Topic: University College of the Cayman Islands
Syed found guilty on all 12 counts
Nearly a decade after he left the Cayman Islands claiming to be suffering from serious health issues, former college president Hassan Syed has been convicted of stealing more than $500,000 from his former employer.
BREAKING: Syed guilty on all 12 charges
A jury found former UCCI president Hassan Syed guilty of 12 charges Thursday afternoon.
Jury deliberates in Syed trial
The jury in the trial of former University College of the Cayman Islands president Hassan Syed was sent out at 11.37 a.m. Tuesday to deliberate its verdict.
Hassan Syed case to go to jury this week
The jury in the trial of Hassan Syed is expected to be sent out to consider its verdict Monday or Tuesday. Judge Philip St. John-Stevens has been reviewing the evidence in the case since Thursday afternoon.
Prosecutor: Syed used ‘charm and status,’ taking ‘every penny he could’
Former university president Hassan Syed used his “charm and status” to manipulate those around him, taking “every penny he could while the sun shone,” prosecutor Patrick Moran claimed Tuesday afternoon.
Crown: Syed took advantage of college
Former University College of the Cayman Islands president Hassan Syed took advantage of a lack of checks and balances at the college and beyond, Crown prosecutor Patrick Moran claimed as he began his closing statement in the trial Tuesday.
Syed trial: Senior civil servant denies authorizing false invoice
A senior civil servant testified Monday that he would not have authorized the former president of the University College of the Cayman Islands, Hassan Syed, to alter an invoice.
Syed denies lying to auditors about travel expenses
Hassan Syed, the former president of the University College of the Cayman Islands, insisted Friday that he had not instructed the college’s accountant to lie to the auditor general’s office about his travel expenses.
Syed claims work history ‘classified’
Former college president Hassan Syed declined to answer questions about his work history in the U.S. during court proceedings Wednesday, saying the information was “classified.” The questions arose as Syed was quizzed about his resume.
Syed tells jury about his departure, return to Cayman
Former University College of the Cayman Islands President Hassan Syed said Friday that he left the Cayman Islands in April 2008 because he was “very sick” – not because of concern about an ongoing audit at the school that uncovered financial irregularities on his university-issued credit card.
Ex-UCCI president Syed takes the stand
Former University College of the Cayman Islands president Hassan Syed testified in his own defense at his trial Thursday morning, admitting to some “negligence” in reporting expenses accrued on his university credit card but denying that he had been dishonest.
Syed never earned doctorate, court hears
Former university president Hassan Syed never received a doctorate from the University of Victoria in Canada as he is said to have claimed in his resume, a court heard Wednesday. Syed, who is charged with falsely claiming to have a Ph.D. to get the job of president of the University College of the Cayman Islands, never even applied to the institution or attended classes there.
Girlfriend: ‘Syed wanted to marry me’
The former girlfriend of Hassan Syed testified Tuesday that the professor had wanted to marry her and had bought her lavish gifts, including jewelry, cash and a car. Katrina Parchment met the former president of UCCI when she was working in the Portfolio of the Civil Service, according to her police statement.
Syed trial focuses on Civil Service College
A government accountant testified in Grand Court on Monday that he processed numerous payments to the University College of the Cayman Islands in connection with the project to set up a civil service college.
College administrator signed blank checks for Syed
The provost of the UCCI signed blank checks for former president Hassan Syed, trusting that it was for college business, Grand Court heard Friday. Robert Geoffroy, in a police statement read to the court in Syed’s trial, acknowledged he had co-signed three college checks for the president.
Syed trial: Accountant paid off credit cards without seeing statements
The University College of the Cayman Islands’ accountant paid off former president Hassan Syed’s credit cards without ever seeing the statements, he told a Grand Court jury this week. Khemkaran Singh said he had repeatedly asked Mr. Syed for receipts and credit card statements to support his spending on college funded credit cards.
UCCI dean quizzed on credit card policy
The former dean of the University College of the Cayman Islands Brian Chapell testified that the college had no written policy for the use of staff credit cards. Hassan Syed has denied 12 charges, including theft, obtaining money transfers by deception and obtaining a pecuniary advantage.
Syed trial: UCCI board chair denies sanctioning $70K advance
The former chairman of the University College of the Cayman Islands board of governors testified that he never authorized a $70,000 salary advance to the college’s former president Hassan Syed. Conor O’Dea, giving evidence in Syed’s ongoing Grand Court trial, said he had been unaware the cash had been paid to the president in January 2008 until several months later.
Crown: Syed created UCCI credit card policy
Former University College of the Cayman Islands president Hassan Syed created a credit card policy in a “desperate attempt” to justify more than $200,000 in dishonest spending to auditors, a court heard Monday.
Crown: Syed bought roses, diamond rings with college cash
The former president of the University College of the Cayman Islands used college funds to shower gifts, including diamond rings and red roses for Valentine’s Day, on a number of “close female friends,” prosecutor Patrick Moran claimed in Grand Court Thursday.
Jury selected in Syed trial
A seven-person jury was selected Monday for the trial of Hassan Syed, the former president of the University College of the Cayman Islands, who is accused of stealing from his former employer.
‘Tale of Two Christmases’: A tribute to traditions
Performers from two universities delivered “A Tale of Two Christmases” simultaneously for audiences in Cayman and Pennsylvania on Saturday evening. Connected via live videostream, West Chester University‘s Jazz Ensemble teamed up with the University College of the Cayman Islands for the choir and orchestra concert.
Hundreds of students explore job fair
More than 500 students attended a career fair last month to learn about jobs ranging from handling drug-sniffing dogs to working in a medical lab and operating drones. The Careers Fair, hosted by Cayman Academy at the University College of the Cayman Islands, drew students from Cayman’s public and private schools.
Film festival organizer plans media academy in Cayman
A new Cayman Media Academy which aims to train locals to work in the film industry will launch with a series of evening classes in 2017. Tony Mark, the organizer of the CayFilm movie festival, said the academy would initially offer night classes in acting, writing and other aspects of film making.
UCCI awards Joy Merren honorary doctorate
Joy Merren was among those recently awarded honorary doctorates by the University College of the Cayman Islands. The honorary degrees were awarded to those who have contributed to the development of Cayman’s society.
UCCI awards honorary doctorate to Steve McField
Steve McField has received an honorary doctorate from the University College of the Cayman Islands for his contributions to the fields of law, history, politics, public education and nation building. Mr. McField was presented the award by university president Roy Bodden.
National Hero Sybil McLaughlin awarded honorary doctorate
Sybil McLaughlin, the first living woman to be declared a National Hero, the first woman named Speaker of the House in the Cayman Islands and the first woman appointed as female clerk in the Commonwealth has been awarded an honorary doctorate. Ms. McLaughlin was presented the award during the University College of the Cayman Islands’ commencement ceremony.
Former Speaker Mary Lawrence awarded honorary doctorate
Mary Lawrence, former Speaker of the House, historian, educator, writer, mother of six and a native of Bodden Town, has received an honorary doctorate from the University College of the Cayman Islands for her contributions to the Cayman society.
UCCI grads celebrate academic success
UCCI celebrated the achievements of more than 200 graduates at a commencement ceremony Thursday evening at the Sir Vassel Johnson Hall. Twenty-five students were awarded Bachelor’s degrees, two received postgraduate degrees, 118 received associate degrees, nine degrees were awarded for professional programs and 55 certificates were given out.
Business in brief: Local students learn from science and tech professionals
Pineau nominated for World Chambers Federation council; Commercial and property litigator joins HSM Group; New associate investment adviser at NCB Cayman
STEM conference encourages interest in science
Hundreds of students filtered through Sir Vassel Johnson Hall Friday afternoon for the conclusion of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Carib Conference at the University College of the Cayman Islands. Some of the most popular events in the Family Fun Afternoon session included robotics displays, observatory tours and virtual reality demonstrations.
Women’s gathering inspires call to action
Women from across the region recently gathered for a motivational and devotional weekend. Some 500 Adventist women from Cayman and around the Caribbean gathered on the campus of the University College of the Cayman Islands to be inspired and re-charged at the 2016 Women’s Retreat.
EDITORIAL – STEM conference: Launching students’ imaginations
To the students participating in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math conference at the University College of the Cayman Islands, here is the crucial takeaway: Not only is the sky not falling — but education and progress are opening up entirely new vistas for future exploration.
NASA space exploration expert in Cayman to inspire students
Just days after U.S. President Barack Obama targeted a manned mission to Mars by 2030, one of the men responsible for making it happen was in the Cayman Islands to tell young students they could aspire to be part of it. Dave Lavery, NASA’s program executive for solar system exploration, discussed some of the exploratory work already under way on Mars.
Caymanian trainee Stephanie Adolphus admitted as attorney-at-law
CIIPA invites all to annual gala; IP Office stages enforcement training for copyright law; and Caymanian law trainee admitted as attorney-at-law
NASA robot expert to headline STEM conference at UCCI
The head of NASA’s Mars Rover program will headline the STEM Carib Conference next month.
West Bay’s Vanessa Williams a Proud of Them finalist
A number of young people were honored as Proud of Them finalists at a reception at the George Town Yacht Club this month.
St. Vincent prime minister speaks on global issues at UCCI
More than 100 guests were present at the global insecurity-inspired lecture given by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves on June 16.
Premier meets Gonsalves
Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, paid a courtesy visit to Premier Alden McLaughlin on Thursday at the Legislative Assembly.
UCCI president tapped for global mentoring role
Roy Bodden, the president of the University College of the Cayman Islands, is to become a mentor in the MasterCard Foundation scholars program.
The program...
Wine School 3 takes it up a notch
Hospitality industry professionals and wine aficionados in the Cayman Islands, and even those living abroad, can now earn a high-level certification from one of the most globally recognized wine educators in the world – right here on Grand Cayman.
Second time’s the charm for prisons support officer
Prisons support officer Steve Miller says he “doesn’t believe in losing.”
A chance to watch the transit of Mercury
The Cayman Islands Astronomical Society and the University College of the Cayman Islands are joining forces to offer a glimpse of a rare astronomical event.
Leos show support for Crisis Centre
The Tropical Garden Omega Leos at the University College of the Cayman Islands raised $150 on behalf of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.
Business in Brief: CFA Society Cayman Islands welcomes new charterholders
CFA Society Cayman Islands, the local member society of CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has announced that 15 local investment professionals have earned the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation.
TED talk deadline extended
Registration has been extended until March 11 at 11:59 p.m. for those who have not yet applied to attend the second annual TEdxUCCI talk.
Students explore careers at expo
Schools, businesses, government entities and the University College of the Cayman Islands were in the spotlight at the annual Chamber of Commerce Careers, Education and Training Expo on the campus of UCCI on Feb. 26.
Poses with roses, all for a good cause at UCCI
Love was in the air at the Valentine’s Spring Affair.
UCCI hosts free TED Talk simulcast
The University College of the Cayman Islands is setting up access on campus for students and visitors to view a free TED Talk next week.
Expansion plans ahead for Health City
Health City Cayman Islands will invest $25 million in infrastructure in 2016, and as much as another $100 million in 2017 and 2018, all drawn from private sources.
Young parents in East End concerned over lack of jobs
Some young parents in East End are speaking out about the difficulties they have in finding jobs.
UCCI calls for TEDx speakers
The University College of the Cayman Islands is looking for speakers for its next TEDxUCCI talk, scheduled for March 19.
A month-by-month roundup of Cayman’s 2015 news stories
Top stories of 2015 in the Cayman Islands
In Memoriam: Obituaries of 2015
Obituaries of nine people who died in 2015 and who received Queen's Honours during their lifetime.
Top stories of 2015: CayFilm festival prepares for encore
The first-ever CayFilm International Film Festival, held in June, was billed as “spectacular event” designed to promote the Cayman Islands as a world-class filming destination, and it was by all accounts as enjoyable and well-produced as the films screened at the event.
Debate winner is new tourism ambassador
Justyce Rivers of Grace Christian Academy is Cayman’s Tourism Ambassador for 2015-2016 after winning this year’s Tourism Speak-Off.
Garden Club decorating various public spaces
The Cayman Garden Club is once again using its talents and resources to create beautiful gardens in public spaces around Cayman.
Murder trials, other trial dates set in 2016
A trial date for a woman charged with the murder of her daughter and another trial date for two men charged with a murder in George Town in July are among those set for the coming year.
Jamaican stargazers to help Cayman students see in the dark
The stars aligned in a meeting of the presidents of the Jamaican and the Cayman Islands Astronomical societies recently with heaven-sent results.
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.
Cayman business in brief
Mourant Ozannes responds to jump in fund registrations; KRyS Global expands to the UK; Maples and Calder earns SOC2 accreditation; Drake Consulting obtains preferred provider status; Cayman students kept Walkers busy in summer; Chamber of Commerce hosts marketing workshop
FIFA course raises standards
Referees in Cayman are now more qualified after the Cayman Islands Football Association hosted a FIFA Referee Course.
The real pirates of the Cayman Islands
As Cayman prepares to celebrate Pirates Week, we look at the true tales of piracy in the Cayman Islands.
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.
UCCI to offer US university courses
The University College of the Cayman Islands has entered into a partnership with West Chester University in Pennsylvania that will allow students of the universities to enroll in courses at both institutions.
UCCI President Roy Bodden called the partnership a “historic moment” for the university and said the future of higher education in the Cayman Islands will involve much greater use of technology.
UCCI celebrates 2015 graduates
The University College of the Cayman Islands celebrated the academic achievements of the class of 2015 at a commencement ceremony on Thursday.
Business in brief
Global Directories names new president and CEO; Michael Garvey joins DMS; Aon Cayman adds to Risk Solutions team; Mourant Ozannes offers development opportunities; National Gallery welcomes intern
Accountants honor past and future leaders
The Cayman Islands Society of Professional Accountants celebrated 45 years at its annual gala Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Nursing students to train at Health City
Nursing students at the University College of the Cayman Islands will get practical training at Health City Cayman Islands following the signing of an agreement between the two institutions on Tuesday.
CISPA honors pioneers and new accountants
The Cayman Islands Society of Professional Accountants celebrated both newcomers to the profession and pioneers of the industry at the organization’s annual gala event on Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton.
Michael Austin, Paul Harris, Chris Johnson and Paul Sleep, four of the original six members who signed CISPA’s memorandum and articles of association 45 years ago, received the first CISPA Pioneers Awards.
The honorees were joined by four newly qualified accountants, Matthew Hale,
Jerrica Merren, Claire O’Dea and Taylor Wright, who recently received
their professional designations, and six graduates with Bachelor’s
Degrees in Accounting from the International College of the Cayman
Islands or the University College of the Cayman Islands.
Hotel intern stole from guests
A student of the School of Hospitality program at the University College of the Cayman Islands received a suspended sentence on Thursday after pleading guilty to stealing from four guests at the hotel where he was gaining experience as an intern.
Summer intern builds on museum experience
When she applied for an internship at the Cayman National Museum, Kierstin Stewart wanted to find out what aspect of the islands’ history visitors found most interesting. What she got was a closer look at her own cultural heritage.
