Topic: Alden McLaughlin
Top stories of 2015: Cruise plan divided Cayman in 2015
Plans for a new cruise terminal in George Town harbor dominated the headlines and divided the Cayman Islands community throughout 2015.
Top stories of 2015: Lawmaker's motion against same-sex unions sparks debate
A speech on the topic of same-sex unions made in the Legislative Assembly in August, sparked a months-long and still ongoing debate that pitted members of the Cayman Islands government against those advocating for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Christmas message from the Premier
We find ourselves once again at the time of year when everything and everyone is just a little more special. It’s Christmas.
Cayman gas prices drop below $4 per gallon
Per gallon prices for regular, unleaded gasoline fell below $4 per gallon this week at some George Town petrol stations.
MLA McTaggart joins Progressives
George Town MLA Roy McTaggart removed the “independent” from his title Tuesday, joining the Progressives political party and announcing that he would campaign with the Progressives for re-election in 2017.
Cayman Brac bids farewell to Captain Arlin Tatum
The Veterans and Seamen’s Centre was filled with mourners on Sunday, Dec. 20, who had come to pay final respects to Captain Arlin Royston Tatum, who died on Dec. 3, 2015.
Ironwood commits to hiring locals
The developers behind the planned Ironwood golf resort have committed to a target of hiring a workforce of mostly Caymanian employees as part of a duty concessions agreement with government.
Ironwood moving forward, no road deal
The $365 million Ironwood golf resort project will move forward without a final agreement on a highway extension previously viewed as a deal breaker for the development.
Ironwood will seek planning approval early next year for phase one of the resort, featuring retirement homes for affluent baby boomers situated around an Arnold Palmer-designed PGA Championship golf course.
World records: Cayman's open data flaws
Typically, a letter grade of "C" means "average." But when it puts your country on par with the likes of Pakistan and Russia, what it really means is "unsatisfactory."
Professor: Same-sex unions legislation 'inevitable' in Cayman
When human rights professor Robert Wintemute visited the Cayman Islands in January to deliver a critique of the islands’ “out of date” laws on rights for homosexuals, he hoped to start a conversation.
South Sound home for Enterprise City
The recent approval of the master zoning plan for Cayman Enterprise City's campus is positive news.
PR application, appeal take eight years
A man whose application for permanent residence took more than eight years from the date it was filed to when it was rejected by an appeals body has sued the Cayman Islands government, seeking re-consideration of the case.
Cayman Economic Outlook conference date, speakers set
Inequality will be the theme of the 14th annual business conference presented by Fidelity Bank (Cayman) Ltd. on Jan. 19.
'Hails' to the chief: Cayman's new top firefighter
Based on his résumé, the hiring of David Hails as chief fire officer appears to be an unqualified recruitment triumph.
UK fire service veteran named new chief
For the first time since the Cayman Islands Fire Service was created, a non-Caymanian has been appointed to lead the department.
The battle over 'beneficial ownership'
The topic of "beneficial ownership" is, for many of the jurisdictions including Cayman, the primary issue defining current relations with our common Colonial Mother.
Premier: Cayman unmoved on beneficial ownership
The Cayman Islands and other U.K. Overseas Territories have agreed to implement centralized registers of beneficial owners of companies or “similarly effective systems” at the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council Meeting this week.
Gay rights battle paralleled in Bermuda
A landmark ruling in the Supreme Court of Bermuda giving same-sex couples equal rights on immigration and employment issues has been cited as further evidence that the Cayman Islands needs to modernize its own laws.
Handouts to voters: Charity or vote buying?
When it comes to standing up in the Legislative Assembly against the practice of “vote buying,” George Town MLA Winston Connolly stands alone.
Overseas Territories, London officials expect to broach beneficial ownership issue
Premier Alden McLaughlin and a six-member Cayman Islands delegation attended Tuesday afternoon’s opening session of the three-day annual Joint Ministerial Council in London. Ongoing questions of beneficial ownership are expected to be among the more contentious subjects addressed among the group of 12 Overseas Territories and Foreign and Commonwealth Office leaders.
'Aunt Julia' Hydes passes away at 106
Cayman Islands cultural icon Julia Almeria Hydes passed away Monday morning. The legendary folk musician, known to many as “Aunt Julia,” was 106 and Cayman’s oldest citizen.
The drum player and songwriter would have turned 107 in January.
MLA Alva Suckoo silent on future plans
Bodden Town MLA Alva Suckoo declined to discuss on Monday any future political plans he may have with regard to political party membership.
Eden's Progressives departure sets off political uproar
The departure of long-serving Bodden Town MLA Anthony Eden from the Progressives-led government last week sparked a behind-the-scenes political scramble and was viewed by some Cayman politics insiders as a potential foreshadowing of others leaving the Progressives party.
Mr. Eden said he would sit on the other side of the Legislative Assembly when the House next meets in the new year.
MLA Eden leaves PPM over civil union issue
A founding member of the People’s Progressive Movement political
party left the organization Thursday after a months-long dispute over
the legal acceptance of same-sex unions in the Cayman Islands.
Dart, government confirm highway expansion deal
The Esterley Tibbetts highway will be expanded to four lanes along the full length of the route within the next 18 months after government and developer Dart Realty confirmed they had finalized the outstanding details of the National Roads Authority agreement.
The deal also involves the US$14.6 million purchase by the Dart group of the Dragon Bay lands on the North Sound.
Government says no new taxes or borrowing
Releasing government’s 2016-2017 strategic policy statement, an annual exercise to set spending priorities, the premier and finance minister said the budget includes no new taxes or fees.
UK escalates beneficial ownership demands
The United Kingdom is seeking direct access by its law enforcement agencies to information about the beneficial owners of companies and other entities in the Cayman Islands and other Overseas Territories.
Premier McLaughlin stands up against populist pandering
We applaud Premier Alden McLaughlin for his response to intemperate, irresponsible and divisive remarks made by his elected colleagues.
Cayman Finance holds inaugural members briefing
Cayman Finance held its first members briefing last week to outline its plans for 2016 and to demonstrate its value to the financial services industry.
Premier condemns anti-business rhetoric
Premier Alden McLaughlin admonished legislators for anti-business, anti-expat rhetoric that he warned risked hurting the island’s economy.
The premier supported an amended version of a private members’ motion from backbencher Winston Connolly, who called for changes to business licensing laws to encourage training, development and ownership opportunities for Caymanians.
Straight talk on gay marriage
On some subjects, particularly ones whose fundamental nature is cultural or moral, there is no clear opportunity for compromise. In the Cayman Islands, same-sex marriage is one of these.
Premier, human rights body clash on same-sex unions
The government cannot consider any request to recognize same sex unions, Premier Alden McLaughlin said in a letter to the Human Rights Commission that was made public on Monday.
Legal action possible over port decision
Cayman Islands Government has been served with notice that a judicial review could be filed with relation to Cabinet’s decision to proceed with the cruise port development.
On corruption: The duties of the governor
The Cayman Islands has a reputation for being a hotbed of corruption, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Tree lightings kick off holidays
It may not be December yet, but it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in the Cayman Islands.
Thousands came out for the Christmas tree lighting at Camana Bay Saturday night, while hundreds came out for a tree lighting Thursday evening that was hosted by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.
MLA Anthony Eden 'We do not need an atheist chairing our Cayman Islands...
Saying recent statements showed a “total apparent disrespect for the majority of residents in Cayman,” Bodden Town MLA Anthony Eden suggested Wednesday that the current chairman of the Human Rights Commission be replaced.
Cuban detention center guards paid $1 million in overtime
The Cayman Islands government spent nearly $1 million on overtime during the last budget year for guards to monitor Cuban migrants temporarily housed in George Town.
The overtime spending was also noted as putting “even greater strains” on a prison staff already stretched thin.
Government sets plans for 18-month budget
The Cayman Islands government will enter uncharted financial waters Wednesday as the planning document for the upcoming 18-month budget is released in the Legislative Assembly.
Minister will press Cayman on beneficial ownership registry
The U.K. Foreign Office Minister James Duddridge will press the Overseas Territories on their commitment to efficiently provide information on beneficial owners of companies and other entities at the Joint Ministerial Council Meeting at the end of this month.
Palmer's batting makes him player of the year
Christopher Palmer was named player of the year when the Cayman Islands Cricket Association held its annual awards night in George Town on Saturday.
Brac airport, CAL to add 21 jobs
The airport expansion on Cayman Brac, along with a new plane and more flights in and out of Charles Kirkconnell International Airport, means 21 new jobs for the island, Tourism Minister and Sister Islands MLA Moses Kirkconnell said.
The minister said the airport has hired more firefighters and immigration and customs officers.
Premier: Paris terror 'an attack on all mankind'
Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin on Monday issued a statement of support for the people of France.
Inaugural flight for Brac plane
Cayman Airways christened its new plane to fly between the Brac and Grand Cayman. Officials say the plane will be phased into daily use this month.
Kenneth Bryan assault trial adjourned to Feb.
The trial of Kenneth Bryan, charged with disorderly conduct and assaulting police, has been adjourned until Feb. 2, 2016.
Kimpton ramping up for 2016 opening
Kimpton Hotels has begun the recruitment process for the newly named Seafire Resort and Spa on Seven Mile Beach, ultimately seeking to hire 300 staff ahead of its opening in November 2016.
Remembrance Sunday ceremonies honor our heroes
Veterans from two world wars and men who lost their lives at sea were honored Sunday in the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Veterans and Seafarers Association members attending included those who served in World War II as well as Home Guard who performed distinctive service at home during the war.
East End's oldest resident turns 100
East Ender Stella Welcome recently joined a distinguished group, celebrating her 100th birthday on Oct. 30.
E-government faces security, customer service challenges
Moving to an e-government system for public services within the next 18 months will present numerous security and service challenges.
Government and the EY Report: Why even bother?
The verdict is in: "Project Future" has no future.
Government plans ‘interventions’ to lessen Caymanian unemployment
The Cayman Islands government intends to focus on “specific interventions” to assist in lessening Caymanian unemployment within the next 18 months, Premier Alden McLaughlin said Monday.
EY Report update: Few job cuts, less outsourcing in gov’t plan
Although proposals will initially lead to few job losses and no outsourcing of functions to the private sector, the Cayman Islands government announced Monday that it would seek to move forward with a total of 51 recommendations derived from a 2014 consultant report.
Cayman's healthcare workers look to the future
More than 800 people attended the sixth annual Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference last week, titled “Embracing Emerging Trends.”
Conference organizers gave particular attention to palliative care, mental health and new technologies.
Premier Alden McLaughlin told the crowd assembled at The Ritz-Carlton conference center that the workshops and sessions from the conference directly result in recommendations for the Health Services Authority and government.
'Not practical' to keep adding MLAs
A limit on the overall number of MLAs is suggested by Cayman's Electoral Boundaries Commission.
Tourism minister denies port conflict
Deputy Premier Moses Kirkconnell has refuted suggestions of a conflict of interest over Cayman’s cruise port project.
Cabinet approves cruise project
Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed Tuesday that Cabinet has formally approved the decision to move to the next phase of the proposed cruise pier development, which will involve discussions with cruise lines on a preferred financing model.
United Kingdom approval of the port development in George Town harbor will depend on the Cayman Islands government’s ability to show the project is self-funding.
Mr. McLaughlin acknowledged, “We are still a long way from saying this project is a go.”
Cayman one step closer to mental health facility
Progress continues on the proposal for a long-term residential mental health facility in the Cayman Islands as consulting firm KPMG begins work on the outline business case to explore the feasibility of the project.
Fingerprinting and 'fine print': $663k wasted
Who would spend $663,000 on a product — and then never use it? Here’s a clue: The matter in question has government’s fingerprints all over it.
Liquor license holders get extended 'grace period'
Cayman Islands liquor license holders who do not currently own or operate a liquor-related business will now get up to five years to retain those licenses, during which time they can apply for a business license.
Premier McLaughlin, Publisher Legge issue joint statement
Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin and Cayman Compass Publisher David R. Legge are pleased to announce they have come to an accommodation regarding the recent difficulties between the government and the newspaper.
$663K wasted on abandoned immigration fingerprint system
Government spent $663,000 on software after awarding a contract for a biometric fingerprinting system in 2010, but the software was never used, according to an audit released this week.
Opposition Leader Bush sues former governor, police chief
Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush has filed a lawsuit against Police Commissioner David Baines and former Governor Duncan Taylor alleging they conspired to depose him as Premier of the Cayman Islands.
In a writ of summons, filed with the Grand Court on Wednesday, attorneys acting for Mr. Bush claim the criminal investigation and charges laid against him were politically motivated.
Fight Night II will host Londoners
Amateur boxing in the Cayman Islands is in good shape judging by Saturday night’s show, which showcased the talent of many local fighters – and the next one is already lined up for next year.
'Fundamental change' for Cayman politics
Not all lawmakers support 'one man, one vote,' but all agree it will profoundly change Cayman Islands politics.
Premier questions election 'checks and balances' proposal
A legislative motion that advocates the enactment of term limits and seeks to outlaw “vote buying” in the Cayman Islands may not see the light of day following government’s approval of sweeping voting changes ahead of the May 2017 general election.
Bush threatens legal challenge over new voting maps
Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush said Friday that he is weighing a potential legal challenge to the new voting maps that will split the electorate into 19 single-member constituent districts ahead of the May 2017 general election.
Premier: Government ‘out of patience’ with fuel companies
Legislation that will require Cayman’s two major fuel distributors to reveal specific pricing information on gasoline and diesel shipments was approved in a key vote last week, but certain details of the bill remain to be hammered out in a Legislative Assembly committee Monday prior to its final passage.
Suckoo topples policeman Peart
Not every boxing show can boast a politician fighting a senior policeman, but that fight was one of the best of many entertaining bouts at the Lions Centre on Saturday night.
Legislators approve ‘one man, one vote’ for 2017
Cayman Islands lawmakers have approved a long-debated change to ‘one
man, one vote’ for the British territory’s next general election cycle.
Divided house boots Mac from PAC
A majority of government and independent Legislative Assembly members
voted late Thursday in favor of a government motion to remove Opposition
Leader McKeeva Bush from his position as a member of the assembly’s
Public Accounts Committee.
Fuel price rally runs out of gas
In the realm of rallies, there’s the Million Man March … and then there’s everything else. Put another way, not all protests are created equal.
Legal aid reform bill approved
Changes to Cayman’s legal aid system, which have been debated for more than a decade, were approved by a majority of Legislative Assembly members Wednesday amid concerns that the government was blurring lines of separation between elected politicians and the judiciary.
‘Punchlines’: Slugger Alva Suckoo vs. Brawling ‘Bobby’ Peart
With pugilistic skills that might serve him well on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, slugger Alva Suckoo, MLA from Bodden Town, will be battling it out with policeman Michael “Bobby” Peart (better known to fight fans as “Bobby the Brawler”) Saturday night at the Lions Center.
