Issue No. 506 Thursday, 9 October 2003

As reported by Cayman Net News, it has now been confirmed that the Cabinet made a "final dispensation" of 540 grants of Caymanian Status for special reasons on Tuesday, "to mark the Islands' Quincentennial Year."

According to a press release issued by Government Information Services (GIS) the Cabinet also intends to set a further quota for Caymanian Status awards to persons who have been working in the country for the past 20 years. and to direct the Immigration Board to make these grants unless there are reasons not to do so.

The new grants of Status bring the number of such special reason grants to approximately 2,500 in the past two months. In addition to the 200 status grants forthcoming from the Immigration Board under the 10-year residency requirement, and the 110 coming under the naturalisation requirement, a figure approaching 3,000 Status grants have been made this year.

Adding dependents at a conservative rate (the standard accepted rate is 1.5 dependents per status recipient) over 5,000 new citizens will join the country this year.

Somewhat confusing in the GIS press release is a third paragraph that says yet another "final quota" will be issued to the Immigration Board for the year 2004, with regard to those resident in the Islands for 10 years prior to the new Immigration Bill coming into effect. Informed sources have indicated that the Government wants that Bill to come into effect in January 2004.

This final quota of grants will only be eligible to those who apply to the Immigration Board by 31 December 2003, according to the press release. It is not known what criteria will be used to qualify these applicants other than their 10-year residency requirements.

George Town Opposition MLA Mr Alden McLaughlin said the People's Progressive Movement (PPM) had no comment on the latest Status grants on Tuesday, but that the party's executive would convene later in the week to consider the matter and formulate a response.

The text of the GIS release appeared as follows:

"In keeping with grants of Status to mark the Islands' Quincentennial Year, the Cabinet has made a final dispensation of 540 persons, finding special reason to do so.

In granting this dispensation, cognisance was also taken of those persons who have been working in these islands for the past 20 years. As a result, the Cabinet intends to set a further quota to direct the Immigration Board to make further awards of Cayman Status to persons in this category, unless there is reason not to do so.

For everyone resident in the Islands more than 10 years prior to the new Immigration Bill coming into effect, a final quota will be issued to the Immigration Board for the year 2004.

All persons eligible to apply to the Board and who have made application as of 31 December 2003 will be taken into consideration in that annual quota."

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Status Via Naturalisation "Under-subscribed"

The new Board of Directors and Officers of the Cayman Islands Society for Human Resource Professionals (CISHRP) are (l-r) Director Mrs Mavis Davies; President/Chairman Mr. Mario Ebanks; Director Ms Patricia Ramoon; Director Mr Peter Beckford; Treasurer Ms Michelle Aubert; Vice President Mrs Stacey VanDevlede; Director Mr Philip Jackson; Immediate Past President Mrs Lois Kellyman; Secretary Ms Elizabeth Depledge; and President-Elect Mrs Samantha Bennett.

The Cayman Islands Society for Human Resource Professionals (CISHRP) held their third Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, electing new officers and directors at the breakfast gathering at SeaHarvest Restaurant.

The meeting's agenda included a report from President/Chairman Mr Mario Ebanks, who spoke about the CISHRP's goals for the next year.

Among the tasks he said he wanted the Society to accomplish were the completion and analysis of the membership survey; the hosting of the second Conference in the spring of 2004; and the completion of legal registration/incorporation of the Society as a non-profit organization, which Mr Ebanks said would allow for better accountability and would also allow them to seek affiliation with appropriate leading international HR groups.

After the elections, Mr Philip Scott of the Department of Employment Relations gave an overview of the Investors in People Standard. "The goal of the standard is to supply employees with the right knowledge, the right skills and the right attitude," he said, later adding, "People, not cash, are the critical assets of a business."

The new CISHRP Board of Directors and Officers are: President, Mr Mario Ebanks; President Elect, Mrs Samantha Bennett; Immediate Past President; Mrs Lois Kellyman; Vice President, Mrs. Stacey VanDevelde; Secretary, Ms Elizabeth Depledge; Treasurer, Ms Michelle Aubert; Directors, Mr Peter Beckford, Mr Philip Jackson, Mrs Mavis Davies, and Ms Patricia Ramoon.

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PPM's Wide Ranging Discussions in West Bay

Presenting a united front: The Peple's Progressive Movement at its meeting in the West Bay Town Hall.

The People's Progressive Movement (PPM) held a meeting in West Bay Town hall on Monday evening, for discussion among others were the recent grants of status, single member constituencies, the constitution, and the Immigration Bill, as well as district issues.

Mr Mario Ebanks, a member of the West Bay branch of the PPM, expressed his concern over plans to build a new terminal for cruise ships in West Bay.
He also remarked upon an apparent about-face by the Government over its concerns about political marches. "Marches seem to have been OK when they were doing them, but now that they're in government, they don't want the opposition to march," he observed.

Mr Leonard Ebanks was served as a member of the constitutional modernisation review commission that carried out a review beginning June 2001 and filed its report in March 2002 then spoke on the virtues of the 'one man, one vote,' electoral system.
George Town MLA Alden McLaughlin gave some of his reasons for feeling that there was a need for a change in the political framework.

"The constant experience following the year 2000 elections began to tell me that the system under which we currently operate simply does not work any more in the Cayman context," he said.

He went on to point out what he saw to be some of the main contrasts between the PPM and the UDP. "What we are seeking to do is not to build an 'election machine,' but to create a vehicle by which the people of this country can have a voice in the affairs of government," he said.

Opposition Leader The Hon Kurt Tibbetts, made the final speech. He defended himself against remarks made against his indecisiveness, an accusation that he claimed had come from the Hon McKeeva Bush, Leader of Government Business.
He also warned against the possible pitfalls resulting from 'public-private' partnerships as a system of finance, describing the kind of finance involved as being "off balance-sheet activity."

And he said the money would have to be paid back at a higher rate, in order for the scheme be attractive to a private finance company. Mr Tibbetts said that he saw a "tremendous financial mess," resulting from such activity.

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Hi-Tide is a hit with the dive industry

A brief but intensive public consultative exercise aims to give a further "voice" to the people in deciding the future of immigration and, as a consequence, that of many different aspects of Cayman's development, says Leader of Govern-ment Business the Hon Mckeeva Bush OBE, JP.

This further period of consultation enables all residents to have input in the finalisation of the draft bill, in development over many years with the benefit of wide public discussion in many forums. The deadline for representations during this current consultative exercise is next week, Friday, 31 October.

"Immigration remains the single most challenging issue that countries face today," said Mr Bush. "We are no different from many other countries who face the same issues, but years of indecision and lack of long-term planning by previous governments have not assisted our country in meeting the growing problem."

In view of such concerns in a dynamic world context, it became urgent and critical for Cayman to be proactive in understanding its particular population dynamics and how best to manage them, he said.

The Leader of Government Business says that the proposed bill has sought to factor in not only growth management issues, but also human rights responsibilities.
Because of this sometimes-conflicting dynamic, Mr Bush urged everyone to have a voice in the finalisation of proposals now tabled in the Legislature before they come up for debate in mid-November.

The complexity of the challenge that immigration presents to the Cayman Islands has been well recognised and detailed within the past five years or so, involving lengthy consultation across the breadth of the three islands, the Minister said, adding that this was the background against which the draft bill had evolved.

The review and discussion programme began more than five years ago when a Select Committee of the whole Legislative Assembly was appointed to hear public input on the matter and to produce recommendations for immigration reform.

In addition to this, Vision 2008 conducted intensive public consultation on this subject, reporting to Government in 1999 on what the people saw as the issues and possible solutions.

When the new government took office in 2000, it took these recommendations on board and appointed an experienced Immigration Review Team (IRT). The role of the IRT was to consider these findings and to put forward concrete recommendations to Government for the creation of new legislation to replace the old.

The IRT, says its Chairman Mrs Sherri Bodden-Cowan, is a "very small and dynamic team," that began its work in September 2001. Mrs Bodden-Cowan, who led the team, had been chairman and deputy chairman of the Immigration Board between 1990 and 1992 from 2000 to 2002. She is presently also the chairman of the Trades and Business Licensing Board.

Other members of IRT included deputy of the IRT, Patrick Schmidt, who had headed the immigration discussion group for Vision 2008 and was deputy Chairman of the Immigration Board 2000-2002. Working closely with him was Mrs Sheena Frederick-Westenburg who was then a crown counsel from Government's Legal Department with many years' experience advising on immigration matters.

Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) were represented by Mr Alden Mclaughlin, from the Peoples Progressive Movement (PPM), while Mr Rolston Anglin, represented the United Democratic Party (UDP). Mr Gilbert McLean, who was at the time a backbencher, was also a member of the team. When the Hon Mr McLean was elected to the Cabinet, MLA Lyndon Martin, who represents the Sister Islands, replaced him.

The IRT presented interim reports in 2001 and 2002. These reports brought together recommendations from the Select Committee of the Legislature and Vision 2008, together with proposals from various government and private sector agencies.

The third and final IRT report, on administration, entry and landing, is now being finalised and will also be tabled for debate at the November meeting of the Legislature.

Having engaged in that comprehensive and widespread consultative exercise leading to the proposed bill, Mrs Bodden-Cowan feels that the process they completed has ensured that the bill going before the Legislature in November will have faithfully incorporated public input. Nevertheless, though hectic, she has embarked upon a heavy schedule of meetings with business and community groups to fine-tune the draft bill.

"We certainly believe that the bill reflects the wishes of the people, but this phase of the exercise is nevertheless an opportunity for fine-tuning what will be one of the most important pieces of legislation in progressing Cayman's development in the next ten to 20 years," she said.

Mr Bush tabled the draft bill in the Legislative Assembly almost a month ago, on 25 September. "Unfortunately some of us do tend to wait until the opportunity has passed before putting forward views in the forums in which they can be heard and at a stage at which they can still have an impact," Mrs Bodden-Cowan said. She is urging individuals and community and business groups to make good use of this final opportunity.

The new immigration bill can be accessed on the Government website, at www.gov.ky and at the Chamber of Commerce, at www.caymanchanber.com.ky.
A pamphlet explaining provisions in layman's terms is available on line, also, and will this week on Friday, 24 October be distributed throughout the three islands as a supplement in both daily newspapers. Copies will also be available from Friday from the Legislative Assembly (Kirk Building) and the Government Information Services (Cricket Square).

Persons wishing to give input may do so by sending their comments to the IRT, c/o the Department of Immigration, P.O. Box 1098GT.

You may also email Chief Immigration Officer gerry.maguire@gov.ky. Mrs. Sherri Bodden-Cowan, c/o GIS, at gis@gov.ky. Letters can also be sent to the Hon. McKeeva Bush, at the Government Administration Building.

The deadline for receipt of representations is Friday, 31 October.

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News

Co-operation between law enforcement agencies leads to success in drugs finds

The number of significant drugs finds that have come to light recently is an example of what can be achieved when there is cooperation between the various Law Enforcement Agencies.

The prison dog Toby and his handler, Mr Dennis McKnight assisted the Customs officers in a recent exercise and were instrumental in locating a quantity of drugs that were hidden on a boat.

The prison drug dogs regularly attend training exercises run by the Senior Trainer Mr Malachi Powery from the Customs Department. This training greatly increases the dog's effectiveness and has shown positive results within the prison.

"The fight against drugs must never stop," said Mr Malachi. "We don't hate people. We hate the crime and the crime is why they do the time."

Prison Assistant Director, Mr Ron Oldfield commented: "This operational success demonstrates the effectiveness of the drug dog teams. We really appreciate all the assistance and advice we receive from the Customs Dog Section."

Both Customs and the prison are pleased with the close co-operation and the results being achieved.

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More flights in Cayman Airways' new winter schedule

Music Cayman-style: As provided by Hi-Tide

Caymanian duo, Hi-Tide, entertained more than 100 guests at Miami's Splash Down party at DEMA recently.

Held at the popular South Beach restaurant, WISH, Shane Allenger and Sean Hennings, who have been regulars on the Cayman music scene for a number of years, performed to a crowd of nearly 130 guests at the invitation only event.

Director of Tourism Mrs Lania Rittenhouse said: "This event was special. It allowed the Cayman Islands to recognise and honour those members of the dive industry who have done so much over the years to develop our dive product in Cayman."

The Leader of Government Business and Minister of Tourism, the Hon McKeeva Bush has publicly declared his commitment to showcasing local musicians at overseas events whenever possible.

"Tourism provides us with an excellent opportunity to showcase our Caymanian talent overseas, whether we are entertaining business partners or wooing potential guests.

I am delighted that, once again, tourism has exposed one more group of people to one more of our local treasures," he said.

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Bank staff trading places for birthday celebration

Minister of Health Services, the Hon Gilbert McLean (left) discusses hepatitis B vaccination issues with Mr Peter Carrasco (centre) and Dr Carlos Castillo, regional epidemiologists and advisers to the expanded programme on immunisation.

Health care representatives of the Cayman Islands attended the Caribbean Caucus of Ministers of Health meeting in Washington, DC recently. It was the first time the islands had attended as an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Cayman Islands Minister of Health Services, the Hon Gilbert McLean, was accompanied at the meeting, by Permanent Secretary Ms Andrea Bryan and Medical Officer of Health Dr Kiran Kumar.

Attendees reviewed a number of issues on Health Ministers' agendas regionwide, including a strategic plan for mental health care; human resource development; and a review of the work of regionally based health institutions, such as the Caribbean Epidemiological Centre (CAREC).

Participants also discussed possibilities to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Among these suggestions was establishing a regional task force on antiretroviral treatment, under the direction of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS. Antiretroviral treatment is prescribed for persons with HIV/AIDS.

"Our adult prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS is only 0.1 percent, according to CAREC and the Centres for Disease Control. It's the lowest among the Caribbean region," Dr Kumar reported. "However, Cayman would still benefit from a regional approach that would help countries obtain these drugs at an economical price."

A steering committee was established to review the constitution, current status and way forward for the Caribbean Association of Medical Councils (CAMC). The council is comprised of representatives from national medical councils, including that of the Cayman Islands. Its mission is to protect the public by ensuring the quality and safety of health care in the Caribbean, through the promotion of the highest standards of medical education and practice.

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Unearthing Cayman recipe for success

It just had to happen. Ms Carol Hay of Horizons magazine has come up trumps following a recent request via Cayman in the Foreign Press in Cayman Net News which featured an appeal from Mrs Pat Lynn in Texas for a Cayman-style cornbread recipe.

The ingredients for Ms Hay's recipe are:

2 cups self-raising flour, 1 cup fine yellow corn meal, 2tsp cinnamon, 2tsp nutmeg, 4tbs vanilla, 4tsp baking powder, 1 cup sugar, 2tbs butter or margarine, half-cup cooking oil, quarter-tsp baking soda, pinch of salt, 2 large eggs and 1 can of coconut milk. Method: Mix all the ingredients together until thoroughly blended, bake in a greased 9x13 pan or Pyrex for about 35 to 40 mintues.

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Jamaica Military Band Prepares for Pirates Week Show

Special guests: The Jamaica Military Band.

Among the special guests for Pirates Week 2003 is the Jamaica Military Band of the Jamaica Defence Force.

Dressed in their colourful West India Regiment uniforms, the Jamaica Military Band adds a new dimension to the Pirates Week Parade. Under the command of Music Director Major Roy Wade the Jamaica Military Band will display their precision marching and wide range of musical selections during the National Festival. They are set to march in the parade on Saturday and the band takes part in a concert on Sunday, 26 October.

The First Baptist Choir and the Mummers Woodland String Band will join the Jamaica Military Band for an evening of music. Admission is free. The concert is at the Port Authority's South Terminal Rotunda on Harbour Drive beginning at 7 pm.

The participation of the Jamaica Military Band in this Pirates Week is made possible by sponsorships from Zesti and Cayman Airways and the assistance of Foster's Food Fair.

In recognition of the band's contribution to Jamaica's musical heritage the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission awarded the band a Certificate of Appreciation in 1986.

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North Side Primary School post-inspection findings

The Ministry of Education has released the summary report on the North Side School inspection visit which took place on 26-27 March 2003.

The report showed that due to a number of factors, most of which were outside its control, the school was late in starting work on developing and implementing its action plan following the first inspection in March 2000. However, there are encouraging signs that progress is being made, for example, teaching is more focused and pupils are achieving broadly in line with expectations in the core subjects.

The report recommended, that in order for the school to make improvements in the key areas identified in the first report, skilled and on-going guidance and support are needed.

Copies of the report have been made available to parents by the school and all summary reports produced by the Inspectorate are available to the general public, for reference, at the following locations: the George Town public library; the National Archive; the Resource Centre at the Education Department and the Teachers' Centre in Cayman Brac. For more information contact the Schools' Inspectorate, at 945-6308.

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Investors in People Standard gains in Cayman following workshop

The prestigious Investors In People standard is rapidly making inroads in the Cayman Islands as 15 CEOs, senior managers, local consultants and human resources practitioners recently learned how to champion the standard within their businesses and throughout their community.

Participants from both Government and the private sector became familiar with the standard over a three-day intensive workshop run by UK-based Penna Change. During the workshop, the groups were shown how to promote and implement the Standard within their respective organisations.

Mrs Caroline Mottram, who conducted the sessions and is herself an Investors In People advisor said, "Essentially, you are the selling agent for Investors In People within your organisation. Implementing Investors In People is not rocket science. It's just good management practice."

One of the participants, Ms Melissa Martinez-Ebanks, a recruitment officer in the Government's Personnel Department said: "The workshop provided me with a good understanding of the Investors In People standard and the many benefits it will offer us, particularly in personnel, I am excited about working with the standard and sharing it with my colleagues so together we can obtain recognition, but more importantly use the knowledge to improve the service we provide."

Investors In People is an internationally recognised standard that enables organisations to maximise their success by developing the potential of their people.

It was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1991 as the benchmark for good practice in human resource development, and has since seen tremendous growth and success, prompting the Ministry of Human Resources to introduce the programme in the Cayman Islands through the Employment Services Centre.

For more information about the Investors In People standard, contact Mr Philip Scott at the Employment Services Centre on 945 3114 or by email (Philip.scott@gov.ky).

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Teens take to the seas to party with absolutely no booze

Spelling bee action is likely to be a tense as this previous encounter.

The high seas was the place to be for teens last Saturday as 200 13 to 17-year-olds set sail to party aboard the Cayman Mermaid for an evening of drug-free fun organised by the National Drug Council (NDC).

While on board the No Booze Cruise, kids took part in dance contests and partied the night away courtesy of music provided by the Vibe's DJ Aaron Da Docta. Teens also had the opportunity to challenge their eating expertise and win NDC T-shirts and mugs in the sandwich-eating competition.

Accompanied by 20 chaperones, the No Booze Cruise, just one of the many activities organised as part of Drug Prevention Month, departed at 7 pm from Safehaven Dock for a three-hour fun fest on the waters.

NDC Co-ordinator Ms Cathy Chestnut said: "The No Booze Cruise is a positive alternative for teens to the infamous Booze Cruise. We want to show teens that it is possible to have a great time without alcohol and other drugs."

The evening was a fantastic success on all counts and even before the night had ended many teens wanted to know when the next cruise would be.

"Many parents also told me tonight that we should do this on a regular basis," said Ms Chastine Rankine of the National Drug Council. "They felt confident that their kids were in a safe, controlled environment around their own peers but supervised by adults."

For more information about the NDC's activities, call 949-9000.

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Breast Cancer Awareness reaches the Water Authority

The Water Authority held a breast cancer awareness session for staff recently.

epresentatives from the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens, Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, the Health Services Authority (HSA) and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society were on hand to discuss the illness and answer questions.

Ms. Raquel Solomon, Training Co-ordinator at the Water Authority commented: "We thought it was important for our staff to have access to the sessions." She estimated that the staff were about 70 percent male, but stressed the importance of men learning about breast cancer.

A presentation was made on symptoms and the treatment of breast cancer by Dr Komal Lawrence of Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital.

Ms Christine Saunders of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society recommended exercise to reduce the risks of developing cancer.

The benefit of healthy eating as part of cancer prevention and treatment was discussed by Ms Bethany Smith, a registered dietician with the HAS.

Mrs Kerry Nixon of the Lions Club explained why the Club had taken on breast cancer as cause and emphasised the importance of self-examination and mammograms.

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Pupils are getting busy for spelling bee

Spelling bee action is likely to be a tense as this previous encounter.

Preliminary sessions for the 2003 Royal Bank Sixth Annual Spelling Bee competition kicked off on Monday this week at the high school on Cayman Brac.

On Tuesday, students from East End, North Side, Bodden Town primaries and the First Baptist Christian School competed for the title of best boy and girl speller at the Bodden Town Primary school hall.

Students from the John A Cumber and George Town primary schools joined Grace Christian and Wesleyan Academy students in vying for the title of "best speller" in their group on Wednesday. Starting at 6:30 pm, the competition takes place in the John A Cumber hall

Rounding the advance sessions off on Thursday at 6:30 pm, students from Savannah and Bodden Town primaries will lock horns with representatives from the Cayman Prep, Truth for Youth and Triple 'C' schools, at Cayman Prep's hall on Smith Road.

And then it will be swat tactics all the way to the 2003 Spelling Bee wire, the Grand Finale at 6 pm, 19 November in the Mary Miller Memorial Hall.

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Editorial

In sports, not everyone wins

Much to the consternation of athletes, politics of some sort inevitably enters into the realm of every organised sport.

Whether it materialises in the financial support of a Government, sponsorships from the private sector, or in the internal structures of the smallest associations, politics is bound to make an appearance in some way, and that fact is no different here in the Cayman Islands than in any other country in the world.

With this idea in mind, there is no denying that there were elements of politics intermingled with last Saturday night's Quincentennial National Sports Awards (NSA) production at the Westin Casuarina Resort, a gala affair that was for the first time televised live, and presented bigger and better than ever before.

But even before the event started, grumbling could be heard outside about this person being nominated, or another person not, and that the whole business was just politics.

While some of the perceived slights were undoubtedly cases of sour grapes, others certainly seemed to have some validity, as a number of Cayman's top athletes were not even nominated for an award. It was also curious to see that not a single person in arguably the country's most popular sport, football, rated a nomination.

Frequent sports sponsors like the Foster's Group and the Bank of Butterfield might also have reason to protest that their regular support of the Island's athletes went unrecognised as well.

Still, despite the possible snubs, last Saturday night was a landmark moment in the history of sports in the Cayman Islands, one that elevated it to the forefront of residents' attention, and one that acknowledged our athletes' excellence in a very public, grand, and fitting way.

In addition, while there might have been cause to question some of nominations, there was little reason to question any of the choices made in selecting the winners, for all were among the best in their categories.

Many have commented on the ability of Cayman to field top-notch athletes in a variety of sports despite its small population base compared to the countries it competes against. That accomplishment is a tribute not only to the individual talents and dedication of the athletes, but of the supporting cast in the various sports, which includes sponsors, volunteers, and the Government.

In the end, it also takes money to produce top athletes, to put into place the necessary youth training plans, to build the proper venues, and to hire the proper instructors that will bring out the highest levels of performance in our athletes and consistent improvement in the various sporting programmes.

Although true athletic improvement can only be measured in actual competition, it is through highly public events like the recent National Sports Awards that importance of sporting programmes to a society can be highlighted, and the accomplishments of the athletes, coaches, sponsors and administrators appropriately recognised.

There were definitely some glitches with last week's National Sports Awards, but all in all, it was really quite impressively produced, especially considering it was the first time the event was presented on such a large scale.

The entire sporting community, even those upset over something that did or did not happen last Saturday, should come together to voice their support for carrying on the National Sports Awards they way they were presented last Saturday, for even those left off the stage can benefit from the exposure of sports in general.

Next year, it would be a shame to regress back to the way the awards were before just because 2004 is not our Quincentennial Year.

The very essence of sports is competition, and not everyone can win. The sporting thing to do is just to keep striving for one's best, so that "better will come."

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Letter to the Editor

When it comes down to Afghans verses Cubans in Cayman

Dear Sir,

When I heard that the Immigration Board had granted me Caymanian Status I could not sleep the entire night.

My mind went back to that beautiful and cold night of November 1990 in Long Island Sound when I decided to pull up the anchor rope. I had decided to sail my boat south and cross the Panama Canal, hoping to find some excitement and, maybe a place that I could call home.

For sure Manhattan was not my city and when I left I was as much a stranger as the day I had moved in 10 years before. I didn't know what I was looking for but I knew I didn't want a fast and lonesome lifestyle.Two and half months later I was throwing the anchor in front of the old wholesome bakery in George Town after visiting most of the Caribbean Islands. I was going to stay in Grand Cayman for two weeks and then resume my adventure around the world.

The sea was a little rough and uncomfortable to sleep anchored a few feet from the now extinct Holliday Inn (today Ritz Carlton) and I moved my floating house to the newly built Cayman Island Yacht Club becoming its first client.

There was neither water nor electricity on the docks and I had to be very creative in order to survive using the little resources that I had. Those two weeks became 13 years and I never left the Islands for more that 30 continuous days.

My first job was with the Government and I helped to install most of the computers and connections at the Glass House, Tower Building and, at the time, the brand new Immigration Building.

After that I taught computers at a local high school for two years, I moved to the Banking Industry, got married and I became actively involved with two social organisations trying to do my part on helping others.

Gradually I climbed the legal steps to be where I am now and it was not always easy. I bought a house and applied for residency. After that I was granted naturalization and finally now I've got the right to be called Caymanian.

I am now in the Real Estate business and therefore I have the opportunity to talk to different social groups and I am shocked to find out that most people change subject when the conversation turns to immigration and legal status in this country.

It seems that some are afraid or ashamed to admit that they now have the opportunity to be part of the future of this islands and to be called Caymanian.

This letter is a proof that I am not. Actually I am very proud to be accepted into this community and grateful to the people that gave me the means to become part of this special group.

I don't intend to die soon and when it happens it will be against my will but in any case I ask my friends and family to do me the favour of writing on my tombstone the following:

"Toni Paolini, Caymanian by his own choice and very proud of it".

Toni Paolini

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When it comes down to Afghans verses Cubans in Cayman

Dear Sir,

The statement of the ICTA (Cayman Net News, 15 October) that "The rates (C&W's) were too low to allow competition to enter" does not reflect reality. The table below from the magazine PC World shows some current Internet dialup rates now in effect in the US.

One does not expect $6/month rates in Cayman but would expect that the CI$29/month that the ICTA instructed C&W to charge from 1 November would cover unlimited use and not just 10 hours.

Peter Harty

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News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Scheme involving Cayman bank heads to Federal court
MIAMI, USA According to the Miami Herald, a racketeering lawsuit filed in US Federal court last week is the latest in a series of lawsuits, prosecutions and enforcement actions involving the ill-fated Cash 4 Titles scheme. A separate federal lawsuit against the Bank of Bermuda alleging its Cayman Islands branch supported the fraud was settled out of court in 2001 for $50 million.

Cayman participates in major police reservist conference
NASSAU, Bahamas The Nassau Guardian reports that more than 400 reserve officers, who are participating in a conference of the International Association of Reserve Police Executives service hail from several countries, including the Cayman Islands.

New service to Cayman from New York
FORT WORTH, USA American Airlines has announced a new non-stop weekly service from New York (JFK) to Grand Cayman commencing 15 December.

Contract involved a $16m payment to Cayman account
ATHENS, Greece According to Kathimerini, Greece's purchase in 1999 of a US$474 million Russian Tor-M1 short-range anti-aircraft system has led to the murder of two senior Russian defence officials and a deposit of $16 million in the Cayman Islands.

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News From Our Region

Haiti's Aristide denounces exclusion and calls for democratic elections

PM Jean Bertrand Aristide

In a speech to mark the 197th anniversary of the death of Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haiti's President, Jean Bertrand Aristide, reiterated his will to complete his five-year term.

Radio Metropole reports also claim that Mr Aristide said he was in favour of holding free and democratic elections in Haiti but denounced the social exclusion, which, according to him, is eroding Haitian society 200 years after its independence.

The head of state also compared the assassination of Mr Dessalines, which took place on 17 October, 1806, to the coup d'etat of 30 September, 1991.

In Creole, he said: "While the blood of brotherhood causes my blood to be thrilled with joy, coups d'etat disturb me and cause me to be angry, just as on 17 October, 1806 we were sad and angry in Pont-Rouge where the blood of Father Dessalines was shed."

Mr Aristide also reportedly was very critical of the opposition and civil society, whom he urged to take part in the next electoral contests.

"Your ballots should be counted, and nobody can prevent that. Everybody should agree to run in elections so that we can have a country where people's rights are respected. All contaminated blood, all polluted water and all bad germs that could cause somebody to become a traitor, I affirm that today the pure blood of Father Dessalines will purify you," he said.

He also touched on the issue of the restitution of the independence debt, and invited the opposition and civil society to support this initiative.

President Aristide said he was counting on the restitution of those US$21 billion to develop the country.

"Somebody told me that he dreamed that he saw a very long chain on Dessalines' body. The people that were there were asked what their blood type was, and one of them said: My blood type is R+, and R stands for restitution for Haiti," he said.

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Greneda general election is set for November

Mr Keith Mitchell

Grenada's general election will be held on 27 November. That's the word from Prime Minister, Mr Keith Mitchell, who made the announcement during the final day of his party's national convention.

With thousands attending the party's wrap-up on the 20th anniversary of the coup and the execution of former leader, Mr Maurice Bishop, the Prime Minister, according to the Associated Press (AP), made the announcement, adding: "Do not gamble with your future. Forgive, reconcile, but never forget."

The convention came at a time when Mr Mitchell's New National Party enjoys widespread support on the island of 90,000 and holds all but one seat in the 15-member House of Representatives.

He is seeking an unprecedented third four-year term in the majority, and has cited recent accomplishments as a government, including a new hospital, stadium, Ministerial complex and cruise ship pier.

The opposition, which is spread across four political parties, has accused the government of creating millions of dollars in debt through its projects, AP reports indicate.

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US and Jamaica reach agreement for new technology to control immigration

An agreement has been reached between the Jamaican and United States governments for the introduction of new technologies for immigration control at the island's two international airports and cruise shipping ports.

JIS News recently quoted Mr Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, as saying: "This new technology will allow us to capture information on all incoming and outgoing passengers, and allow us to take action against those who may seek to violate the privilege that is extended to them by entry into Jamaica." Mr Scott made the disclosure during the Caribbean Shipping Association's 33rd annual general meeting, conference and exhibition, held in Montego Bay recently.

He said that much success had been achieved in the fight against illegal trafficking of drugs and guns and other contraband, and revealed that discussions were being held for the introduction of additional technologies to sustain gains made.

Mr Scott said the introduction of Ionscan machines at the two international airports early last year, with the help of the British government, had significantly reduced the smuggling of cocaine into the United Kingdom.

"Within the first week of introduction, the no shows on the major airlines went up by somewhere between 30 and 40 percent.

"Within a month, the detection of couriers had exceeded all the detection in the previous five months of the year," the Minister said.

He said that while incidents of smuggling had not stopped completely, they were just a small percentage of what they were prior to the use of the Ionscans.

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Service commissions in limbo in Guyana

Guyana's President and Opposition Leader are still to launch the country's pivotal service commissions, which ensure key appointments such as that of the Police Commissioner, according to the Guyana Stabroek News.

Five months ago President Bharrat Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin met and issued a statement launching their "constructive engagement" on the Public Service Commissions but to date, no action has been taken.

The non-constitution of the service commissions also continues to hold up appointments to the judiciary as well as consideration of issues related to appointments, promotions and discipline in the judiciary and the teaching, police and public services, said the News' report.

The commissions have not been appointed since 2001 when the life of the previous bodies came to an end. The non co-operation of the PNCR is one of the reasons the government has cited as delaying the establishment of the commissions.

The stumbling block continues to be the inability of the appointing committee to agree on the two people it must recommend to the National Assembly to be nominated for appointment by the President to the Public Service Commission.

The committee is reportedly at an impasse over the selection of the two people from the names submitted by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Federated Union of Government Employees (FUGE) and the Public Service Senior Staff Association (PSSSA), with which it was mandated by Parliament to consult.

The GPSU and FUGE object to the inclusion of the PSSSA which was formed at the instigation of Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, and comprises permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and heads of government departments, all of whom are appointed on contract by the Office of the President.

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Dominica government slams opposition

The government of Dominica has slammed as inflammatory and irresponsible, remarks made by the leader of the opposition United Workers Party, Mr Edison James which claim that government "is waging a war against the children of poor people of this country."

"It is extremely unfortunate that at a time when the clarion call is for our country to be united under one flag, one people and one nation, the leader of the United Workers Party, Mr Edison James, should seek to distort the truth and rewrite history in so blatant a manner," PM Mr Pierre Charles said.

He stressed that the "Coalition Government remains totally committed to the educational advancement of all Dominicans, irrespective of class or income. Under this administration a record number of Dominican students are pursuing university education in the United States and elsewhere," adding that "a record number of children from poor families are receiving financial assistance from the Education Trust Fund."

The Democratic Labour Party government also dubbed Mr James' statements as "malicious, misleading and patently false," and said, "only a complete retraction would redeem him in the eyes of many Dominicans."

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Air Jamaica chair urges government to seek outside help in crime situation

The Jamaica government should seek overseas help to tackle the growing crime problem or the tourism industry will perish. That's the view of Mr Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resort International.

The Jamaica Gleaner quoted Mr Stewart as saying that if help had to be sought from as far away as Israel, the authorities needed to get it. "We have to get radical. Go and get the overseas help that you need because we cannot do it by ourselves these days again. It's past that," Mr Stewart said in an interview with The Sunday Gleaner.

Asked if a state of emergency at this time could help in the fight against crime, the Air Jamaica chairman bluntly said No.

"No, we have been there once before and that did not help. Go and get some help," he said. "If you are a banker and financing a hotel for $200 million and you don't have it, you will have to go and get some help from some other people."

Mr Stewart described the recent gunfight between the police and gunmen in Canterbury, St James, as most horrendous and said there was no doubt the devastating impact this incident could have on the country's image overseas.

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Public sector workers will soon get final salary

Prime Minister Lester Bird says he will soon pay out the final salary owed to public sector workers.

Mr Bird, according to a government communiqué, made the announcement during his address on the weekly Prime Minister's radio broadcast, which he resumed some five weeks ago.

He said that while tax collectors' were busy working out ways of collecting taxes owed to the government, arrangements had been made to bring an end to the discomfort suffered by the public sector workers.

"In the meantime, while the Comptroller of Customs and the Commissioner of Inland Revenue pursue strategies for collecting the millions of dollars owed to the state, I put in place this week arrangements for putting an end to late payments of public servants," said PM Bird.

"I believe these arrangements will ensure that workers are paid on time, and by the end of this month, we should witness a significant improvement in the situation if not a return to fully normal conditions."

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Jamaica government may slash budget of universities

Jamaica's universities may soon have to operate with less governmental funding. The Jamaica Gleaner claimed that cutbacks in financial support to the island's universities, including the University of the West Indies, could begin in the next two years.

Talks, the paper claims are already under way with the University of the West Indies, which receives J$1 billion, of the total $1.8 billion and the University of Technology, to determine how much the Patterson administration can reasonably afford.

The decision comes against the background of a new policy thrust by government to invest more in early childhood learning in a bid to graduate a better quality student.
"We have to put more resources into the preparatory levels of the education system," the paper quoted Education Minister, Ms Maxine Henry-Wilson as saying. Otherwise, she said, the incremental improvements for the quality of students at the tertiary level would be doubtful.

The reduction in funds for tertiary education will mean increased tuition fees that even at the current subsidised rates are barely affordable by many.

At present, Jamaican students pay 20 percent of the economic cost of their UWI education notwithstanding ability to pay, while government subsidises the rest, said the Gleaner.

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Community Calendar

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 until 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 to 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 to 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 to 5pm from Monday, October 27.

Thursday, November 6
The Garden Club of Grand Cayman is meeting at 4 pm at the National Trust House off Eastern Avenue to tour the Native and Traditional Plant Garden. Garden Club members and guests are invited. For more information phone 949-0121.

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 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 - 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

Young and older athletes prepare for competition

Three competitors undaunted by the weather. (Photos: Larry Walters)

Paul McGeough with a young family member along for the ride.

A short rain shower has come to be expected as part of the United Nations Fun Run/Walk activity each year. Last Sunday was no different as runners, joggers, walkers, and pram pushers literally took the heaven-sent offering in stride, and actually gained a bit of relief from the late afternoon sun.

Even the pram pushers were prepared for the precipitation, buttoning up as necessary and continuing the jaunt along South Church Street from the South Cruise Ship Terminal and back in fine fettle over the two-mile distance.

Almost 50 celebrants representing 14 different countries were decked out in a wide variety of costumes. Several outfits characteristic of particular countries were in evidence, and small replicas of national flags were proudly borne on high as participants approached the finish line.

And 14-year-old Marlon Crowe kept Cayman's honour bright, as he was the first to complete the course, clocking in at 12:26. A few steps back was Martin Davies (12:29), who had warmed up for the afternoon action with a 15-miler earlier in the day. Commonwealth representatives Andrew Mason (England), Richard Johnson (Scotland), Anthony Grote (South Africa), followed by long-time veteran of the local

unning scene Roger Davies in the sixth spot.
Visitors from San Diego in the US took down the next two places, as seventh position went to Larry Shapiro (14:45),while Susan Grove was just off that mark in 14:51, while claiming the award for first lady finisher.

After all recreational arrivals had been noted, including that of Arie Barendrecht, who clogged/clocked in as an integral member of the Netherlands connection, all involved met at Breezes by the Bay for refreshments and awards donated by Island companies, Colombian Emeralds, and several ethnic dining establishments.
Other countries with representatives participating in the event included Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bermuda, Cuba, France, Wales, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand.
Kai Heck and Lizzie Calder, as well as Veronica Evans and John Cummings , were designated to be recipients of awards for youth and longevity.

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Down N' Durty

By 'DURTY' REID DENNIS

Was it just me or did it seem as though the last football weekend, both college and the NFL, was not up to par with excitement as it had been the six weeks before?

Of course, maybe we'd have to omit the Miami Dolphins game which ended in overtime when the New England Patriots engineered an 82-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Troy Brown about 10 minutes into that OT. Maybe it just made it seem like a dull Sunday as you could hear a pin drop when that pass was completed and the people watching the game on TV almost all of them avid Dolfans filed out of the doors at Durty Reid's.

It was the Patriots' version of the walk-off home run. It was the same way I felt when the New York Yankees Aaron Boone hit his 11th inning home run against the Boston Red Sox. A lifelong Yankees hater, I'm sure I felt the same way as those guys watching the Dolphins.

But Miami fans had a few other reasons to feel like the wind had been taken out of their sails. First of all, the Patriots arrived in South Florida with a number of injuries on their team. They were missing 11 players who at some point this season have been starters.

Secondly, New England has had a terrible record of adapting to the South Florida heat, or so it seems, since they are 0-13 in September-October games in Miami.

I guess Dolphin supporters can look at the field and say that was a drawback in that Pro Player Stadium has been set up for the World Series games this week. Olindo Mare, the usually-reliable Miami kicker, missed twice from just about where shortstop will be, and it looked as though the dirt didn't do him any favours. One of those misses was just after the Dolphins won the coin toss in OT.

Relax Dolphin fans. The Patriots should never have been allowed to get to the position where they had a chance to win the game. But they did. So forget it and look forward to this Monday night in San Diego.

At least you have a good team and a decent chance to win each week. Look at poor little 'ol me, a Washington Redskins' fan. We got blown out by Buffalo last week, and lost two in a row before that, after having a half-decent start. But right now I'm having my best week yet, we get a "bye" this week and I just don't think even Coach Steve Spurrier can find a way to lose on Sunday. Hey, we are on pace to break the record for the most penalties in a season.

There was another exciting game for those of us who stayed up Monday night long enough to see the finish, and from the sky cam no less. The Kansas City Chiefs held off the Oakland Raiders as the Raiders ended up about two yards from the goal line.
If Oakland had managed the extra couple yards the game would probably have gone into overtime. Lifetime Chiefs' fan (If you call that night a lifetime,) Ronnie Foster said he screamed so loud that his two little dogs ran under the bed and hid. Ronnie, are the New Orleans Saints really so bad this year that you had to change allegiance to the Chiefs? I can't think of any other reason you'd change.

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Ten-year-old grandson of Little Cayman dive pioneer is now certified

Diving star in the making: Rhyann Duane McCoy

Rhyann Duane McCoy, has been certified as a PADI Junior Openwater diver at the tender age of ten years. Rhyann who is the grandson of dive industry pioneer, Sam McCoy, earned his certification with Don Foster's Dive on Grand Cayman recently.
Even at his young age Rhyann is no novice when it comes to watersports activities. He started snorkeling at age two and has had significant experience snorkeling the waters surrounding Little Cayman when he visits his family's dive operation Sam McCoy's Diving Lodge on Little Cayman. Some of his favourite spots include South Hole Lagoon near Owen's Island, Bloody Bay Wall and Jackson Marine Park.
Rhyann said, "I really enjoyed the certification course, the combi-nation of audio/video aids, combined with pool/open water sessions made it very interesting and easier than I expected. It will definitely become one of my hobbies as I will be able to gain more experience as I get older. I would recommend diving to anyone."
Rhyann comes from a family that appreciates and loves the natural underwater world of the Cayman Islands. His uncles Chris and Croy McCoy both worked in the family business on Little Cayman for years as divemasters and his father Carl also enjoys the sport.

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Bridge Results

The dynamic duo of Lurline Bodden and Linda Palmer won the regular Monday night bridge match held on 20 October.

Coming in second place was the pair composed of Paul Canham and Ron Tompkins, while the twosome of Sharon Gray and Clenna Hodgson finished in third place.

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

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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.

Sunday, 2 November
Cayman Islands Dart Association in conjunction with Pirates Week Committee will be hosting a Darts Competition at the Corner Pocket Sports Bar starting at 1 pm. Players can register at Corner Pocket until day of tournament. All ranges of experience are invited.

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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