Issue No. 517 Friday, 24 October 2003

The Attorney General, reportedly acting on behalf of the Chief Immigration Officer, filed an action last week to overturn the Immigration Appeal Tribunal's ruling allowing three Afghan refugees "limited leave" to remain in the Cayman Islands.

The Immigration Appeals Tribunal ruled on 8 October that Afghanistan was not a safe place for the men, and that if they returned now, their lives would be in danger.

However, the ruling does not exclude a subsequent review by the Chief Immigration Officer, who may potentially do so "at some reasonable time in the future." In such a review, the Chief Immigration Officer would consider prevailing conditions in Afghanistan's changing political landscape.

The 1951 UN Refugee Convention contains "cessation" provisions nullifying its applicability in circumstances in which threatening conditions in originating countries may have abated. If the Tribunal's decision were to be overturned, the Government would have more leeway to repatriate the men before Afghanistan is deemed safe.

According to the Associated Press, the appeal against the ruling asserts that the Tribunal erred in its interpretation of the 1951 Convention, which laid out the rules for refugee protection.

The appeal claims that if people in danger can seek protection in some part of their country, then they shouldn't be given refugee status. It also claims that the tribunal erred in its handling of many parts of the case, including how the men arrived and what documents they were carrying.

Under the Immigration Law, an appeal may be made to the court from a decision of the Tribunal on a point of law only.

A press release issued earlier this month shortly after the Tribunal's ruling was announced, stated that the Cayman Islands Government would continue efforts to resolve the Afghans' plight.

Acting Chief Secretary Donovan Ebanks said at the time that Government would aggressively explore available avenues to resolution, including continued assessment of conditions in Afghanistan.

The Portfolio of Internal & External Affairs, in consultation with the Attorney General's office and the Immigration Department, were to assess carefully what action should be taken next and the timing of that action.

Attorneys for the Afghans declined to comment on this development.

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Pastors Hold First Ever Summit in Cayman

IRT Deputy Director Patrick Schmidt (centre) explains one aspect of the Immigration Bill during a press briefing with IRT Board Member Orrett Conner and IRT Chairman Sherri Bodden-Cowan.

The Immigration Review Team (IRT) met with members of the press on Wednesday to explain the various elements of the Immigration Bill 2003, the proposed comprehensive legislature that will reform Immigration Law in the Cayman Islands.

As part of the campaign to educate the public on the various aspects of the proposed law, an eight-page supplement entitled The Immigration Bill 2003 How will it affect me? has been inserted inside today's newspaper.

Cayman Net News' editorial also deals with the Bill, and appears on page six. Key elements of the Bill include term limits for work permit holders to remain in the country, longer work permit durations, the creation of an "exempted employee" who will not be subject to standard term limits.

A point system by which those who are allowed to become eligible for Permanent Residence or Cayman Status in the future will be rated.

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Prison Gets A New Lift

Trent McCoy and Jennie Pacheco

Starting next week, Cayman Net News is bringing its readers a series of profiles of Caymanians who have enjoyed success in non-traditional careers or trades which young Caymanians have not historically been eager to take up.

Eight of these industries will be showcased at TVET 2003, an expo sponsored by the Department of Employment Relations to promote technical and vocational education and training on 19 and 20 November at the Family Life Centre.

The first article features 34-year-old Trent McCoy from North Side and 24-year-old Jennie Pacheco of George Town who chose to pursue hard working careers in the construction industry.

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Hospital Receives Gift of Vital Equipment

Ritz-Carlton CEO Michael Ryan

The pension being paid to Holiday Inn employees was recently extended for an additional year, until September 2004.

Entirely funded by developers of The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman since its inception in 2000, the pension was first arranged through Ritz CEO Michael Ryan by the Hon. McKeeva Bush to be paid to long-serving employees of the old Holiday Inn at the time it was demolished to make way for the new Ritz-Carlton Resort and Residences.

The pension, which recognises the service of the Holiday Inn's many long-standing employees, some of whom had been with the hotel for more than 20 years and approaching retirement age, is meant to assist them during the period of transition.

The original pension, totalling US$250,000, was to be for two years and would be divided among the qualifying employees. This term was due to end in August 2002, when Mr Bush arranged for the pension to be extended by one year.

In August 2003, as the end of this first extension approached, there was a mixture of thanks, apprehension and a little sadness as some of the pensioners had passed away.

In a statement, Mr Bush said: "These people are to be celebrated for their efforts and we should do so in a tangible way. These are the people who founded our tourism industry. It is their labour that built the base from which our tourism sector has risen. These are the people who put the friendly face of Cayman forward and opened the door for all that was to follow."

He added: "It is especially important during these difficult times to find ways to look after our citizens and I am glad that, together with The Ritz-Carlton, we have been able to reach out again and do something positive that will effect the lives of these deserving people and their loved ones."

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Pirates' Invasion Starts Friday With 13 Musical Groups

The new Cuban group Showme will be among the many bands performing during Pirates Week.

The 27th Annual Pirates Week, Cayman Islands' National Festival, begins Friday with a 5K-Run followed by the Miss Festival Queen Costume Competition, a fireworks display, and a street dance.

Organisers promise this year's Pirates Week, which runs through 2 November, will be the biggest and best ever, with additions such as laser shows.

Saturday offers the Landing Pageant and Float Parade followed by a street dance with numerous musicians performing and a food festival to satisfy all tastes.

Among those musical groups playing both in the afternoon and evening on Saturday will be the Cuban group Showme, who will be performing together as a group for the first time. The group's music is a fusion of music they heard here during Pirates Week last year and the music of Cuba.

Dr the Hon Frank McField, who was instrumental in bringing Showme to Cayman, thinks audiences will like what they hear. "This fusion of English style Caribbean music and Latin Caribbean style like Salsa and Merengue is still at the beginning of its evolution. I think they do it very well," he said.

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News

It's that time of year again for flu jabs?

Hon Roy Bodden

Minister of Education, the Hon Roy Bodden will attend the 15th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Edinburgh, Scotland next week.

Representatives from Cayman, including Permanent Secretary Joy Basdeo, will also be part of the delegation travelling to the United Kingdom, and other Overseas Territories will also be represented. The conference, which takes place every three years, will use the theme Access, Inclusion, Achievement: Closing The Gap. The focus will be to explore the Millennium development goals accepted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in 2002.

Prior to the Ministers' Conference the delegation will attend a pre-conference organised by the Commonwealth Consortium of Education on Recruitment, Retention and Mobility of Teachers in the Commonwealth. Mr Bodden will also give an address, which will highlight the Cayman experience.

Following the conference, the Minister will host a reception at the Cayman Islands Government Office in London for Cayman students studying in the United Kingdom.

Caymanian students Jesse Basdeo and Lauren Ebanks will also attend the First Commonwealth Youth Summit as part of the 15th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers activities.

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CNB's new senior VP

Michele Ebanks, CNB's new senior vice president of the card services department.

Cayman National Bank has appointed Mrs Michele Ebanks as senior vice president with responsibility for the card services department.

Her responsibilities will include compliance with the standards set by the leading providers of card companies, such as VISA, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as card security.

Mrs Ebanks will also be involved with the development of new products and services.
Cayman National Bank president Ormond Williams said: "I wish her continued success and congratulate her on her recent promotion."

Mrs Ebanks lives in West Bay with her husband, Leslie, and two children.

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Achievements recognised at the annual Police Ball

Martin Bodden Snr. and Marjorie Mae Bodden, who were both recognised for their achievements at the Police Ball.

The Quincentennial Royal Cayman Islands Police Ball took place recently at the Westin Casuarina Resort, Grand Cayman. It was an evening of wining, dining, dancing and live entertainment, attended by a veritable Who's Who of Caymanian Society.

The theme of this year's Police Ball was 'honouring our own.' It began with a cocktail party from 5:30 pm, including a champagne reception.

His Excellency the Governor, the Patron of the Police Ball, arrived in pomp and ceremony, in his limousine with police outriders. At 7:30 pm an Honour Guard escorted the Police Standard into the Governor's Ballroom and formed an arch of rifles at the entrance.

As the flag was hoisted, the Royal Salute was given and the guests stood to attention for 'God Save the Queen.' MC Charles Clifford guided the proceedings through the evening.

The RCIP recognised the achievements of many serving and retired police officers. Martin Bodden Snr. and Marjorie Mae Bodden were both recognised in their own right, for many years of service to the Special Constabulary and their exemplary role as parents. Two of their sons are senior officers and one grandson is a serving member of the RCIP. Cayman Airways provided Mr. and Mrs. Bodden with two tickets to any Cayman Airways destination.

Mr. David Arch was recognised for his many years of service to the Special Constabulary and as the first Commandant.

The oldest retired police officer to have served the RCIP, Cardiff Solomon was given recognition, as was the immediate former Commissioner of Police, David Thursfield, who was honoured for his contribution to the RCIP. The new Commissioner, Buel Braggs was honoured as the first Caymanian Commissioner of police.

Recognition was given to award winning police officers Michael Montague, winner of the ACCP/Motorola Community Police Award for 2002, and Detective Constable Tiger Wilson, who was recognised for consistent excellence and for winning numerous international awards in the field of Natural Bodybuilding.

Female officers were honoured too, including Denzie Carter, the first female superintendent of police and Valerie Anderson, one of the first female police officers of the Cayman Islands. Detective Sergeant Rudolph Gordon was recognised for his contribution to the general welfare of police officers as the Treasurer of the Welfare Committee.

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Editorial

Stumbling at the finish

With supplements in both daily newspapers today, the Cayman public will get their first detailed look at the elements and ramifications of the Immigration Bill 2003, a comprehensive piece of legislation that attempts to resolve the decades-old dilemma surrounding 'non-Caymanians' who live and work in this community.

The fact that the immigration situation needs addressing is beyond doubt, from both sides on the issue. Work permit holders have lived in a tenuous limbo for far too long, not knowing from year to year if they were going to be allowed to stay here, sometimes for more than 20 years.

Thousands of non-Caymanian workers were allowed to stay here for so long that under accepted human rights guidelines in the civilised world, they have become entitled to remain here as citizens, a development which is now shaking the foundation of this society.

Clearly, a new Immigration Law is necessary not only to create a system fair, consistent and transparent for non-citizens, but also to ensure that this country can grow in measured steps with the kind of people who will prove beneficial to the Cayman Islands in the future.

The recommendations that have gone into drafting the proposed Immigration Bill have been collected over the past six years from a variety of public and private sector sources both here and abroad. Those who drafted the Bill also borrowed from the Immigration Laws of other countries, but in the end, they attempted to create legislation that addressed the specific situation, needs and goals of the Cayman Islands.

Although the Bill will no doubt bring objections from certain corners, for new laws always work against the interests of someone, it is a well-synthesised, forward-thinking and workable piece of legislation that allows some needed breathing room.

Now the Government has asked the media to help disseminate this very important document, so that the public can understand its benefits and consequences, and so they can respond with feedback.

The Government's attempt to include the public's opinion in this process of immigration reform is welcomed given recent events, however, the residents and businesses in this country certainly deserve more than the one week being allowed before the 31 October deadline for feedback on a document as vital as the Immigration Bill.

For 32 years since the adoption of the Caymanian Protection Law in 1971, the Cayman Islands has lived with a flawed immigration system, and now there is suddenly such a mad rush to resolve the problem that the public will have only seven days to protest elements or make suggestions to a law that will, according to the introduction of the supplement inside, "affect every single person who lives in, works in, does business with, or visits the Cayman Islands, whether Caymanian or non-Caymanian."

Once again, just as with the Status issue where the Government tackled a bothersome, long-lived issue with a commendable solution, they have botched its implementation with regrettable methodology that invites anger and criticism.

The Government has decided that the new legislation should take effect in January, which means that the Bill must be debated in the House next month, which means the public gets one week to absorb and respond to the proposed new Immigration Law.

Rather than reinforcing the impression that the Cayman Islands Government is as calm, collected, and well-reasoned as the new Immigration Bill, the rushed method of presenting the law for public discussion is taking away from what should have been a cause for celebration, not consternation.

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Letter to the Editor

Offenders are living the life of luxury in HM Prison

Dear Sir,

It is a fact to say, and if the prison's officials are truthful, they would agree that rehabilitation in the penal institutions as portrayed in the recent publication is only a little water for a dying tree.

Don't get me wrong, the food is excellent, the rooms are fabulous, the lifestyle is equivalent to that of the Hyatt and might matriculate to the Ritz Carlton when it is completed.

One inmate boasted that one thing that was lacking in making the prison into a 'country club' was a swimming pool. As shocked as I was to hear that, I took the comment seriously.

He reiterated that they have all they need in prison, where they can dodrugs, talk on the telephone all day and all night, drink rum, watch cable television and X-rated movies, play video games and DVD players, and have access to individual desktop and laptop computers, and one can even go to check his girl every now and again.

It is quite normal to either watch television or gamble all night and lay in bed all day and have your three meals delivered to your room; that is what we would call room service in the five star hotels.

In society you pay to get your education, and in prison inmates are paid to attend class.

It has also become a norm for prisoners to return drunk with liquor from temporary release on which they are supervised by prison officials.

I do believe wholeheartedly in treating prisoners humanely. I do believe also that prison should be a deterrent not a vacation. Prisoners should be actively involved doing educational programs and learning skills, not playing with time and getting high.

One would ask, what recourse is there for these incidents? None. This is no surprise, because for the past months the only time you hear of the prison director on the news is to report an escape. Now he has a supplement praising him and basking in glory.

I have been told that there is a thriving education system operating in the institutions. I have no doubts that the education system in the prison is of a high standard; a female who recently left prison and who is now employed in my business has proven to have been taught a number of things in mathematics, biology, English Language and computer skills. She also praised the teachers and their capabilities. This led me to believe that there are a few sensible persons left to carry on rehabilitation.

The country club type of culture in the prison has to stop. This system is turning our Caymanian men and women into dependant, lazy persons. Some of these are those who did not want to work and turned to a life of crime.

The previous directors did not condone these things; they had the sense to know it would negatively affect our society. When they culture our young Caymanians into being lazy and irresponsible persons, why should they want to come out of prison and work when they can go to Northward and lay in bed all day, no rules to obey and no rent to pay? Indeed there are no rules that support deterrents at our prisons.

In the recent publication of the grand performance by the Director, there are no statistics to concur with his manifest greatness. What is the present recidivism rate? According to statistics, nearly half the persons leaving prison between June and September 2003 have returned.

The lifestyle there makes it easier for anyone to commit an offence. After all, everything you want is there, drugs, gadgets and all.

When all these foreign administrators have gone back to their country, we are the ones who will be left in the rut. The rut they have created. If you should study their prison system, there is no nonsense of the sort they allow here. Little rehabilitating is being done and there's a lot of pampering of prisoners to their own detriment.

Imagine persons coming to prison for the use of drugs and have these drugs at their leisure each day. Ganja can be had over there more than it is in Jamaica.

I am for rehabilitation. Taking charge of each inmate's problems and finding means and ways to assist them in changing their negative behaviours, not paying them to be calm, which they often use psychologically to get their own way.

Prison has lost its effect. I am of the opinion that some young persons find it easier to make a life staying in prison, rather than making the sacrifice of making something of themselves in society. Whose fault is that? If I were a prisoner I certainly would like to feel I was on a well-deserved vacation.

A judge sentencing a prisoner for a vicious crime, even murder, will not serve its purpose at Northward country club. The taking of the life of another person is worth nothing, going to Northward for life. While the deceased's family is deprived of a loved-one and the deceased is deprived of his life. The punishment is a life of bliss at the country club. This is certainly an irony. Have you all heard of a deterrent?

What about rehabilitation? What are the programs offered to inmates? What vocational programs, if any, are offered? What are the success of these programs? Have they helped any ex-inmate to re-integrate with society? If so, how many? Where are your statistics Prison Director?

Please publish them so the Cayman Islands' people can see what is going on. The things happening there certainly paint a dim picture of your successes which you so daringly attribute to your ability to effectively and efficiently manage the prisons.

The discipline and professionalism of some prison officials leave much to be desired. No wonder there is little or no respect from staff for prisoners or prisoners for staff. It is quite unacceptable for any senior staff member from any government or private firm to physically abuse another person, especially a subordinate.

This type of behaviour certainly demonstrates the lack of ethics and professionalism. Making matters worse is an endorsement of this behaviour by top management. We have had enough; enough of the ludicrous management style, enough of your hypocrisy to government and to the people of the Cayman Islands.

But, this present government will sweep it under the carpet and reward our white expatriates with some good Caymanian dollars and a fancy lifestyle on the beach. This they get for shaming the dignity of our people. My God, what have we become? Lovers of fairer skin more than our own.

The recent publication of the supplement in Cayman Net News of Friday, 17 October is nothing but a cosmetic. Remember, the make-up might last for the night, but it usually rubs off by morning. I find interesting to note the ousting of the Deputy Director of Prisons, Mrs Claria Range.

She was never mentioned once in the supplement. I am of the opinion that her 22 years of service is of miniscule value, or better yet, her performance within the two years of the Prisons Director's tenure is not worthy to be mention. I find the public disregard for Mrs Range to be unprofessional and shows a lack of respect for her, her office and her contribution to the Government and people of these islands.

A long standing stalwart, Adam McIntyre, and his staff who I hear do a tremendous job in the Education Department and have the foresight for rehabilitation are placed on seats of nothingness as they do not fit the colour of the make-up artists.

Clean house prison, clean house, for the mess is plenty.

Len Bodden

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The Last Word

We need travellers and greeters to work together to keep alive the values of the past

Barrie Quappe

Scene opens. Beautiful aerial shot of a small island. The view is from inside a shaky propeller plane. The island below looks deserted. No buildings to be seen anywhere. The plane begins its descent and the surrounding blue waters get closer. Splash!

Great landing as the amphibious aircraft taxis towards a ramp out of the water. People dressed in light summer clothing greet the crumpled travellers. Greetings are friendly, but it is quite apparent this is a first meeting.

Next is a series of scenes depicting an island tour. The greeters show the travellers their church, walk down an unpaved, sandy road, greeting people along the way. Everyone seems to know everyone.

There is a feeling of home and of community. The travellers are shown laughing and eating inside the greeter's home. The atmosphere is very warm and the food homemade. Ideas are shared and promises made.

Next shot is in a polished boardroom, and we can see the travellers now about 10 years older dressed in expensive suits. They are talking with other people in nice suits. Handshakes, smiles and signing of apparently important papers. Where are the greeters?

Forgotten.

All over the globe, this scene has been played out. Sometimes the greeters are present, but most of the time they are forgotten.

In Cayman, we began this process years ago. Have we gone from the island that time forgot to the forgotten people? In the Caribbean, it began with the Europeans adventuring for the New World with new riches. What have we learned about the chase?

Will we ever learn? Sporadic attempts have been made by some of the travellers to work with the greeters as both benefit in business and community growth. However, this is usually done by people who are the exception and not the rule.

It seems we keep hitting replay. No review, no lessons learned. Just play it over and over and over.

Where does the chase usually end? Thus far we have seen unhappy endings of social upheaval and a sudden exodus of the travellers, in other countries. Let's be different Cayman.

We can do it if the travellers and the greeters work together.

Contact: Barrie Quappe, News-talk radio show Rooster 101.9FM at barriequappe@hurleysgroup.com

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News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

News about Cayman in the Foreign Press

Singapore rejects Cayman casino operator's appeal
SINGAPORE According to the Business Times, Singapore's central bank on Tuesday rejected an appeal by Nagacorp, a Cayman Islands-registered casino operator seeking to sell shares in Singapore, with the bank saying it had concerns about money laundering.

This is the second time the Monetary Authority of Singapore has rejected the Nagacorp company's share sale offer. Singapore has tightened regulations against money laundering, terrorist funding and drug money in order to further promote itself as a regional financial centre.

Sheik took over a Cayman restaurant
CHICAGO, USA According to Windy City Media, a few years ago, a very wealthy sheik from the Middle East took over an entire restaurant in a hotel in the Cayman Islands for a week so that his entourage would have privacy and the place to themselves.

Flights to continue from Heathrow to Cayman Islands
LONDON, England Pressi.com reports that Heathrow airport's top new routes launched in the summer include British Airways direct flights to Grand Cayman, which will now continue into the winter season, taking an increased number of visitors which will boost stay over tourism figures.

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Poderings

The way it was XVI

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Community Calendar

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 the 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

Stingrays just miss out on hockey semi-final

The Cayman squad: standing rear (l to r) Sanjay Mundkur, Julien Uzzell, Simon Palmer, Clark Buchanan (captain), Nigel Bates, Paul Sleep. Kneeling front (l to r) Robert Govaerts, Shaun Denton, Ivan Burges, Alton Davis, Morgan Stewart.

Cayman defend another Bermuda short corner through (l to r) Paul Sleep, Shaun Denton, Ivan Burges, and Alton Davis.

Battling Cayman Islands Field Hockey team just missed out on a semi-final spot in a major tournament on the astro-turf of Georgia Institute of Technology.

The valiant Stingrays raced into a 3-0 lead against Burmuda in the key game but, as fatigue set in, the lead slipped away with the game finishing in a 3-3 draw in the 2003 Atlanta Cup.

Four games in a weekend had taken their toll on the small squad which had opened the tournament with a creditable 3-1 defeat by the very powerful Washington Mavericks. A draw against the Atlanta second string side and a victory over The Stallions team of African expatriates kept their hopes alive going into the showdown with Bermuda.

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Bright spot for Junior in Scholars' run

Junior Hines receives his trophy from Scholars' representative Armando Ebanks.

As part of their annual fair, Scholars International staged a two-mile run for the second straight year. A total of 26 runners and walkers participated, including visitors Leita and Carl Highsmith of Hamden, Connecticut.

Dave Walker clocked 10:56 and Emily Davies checked in with a time of 13:43, which entitled them to carry off the heavy hardware. Trophies for the 12-and-under division went to Wendy Torres and Kadri Morris. Ariella Smith and Junior Hines took top honours in the 13-16 age group.

Martha Godet and Armando Ebanks presented the awards under the supervision of Noel Williams. Sponsors for the activity were Scholars International and Vibe FM.

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Beacon Realty 5K launches International Swim Week

Swimmers will once again line up for the Beacon Realty 5K International Sea Swim on Saturday at 8 am at the Holiday Inn Beach.

The Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA) and Stingray Swim Club are set to host two of their most exciting international events during Pirates Week.

The Beacon Realty 5K International Sea Swim will be held on Saturday, 25 October on Seven Mile Beach, beginning and finishing at the Holiday Inn beach. The race, now in its 24th year, is Cayman's oldest and longest open water event and is traditionally held at the beginning of the Pirates Week festivities. Beacon Realty is the 5K sponsor for the second consecutive year.

The race has been appointed to the FINA international calendar for open water swimming events, and planned participation from other overseas competitors has resulted in a new team competition as well as the age group and elite competitions. The race is open to all interested swimmers, aged 12 and over. The race will have a single start at 8 am and all swimmers must report between 7-7:45 am. Competitors have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the race.

Refreshments and T-shirts are provided for all participants, and all registrants have a chance at random prizes.

Registration for the race is on Friday, 24 October at the Holiday Inn Beach Bar, from 7-8:30 pm. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at the Friday registration. Fees remain the same as all other CIASA calendar races.

The international swimming week continues the following weekend with the Michael Lockwood Memorial Swim Meet that is being sponsored by Fosters Food Fair and Visine.

The meet will feature a large age group team from Jamaica and will also showcase two of the world's premier swimmers. Neil Walker, a USA multiple Olympic Gold medallist, and World Cup Champion Batiste Levaillant from France will get ready to take on Cayman's top senior swimmers, Andrew Mackay and Shaune Fraser.

Spectators and fans are welcome to attend and cheer on the world-class action either at Seven Mile Beach this weekend or at The Lions Pool next weekend.

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On the Cricket Pitch

Code of Conduct is now a necessary tool for progress

Philip Hackett

Known for his exploits on the cricket field, former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has found himself a new role, one which seems even more challenging and time-consuming than wielding a cricket bat.

Lloyd is a member of the panel of match referees who police international matches that fall under the control of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Lloyd, like his colleagues, has been kept busy by varying degrees of misconduct by over zealous 'professional' cricketers.

Already this month Lloyd has adjudicated on four cases. South African captain Graeme Smith and all rounder Andrew Hall both received one match bans and were fined half of their match fee following a skirmish with Pakistan's Yousuf Youhana during the recent one day series in Pakistan. Hall was also banned for two Test matches and Youhana fined half his match fee as well.

Hall later had his appeal against the ban turned down, thereby ensuring his absence from two Test matches against Pakistan.

Lloyd also handed out a three match suspension to Pakistani Shoaib Akhtar after the fast bowler, for the second time in a year, was found guilty of using obscene language.

Lloyd publicly expressed concern with the behaviour of both teams during the one day series and called on the team captains and coaches to address the matter with their players.

"Cricket is a noble game based on honesty, integrity and fair play and if the players cannot comprehend this they should not be playing the game," Lloyd said.

Traditionally cricket has been described as 'a gentleman's game' but as the sport has taken on a more professional nature, a mockery has been made of this concept.

In the Cayman Islands, cricket has not reached professional status, though arguably there are some players on the island talented enough to perform creditably if placed in the professional arena. It is therefore the love for the sport and pride in performance that motivates most of us.

Even in an environment of amateur sport emotions can spiral out of control. The Cayman Islands Cricket Association (CICA) is now in the process of formulating a Code of Conduct.

The document has already been drafted and has been circulated to members. It is not the first time a Code of Conduct has been established since there were already provisions made for the handling of disciplinary matters, but this is a more detailed instrument which operates at a variety of levels.

It closely follows the ICC model and also borrows heavily from Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

The Cayman Islands has recently been promoted to Associate status and clearly the CICA is keen to have its cricketers playing under the international standards.

National coach Theo Cuffy and the Cayman cricket authorities are on the right track in recognising that cricket can only make dynamic progress if parameters are clearly defined. Coach Cuffy has made it clear that such a move is necessary to fulfil the vision for cricket in the Cayman Islands. Hopefully the local cricketers who participate at various levels will not be intimidated, but will see this as a positive move that enhances the credibility of the sport.

The existence of the code need not be a cause for fear if cricketers are playing the game in the spirit in which it should be played.

They need to recognise though that as these islands seek to qualify for the World Cup, disciplinary matters need to be handled in a profession way even in a recreational environment.

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Sports Event Calendar

Sports Calendar

Friday, 24 October
Visiting Cuban track & field champion Ana Fidelia Quirot will speak at Bodden Town, North Side and East End primary schools; and will later compete in the colourful Pirate Week 5k race around George Town, which begins at 6:30 pm at the Harbour Centre building and finishes at the cruise terminal on Harbour Drive

Saturday, 25 October
Beacon Realty International 5K Sea Swim. Race starts at Holiday Inn beach 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. Further information about the event can be obtained from the president Bernie Bush on 916-3169, or the coach 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.

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Sports Person of the Week

Merta Day

Recently named the Sports Co-ordinator of Women and Girls and also the Secretary of the Cayman Islands Cricket Association, Merta Day is an all-around sports lover. She has been in the Department of Youth and Sports for 14 years, the longest anyone has been in that department.

Not only has Merta administered and taught sports, she has also represented the Cayman Islands in several sports, including netball, basketball, rugby and her newly found sport, squash, which she enjoys playing a great deal.

"I love every sport," she said "Sports is the best way to stay fit physically and mentally, I recommend everyone to play sports."

Merta (pronounced Meeta the 'r' is silent) is married to Michael Day, and the couple have a daughter named Chantelle, who is also an avid sports enthusiast. She thanks her family for being so understanding, since she is away from home very often because of her involvement with sports.

The Day family recently won the distinction of Sports Family of the Year at the National Sports Awards.

In the future, Merta would like to continue playing and teaching sports, and staying fit.

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