Topic: Government
Government recruiting for Christmas cleanup
The national community cleanup is recruiting people who want to work for two weeks before the holiday and one week 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.
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.
When limited infrastructure limits growth
Cayman's Internet issues comprise one facet of an overarching quandary that calls into question the very economic future of our islands.
CarePay trial: Health Ministry duped into paying $1.2M, claims Crown
Cayman Islands businessman Canover Watson deceived local government officials into paying an additional US$1.2 million for the expansion of a public hospital patient swipe-card system by “doctoring” copies of the initial CarePay card contract and sending it to Ministry of Health officials in August 2011, Crown prosecutors said Thursday.
Review: From Island Girl to National Hero
The biography of Miss Sybil McLaughlin offers a compelling look at the life of the Cayman Islands' only living National Hero.
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.
School aide denies indecently assaulting schoolgirls
A former teacher’s aide pleaded not guilty Thursday to 10 charges of indecent assault on seven primary schoolgirls.
Shake-up for seamen's benefits
Benefits payments to veteran sailors or their widows are facing new scrutiny as part of a shake-up of the system.
50 years ago: Eyesores and need for cemetery
In the Nov. 24, 1965 edition of the Caymanian Weekly, a predecessor of the Cayman Compass, Bodden Town correspondent Arthur Hunter wrote that it was a pity that restoration of historical sites was confined to those in George Town, particularly Fort George.
CarePay trial: Football cash funneled into 'sham' account, claims Crown
Prosecutors said Wednesday that US$250,000 from the Cayman Islands Football Association found its way into a Fidelity Bank account initially set up to take in payments from the public healthcare system for the CarePay patient swipe-card contract.
Deal reboots KYD remittances, leaves out Jamaica National
A deal between Western Union, Scotiabank and Jamaica-based GraceKennedy Money Services means people can now use Cayman Island dollars to send remittances overseas, but it’s not without its critics.
Government funds for vehicle, asset replacement diverted
The Cayman Islands government has not planned appropriately for the need to replace old, outdated equipment in a number of areas – including service vehicles – and has actually spent money intended for that purpose on other things.
Those findings were included in a special government committee report on the management of public finances released last week.
Internet issues impacting economy
The Cayman Islands is losing millions of dollars in investment because of inadequate telecoms infrastructure, regulators have warned.
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.
Changes coming for government spending
The Cayman Islands government spent more than $95 million last year buying various goods and services from vendors.
Efforts to help migrants thwarted by police
A group of Cayman Islands residents who chartered a vessel to try to bring food and water to migrants on a ramshackle boat say marine police prevented them from assisting the men.
Manderson: 'Confusion' over job-hopping
Significant confusion has arisen in recent months as to whether work permit holders employed in one occupation can “switch jobs” to a completely different profession.
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.
Western Union reopens in Cayman
A months-long crisis in remittance services, used by many in Cayman to support family overseas, appears to be coming to a close.
CarePay project costs 'increased massively'
The proposed costs of a public hospital patient swipe-card project increased by as much as US$3.5 million after bid documents for the deal were submitted to former Cayman Islands Health Services Authority Board chairman Canover Watson, Crown prosecutors alleged Tuesday.
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.
Call for greater ownership opportunity for Caymanians
Caymanians are being prevented from getting to the top in the best paying professions in the country, MLA Winston Connolly claimed as he proposed changes to legislation governing business in the territory.
Conservation Council bans video recording, photography at public meetings
The National Conservation Council, a year-old council formed under the National Conservation Law, announced Monday that while the public is welcome to attend the meetings, video recording and photography will not be allowed.
Cribb passes on skills at clinic
To have a successful adult program, any sport has to have a vibrant kids program and in the Cayman Islands, and rugby has been doing that for almost two decades.
Port politics: 'The Council' comes to life
Flexing its muscles against its creator, the National Conservation Council is attempting to impede the Progressives government’s pursuit of the cruise berthing project downtown.
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.
Conservation Council questions Ministry of Tourism role in pier project
The National Conservation Council has questioned the role of the Ministry of Tourism in pushing for the cruise pier project.
Fifty-six jurors excused from Watson and Rodriguez trial
A jury panel was chosen on Friday for the trial of Canover Watson and Miriam Rodriguez, but not before 56 of 70 potential jurors were excused. The seven jurors and two reserves chosen were scheduled to begin hearing the matter on Monday, Nov. 23.
Hospital patients will be required to pay upfront for prescriptions
Patients at the Cayman Islands Hospital’s pharmacy will be asked to pay upfront for their prescriptions from January next year.
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.
Pirates Week comes to an end
Revelers celebrated the end of an invasion Saturday, as swashbucklers were sentenced for crimes committed during Pirates Week 2015.
Still no sanctions for breaking finance law
For about a decade, the Cayman Islands Government failed to file consolidated financial statements on time, or in any sort of auditable form, as required by the territory’s Public Management and Finance Law.
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.
Whistleblower oversight added to understaffed watchdog office
A government watchdog office which has no permanent leadership and whose future has been uncertain for more than a year will be given responsibility for monitoring whistleblower cases, Cayman Islands Deputy Governor Franz Manderson has confirmed.
Bad loans continue to plague development bank
Almost a third of active loans with the Cayman Islands Development Bank were past due as of the end of the 2013-2014 fiscal year, according to financial statements tabled at the Legislative Assembly this week.
Boarding bridges cost debated
An earlier plan for the expansion of the Owen Roberts International Airport included three passenger boarding bridges at an estimated cost of $4.65 million.
Free speech, hate speech, and Mr. Eden’s speech
As an individual, Anthony Eden has a protected right to free speech. As an elected MLA, Mr. Eden is sworn to uphold the Constitution. This is where the trouble begins.
Governor: Religious beliefs 'not relevant' to commission appointments
Cayman Islands Governor Helen Kilpatrick confirmed Thursday that religious beliefs of government appointees should have nothing to do with their service on public commissions.
Panton: Spearfishing rules may be changed
Environment Minister Wayne Panton indicated Wednesday that long-standing rules banning the importation of spear gun parts and the granting of new spearfishing licenses could be changed, depending on recommendations from the National Conservation Council.
The issue was raised Wednesday in the Legislative Assembly.
Cayman Brac employment: A Saab story
The 21 "additional" jobs connected with enhanced Cayman Brac air service are being created by government fiat, not market demand.
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.
New parking for Bodden Town Heritage Day
Visitors attending Bodden Town Pirates Week Heritage Day activities this year will no longer have to worry about parking.
Recycling to expand in the new year
Government is working to get more recycling stations set up around the islands in the beginning of next year, according to Jim Schubert with the Public Works Department.
UCCI awards highest honor to three citizens
While UCCI’s 2015 commencement celebrated the hard work of dozens of its graduates, the highest form of recognition bestowed at the October ceremony was reserved for three of Cayman’s most notable contributors.
UCCI President: The importance of STEM
As an educator, I have been casting around for a considerable time asking myself, “When will we, in this society come to the realization of the importance of STEM as the driving force of the XXIst century?”
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.
Jury selection in corruption trial for Canover Watson set for Friday
Jury selection in the corruption trial of Cayman Islands businessman Canover Watson and his former personal assistant Miriam Rodriguez has been pushed back a few days, but was expected to get under way by Friday, according to attorneys involved in the case.
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.
Red Bay aims for third U-11 title
There was some excellent youth football during the sixth round of the 2015/16 CUC Primary Football League and Girls Primary Football League regular seasons 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.
CASK trio grab five karate medals
Cayman Associated School of Karate competed for the first time internationally over the weekend and three athletes came away with five medals from the tournament in Canada.
Cayman port puts familiar hand in charge
A well-known “captain” has been chosen to steer the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands, the group’s board of directors announced Monday.
Miss Izzy's schoolhouse: gone but not forgotten
Miss Izzy's schoolhouse was an important part of Cayman's educational heritage.
Dump strategy on view
The Ministry of Health and Culture is holding open house sessions to familiarize the public with its proposed national solid waste management strategy.
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.
Paris – and the world – reels from terrorist attacks
Three coordinated attacks shattered a bustling Friday night in Paris, killing at least 129 people and turning the French capital into a war zone. French residents in Cayman have been anxiously checking that friends and relatives are safe, and former Cayman Islands Auditor General Alastair Swarbrick, who recently moved to the city, described the scene in Paris Sunday.
Prep goes to Princeton
A group of 20 Cayman Prep and High School students were on their way to New Jersey Monday to take part in this year’s Princeton Model United Nations Conference.
Seized food auctioned off outside courthouse
Saturday morning’s Judicial Administration auction in the courthouse parking lot, disposing of a shipping container full of dry and frozen foods, started a little late, but the attending bailiffs anticipated a resounding success.
When officials are 'generous' with your money
The granting of "severance payments" to select Airports Authority staffers is yet another example of the unchecked spending of government funds.
Retiring airport staff received lucrative 'severance packages'
Some employees at the Cayman Islands Airports Authority received “severance packages” upon their retirement during the government’s 2012/13 budget year, and possibly in prior years, the Cayman Compass has learned.
School aide 'fit to plead' in indecent assaults on girls
The man accused in a series of indecent assaults on girls at a primary school where he worked is fit to enter a plea, Magistrate Valdis Foldats said during a brief hearing Thursday morning.
Judge again slams US regulators in Caledonian Bank case
The New York judge overseeing the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission case against Caledonian Bank criticized the regulator in an opinion released Tuesday.
Ministry takes up auditor's challenge
After taking a verbal drubbing from Cayman’s auditor general for a number of years, at least one government ministry has responded – by following his advice.
Operation Tempura case judge joins Cayman's appeals court
A former U.K. High Court judge who once presided over various Cayman Islands court actions related to the ill-fated Operation Tempura investigation has joined Cayman’s Court of Appeal.
Thomas Russell Beach ideal for snorkeling
The many beaches of Grand Cayman all have their particular charms, and the experience at Thomas Russell Beach in Bodden Town is one of peace and tranquility.
Immigration revenues at $89.5 million
The Cayman Islands Immigration Department took in $89.5 million in revenues during the last government budget year, nearly tripling fees collected by the agency from a decade ago.
Bad debts a problem for public health
Over the past decade, the Cayman Islands public healthcare system has failed to collect some $120 million in debts owed for services rendered. (That's a lot of jetways!)
