internet. The company will roll out a GSM/GPRS network.

Digicel recently upgraded its network in Jamaica and introduced GPRS services, providing consumers there with the latest mobile products and services including wireless Internet access directly from the mobile handset and picture messaging.

"Our preparations are in high gear, and we are on target to launch in the Cayman Islands during the first quarter of 2004," said Ms Lewis. "We have already begun recruiting staff, setting up offices and have submitted plans to the Central Planning Authority for building our towers."

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SDA volunteers honoured for their efforts

From left (first row): Mrs Carol Best-Gould (accepting the award on behalf of Everett Gould); Pastor Jeffrey K. Thompson, Mrs Princess Lawes, and Mr Greg James. Back row (from left) Mr Kirby Powel, Mr Alvin Watkins, Mr Leroy Grant, Mr Locksley Gould, Mr Wayne Allen and Mr Roger Johnson.

The Cayman Islands Mission of Seventh-day Adventists honoured several lay members recently at the George Town Seventh-day Adventist Church for their tremendous work over the past decade.

The honorees have assisted with the mission's public address system coupled with videotaping all evangelistic campaigns and church events voluntarily. Additionally, they have assisted with producing programs for radio and TV. The special awards were presented by Mrs Princess Lawes, Communication Director, and West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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All Nations Mass Choir to make first live recording

A gospel album is to be recorded live on Saturday (25 October) at the All Nations United Pentecostal Church in George Town, Grand Cayman. This is the first time such a recording has taken place in the Cayman Islands.

The 70-voice choir will make local history with its debut album Take It By Force before what is expected to be a capacity audience of more than 1,000 people, including the HE The Governor Mr Bruce Dinwiddy and other Government officials.

The All Nations Mass Choir is one of the foremost church choirs in the Cayman Islands and is often invited to minister at public and national gospel events to resounding applause and encores, a testimony to the choir's outstanding renditions.

The history and achievements of the Mass Choir is an exceptional one. Originally formed in 1988 with 20 members and only ministering on Sundays in the local congregation, the choir has grown and expanded its ministry during the past five years into a dynamic, powerful and rapidly expanding music ministry well beyond its local congregation.

"They have simply grown leaps and bounds," said Pastor Dolbert Clarke. "It is clear that God has directed our purpose to this point and we intend to use this area of ministry to impact nations around the globe.

"This live recording is just the beginning of greater things to come from the All Nations Mass Choir and we anticipate even more recordings in the near future and an internationally ministry."

Choir Director, Mr Christopher Broughton is ecstatic about the growth and tremendous potential which the choir has shown in such a short time since its inception. "Very few choirs anywhere in the world have been able to make the strides which we have undertaken in such a short time to being able to do produce a gospel album," said Mr Broughton. "This speaks highly of the talents and gifts in our ministry."

"We see this more than just an album recording. It will be an evening of highly charged musical praise to the Lord and we anticipate touching hearts and changing lives."

The initial album is expected to be released later this year with seven original and two adapted songs.

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Cayman Business Outlook, first for New Year

(Left to right) Mr Dale Edwards, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Fidelity Insurance Cayman Ltd; Mr Leonard N. Ebanks, Vice Chairman, Fidelity Bank Cayman Ltd; Mr Tom Gammage, Vice President, Fidelity Insurance Cayman Ltd; Mr Brett Hill, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of British American Bank Cayman Ltd.

The first business conference of the New Year, Cayman Business Outlook 2004, is scheduled for 14 January 2004.

Its objective is to help attendees form a view on the business challenges and opportunities in 2004, and to gain a new perspective on the prevailing business climate in which they operate.

Both local and international guest speakers will offer informed opinions on a range of topics selected to enhance business understanding in an atmosphere still considered one of heightened global uncertainty.

Cayman Business Outlook will be an annual event recognised as the New Year's premier conference that usefully foreshadows world and local trends and events that affect Cayman's business climate.
Presented and organised by Fidelity, in conjunction with other leading business partners, it promises to be an exciting and creative conference for business people across the board.

Mr Leonard Ebanks, Fidelity's executive vice chairman, said that this kind of conference at the beginning of a New Year was popular in many countries. "After the seasonal break, it's a good way to start off the new business year and catch-up with colleagues and associates," he commented. "Listening to knowledgeable speakers with definite views and opinions is extremely worthwhile and particularly helpful at the start of the New Year."

Mr Ebanks added that to underline the increasing importance of networking and keeping up contacts, a social element had been added with the inclusion of breakfast, lunch and an evening cocktail party.
For more information about Cayman Business Outlook 2004, call Ms Gwenda McLean at Fidelity on 949-7822 Ext 311 or email gwenda.mclean@fidelitycayman.com.

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Rotary Club finances new school library

Sunrise Rotary Club has helped to finance the building of a new library at the East End Primary School.
Following a successful raffle for a Mini Cooper car earlier in the year which raised more than $30,000, the Sunrise Rotary Club has financed the stripping and renovation of several rooms in the school, ready for the book shelves to be put in.

Mr David Hoptroff, a Rotarian and a civil engineer, has been directing the construction work on the site.
Sunrise Rotary Club Director Ms Hazel Brown said that the Rotary Club had decided to focus on the East End Primary school in an effort to spread its wings more widely than George Town, the area in which the Club has traditionally concentrated its activities.

"We hope that the project will be completed before Christmas," Mr Geoff Mathews, a spokesperson for the Rotary Club, said.

At Christmas time, Sunrise Rotary is planning to appeal for help in buying books from a list that the school will supply

"This is an ideal community project," said Sunrise Rotary President Mr Gordon Hewitt, adding, "and we are delighted to be involved."

Sunrise Rotary Club is a group of 62 professionals who meet every Wednesday morning at the Grand Old House, where they plan projects which help the community.

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Cayman scenes to be seen in Europe

Caymanian Carnival, buzzing with the atmosphere of Batabano.

Cayman residents, Dan and Angelika Martiuk, on holiday in the Ukraine recently, were pleasantly surprised to see familiar underwater panoramas and sealife displayed on a banner hung across a Kiev boulevard.

The images of Caymanian seascapes and culture were taken from a series of award-winning oil paintings called Underwater Scenes and Caymanian Blues.

City Of The Turtles, the painting that won the Third International Festival of Underwater Images.

The internationally known Ukrainian artist, Mrs Nonna Kanarovska-Basanets last visited Cayman in January 2002. Many will remember her as the icon painter who delighted people at the Governor's Art Show or as the artist who ran classes entitled Academic Painting In Use at the Visual Arts Centre. Her works range from still-life, icons, portraits and city scenes to underwater seascapes.

Cayman Breeze, showing life above and below the surface.

Recently, she has concentrated her passion exclusively on Caymanian themes, producing the bright Caribbean scenes that so contrast the snowy winters of Ukraine.

Having won the first place in the Third International Festival of Underwater Images held in Kiev, Ukraine, Mrs Kanarovska-Basanets has been invited to exhibit at the Paris Internation Art Festival. Her paintings will therefore showcase the Cayman Islands and their culture in a major European city of art.

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Editorial

Precipitating a Crisis?

Reports from informed sources, including a high-ranking Government official, that the Cayman Islands Cabinet was to make additional Caymanian Status grants by special dispensation on Tuesday, can be considered nothing but shocking under the circumstances.

This lastest batch of Status grants by the Cabinet comes at a time when the uproar over last month's1,900-plus grants of Caymanian Status through non-traditional means has barely died down.
If it was just the Opposition Party that was causing the hubbub, it would be easy to think it was just politics as usual, but these Status grants have also upset private citizens and organizations that tended to agree support the current Government of the day.

Even the Caymanian Bar Association, a group of some of the most knowledgeable and well-trained professionals in the country, has taken a stance against the grants, particularly because of the Government' non-disclosure of the details.

The fact that the Cabinet makes this new batch of grants before disclosing the pertinent information behind the last batch despite its promises to do so, serves as a grim portent of the tempest that is sure to be exacerbated.

The Government has asserted that it is making these Status grants as a way of resolving the security of tenure issue for the thousands of non-Caymanian residents living here for ten years or more, but even people who have been here less than three years have been beneficiaries of the Cabinet's generosity in granting citizenship.

The Cabinet's blatant disregard for the standard procedures for conferring Status has the potential for disrupting the relations between Caymanians and expatriates because of the resentment being created by the wholesale influx of new citizens, and the possible social and economic consequences of the fiat.
Even some of the expatriates who are beneficiaries of this special grant of Status are uneasy about what has happened. Some do not even talk about it, as if they are ashamed to admit they were one of the ones who cheated the process. One long-time resident even bemoaned the fact that he had not gotten Status "the right way."

While opposing factions can debate the merits of the Status grants, there is no arguing the fact that the Cabinet's actions have seriously undermined the 11-member Immigration Board.

By granting a superior form of Status, because it cannot be revoked, and by granting it in numbers nearly 100 times the accumulative total granted since 1971 when the Caymanian Protection Law came into effect, the Cabinet has made patsies of the Immigration Board, who are now looked at as the "last chance" Status granters instead of the primary source of the conferring of citizenship.

One only had to see the near mob scene outside the police station last month, as hopeful status candidates queued from before seven in the morning for the paperwork that could bring to the rich payoff on the other side of the rainbow, to see how the austere decorum of Caymanian Status had degenerated.

Then there was a historic calling of an emergency Cabinet meeting by His Excellency the Governor in order to quell the reaction of the general public and reinstate a semblance of order.

It is with this backdrop that the Cabinet has now taken this latest action to add to the controversy, and we are now left to wonder if they are perhaps trying to precipitate a national crisis as the means toward some expedient end, or if they really just do not consider the view of the public when making decisions such as this, which robs many of their hard-earned and inherent privilege.

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Letter to the Editor

I so enjoy your unbiased and complete coverage

Dear Sir

I am extremely encouraged, and reinvigorated, by the statement issued of the Caymanian Bar Association (CBA) which was published in the newspaper on Friday, 17 October.

The CBA statement (see facing page) asked some pertinent questions concerning the recent grant of Caymanian Status by the Cabinet, and also repeated a call for full disclosure of all of the facts so that a proper assessment can be made on the validity and impact of this unprecedented action.

I also commend the seven outstanding Caymanians who signed the letter to the Editor, which has appeared in both daily newspapers on this same matter.

Personally, I feel that the actions of the UDP Cabinet with respect to the questionable and controversial process that was adopted to issue these "special dispensations" of Caymanian Status, have (despite the vast sums spent this year on all sorts of celebrations) reduced our Quincentennial year to one that shall live in infamy for the indigenous Caymanians, as well as for future generations.

However, with the involvement of people such as the President of the CBA, the signatories of the aforementioned letter, and other concerned citizens, I believe that this episode can be the defining hour of our beloved country, and with the emergence of suitable leadership it could be, when the dust settles, our finest hour.

In this connection, I wish to comment on one alternative going forward, in regard to security of tenure for expatriates who may choose to apply from time to time, and in particular whether that security of tenure should be Status (citizenship) or Permanent Residency with the Right to Work.

Section 23 (1) of the [proposed] Immigration Bill, 2003, clearly outlines the criteria upon which the Immigration Board would consider when processing an application for the right to be granted Caymanian Status. The proposed sub-section has a number of excellent specifications, such as:

a) It is in the public interest.
b) The number of eligible dependents.
c) Financial resources of the applicant.
d) The character and public record of the applicant.
e) Physical and mental health of the applicant.
f) The impact on Caymanians in the workplace.
g) The geographic, cultural and social balance of the population.
h) The protection of the economic interests of Caymanians.

Section 22 (11) of the existing Immigration Law (2003 Revision) also includes some basic criteria of a similar nature.

Within that context therefore, it begs the question, was this type of comprehensive criteria and assessment adopted by the Cabinet in its recent grants of almost 2000 Caymanian Status's?
Also, what criteria were given to the alleged "agents" or "brokers" who apparently were out in the community collecting names for the infamous list of Status seekers?

It is because of these circumstances and because of questions such as those that I have asked, that it is imperative that the Government should gazette the full list of the names and details of all recent Status recipients, including full disclosure of facts such as the number of years in Cayman, number of dependents, and place of employment.

The Leader of the UDP and of Government Business promised to make this information available to the Legislative Assembly from mid-August, yet two months have elapsed, and other than the tabling of the new Immigration Bill with much rhetoric and castigation, the statement of full disclosure, and the hoped for gazettal have not yet seen the light of day. Why?

The potential for public demonstrations and marches notwithstanding, the Government seems to be in a dilemma now because of this ill-advised grant of Status's to thousands of persons under a process which seems to be ad-hoc.

The dilemma, or Catch-22, is how to appease the indigenous Caymanians by not granting additional "wholesale" Status's, while on the other hand how to appease those long-term residents who feel that, by the precedent of the Cabinet's actions, they also are entitled to Status.

It seems that a way of resolving this crisis may be to have full disclosure and a public inquiry into the recent grants, and the granting of Permanent Residence with a Right to Work to eligible individuals instead of the grants of Status. This is consistent with Vision 2008 (National Strategic Plan) Strategy 16 [page 111 to 116], as well as with the recommendations of the Immigration Review Team. The draft Immigration Bill seems to recognize this, and provides for a framework to allow orderly phasing-in and transition of suitable persons from work permits to Permanent Residence, and perhaps eventually to full Status.

As a precursor to this security of tenure, and to augment any sensible and comprehensive immigration reform, a roll-over policy for all categories of work permit holders should be instituted.

I have advocated this orderly process in letters to the editors in local publications from the time when I was overseas at university in the early eighties. Due to the myopic governance over the years, including by several of the long-term incumbent Ministers, this matter has not been tackled. The new generation of leadership must not allow this mess (of thousands of long-term residents qualifying to apply for Status) to occur again. Whatever the political fall-out, or the scare tactics by special interests groups and lobbyists, it is crucial that a fair roll-over policy be finally brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

However, for the current political directorate to suddenly flood the country with thousands of new "Caymanians" at the same time, while simultaneously "cluttering up the infrastructure" [to use the infamous quote from the LGB], amounts to nothing less than "short term gain for long term pain." Regardless of the political agenda of our politicians, who seek re-election every four years, one of the benchmarks or "litmus tests" that I will always use is "who are we developing for?" In other words, if Caymanians in the workplace or in business are not enabled to benefit from economic activity, why are we playing the numbers game?

As usual, I submit these thoughts and alternatives in the public interest. These are my personal observations, and I wish to assure the public that I will continue to vigorously analyse and publicly agitate or advocate for public policy that is beneficial to these beautiful Islands which my family and I have been allowed to call home (with no where else to flee to) for 35 years. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, decent well-meaning people must not fear, we must not waiver, we must not tire, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us, victory and justice will be ours. To all those to share this vision, I say keep hope alive keep hope alive!

Mario E. Ebanks

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No other politician would have stood up against the OECD

Dear Sir,

I refer to an article in another Cayman newspaper dated the 20 October 2003, entitled The Leader of Government Business won't Buckle.
After reading this article, I have come to the conclusion without any hesitation that there is no other politician, or would-be politicians in the Cayman Islands, that would stand up against the OECD and other organisations as the Honorable Mc Keeva Bush has done, and I cannot congratulate him enough for the stand that he has taken.
The people of these islands are more than lucky to have a representative that will take the stand that he has taken, and all of us should not be afraid to publicly commend him for the sterling job that he is attempting to do with reference to the OECD initiatives.
Again I commend him and his Government and if I could vote in West Bay he would certainly have my vote.

Norberg K Thompson OBE.

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Local Analysis

Caymanian Bar Association expresses concerns over large number of Status grants

The Caymanian Bar Association (CBA) has expressed its concerns that the controversy over large number of recent grants of Caymanian Staus is damaging the Islands' reputation for good governance and stability.

It also asked the Leader of Government Business the Hon McKeever Bush for full disclosure, including the reasons for such grants, so it (the CBA) could consider the matter on the basis of facts and reasons.

However, while it is waiting for a response it has issued a statement "sharing its concerns" with members of the public.

It says:
Legality of the grants: Cabinet's power to grant Status is limited to the extent that it must find "special reasons" for granting Status to an individual. Historically, Cabinet (in the form of Executive Council) has limited such grants to relatively small numbers. The grant of Status to some 1,900 individuals in such a short period of time suggests that it might not have been possible for proper and appropriate consideration to have been given to each candidate. It is feasible therefore that certain of the grants may be subject to challenge. A grant may also be subject to challenge if it were made in circumstances in which Cabinet exercised its powers unfairly or for an improper purpose. In the absence of full disclosure by the Cabinet, the CBA must reserve its position on the legality of the grants.

Alternative Measures: Over the past several years, hundreds of deserving and qualified long-term residents have received Status conferred by the Immigration Board under the existing Immigration Law based on a system of fair and objective rules. If Cabinet had formed the view that a significant number of long-term residents were deserving of security of tenure in the form of Status, it would have been open to Cabinet to follow existing procedures and delegate the task the Immigration Board. This would have allowed all long-term residents the opportunity to apply and to be considered on an equal footing.

Furthermore, the draft Immigration Bill includes transitional provisions that will enable long-term residents to obtain security of tenure by applying for permanent residence with the right to work. An individual who has held permanent residence for one year may apply for naturalisation and five years after being naturalised may apply for Status.

Given the large number of long-term residents and the failure of previous Governments to resolve the issue in any comprehensive manner, the CBA can well understand Cabinet's desire to resolve the issue of security of tenure for such individuals. However, the CBA is greatly concerned by Cabinet's departure from long established procedures and the implications thereof.

Cabinet grants irrevocable: A grant of Status by Cabinet cannot be revoked, whereas a grant of Status conferred by the Immigration Board may be revoked in appropriate circumstances, for example if a grantee is convicted of a serious criminal offence such as rape or murder. The CBA is concerned that the 1,900 individuals who have now been granted Status by Cabinet are actually in a more secure position than those long-term residents who have been granted Status by the Immigration Board.

Conclusion: In light of these concerns, the CBA calls upon Cabinet to make a complete disclosure of the recent grants, including the criteria that the Cabinet used to determine the persons to whom Status would be granted and, for each of the persons to whom Status has been granted, the name of the individual and the period of residence. Pending the enactment of the new Immigration Bill, which will provide the means to give long term residents the security of tenure they deserve, the CBA requests that Cabinet make no further grants of Status using its powers in this regard.

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News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Cayman 'inconvenient' for disabled passengers
NEW YORK, USA The New York Times reports that disabled cruise ship passengers find land-based excursions in the Cayman Islands to be inconvenient because neither the cruise line nor local private drivers have a van with a power lift.

Cayman figures in another high profile divorce
OTTAWA, Canada According to the Ottawa Citizen, colourful Canadian entrepreneur Robert Campeau is suing his wife, Ilse, for divorce and spousal support. Mr Campeau deposes that the couple have residences in Florida, Austria and the Cayman Islands.

US tax cut for Cayman profits
WASHINGTON, USA Bloomberg News reports that the US Congress may cut taxes on US companies' overseas earnings banked in places such as the Cayman Islands by as much as 85 percent to encourage using the money to invest in jobs at home.

Hockey pool extends to Cayman
HALIFAX, Canada According to the Halifax Herald, the SuperCity Stupid Hockey League comprises 26 puck freaks whose pool started in Halifax and flooded west to Ontario and south to the Cayman Islands.

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Sister Islands Report

Threads: the Art of Brac Crochet

Carolina Brown's crochet creations were modeled by models from Cayman Brac High School and herself.

The National Art Gallery's Leslie Bigelman and the island's women who are skilled in crochet, put on a showstopper at the Heritage House in Cayman Brac on the evening of October 13.

Simone Scott, representative for the National Gallery revealed: "More than 50 of the sister island's women were represented in the works on display."

The show was packed with functional and decorative pieces of crochet. Live models from the High School posed in clothing and footwear by Carolina Brown. Virginia Foster impressed antique crochet pieces in clay and turn into three dimensional art pieces. Other pieces functioned as household items such as bedspreads, doilies and potholders.

Carolina Brown can copy from memory any design of crochet and duplicate it. Her talent is especially prized for the ability to replicate and repair antique pieces brought in for mending or restoration.

Virginia Foster's unique talents are a result of three generations of her family's fascination with the art of crochet. The skills passed down have now evolved in Virginia's newest form of expression. She has combined the delicate designs of crochet with her love of clay mediums in art.

Mrs Bigelman said the exhibit was a collection of contemporary work mixed with old traditional styles. She added: "Historically, Cayman Brac crochet was so proficient and such a highly-valued item that a law was passed in Jamaica declaring it a duty free item. Research in the schools needs to be journaled."

Heritage House is the venue of the exhibition daily from 11 am to 6 pm everyday except Sundays. Mrs Bigelman announced: "The show will remain open to the public until 8 November. Volunteers will be stationed to help guests wishing to make the tour and will answer questions or give referrals to the artists."

The displayed items were not for sale at the show. The crochet represents the handicrafts and skills of the Cayman Brac women whose resourcefulness was the thread that held together the families while the men plied their trades at sea.

At the opening of the show, Mrs Juliana Connor-O'Connelly commented: "Crochet represents the sustainability of the Cayman Brac spirit". She added: "The heritage house is the perfect setting to highlight such a display."

District Commissioner Kenny Ryan said: "These works of art need to be preserved and featured so that the skills can be passed down to the younger generations."

The evening event was well attended. Once the formal opening was concluded, the crowd mulled through the items on display or retired to the front porch for refreshments.

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Sister Islands Community Calendar

Thursday, 30 October
Cayman Brac High School PTA meeting at 7 pm.

Saturday, 1 November
West End Primary School's walkathon

Monday, 3 November
Creek and Spot Bay Primary School PTA at Creek Infant School, starting at 7 pm

Thursday, 6 November
Sister Island Tourism Association meeting at Little Cayman Beach Resort

Thursday Friday, 6-7 November
Mid-term break for all schools

Saturday, 8 November
Rotary Health Fair

Sunday, 9 November
Remembrance Day Service, Governor to unveil Wall of Distinction, District Monument and Quincentennial Park, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman Administration Lawn 10.30 am.

Monday, 10 November
Remembrance Day Public Holiday.
Seaman's and Veterans' Society's annual picnic.

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Concert whets classical music lovers' appetite

Classical music lovers were delighted with an enchanting performance at the Temple Beth Shalom. The night air of 11 October was filled with the sounds of Beethoven, Chopin and other famous composers.

Members of the National Orchestra travelled to Cayman Brac to play before a packed house. The capacity of the temple was filled with 51 classical music lovers and members of the orchestra.
Mr George Walton, the owner of Temple Beth Shalom said: "The atmosphere in Cayman Brac was ripe for a concert of this sort". And an audience member nearby added: "Many people were so captivated by the performance that talk has been of future events. Plans are in the process for a series of such concerts."

Another local resident attending the concert said: "The performance transported me to memories of past concerts I attended in New York or London. People were elegantly dressed and the acoustics and setting were perfect for such a concert. You could literally hear a pin drop in the audience."
Although the temple is small, it does boast of perfect acoustics and the architecture is grand for its scale.

Mrs Lynne Walton treated the guests to another pleasant surprise during intermission. A special tent with twinkle lights was set up under the stars to provide refreshments.

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A new look to Little Cayman's Pirates Week

The month-long Paver-thon, offering a free raffle ticket with every paver sold for the Brac's Quincentennial District Monument, was a huge success with more than 800 pavers now sold.
Winning raffle tickets were drawn on the night of 4 October at the grand opening of Sweet Kreations, a new ice-cream parlor in West End, at the top of White Bay Road.

The raffle winners were: Cayman Airways round-trip flight to Tampa (compliments of SITA): Ms Victoria Ewen; Cayman Airways round-trip flight to Miami (compliments of SITA): Mr Roger Bowen; two-night stay for two at Little Cayman Beach Resort: Ms Martha Scott; 2,500 gallons of trucked water (compliments of Cayman Brac Water Authority): Ms Marsha Tibbetts, Ms Melita Hill and Larice Bryan; round-trip for two to Grand Cayman (compliments of Island Air): Ms Janice Bradshaw; dinner for two at Brac Reef Beach Resort: Ms Bernice Martin; dinner for two at Divi Tiara Beach Resort: Ms Amy Hennings; and a gift certificate ($50) from Kirk Freeport: Mrs Kathleen O'Brien

The District Monument will be dedicated on 9 November at 4 p.m. in the new Quincentennial Park on the Bluff. Work is progressing on the site.

The Wall of Distinction, designed by Horacio Esteban and also located in the park, is currently under construction.

Other activities planned for the rest of the Quincentennial year by the Sister Islands District Committee include Heritage Day (rescheduled to 15 November on Kirkconnell Drive) and an Old-Time Christmas Bash (26 December at West End Community Park).

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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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Winning ticket drawn for Brac Paver-thon raffle

Work is progressing on the Wall of Distinction at Quincentennial Park.

There was mounting excitement during the paver-thon draw with some very attractive prizes

The District Monument will be dedicated on 9 November at 4 p.m. in the new Quincentennial Park on the Bluff. Work is progressing on the site.

The Wall of Distinction, designed by Horacio Esteban and also located in the park, is currently under construction.

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Int'l Credit Union Day celebrate in Brac

CICSA Credit Union's facility across from District Administration Offices

Junior Dilbert mans the office as the Brac Administrator for CICSA Credit Union.

International Credit Union Day was celebrated in Cayman Brac on Saturday. The afternoon festivities were held at the Ashton Rutty Centre where refreshments were served to the guests and the public.

Junior Dilbert is the Brac Administrator for the local Credit Union and proudly stated," "We've grown from 70 to 500 members in just the two years we've been open. That's quite an accomplishment for such a small community as our little island."

Junior's vast experience and knowledge in the financial field comes from the years he served as customer service manager for Barclay's Bank.

Originally, Ms Marlene Bodden serviced the Brac from the main office in Grand Cayman and represented the credit union in Cayman Brac on a part-time basis.

Mr Oswell Rankine is the president and Mr Rupert McCoy is the first vice president. Their efforts along with manager Ms Marisa Hydes established the local office in Cayman Brac. The current location opened its doors for operation 23 October 2001.

CICSA Credit Union's Brac Branch is located on Kirkconnell Street in Stake Bay. The new facility is just across the street from the District Administration Building.

Membership entitles an individual access to a variety of loans or overdrafts for emergencies, as well as home and auto insurance premium payments. Along with educational expenses, such annual payments can be placed in an installment program.

Hours of operation are 9-11 am and 12:30-4 pm on weekdays. During those hours, queries can be made in person or by a telephone call to 948-0655.

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News From Our Region

Former Bermuda Premier may become deputy speaker of House

Ms Jennifer Smith

In a surprising move in Bermuda's political circles, former Premier, Ms Jennifer Smith, who was outsted by her own party, was last week selected as the ruling Progressive Labour Party's candidate for deputy speaker of the House of Assembly, according to the Royal Gazette.

But the decision must now be ratified by the entire House of Assembly when it resumes on 31 October.

Should Ms Smith be confirmed, she will become the first female Deputy Speaker of the House. PLP parliamentarians were generally reluctant to say anything on the record when approached about the news, which was leaked by an insider to the broadcast media.

But Former Deputy Speaker, Mr Walter Lister was frank when asked to confirm the reports, the Gazette said.

We had an election for Speaker. The Speaker was a candidate and I was a candidate and the Speaker was successful," he said. "There was another election from the floor for Ms Smith and myself as the Deputy Speaker and I declined."

He said the election was conducted cordially and there were no hard feelings towards Mr Stanley Lowe, the island's current Speaker.

"I've had it for over five years, it's been a very interesting post which I've enjoyed very much and I think it's time to move on," he was quoted as saying, when asked why he declined to contest the nomination.
He agreed that it was widely believed that Ms Smith was an excellent parliamentarian who would serve well in the post.

"I think that's a widely held opinion and I think that's a nice job for her. I think she will do well and I wish her well," said Mr Lister.

Ms Smith could not be contacted for comment, the paper said.

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Cuba appeals to Bahamas for help

Cuban President, Dr Fidel Castro

The Fidel Castro administration has appealed to the Bahamas government to intervene on its behalf and support its bid to have the United States rescind its 40-year embargo against the island.

Cuban Consul General to The Bahamas, Felix Wilson, told reporters that any further restrictions against the country would lead to irreparable damage to the economy, the Nassau Guardian reported.

The embargo had seriously affected all of Cuba's economic and social sectors, Mr Wilson said, with more than $685 million in foreign exchange lost in 2002.

Except for a short-lived agreement with the United States in 1984 over Cuban emigration and repatriation of "undesirables," US sanctions against Cuba have progressively tightened since wholesale nationalisations by the Marxist-Leninist regime of Fidel Castro, which assumed power after the military dictator Fulgencio Batista fled the country in 1959, said the paper.

"For all these reasons, Cuba expects that the international community overwhelmingly reaffirms, once more, its condemnation to this policy and renews its request to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo maintained by the United States government against Cuba," Mr Wilson added.

"Ever since we began introducing these resolutions The Bahamas has been along with almost all the rest of the world in opposing the embargo. And we expect the Bahamas this year again to support the countries that vote in favour of the resolution."

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Dominica support in Trinidad's Free Trade Area of the Americas bid questionable

Dominica is in favour of the US preference for a consensus approach to deciding whether Port-of-Spain, Atlanta or Panama City becomes the host the headquarters of the Free Trade Area of the Americas.

The Trinidad Guardian recently quoted Dominica's Trade and Tourism Minister, Mr Charles Savarin, as saying at the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, that while the island's government had yet to make a decision it was leaning towards the consensus plan.

"Decisions arrived at by consensus are also very useful as one can always feel part of the consensus; decisions arrived at by vote, sometimes persons who loose the vote feel a certain measure of resent-ment so all of these things can be worked out by discussions and negotiations," Mr Savarin told the Guardian.

But Prime Minister, Mr Patrick Manning said he was confident he would get the support of all 14 Caricom countries in his government's bid to have Trinidad become the new home of the FTAA secretariat. He repeated his stance at a recent post Cabinet briefing.

Antigua and St. Kitts were also being courted by the US so it is unclear whether they too will support the T&T bid.

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Criminal deportees wreaking havoc on region investigation finds

Criminal deportees sent back from the United States to their Caribbean and Latin American homelands are wreaking havoc on the small countries and leading to escalating crime rates.

A six-month investigation by the Associated Press found that the 500,000 criminal deportees were sent back to more than 160 countries around the world, especially in smaller, regional societies such as Guyana and Jamaica.

Some 80 percent of the deportees were being sent to seven Caribbean and Latin American countries, Jamaica, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, places where jobs are scarce and police resources are limited. Mexico has absorbed 340,000, according to the US Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The report found that in Jamaica, one out of every 106 males over the age of 15 was now a criminal deportee from the United States. About 10,000 live in the capital city of Kingston, and Jamaican police say they have allegedly been involved in hundreds of murders.

An analysis by the Jamaican Constabulary concluded that deportees, many of them gang members from the northeastern United States, were involved in 600 murders, 1,700 armed robberies and 150 shoot-outs with police.

The numbers, large enough to defy belief, would be huge if reduced by half. Jamaican police said they could not provide the AP with raw data to support the figures.

In Guyana more than 600 criminal deportees have been absorbed by a country of fewer than 700,000. Mr Ronald Gajraj, the country's Home Affairs Minister, told AP, before their arrival, drive-by shootings, car hijackings, kidnappings and bank robberies were relatively uncommon. Now such crimes were a constant part of Guyanese life.

Guyana's Foreign Minister, Mr Rudy Insanally, added that many Guyanese who immigrated to America with their children were well-educated, yet their children return as criminals.

"You are sending us the dregs of your society, and at the same time you are poaching our teachers and nurses," AP quoted him as saying.

Some countries, including Guyana, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, have asked that the deportations be stopped, or at least slowed, but have been rebuffed.

"It is a subject of national anger and regional concern, a major foreign policy issue," Mr Insanally said.

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St. Maarten politician to answer corruption accusations in court

The leader of St Maarten's Workers Liberation in Curacao, Mr Anthony Godett, has been summoned to appear in court on 3 November, to face accusations of fraud, embezzlement and money laundering.
AP quoted prosecutors in the Dutch colony as saying they had finished a preliminary investigation into the accusations, which prevented Mr Godett from being appointed Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles earlier this year.

He was arrested with three other officials in April on suspicion of committing fraud and falsifying documents but was released only a day before island council elections in Curacao in May, during which his party claimed a landslide victory.

Mr Godett is accused of facilitating fraud in the construction of a new parking lot at Curacao's Hato airport and also collecting money from builders in return for favors when he was commissioner in charge of development and public housing.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

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Inflation reaches double digits in Jamaica

The inflation level in Jamaica has reached a whopping 10.8 per cent for the first time in seven years.
Prices have increased in the 2003-2004 fiscal year, up from the 4.1 percent in the same period last year, AP quoted officials at the Statistical Institute of Jamaica as saying.

Earlier this year, the government predicted inflation would reach six or seven percent, but later nearly doubled that estimate due to a sharp devaluation of the local currency and an increase in transportation costs.

The rise marks the first time inflation has exceeded single digits in a single year since 1996, when prices rose 15.8 percent. Jamaica's economy grew a modest one percent in 2002, slowed by a drop in tourism after the 11 September attacks in the United States.

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CTO officials postpone cruise tax until 2004

The controversial cruise ship tax has been postponed until 2004 as member states of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation say they want more time.

The Associated Press quoted CTO Chairman, Mr Obie Wilchcombe, as saying many nations said they wanted more time to research the effects the levy might have on the region's tourism industry.
He added too that the tax could be lower or higher than the originally announced US$20 or EC$53.
The organisation's 32 members were expected to formally take a stance on the issue by the close of the 26th annual Caribbean Tourism Conference in St Thomas.

Cruise officials have criticised the measure saying it would inevitably drive away potential tourists, but CTO members who support the tax predict it will generate more than US$60 million (EC$159 million) in annual revenue.

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Digicel opens in Grenada

Newly-opened Digicel offices in Grenada were reportedly crammed with Grenadians anxious to take advantage of the Irish telecommunications giant cell phone service.

Digicel is the first company to enter the Grenadian market and break the monopoly held by the London-based Cable & Wireless telecommunications.

"I am going with Digicel at this time for the savings," AP quoted one Grenadian, Mr Terrence Bartholomew, a food vendor as saying.

Digicel's rates to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom during the day will be EC$1.30, or US$0.49 per minute. Cable & Wireless charges EC$1.65 or US$.60 cents.

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Community Calendar

Community Calendar

Wednesday, 22 October
The Department of Environmental Health will hold a Basic Food Hygiene Course. For more information call the DEH 949-6696.

Wednesday, 22 October
Police community meeting will be held at 7:30 pm at Savannah Primary School, Savannah.

The Cayman Islands Humane Society is holding a membership meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, next to the Garden Loggia, in Suite A at 7 pm. Members and the general public are invited to attend.

Thursday, 23 October
Sharing The Good News In My World, courses that will involve helping communicate the Gospel using a style with which people are comfortable. The cost is $100 for eight workshops and will be held from 6 7 pm at Cayman Prep School, Walkers Road. Call ITLD at 947-5519 for details.

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 3:30 pm.

Friday, 24 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.

Saturday, 25 October
Lions Annual Breakfast at the Lions Centre from 10 am 2 pm. The price for all-you-can-eat is $25. Tickets are available from all Lions and Downtowner Squash Club members. For more information contact Osbourne Bodden at 916-4439 or Ercly Bodden 916-0812.

Saturday, 25 October
The Cayman Islands National Museum will be closed to the public because of the Pirates Week Landing Observance event taking place, in part, at the museum. The museum will be open as usual from 9 am 5 pm from Monday, October 27.

Through October
The 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 2 pm. The Clinic will be held 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 aged 4 -12 years. 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.

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

Kiwanis Bike-a-Thon goes the long haul

Kiwanis members hold an event banner near the Blow Holes starting line of the Bike-a-Thon last Saturday.

The Blowholes area of East End was the scene of colourful activity early last Saturday morning as 108 participants gathered for the 23rd presentation of the Kiwanis Club Bike-a-Thon fundraising activity. The members of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman were out in force, registering cyclists of all shapes and sizes, with machines to match.

The 20-mile stretch from the eastern district to Smith's Cove took the measure of several starters, but seven-year-old Nicole Fleury, accompanied by dad Bill, was undaunted as she pedaled steadily along to be heartily acclaimed as the youngest finisher.

Kareem and Orrett Connor teamed up again on their tandem flyer. Following a group of the lycra-clad leaders as they sped along closely bunched through Savannah, one gained a slight insight into the concept of the Tour de France peloton.

Arie Barendrecht capably coordinated much of the activity, and his radio communications kept his support personnel informed and alert for any potential problems along the course. Arie's jeep actually navigated most of the course several times.

Water stops were ably manned by the several Key Clubs, with assistance from Kiwanians.
Relief from the heat was available on arrival at Smith's Cove, and several members of the group needed no urging to cool off in the sea.

Refreshments replenished energy lost over the long haul, and outstanding rewards in the form of art work and gift certificates were gathered in by a variety of lucky winners. Tracy Ann Hilton captured the grand prize air ticket from Cayman Airways.

As usual, the affair provided an opportunity for interaction and aerodynamic activity for a worthy cause.

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Gall makes things bitter for North Side in Primary School football opener

Fabio Gall of St. Ignatius Primary (Catholic) came out firing at the start of the 2003 inter-primary football competition and blasted four goals past North Side Primary at Walker's Road last Saturday.

Playing on his home field, Gall led a severe assault on North Side's goal as Catholic defeated their opponents 5-1 in the opening round of matches. The agility and skill of North Side's goalkeeper Codie McLaughlin prevented further problems for the North Side team.

North Side held their own in mid field play, but there was no doubt that Catholic had the better finishing power and it was not long before Gall put his team up 1-0 inside the first five minutes.

Shortly afterwards, the diminutive striker added a second goal to put the visitors under intense pressure.

North Side responded well and an excellent run from the speedy Malcolm Powery ended with a powerful shot which beat the keeper.

However, Catholic replied almost immediately as Gall completed his hat-trick. Another goal from Gall before half time put Catholic ahead 4-1 at the break.

The second half was greeted with heavy rain, interspersed with thunder and lighting, but both teams braved the adverse conditions as Catholic added another goal by Keenan Ebanks to secure a 5-1 triumph for Catholic.

In the 'B' division match that preceded the 'A' league fixture, Catholic won 5-0 from North Side.
At Smith Road, Cayman Prep and Truth for Youth played to a goalless draw in the 'A' league while Prep won 5-0 in the 'B'

Red Bay won their 'A' and 'B' league matches against East End 4-0 at East End Civic Center field. At the Academy playing field, Triple C defeated Bodden Town 'A' 4-2, but Bodden Town won the 'B' team fixture 2-1.

In the other 'B' league match, West Bay and JWG, combined team from John A. Cumber, Grace and Wesleyan, played to a 1-1 draw at West Bay.

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Cadet Corps Marathon open to both runners and walkers

Cadet Denecia Jairam (left) looks on as Sandy Flowers (centre) from Flowers Bottled Water presents the Official Water for the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Marathon to Laurie-Ann Holding of Kelly Holding Ltd, the Marathon organisers.

TWhile the Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Marathon to be held on 7 December is a running event, organizers stress that it is also open to walkers.

Walkers will be able to walk whatever portion of the 26-mile course they want and still have water available. "Because the course is a looped, the people walking will be assured of water every mile the entire time as the course will be manned for over six hours for marathoners," explained Marathon organizer Rhonda Kelly of Kelly Holding Ltd.

Besides the whole marathon, entrants can also participate in a half-marathon or in a four-person relay with each person covering six-and-half miles, starting in central George Town.

There will be great prizes for the actual winners, and everyone taking part will get a runner bag with T-shirt, mug, water bottle & other items, as well as chances to win dinners, lunches and other spot prizes.

Some of the interesting additions to the event this year include music along the route to liven the atmosphere, a pasta carb loading event the evening before, and a Health & Fitness Expo on Saturday, 6 December.

The Marathon got a big boost recently when Flowers Bottled Water committed to be the Official Water for the race. "We are thrilled to have Flowers as a part of this event the official water is a vital part of a marathon and Flowers is a perfect partner with their great reputation in the community," said Mrs. Kelly.

Mrs. Sandy Flowers of Flowers Bottled Water said her company was glad to help. "We are very pleased to be the official water for the Cayman Islands Marathon and to help the Cadet Corps we are certain we can help ensure that everyone participating in this event has a great experience," she said.

In addition to Flowers Bottled Water, major sponsors for the Marathon include Z99, Marriot Grand Cayman, Cayman Airways, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Cayman National and Texaco.
For information about the Marathon or the Health & Fitness Expo contact Kelly Holding Ltd., on 946-8822 or by e-mail at info@kellyholding.com. The website for the event is www.caymanislandsmarathon.com

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Sports Calendar Events

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 Lions Pool or Holiday Inn on 24 October, between 7 pm and 8:30 pm. For additional 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.

Saturday 8, November
Flowers Corporate Relay Run takes place. Further information about the event can be obtained from the president Mr Bernie Bush on 916-3169 or the coach Mr Kenrick Williams on 927-3046 or 943-1111.

Saturday, 15 November
Cayman Islands Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation is holding its general meeting at the World Gym Fitness Centre at 4 pm.

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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