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Issue 167

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Happy Holidays from the staff of iNews

China Harbour pact to be signed “in weeks”

Page 5

Man dies after car hits tree

Page 9

Christmas messages

Pages 10, 18 & 19

Polar bear cub raised by hand

Page 21

Fedex says more gifts sent then ever

Page 23

Soccer legend spends Christmas in hospital

Page 27

iLocalCommunity leaders

thanked by SOYPage 7

iLocalNeighbourhood

moms celebrate Christmas

7

iLocalFraser brothers

receive recognitionPage 3

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

24-28 DEC 2011 | www.ieyenews.com

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3

Three Cayman Athletes, swimming superstar brothers Brett and Shaune Fraser, and Jordan “JJ” McLean were honoured during a special ceremony in Heroes Square.

Each athlete received a monetary award of an undisclosed amount from Sports Minister Mark Scotland and Premier McKeeva Bush.

Mr. McLean was recognised for his achievement in wave-runner racing, winning the World Championship of the 2011 Pro Runabout Limited World Title and the 2011 UWP-IJSBA National Title.

Brett Fraser was recognised for winning the Gold medal in the 200m Freestyle, and his brother Shaune Fraser for winning the Silver in the same race.

Premier McKeeva Bush outlined all three athlete’s recent achievements, as well as describing some of their awards, and milestones reached in previous years, beginning with Jordan McLean, who Mr. Bush described as an “ambassador” for the Cayman Islands through his dedication to extreme watersports.

Next Mr. Bush turned his attention to the Fraser brothers, who, he said, were both looking forward to competing in the 2012 London Olympics. “You go and get them, boys,” he said.

Mr Bush issued a challenge to the athletes to mentor some of Cayman’s young sportspeople, and to tell them exactly what was involved in becoming a star.

“Brett and Shaune both seek opportunities to inspire others to excel. I am especially proud of them,’ he said.

“I say congratulations to these young men and to all who have trained and mentored them. I want to thank the coaches and I want to thank the parents,” he said.

Minister of Sport, Mark Scotland said:

“Shaune and Brett have been making history for many years. I had the good fortune of attending the Pan Am games, and I can tell you that these two young men are the best swimmers in the Caribbean region.”

Sports heroes honoured by PremierChristopher [email protected]

Brett Fraser receives a monetary award from Sports Minister Mark Scotland and Premier McKeeva Bush.

Photos by Christopher Tobutt

Shaune Fraser receives a monetary award from Sports Minister Mark Scotland and Premier McKeeva Bush.

Jordan McLean receives a monetary award from Sports Minister Mark Scotland and Premier McKeeva Bush.

A crowd of well-wishers were drawn to Heroes Sauare to see the young sports stars publically honoured.

iSports LOCAL

European stocks up as holiday slowdown begins

LONDON (AP) — European markets bounced back Thursday as the traditional holiday slowdown began in earnest, rising a day after investors were rattled by the European Central Bank’s huge loans to bolster the continent’s banks.Investors were spooked by the

huge size of the ECB’s euro489 billion ($639 billion) three-year loans Wednesday to 523 banks — its biggest credit infusion to date as authorities try to steady a financial system under severe pressure from Europe’s debt crisis.Although the loans will help

make sure banks have enough money to lend next year, they don’t address Europe’s underlying problem of too much government debt.With Christmas looming,

trading is getting lighter by the day. The flow of news is also drying up — once a raft of U.S. economic figures are released later, there’s very little on the economic calendar until the New Year. Analysts expect U.S. economic growth figures later to be left unrevised at an annualized rate of 2 percent and weekly jobless claims to remain below 400,000.“With trading in many markets

grinding to an almost complete standstill, even though price action remains choppy, it will take some large surprises ... to stir markets from their seasonal slumber,” said Marc Ostwald, markets strategist at Monument Securities.Figures earlier showing that

Britain’s economy grew by a slightly better-than-anticipated 0.6 percent in the third quarter had little impact, as the previous quarter was revised down by an equivalent rate to show zero growth.



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iWorld NEWS



5

Government expects a final port-construction agreement with the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) in February, only five weeks away.

The signing will come approximately one month ahead of the official 31 March deadline for the framework agreement, and is unlikely to include the gambllng casino designated on the CHEC conceptual plan.

“I’m not sure what people are seeing, but I really don’t think anyone has to worry,” said Ellio Solomon, UDP backbencher and head of government’s negotiating team for port development. “Casinos are illegal.

“It’s a standard template someone is likely to have drawn up, but I am not anticipating a casino and would not agree to any plans encompassing a casino. There is no such thing,” he said.

Mr Solomon said he was making “tremendous progress” in talks with the company. “We are working towards a framework agreement and we will have something soon.

“Absolutely before 31 March,” he said. “I would say in the first part of the year we’ll get something positive, something worked out with the framework -- by around February, I’d say, as a ballpark figure”.

Premier McKeeva Bush signed the original CHEC MOU on 13 June for development of four George Town cruise-ship berths, renovation of the Spotts Landing foul-weather jetty and a visitors’ pier at the Cayman Turtle Farm.

Mr Bush was forced, however, to postpone the framework agreement, initially set for 30 November, until

31 March, while putting Mr Solomon in charge of talks after a two-day November tour of CHEC’s $400 million Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme, involving bridges, roads and seawalls.

Both the MOU and developing talks have come under scrutiny by London’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which asked Mr Bush to sign a “Framework for Fiscal Responsibility”, requiring a cost-benefit analysis of the project by accountant KPMG.

“I have been in discussions with everyone,” Mr Solomon told iNews Cayman on Thursday, describing the pace and extent of talks, ”whether with CHEC or KPMG and other stakeholders, and not always in person, but by telephone and ICT,” information and communications technology such as video-conferencing .

“We have had a lot of working discussions have made tremendous progress and will have something soon,” he said.

The casino designation, he said, had come “without me”, before he joined the talks, “and would be something that was done awhile ago. It would only be conceptual,” Mr Solomon said.

The proposal comes in a preliminary drawing of “George Town Port Design” by the Beijing-based international infrastructure giant, given to the Chamber of Commerce as part of a 10-member November tour alongside -- although independent of -- Mr Solomon.

Explicitly saying it “has not yet been finalised”, the drawing nonetheless designates a “hotel/casino” as part of the “upland” section of the $300 million development, detailing thousands of square feet of retail, restaurant, transport, customs and parking space

on two storeys.Meanwhile, the Department of

the Environment (DoE) said talks were ongoing with CHEC about an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the port development, but the timing and duration of the study had not been decided

“An EIA is not legally required, “DoE director Gina Ebanks-Petrie told iNews Cayman, “because there is no National Conservation Law, but obviously we would recommend that one be done.

“We have had two preliminary meetings with CHEC, and are in the very early stages of looking at terms of reference. We are just waiting now to hear back from them.”

She said DoE had not seen an earlier EIA done by initial port contractor Dart Engineering Company, but were hoping to refer to it as part of the CHEC undertaking.

“We’re also looking to see if any previous technical studies that were done are at all relevant. Any EIA, though, “ she cautioned, “is project specific,” suggesting that CHE could not use alternative studies, but must complete its own.

AFTER HOURS

COMMENCING 20th FEB 2012

ELECTRONIC BILLING

iLocal NEWS

Tad [email protected]

Harbour deal to be signed “in weeks”

Cruise ship leaves George Town (photo Paul Kennedy)

MLA Ellio Solomon

Moving energy into action

This week (Monday, 26 December) GIS Spotlight revisits children engaging in wholesome activities, reviews rehabilitation and re-scans the night sky.First, we transport you to

energising after school activities for children featuring sports, performing arts and hands-on lessons that are invaluable, fun and healthy. See 800 students burn energy aiming to become fitter and better use their after school hours. Find out how you can volunteer

in this public-private sector programme and influence a young person’s life for the better.Then, it’s off to a workshop

that kicked-off a national strategy. Hear from experts the new techniques being used to evaluate offenders’ rehabilitation against the backdrop of the national crime prevention strategy. Learn about input from practitioners of a top-notch Canadian programme.Next, join us to see how you

too can be inspired by the stars. Visit the University College of the Cayman Islands and hear about plans to build a home for a donated telescope,Also learn what is planned in

science and astronomy lessons for students and the whole community to maximise the use of the state-of-the-art telescope. Produced by Government

Information Services, GIS Spotlight highlights government services and solutions regarding issues that concern and affect you. The weekly programme now

airs on Cayman27 at 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, and 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. All stories seen in this week’s show can also be found on the GIS Marketing and Communications website: www.gis.ky.



iLocal NEWS



7

The Save Our Youth (SOY) Foundation has recognised community leaders for their outreach efforts on behalf of the local young people, noting a variety of 2011 accomplishments and looking forward to the new year.

The awards presentation came in an end-of-year ceremony at the offices of the National Drug Council in North Sound Way, honouring a range of personalities including Minister for Community Affairs Mike Adam, head of Solomon Harris law firm Sophia Harris, Fosters Managing Director Woody Foster and Deputy Governor Donovan Ebanks.

Six plaques were offered in recognition of the “support, commitment and dedication to the community and the youth of the Cayman Islands”, according to SOY founder George Roper.

“They have earned this recognition for service to both the community and the organisation.,” he said. “I applaud their efforts, and hope they will inspire others to do the same, making contributions to the well-being of the Cayman Islands and our young people.”

In an exclusive iNews Cayman interview, SOY Acting President Iris Stoner explained the organisation’s efforts:

“The main mission of our organisation is to ensure a better future for our young people by motivating them to become positive leaders and contributing members of society,” she said.

“One initiative we are particularly excited about is implementing the SOY Achievement Medallion Award program, which will recognise those students who may not be the highest academic achievers but work hard every day in school, show respect to their classmates and teachers, display community spirit and are positive role models,” she said.

“To date, 20 primary and secondary schools have signed on to nominate deserving students to receive this award at the end of the

school year. Through these awards, we hope to motivate these young people to stay on a positive path,” Ms Stoner said.

Mr Roper congratulated the 4 recipients: “They have earned this recognition for service to both the community and the organisation.,” he said. “I applaud their efforts, and hope they will inspire others to do the same, making contributions to the well-being of the Cayman Islands and our young people.

“With everybody working together, we can do something about such social problems as violence, drugs and the like that have afflicted us,” Mr Roper said.

Both thanked SOY sponsors Cayman National, which “has generously donated funds for this worthwhile program and we are appealing to others in the corporate community to step forward to support this initiative,” Ms Stoner said.

Tad [email protected]

iCommunity NEWS

Leaders recognised by ‘Save Our Youth’

Adam Stoner presents award to Richard Barton

Jessica Ebanks presents award to Sophia Harris

Janelle Muttoo presents award to Woody Foster

Amanda Wright presents award to Donovan Ebanks

Group shot of SOY members and guests



9

Your Views OPINION

Your editorial quite rightly pours scorn on the failings of the RCIPS in its handling of the case against Phillip Rose, and the manner in which a crime victim was treated.

The victim did not receive the care, help and service that she, when at her most vulnerable, rightly deserved.

I have met with the victim and I have been in frequent contact with her since my appointment. I know firsthand how the failings of the RCIPS added to her ordeal, and deeply regret the hurt caused. My focus and attention has been to ensure that the investigation and prosecution were progressed and that Rose, who had left this jurisdiction, was traced and extradited from Panama to Cayman to face justice for his crimes.

The victim, understandably, was less than confident in the RCIPS and its ability to bring Mr. Rose to justice. Her courage in re engaging with the new investigating officer, being willing to recount and repeat her information and to support the police fully despite her earlier experience were self-evident and are the direct reason that the case was taken before the court and justice finally secured.

I would be remiss if I did not place on record the excellent, albeit belated, work undertaken by Detective Inspector Collins Oremule, who on taking charge of this investigation, met with the victim and worked tirelessly to recover her trust. He supported her prior to, during and post-trial. In writing to me post-trail, the victim said of him:

“Once Oremule was getting involved with my case, we made such great progress. He also ensured I was kept informed on a regular basis and I was always able to reach him if I needed to talk. He was also making sure I was safe during my recent visit and he was with me during the trail providing constant support.”

I am humbled by the victims generosity of spirit and ability to overcome the lack of care she experienced at the hands of officers within the RCIPS and to go on to inform me of when the RCIPS did get it right and perform in a professional manner in the form of Inspector Oremule.

You ask two questions in your Editorial; the first being - Has she received an apology from the RCIPS? The answer to that is yes; a full and unreserved apology for our failures to help her

at a time when she most needed our help.Your second question - Will we as a

Police Service learn from this mistake? Most definitely. The mistakes made and the failings identified in this case, and others, inform our training and are subject of direct discussions with those involved. Where failings are individual, deliberate or willfully negligent then disciplinary action is an option. Where organisational failings occur in respect of lack of training, equipment or systems, they too are being addressed. We have much progress to make, but there is no lack of commitment to improve and to serve our public as they deserve.

Our badge and ethos says “We Care, We Listen, and We Act ” – we certainly did not live by that ethos in this case. Our efforts are to move from a position where these are seen by some in the RCIPS as empty words to one where we change behaviours and culture within the organisation, and all our officers live and work by our service code, as at least one of our Officers did in the form of Inspector Oremule.

David Baines

A man has died after he lost control of his car and crashed on Shamrock Road.

Richard Alutaya Rivera, a 39-year-old Fillipino,was driving towards East End near to Watler’s Estates when he skidded off the road and collided with a tree just before 2am Friday morning.

Mr Rivera, who worked at KPS Equipment at East End quarry, was taken to George Town Hospital following the accident shortly before 2am.

Inspector Adrian Barnett said: “Speed was a factor and I can’t say about alcohol because we are still looking.”

Meanwhile police revealed more than 30 people have been arrested on suspicion of DUI during the RCIPS Christmas Cracker crackdown.

Insp Barnett added: “We will be cracking down all times, all places throughout the Christmas and New Year’s Holiday and into 2012.

“It is not just traffic violations but we are looking to disrupt criminal as well. It happens all times of the day, criminals don’t wait until dark.

“We have already had more than 1600 accident in Cayman this year, seven of them fatal.”

On Friday officers set up a road check on Eastern Avenue at the junction with Godfrey Nixon Way.

Within minutes one man was arrested for driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Letter to the Editor - Letter from the Police Commissioner

Man killed after car hits treeTad [email protected]

iLocal NEWS

Police arrest a man during a road check on Friday (23)

iEditorial OPINIONS

Christmas Greetings to all family and friends, also to visitors to these beautiful Cayman Islands.

What a year 2011 has been. For some it has been a very difficult year. A lot of us are going through one of the longest recessions we have ever known. But it’s not just here – Just listen to the World News and you will hear that the United States of America, and virtually the whole of Europe are suffering every day with another crisis. Unrest, caused by worry, catastrophes, earth quakes, tsunamis and then we see those who have caused the problems, are being bailed out by the general public’s money, giving their already high paid employees the most unnecessary bonuses. It doesn’t seem fair and it isn’t. Men and women who have held jobs for years are being laid off without any pension or other means of compensation. Good hard working men and women. A high proportion is now without jobs. They are frustrated and angry and we can’t blame them one bit. The tragedy is that the people in power seem unable or reluctant to do anything about it.

And look what has happened to our lovely Cayman Islands. So many years we have been a peaceful loving, kind and friendly people - a place where we could wander or visit without fear. Now for some reason we have to be so careful to whom we speak or visit for fear of being assaulted or investigated. We were used to walking and visiting any and everywhere without fear day and night. Things and people have changed a lot in the past few years. Personally I have no real fear of people – not yet for I am my Father’s daughter and I look on the good side of people and I offer help where help is needed and this goes a long way. Crime, despite the statistics that do not tell the real story, is rising and we have been so conditioned to it over this year it doesn’t surprise us any more. And robberies with guns! Something we never used to hear about - retaliation killings? Is this really Cayman? Is this the country where I was born? My ancestors, the Boddens and Watlers were the first settlers here. A lot of them made this Country what it is, a wonderful place to live and call home. I almost want to cry when I see what is happening. It’s a worldwide problem, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It is years of neglect and lack of moral teaching to our young. Family life has almost disappeared. We are all so occupied with work of some sort, making money and trying to keep up with others above us on the money ladder. The silver spoon or is it the gold one now, was always within our grasp. Our children are mostly being cared for by a nanny looking after them. We even forget or don’t take the time to talk to them. Have we ever wondered what they are really doing with their time?

I am so upset with what I am hearing each and every day – most of it I’m afraid is unpleasant. I even hesitated in preparing this ‘Christmas’ message. But it is Christmas and I believe in the birth of Jesus, Son of God and born of the Virgin Mary. Whether one believes in Him or not, Jesus’ teachings are as relevant today as when he lived over 2,000 years ago. The only way out of our present trouble is for us to make living a real blessing. Yes, you and me. Never give up. We cannot sit back and let all this unhappiness and woe destroy us. We must work together to get this country back to what it was. The most beautiful Island in the Caribbean even though we’re just a dot on the map but a people of big hearts especially this time of year. We all have our problems and different opinions but we must put them aside for now. Our leaders should lead and agree to work together in order for the good ship Cayman’s smooth sailing into 2012.

I firmly believe that 2012 will herald in a new beginning for all of us. Again we have been fortunate in having a year of beautiful weather – a couple of Northwesters yes, but we needed them to clean up our bays and bring in the Christmas sand for our gardens. We are blessed with a beautiful blue ocean, white sandy beaches, blue skies with white fluffy clouds with just a little rain to keep our lawns green – I would say that’s okay. We’re lucky – no terrible weather at all. And the latest news is our beaches are rated number 1 (one) in the world – how about that.

So are you ready for a jolly good Christmas? It’s the time for rejoicing and thinking of others especially the less fortunate. Remember them in your gift giving, give them a hug and tell them you love them and they’ll appreciate your kindness I’m sure. Celebrate the birth of Jesus with them. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given”. That’s why we sing the carol “Love came down at Christmas”. Born in a manger with cattle standing by. It was a miraculous event that changed the course of history. From a manger to the cross he died for us all. He died so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Give God the Glory for He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. So to all of you I wish you God’s richest blessings for this Christmas and Peace and Good Will for the coming New year 2012. Take care and have a safe and pleasant Christmas. I love Cayman, my home and family and I love you all.

God bless each and every one of you this Christmas and the New Year to come.

Go with care. As always Joan.

My Christmas message

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iThought“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”

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Joan [email protected]

5-Day Forecast

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H: 84 L: 71

H: 84 L: 71

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to blog visit www.ieyenews.com 11


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iCommunity NEWS

With “excellence in the public service” being the new mantra for government, officials from the Deputy Governor’s Office/Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs (PIE) laid the groundwork for a new strategic plan during a recent two-day retreat.

Over the coming weeks the officials will revise and fine-tune these plans, and then submit a comprehensive document to the Deputy Governor Donovan Ebanks, MBE, JP, for his consideration and approval.

All heads of departments and sections under the Portfolio participated in the exercise earlier this month. The main objective was to seek ways to improve personnel, productivity and efficiency, good governance, rehabilitation of offenders, public safety, and customer service.

“We conducted this retreat in an effort to identify and address the common issues facing our Portfolio and our departments, and to identify synergies and increase communication,” said PIE’s Chief Officer Franz Manderson.

He explained that, from the plans prepared by each department, similar challenges such as budget processes and managing human resources were identified, thereby allowing a collaborative approach on finding optimum solutions.

Noting the importance of this first step in the overall reform process, he added, “Focussing on the key priorities will help ensure the most effective use of available resources.”

Participants were encouraged to question and test the draft plan, and offer constructive criticisms over the two days. Explaining the process, Deputy Chief Officer Eric Bush said the officers first determined the current situation in their respective agencies, shared these in presentations, and then identified and debated their five-year goals.

The end result was a collective outline plan for meeting current objectives and

future challenges. For instance, a significant change in the administrative structure is the eventual introduction of two additional government ministries, as well as three new MLAs.

The PIE’s new strategic plan should be finalised and presented to Cabinet by the first quarter of 2012. It is further envisaged that, following Cabinet’s review and approval, it will be made public.

Portfolio holds first strategic planning retreat

(Standing, fourth from left) PIE’s Chief Officer Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon, JP with senior officials under his portfolio.

Deputy Chief Officer Eric Bush makes a presentation.



iWorld NEWS

Wal-Mart pulls formula after baby dies in MissouriCOLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Wal-Mart and health officials awaited tests Thursday on a batch of powdered infant formula that was removed from more than 3,000 stores nationwide after a Missouri newborn who consumed it died from a rare infection.

The bacteria in question occur naturally in the environment and in plants such as wheat and rice. But the most worrisome appearances have been in dried milk and powdered formula, which is why manufacturers routinely test for the pathogens.

Wal-Mart pulled the Enfamil Newborn formula from shelves as a precaution following the death of

little Avery Cornett (pictured) in the southern Missouri town of Lebanon.

The government has not ordered a recall, and the manufacturer said tests showed the batch was negative for the bacteria before it was shipped. Additional tests were under way.

“We decided it was best to remove the product until we learn more,” Wal-Mart spokeswoman Dianna Gee said. “It could be returned to the shelves.”

Customers who bought formula in 12.5-ounce cans with the lot number ZP1K7G have the option of returning them for a refund or exchange, Gee said.

The product is not exclusive to Wal-Mart. The manufacturer, Mead Johnson Nutrition, did

not immediately say how widely distributed the formula was among other stores.

Queen to host royals’ Christmas, Kate’s firstLONDON (AP) — It will be a traditional Christmas weekend for Queen Elizabeth II’s extended family, which now includes Kate Middleton, with the quiet holiday break to be followed by a year’s worth of festivities to mark the queen’s 60th year on the throne.

Most of the senior royals, including Middleton and her husband, Prince William, will be dispatched across the globe to help the aging monarch celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in grand style.

Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, are planning to mark

the event with a series of tours throughout England to culminate with a celebration in London in early June that will include an unprecedented pageant on the River Thames with up to 1000 boats taking part.

In a carefully choreographed scenario, the flotilla will be led by the queen aboard the Royal Barge.

“They’re hoping the Diamond Jubilee will be as successful as the Golden Jubilee in 2002,” said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine. “The media then thought the public wasn’t interested, but by the big weekend there were 1 million

people in the streets celebrating. I think that will happen again.”

He said the queen was surprised by the outpouring of affection in 2002.

“Even after 60 years she is very self-effacing, and she’s always amazed when people turn out to celebrate her achievements,” he said.

Ex-Ukraine PM Tymoshenko’s jail sentence upheld KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A Ukrainian court on Friday upheld the conviction and seven-year jail sentence for former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

Tymoshenko, the top opposition leader, was found guilty of abuse of office in October and sentenced to prison for overstepping her authority while negotiating a natural gas contract with Russia in 2009.

The United States and the European Union have sharply criticized Tymoshenko’s jailing and demanded her release. The EU this week refused to sign a key partnership deal with Kiev over Tymoshenko’s verdict.

The Kiev Appeals Court upheld the lower court’s ruling. Tymoshenko and

her lawyers boycotted the hearing and said the courts are controlled by the government.

Tymoshenko, 50, has maintained that the prosecution was masterminded by President Viktor Yanukovych, her long time foe, in order to bar her from next year’s parliamentary elections.

Yanukovych has rejected the accusation and said the courts and law enforcement agencies are independent.

Moreover, Tymoshenko was slapped with a slew of new criminal charges and investigations in recent weeks. A court ordered her indefinite arrest as part of a new case.

Tymoshenko said Thursday she would boycott all legal proceedings in

Ukraine and has lodged an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights. However, that process could take months and it is unclear if a decision by the Strasbourg-based court would be legally binding in Ukraine.

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iPuzzle ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas party invitationsGeorgina [email protected]

Last year around Christmas I had a stressful time making decisions. It seemed like each day when I went outside to collect my mail I received more party invitations requesting my presence at holiday events. At first I found it flattering. It wasn’t long, however, before the flattery turned into frustration as the party invitations kept arriving.

It got to the point where I had to sit down with the party invitations and do something very important: choose. There was no way that I could accept all of the party invitations and remain sane through the month of December. I had to begin declining party invitations and narrowing my schedule down to include only the events I really wished to attend. It might sound simple, but choosing is not so easy.

The first and most important way I narrowed my

list was by thinking about the relationships I had with the people throwing each party. I made the decision to separate the party invitations I had received into piles based on my closeness to the hosts of the parties.

I also decided to narrow down party invitations by only allowing myself to schedule a certain number of events each week. That way I am not so busy with parties that I am unable to continue

doing other important things.Having said this, I may not

get any invitations next year!

Georgina [email protected]

While for so many people this holiday season is about rampant commercialism, keeping up with the Joneses and rushing to keep up with a hectic schedule, we should all jump off the speed train and take time to not only appreciate the true meaning of Christmas but also to embrace the true spirit of Christmas.

Emotionally this is a difficult time of year for so many. Depression and anger drive up the rates of suicide and domestic violence. Stress builds upon stress to destroy the holiday cheer of many. The underlying problem for so many people is that they focus all their energy on what they do not have rather than embracing what they do have -- that is what Christmas spirit is all about.

Whether or not you are an ardent Christian, if you live in the Western World then you know that the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Christ child is a symbol of love, light,

hope and peace that makes this such a joyful season for true believers. However, even among the believers, there are some for which this message is not enough to overcome the depression, anger and stress of the season. That is why it is so important to embrace the true meaning of Christmas. You need to reach down within yourself to find the spirit of Christmas. In order to embrace the true Christmas spirit you must be willing to give. Give of yourself, your time and your love, and give of your worldly possessions. Do not think of the gifts you give to others as an obligation or duty, but think of it as a symbol of your love for them. While no gift can accurately reflect the love we feel for those who are near and dear to us, we can show them that they matter by spending time and thought to create or select a gift with meaning.

My nephew likes to make his gifts and spends a long time designing and then creating these items. Granted, we could have bought a sweatshirt with “world’s best auntie” printed

on by a factory, but I expect that his aunt’s will cherish the shirts he designed himself and then created with fabric paint -- misspellings, oddly-formed pictures and all. If you are struggling with your Christmas spirit then perhaps you should avoid the shops entirely this season and find a different way to give?

Embracing the spirit of Christmas also means giving to those beyond our immediate sphere as well, especially those most in need. Obviously it is easy to throw some money in a Church or Charity collection, and that is certainly worth doing, but if your Christmas spirit needs a boost then perhaps you should try something more hands-on.

Local churches, schools, and charitable organizations can usually give you a list of opportunities to give and help. For example, through my church we have taken up a shoebox collection (creating an assortment of holiday gifts that will fit into a plastic shoebox and then are shipped to need children overseas) and bought coats and clothing for needy children in our community. I helped wrap the coats and clothing as well as contributed to both campaigns and it did wonders for making me appreciate what I possess.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas and find the true meaning of the season to bring more joy and happiness into your life.

The Christmas spirit:

12/20/11 2:38 PMSudoku #087 and #088 (Hard) - Free Printable Puzzles

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Sudoku #087 (Hard)

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Answers

1: The name Santa Claus was derived from Sinterklaas, the Dutch term for the ancient Christian figure of Saint Nicholas who was famous for his generosity to the poor (more about him later). The Dutch immigrants to America imported their gift-giving saint to New Amsterdam where he merged with his British counterpart, Father Christmas, to become America’s own Santa Claus.

2: St. Nicholas who many consider to be the inspiration for modern Santa Claus was born in Patara around 275AD. Patara is located in present day Turkey, on the Southern Mediterranean coast in what is today an international tourist resort area where visitors spend hours basking in the warm Mediterranean sun. Certainly not a place you would want to be wearing fur coats in.

3: You may enjoy a trip to the North Pole, but if you really want to honor St. Nicholas, you would do better by heading towards Italy, where the remains of St. Nicholas are stored in the basilica of St. Nicola in the city of Bari. They have been there since the 11-century when they were, “ borrowed” from their previous resting place in Myra in present day Turkey.

4: Many people believe that the tale of flying reindeers (as well as other parts of the Santa story), originates from Lapland in modern day Finland. Some say that in Lapland reindeer had a habit of seeking out the hallucinogenic amanita mushrooms which they ate and then would prance around while under their influence. As these mushrooms are quite toxic, it was regular practice for local shamans to drink the urine of tripping reindeer for a “safe high” and then “fly” together with them. This could also explain the general cheerful disposition (with the “ho ho ho” and all), and the flushed red cheeks of today’s Santa.

5: While it’s no secret that the marketing people of Coca Cola have a lot to do with the modern image of Santa, some say the roots go way back. The same North European Shamans that liked to consume those red and white mushrooms with their reindeers used to wear quite a similar outfit when they went out to collect their pickings ñ red and white fur trimmed coats with long black boots. As implied above, it’s quite certain that St. Nicholas was no inspiration for this outfit, as he lived in sunny south Turkey.

6: Coca Cola still uses the iconic images of Santa which were hugely successful in the 30s, and created for it by the gifted artist Haddon Sundblom, an American of Swedish origin (does Northern Europe ring any bells here?). However the modern image of Santa was only finally standardized in his works, but had actually been developing for years before. Coca Cola wasn’t even the first beverage company to make commercial use of every child’s jolly toy bearing hero ñ a company called White Rock beverages used him to sell ginger ale and mineral water as early as 1915. However, earlier versions wore a wide variety of colours. Coca Cola’s Santa is the one the finally set the record straight, and since then Santa has been wearing nothing but Red and White.

Just about everyone in the world knows that jolly toy-bearing Christmas figure from the North Pole, but how much do we really know about him?

Questions:

1: Where does the name Santa Claus come from?

2: Everyone knows that Santa lives in the North Pole, but where is the real St. Nicholas from?

3: If you really wanted to find St. Nicholas today, where would you go looking?

4: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and his companions take Santa on his rounds completely airborne. How is it that reindeer can fly?

5: Where did Santa get his unique outfit?

6: Who was the first to create Santa’s modern image?

Santa Claus Quiz

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Trivia: What three names does Santa Claus use:

Answer: _______________, ______________, and _________________.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

G J S T T K N Y A G P P G Z D

R O S K R W G F N G I T O L K

N I O N V T I I I V N Y O K Q

L H R D K H K C T U O I D N B

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Find only the underlined words in the puzzle.

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town.

He's making a list

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out

Who's naughty and nice


He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

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Better not pout

I'm telling you why



Super Word Search Puzzles - www.superwordsearchpuzzles.com



















You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why


He's making a list


Gonna find out








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Better not pout

I'm telling you why






















You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why


He's making a list


Gonna find out








You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why







Word search - Santa Claus

12/9/11 11:32 AMCrossword puzzle for December 24, 2003

Page 1 of 2http://www.mirroreyes.com/crossword/2003/c031224.html

Crossword puzzle forDecember 24, 2003

ACROSS1. Outward6. Travelled through water10. Skin of a fruit14. Courageous15. Angelic headgear16. Desire for another's possession17. Cartons18. Jacob's brother19. Sun20. Meek22. Marquis de ____23. Royal Air Force24. Grins26. Australian slang for friend30. Nightmare32. A blue dye33. Drive away35. Presents39. Play a guitar41. Appropriate42. A river in southeastern France43. A divided Asian peninsula44. Oceans46. Adolescent47. Lumps49. Glued51. Pigmented area around a nipple54. Container55. A dark color sprinkled withwhite56. Re-creations of the Virgin Birth63. Destroy by fire64. Singers Campbell or Frey65. A large and imposing house66. Look lasciviously67. Mild expletive68. Make amends69. Repose70. Strikes with a heavy impact71. Alleys

DOWN1. Wanes2. Harvest3. Cab4. Affirm5. Crave6. A horizontal surface forholding objects7. Anagram of "Awes"8. "Oh my!"9. Hair styling gel10. People who expect theworst11. Inner12. Avoid13. Harps

21. Thick bituminous liquids25. Wise men26. Barrel27. Upon28. Ethiopian monetary unit29. Buffalo clover30. Foolish people31. Catholic tribunal34. Fastener36. 3 in a yard37. Tall woody plant38. Dispatch40. Mangle

45. An idler48. A stable trough50. Beast51. A shady garden alcove52. French for "Red"53. Noblemen54. Holds fast57. Seaweed58. Group59. Goodbye (slang)60. Knowing a secret (2 words)61. Serf62. Perceives visually

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Christopher [email protected]

Neighbourhood Moms’ Christmas partyiCommunity NEWS

NHM’s fleamarket fundraiser

Kids & Moms had a great time meeting Santa at the NHM’s Christmas Party

Neighbourhood Moms (NHM)- the grassroots networking and support group, got together for their Christmas party at the conference room in Governor’s Square.

The delicious home-cooked dinner was well worth the wait, and Santa turned up too.

“We also sang Christmas carols and we had lots of fun together,” said Neighbourhood Mom founder, Wilma Ebanks.

“Our regular monthly food distribution to or through our members also took place, as well as gift-giving, and we all had a delicious full course Christmas dinner prepared by our members,” Ms Ebanks added.

A generous donation of CI$500 from Cayman National Bank has also helped the group provide families with toys in time for Christmas.

Later on, Santa turned up to make the party really special.

Neighbourhood moms holds

monthly meetings and gets involved in lots of different things. It encourages moms (and dads too!) to keep an eye on their kids, amongst other things, and includes education and mutual empowerment programmes as well as just plain fun events for everyone to enjoy.

Fundraisers events, like the group’s recent flea market which raised over CI$300 held in Crewe Road, are also a great way of bringing people together.

One of Neighbourhood Moms’ founders, Wilma Ebanks, meets Santa



Once again we pause amidst the noisy rush of life to celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior. Despite the commercialisation of the modern Christmas season with all its stresses and strains and expense, for those of us who believe the scriptures the birth of Christ still represents hope and promise and renewal.

We still believe in the miracle of the Son of God, born of a Virgin in a lowly stable, and that the Child born that night long ago is God’s most precious gift to mankind. That He was called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. That He, out of supreme love, would suffer a brutal death on a rude cross at Calvary to save mankind from Sin. That is the essence of Christmas. That is why we give each other gifts at Christmas as God gave us the most precious gift of all, His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is so easy, so very easy among

all the challenges, excitement and hype that surrounds the Christmas season for us to forget the true meaning of Christmas. This Christmas I urge you to pause for a while to truly reflect on God’s love and what Christmas really should be all about. For many, Christmas will not necessarily be a particularly happy time this year. But if we truly understand and appreciate the meaning of Christmas, in the midst of our own troubles, we can still have cause for happiness, we can still have peace and we can still demonstrate our love for others.

Yes, I know this year has been a most difficult and stressful one for many people, perhaps for most of us here in Cayman. Many of us have lost loved ones, many are ill, some of us are unemployed, many are undergoing very challenging financial circumstances, finding it difficult or impossible to pay bills, many have even lost their homes.

Things are tough, times are hard, perhaps as hard as most of us can ever remember. But we should not, we must not, we cannot lose hope. Things will get better. Whatever the challenge, whatever the difficult circumstance, we must believe: this too will pass.

This Christmas let us give thanks for the blessings we do have. This Christmas let us think about the many that are less fortunate than we are and let us make a special effort to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to as many of them as we can. Although we may not have a lot ourselves, there is always something we can give, something we can do to brighten the lives of others. It may be a food basket, it may be a few dollars, it may be a visit to someone who is shut in, perhaps it’s just a smile or a cheerful word. Reach out, touch someone and in so doing you will be following the precepts of Jesus Himself who told the following story recorded in Matthew, Chapter 25:

Then the King will say to those on His right: Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance,

the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Do whatever you can this season for another person in need and you are sure to feel much better about yourself and your life, and your Christmas is bound to be richer and more satisfying.

I wish for each of you a Happy and Blessed Christmas.

Hon. Alden Mclaughlin, M.B.E., J.P., M.L.A.Leader of the Opposition / Political Leader of the PPM

A little seven year old boy once said: “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas – IF you stop opening presents and listen.”

Did you feel what that child said? It’s true.

Do you remember the best gift – the absolute best gift – that you ever received for Christmas? What made it stand out? Probably this: The love you feel for the person who gave it to you, and knowing that individual loves you just as much.

In other words, you did more than open the present. You listened, with your heart.

This is the spirit of Christmas. It’s about friends and family; it’s about hope; it’s about love. So often we get caught in the trap of a commercialized Christmas. And before I get all the business owners mad at me, let me hasten to say that getting gifts is a wonderful thing!

But the best gift you can give is love – and that doesn’t come from a

wallet. It comes from your heart.This Christmas, take this chance

to tell your family how important they are to you. They will cherish it long after the Christmas beef and heavy cakes are gone. And you will cherish it too – those of us who have lost loved ones understand this bittersweet truth all too well.

Call your friends and wish them Merry Christmas. Tell your neighbour hello.

You know, it doesn’t cost much to give the true gifts of Christmas – gifts like love, peace, joy, forgiveness, service. They don’t cost much to give because they’re priceless. Man just can’t calculate their worth – and that’s a good thing, isn’t it?

So these gifts are free – beautifully free. They come to us through Christ, and through Christ working in us for the good of others.

I encourage you to give these precious gifts to your family, because charity really begins at home. Since

you can give these gifts over and over – they’ll never run out of stock – you can also give them to your friends and coworkers. You can give them to the cashiers, the lawyers, the taxi drivers, the floor managers, the doctors and nurses, the garbage collectors, the teachers.

And you won’t have to gift wrap them. All you have to do is to present them with a willing heart.

As we look upon the world and look at our situation on our islands, we recognize as a Government we could not help everyone, and we have had to prioritize as best as we can in these circumstances. But at this particular time of the year we are reminded of our priorities: our people, our elderly and our students. We did not in these hard economic times cut our funds to our elderly and those who cannot help themselves. The veterans and seamen benefits have not been cut. Our students have received their scholarships. This year we have granted 142 new overseas scholarships and that brings us to a total of 877 overall that

we are paying for this year.From our nation building fund we

granted 69 scholarships this year to our students. And that brings us to a total of 90 students overall. We have also granted 22 new tourism scholarships this year for a total of 49 overall students. We have also given hope to families this year by building 55 new homes for them.

This is what I call giving hope to our people in uncertain and hard economic times. Times are real hard, but we have hope that it will get better as we trust in God.

My friends, this is Christmas. Please keep the true meaning close to your heart. Remember the words of a 7-year old boy, and let them focus you on the birth of a baby named Jesus.

And let Jesus be in the room with you, your family and your friends this year, as you open your material gifts and also unwrap the timeless, sought-after gifts of joy, peace, love, hope and trust.

From my family to yours: Merry Christmas.

The Premier and Minister of Finance, Tourism and Development Hon. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP

Christmas Message

Christmas Message



19

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Melanie Amaro has “The X Factor.”

The powerful 19-year-old vocalist from Sunrise, Fla., won the Fox talent competition Thursday over soulful 30-year-old singer Josh Krajcik of Wooster, Ohio.

Amaro, who was mentored by judge Simon Cowell and was at one point eliminated then reinstated to the contest, was awarded the grand prize: a $5 million recording contract and a starring role in a Pepsi commercial.

“Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God,” Amaro repeated after host Steve Jones announced her as the champion.

Despite continued prodding from Jones, an overly emotional Amaro couldn’t quite formulate words when she was revealed to have captured the most viewer votes, and she struggled through tears to reprise Beyonce’s “Listen,” the soaring ballad that Amaro crooned at her audition and on Wednesday’s final performance round.

“I want to say, ‘America, thank you for giving this girl an opportunity,’” said Cowell.

Krajcik, the struggling single father who delivered a stripped down rendition of “At Last” for his final routine, seemed content with his status as “X Factor” runner-up to Amaro, who was born in the British Virgin Islands.

“Melanie deserves it,” Krajcik said. “She has a wonderful voice. I had such an incredible experience here. I got to be myself, sing what I want to sing, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Chris Rene, the recovering 28-year-old singer-rapper from Santa Cruz, Calif., came in third place.

Before the winner was unveiled, the three finalists crooned classic Christmas tunes, and Justin Bieber, Stevie Wonder, Leona Lewis, Pitbull, Ne-Yo and 50 Cent performed various songs with former contestants. Amaro and Krajcik also dueted on David Bowie’s “Heroes.”

Unlike “American Idol,” the contest was open to both solo singers and groups, and had a lower minimum age of 12 and no upper age limit.

Melanie Amaro wins ‘The X Factor’

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year 2012!

This is always a special time of year. Its significance is different for all of us. But there is a common thread.

This is a time for reflection; a time to be with family and loved ones; a time to pause and think about our lives and how we live them; a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and to rejoice.

I am reminded of the beautiful poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, who, in 1877 wrote, in the opening lines of God’s Grandeur:

The world is charged with the grandeur of God.

It will flame out, like shining from

shook foil;It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil

Crushed.But above all, for me, this is a

time to think about our fellow man; to consider those who may be less fortunate than us; and to reach out and support them. It is a time to think of others, to help others; and to reinforce our sense of community. It is a time to celebrate our good fortune; and to support and lift up those around us.

I have always believed that we get the greatest satisfaction from helping others. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful environment; and in a welcoming and hospitable community. Like any community, we face challenges and we need to find courage to deal with those challenges. But we are also blessed and we need to appreciate those blessings. What better way to do that at this special time of year than by helping others around us in our community?

Merry Christmas.

Christmas message from H.E. The Governor Mr Duncan Taylor, CBE

Christmas Message

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It has long been argued that men and women differ greatly when it comes to shopping, but how are they really distinct?The first major difference is that most women actually look forward to holiday shopping, 60%; while only 42% of men do. However, this does not mean women are the only ones shopping. Also, women relate more to Santa Claus than men, while men relate more to the Grinch. Everyone hates long lines at the mall, but men seem to be turning more toward online shopping to lessen the hassle. Interestingly enough, while women will do more shopping online, men will actually be spending more money. In the USA, men spend an average of $326 online, while women will only spend $284, a difference of 15%. Men also plan to spend $592 this holiday season, with women only spending $547. Men are also more likely to buy

large ticket items when compared to women, not only for gifts, but for personal use as well.There are also other differences in what each sex is actually buying online and in the stores. Men buy more consumer electronics, 27%, compared to women at 19%. So, it is mostly men buying gadgets like digital cameras, video games, or camcorders. However, women are more likely to purchase clothing than men, 77% to 70%, and books, 49% to 36%. While men buying consumer electronics was probably no surprise, women buying more decorations is probably not either, 34% of women compared to only 18% of men. Apparently, women are doing a little more decorating than men.Women also typically get a jump start on holiday shopping, while men usually wait until December. Only 19% of women wait until December to shop, as compared to 32 % of men. Sixty-five percent of women usually plan to start holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, while only 49% of

men do. There are also a larger number of men that wait until the last week before Christmas to buy gifts as compared to women.Another significant difference between men and women is how they react to shopping budgets. More women, 21%, are concerned about going over their spending budgets on holiday gifts, while only 16% of men share that concern.There are also the typical stereotypes that have proven to be true. Men usually shop with a specific purchase in mind. However, women will spend more time looking around and pondering purchase decisions. Also, more men are at a loss when it comes to holiday shopping, with 17% feeling frustrated as compared to 8% of women, and confused about gift giving, 8% compared to 3%. A larger number of men are also likely to leave all of the holiday shopping to their spouse as compared to women.I don’t think here in Cayman it is any different.

Santa or The GrinchiCommunity NEWS


It has long been argued that men and women differ greatly when it comes to shopping, but how are they really distinct?The first major difference is that most women actually look forward to holiday shopping, 60%; while only 42% of men do. However, this does not mean women are the only ones shopping. Also, women relate more to Santa Claus than men, while men relate more to the Grinch. Everyone hates long lines at the mall, but men seem to be turning more toward online shopping to lessen the hassle. Interestingly enough, while women will do more shopping online, men will actually be spending more money. In the USA, men spend an average of $326 online, while women will only spend $284, a difference of 15%. Men also plan to spend $592 this holiday season, with women only spending

$547. Men are also more likely to buy large ticket items when compared to women, not only for gifts, but for personal use as well.There are also other differences in what each sex is actually buying online and in the stores. Men buy more consumer electronics, 27%, compared to women at 19%. So, it is mostly men buying gadgets like digital cameras, video games, or camcorders. However, women are more likely to purchase clothing than men, 77% to 70%, and books, 49% to 36%. While men buying consumer electronics was probably no surprise, women buying more decorations is probably not either, 34% of women compared to only 18% of men. Apparently, women are doing a little more decorating than men.Women also typically get a jump start on holiday shopping, while men usually wait until December. Only 19% of women wait until December to shop, as compared to 32 % of men. Sixty-five percent of women usually plan to start holiday shopping before

Thanksgiving, while only 49% of men do. There are also a larger number of men that wait until the last week before Christmas to buy gifts as compared to women.Another significant difference between men and women is how they react to shopping budgets. More women, 21%, are concerned about going over their spending budgets on holiday gifts, while only 16% of men share that concern.There are also the typical stereotypes that have proven to be true. Men usually shop with a specific purchase in mind. However, women will spend more time looking around and pondering purchase decisions. Also, more men are at a loss when it comes to holiday shopping, with 17% feeling frustrated as compared to 8% of women, and confused about gift giving, 8% compared to 3%. A larger number of men are also likely to leave all of the holiday shopping to their spouse as compared to women.I don’t think here in Cayman it is any different.

Decant your red wine this Christmas

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A Danish zoo says a month-old polar bear cub is being raised by humans after his mother failed to produce enough milk to feed him.

Scandinavian Wildlife Park manager Frank Vigh-Larse`n says Siku is doing “really fine.” The cub now weighs 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms grams) — against 3 pounds (1.8 kilograms) at birth.

Vigh-Larsen said Thursday that the cub was two days old when he was removed from his mother after surveillance video inside the bear cave revealed that he “was moaning and being unruly all the time.”

Vigh-Larsen says Siku would have been in danger of death if he had stayed with his mother.

Three people are giving round-the-clock care to the cub at the zoo in Kolind, 105 miles (170 kilometers) northwest of Copenhagen.

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Seniors get into Christmas swing

Danish zoo raises polar bear cub by hand

Seniors gather to share holiday spirit Sing-a-long Christmas carols

Senior citizens, relatives and friends got into the holiday spirit earlier this week (19 December) during the West Bay Senior Citizens Christmas Party.

Held at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School Hall, the annual event was an opportunity for family and friends to embrace a feeling of goodwill and enjoy the comfort of being amongst loved ones during the celebration of

the birth of Jesus. Hon. Premier McKeeva Bush OBE,

JP and His Excellency The Governor Duncan Taylor, CBE attended. Both spoke, acknowledging the guidance the older generation has provided to the younger and expressing warm wishes for the festive season.

The crowd tapped their feet as the Cayman Islands Folk Singers led a

traditional sing-a-long of Caymanian songs and Christmas carols. Each song, prayer and scripture reading reflected this year’s theme - Hope.

Towards the end of the night, there were prizes for Eldest Female, Eldest Male, Longest Married Couple, Person Who Can Say the Shortest Memory Verse and Person Who Can Sing the Shortest Chorus learnt in school.

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iCommunity Events ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH: Courts Road, Eastern Av. SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANYCHRISTMAS EVE - Saturday 24 6 PM Children’s ‘Christmas mass in the Manger’ 10:30 PM Midnight Mass, Procession & Blessing of Manger and CarolsCHRISTMAS DAY - Sunday 25 7 AM Holy Eucharist & Sermon 9 AM Holy Eucharist & Sermon Monday 26 9 AM St. Stephen, First Deacon and Martyr, Holy Eucharist Tuesday 27 7:30 AM Holy Eucharist 10 AM St. John the Apostle – Writer of St. John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelation. Children’s Eucharistic Service.: 2.00 PM Holy Innocents A day of fellowship for all children and Sunday School teachers at Dart Park Wednesday 28 7:30 AM Midweek Mass Saturday 31 11 PM The Last Day of the Year—Old Year’s Day watch Night Service &Midnight MassJANUARY 2012: Sunday 1 7 AM & 9 AM The Holy Name and New Year’s Sunday. Holy Eucharist Sunday 8 7 AM Holy Communion & Sermon 9 AM

Epiphany Carol service Contact church office 949-5583

UNITED CHURCH IN JAMAICA & THE CAYMAN ISLANDS: George Town – Elmslie Memorial Church, Robert Young, and George Hicks. West Bay - John Gray. Bodden Town – Webster. North Side – William Pouchie. East End, Gun Bay & Savannah – United Church. Call Council Office and Prospect Youth & Conference Centre 947-1963. Elmslie Church office 949-7923 Weekly Activities:Sunday 9:00am Worship Service & Sunday School, George Hicks United Church9:00am Worship Service, Robert Young United Church, Crewe Road10:30am Worship Service & Sunday School, Elmslie United Church, Harbour Drive7:00pm Worship Service, Elmslie United ChurchMonday 4:30pm Cub Scouts (6-11 yrs. of age)Tuesday 7:30pm Women’s Fellowship (3rd Tuesday of each month) 7:30pm Prayer MeetingWednesday 5:30pm Girls’ Brigade (Juniors, ages 8-11 yrs. & Seniors ages 11-15 yrs.) 5:30pm Girls’ Brigade (Explorers, ages 5-8 yrs.) 7:00pm Bible Study, George Hicks United Church

5:30pm Girls’ Brigade (Brigades, ages 15-18 yrs.)Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Pre-teen activities 6:00pm7:00pm Praise Team practiceChurch Choir practice (Adults)Friday 8:00pm Youth FellowshipSaturday 7:30am Men’s Fellowship Breakfast (1st Saturday of every month) 7:00am Prayer meeting at Elmslie Church Sanctuary

CHURCH SERVICE ST. ALBAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH AND ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: 24 Saturday Christmas Eve At Grand Cayman Beach Suites - Royal Crown Room 7.30 PM Service Of Lessons And Carols 25 Sunday Christmas Day 9.00 AM Matins 9.30 AM Christmas Eucharist 6.00 PM Evening Prayer 26 Monday S. Stephen, Deacon 12.30 PM Holy Communion 27 Tuesday S. John, Apostle & Evangelist 12.30 Pm Holy Communion 28 Wednesday The Holy Innocents 12.30 Pm Holy CommunionJANUARY 2012 Sunday 1 Naming & Circumcision Of Christ 9.30 Am Holy EucharistCHURCH & OFFICE – 461 Shedden Road P O Box 719, Grand Cayman KY1-1103, CAYMAN ISLANDS Tel – (345) 949 2757 : Fax

– (345) 949 0619 www.churchofenglandcayman.com For further details see www.churchofenglandcayman.com

CHURCH OF GOD CHAPEL: Academy Way, Walkers Road. Services Sun 9am and 10:30am Contact 949-9393

OVERCOMERS OUTREACH: Is Christ-centered 12 Step Recovery Group addressing addictions and those affected by them, bridging the gap between 12-Step groups and churches. Weekly meetings at CI Baptist Church, 163 Pedro Castle Road Savannah, Mondays, 7pm. For more details contact Virginia Castillo at 946-2422 or visit www.overcomersoutreach.org

CAMANA BAY EVENTS:NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS: Saturday 31December 8pm, The Crescent Friday 16 December 7-10pm: Suite Elite performs pop, reggae, disco, funk and soul hits from through the decades.

If any other church or charity would like to add their community event/service to this calendar please contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible.

merry christmasto all our valued customers,

clients, and friends. Wishing you the best in the for the holidays and

a prosperous new year.

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The WharfWorld Gym

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Tiera Washington’s workload doubled during the holiday rush at UPS’ largest air hub, where seemingly endless streams of packages are sorted and shipped as the peak season puts the package delivery company to the test.

The 23-year-old’s usual four-hour daily shift can stretch to seven or eight hours, and sometimes lasts 10 to 12 hours, as a small army feverishly plucks packages off a conveyor belt and loads them for air and ground travel in a cavernous building that would cover 90 football fields.

“We get to make Christmas better for our families,” she said during a break. “So we’re helping them (customers) and they’re helping us.”

UPS, the world’s largest shipping carrier, expects to deliver more than 120 million parcels around the world during the peak week leading up Christmas, up

6 percent from the 113 million shipped during the same period a year ago.

The Atlanta-based company expects the pace to reach its pinnacle Thursday, with close to 26 million packages reaching their destinations. That volume is up more than 60 percent from daily norms.

Rival FedEx Corp., based in Memphis, Tenn., shipped about 17 million packages on Dec. 12, the busiest day in company history, it said. That one-day volume was up 10 percent from last year’s busiest day, and doubled total shipments on an average night.

Shipping performance and forecasts from UPS and FedEx are closely watched because they tend to indicate how the broader economy is doing by shipping so many packages for consumers and businesses.

FedEx attributed its recent record day

to steady growth in online commerce, spokeswoman Carla Boyd said. Since 2005, the company’s busiest-day volumes are up almost 75 percent.

UPS has declined to offer a full estimate for how many packages it will deliver between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year, the company said it shipped more than 440 million packages worldwide between the two holidays.

But UPS spokesman Norman Black said that “clearly our volume has grown compared to last year.”

DENVER (AP) — Santa already is piling up big numbers on social networking sites this season, so the volunteer Santa-trackers at NORAD are bracing for tens of thousands of calls and emails when their operations center goes live on Christmas Eve.

“We expect our numbers to be very high this year,” said Joyce Creech, project leader for NORAD Tracks Santa at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Last year, NORAD Tracks Santa volunteers answered 80,000 phone calls on Christmas Eve, Creech said. They also answered 7,000 emails.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command has been telling anxious children about Santa’s whereabouts every year since 1955. That was the year a Colorado Springs newspaper ad invited kids to call Santa on a hotline, but the number had a typo, and dozens of kids wound up talking to the Continental Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD’s predecessor.

The officers on duty played along and began sharing reports on Santa’s progress. It’s now a deep-rooted tradition at NORAD, a joint U.S.-

Canada command that monitors the North American skies and seas from a control center at Peterson.

NORAD’s Santa updates are just about everywhere — on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, www.noradsanta.org and television. And this year, there’s a new Santa-tracking app for smart phones, built by visionbox, a Colorado Springs software developer.

It has the Elf Toss, a game similar to Angry Birds.

The app was downloaded more than 234,000 times from Android Market and iTunes App Store by mid-December, Creech said.

NORAD Tracks Santa already has had more than 754,000 “likes” on Facebook this year, compared with 716,000 through Christmas Eve last year. Twitter numbers also are up, with 60,000 followers so far this year, up from 54,000 last season.

The NORAD Tracks Santa website has had more than 2.2 million unique visitors this year, compared with 2 million last year.

The rows of telephones in the operations center are still the heart of the operation. More than 1,200 volunteers answer calls in shifts,

checking big-screen computer monitors indicating Santa’s location and passing that along to children, many who seem dumbstruck.

“It’s just so precious to hear the little sigh or (only) breathing on the other end, and you realize how nervous they are,” Creech said.

“But we’ve had really heart-wrenching stories as well,” she said. “’Can you ask Santa to heal my brother of cancer?’ Or, ‘Can I get a new pair of shoes? I don’t have any.’”

Calls like that make the volunteers feel fortunate to have what they do, she said.

NORAD Tracks Santa has added 20 phones this year, bringing the total to 120, and four more laptops, for a total of 23. The phones will be answered from 4 a.m. Mountain Time on Christmas Eve until 3 a.m. Christmas Day.

Creech said the rising numbers are probably a reflection of how much people look forward to the season, and how much of a tradition calling NORAD has become for many families.

“You can tell that it really brings people joy, and especially kids,” she said.



23

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FedEx holiday package volume up from 2010

NORAD Santa trackers stand by for another big day



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“The Cancer Soci-ety staff truly care

for cancer patients”

“I am not a cancer patient but I have

been attending the Cancer Society’s Survivor Dinners

over the years with my wife. I appreci-ate how the Cay-man Islands Can-cer Society’s staff care for my wife who is a cancer

survivor. I have a lot of respect for those people be-cause they treat

everyone with re-spect. They truly care for cancer

patients.

I pray that the Lord will give them His blessings and the

strength to carry on the good work that they are doing. I am happy to be around them as

they are a friendly and loving group of

people.”

~ Turner Myles

114 Maple Road George Town


KY1-1005 Cayman Islands

T. 345-949-7618 F. 345-949-8694

www.cics.ky

The Cabinet has addressed some significant shortcomings in the Ex-Gratia pensions system which operates under the legislative authority of the Public Service Pensions Law. The Public Service Pensions (Ex-Gratia Pensions)(Amendment) Regulations, 2011 were issued by extraordinary gazette on 15th December 2011.

The enactment of the Public Service Pensions Law in 1999 brought with it the universal provision of pension benefits to all public servants. By 2001, all serving public servants were enrolled in either the old ‘defined benefits plan’ or the new ‘defined contribution plan’.

Prior to that legislation coming into effect, pension benefits had been limited to Caymanians. However, with various criteria that existed, such as a minimum ten years of service and the different ‘terms of service’ for different categories of employees, not all Caymanians possessed pension entitlements for all of their years of service either.

The Public Service Pensions Law preserved the facility to recognise and assist such Caymanians through the award of an ‘ex-gratia pension’ - a benefit that is payable to a Caymanian who served the Government for more than four (4) years and for this period of service, did not earn either eligibility for a pension or any other equivalent allowance, such as the Contracted Officers Supplement.

The Public Service Pensions (Ex-Gratia Pensions) Regulations, 2004 provided for two qualifying periods of service, with corresponding rates of ex-gratia pension, namely:

• Service of four (4) or more years but less than ten (10) years - $200p.m.; and

• Service of ten (10) or more years - $300p.m.

In May 2009, Cabinet approved amending Public Service Pensions (Ex-Gratia Pensions) Regulations, 2004 to address the anomalous situation of Caymanians who have served as public servants

for considerable periods (greater than ten years) for which they neither received, nor were eligible to receive, any pension or other benefit. Attention was brought to the matter of such persons by an Own Motion Investigation carried out by the Office of the Complaints Commissioner in late-2006. The investigation found that the failure of these individuals to accrue such benefits had been due to them not being Caymanian at the time of that service and not due to any maladministration of the benefit provisions of the public service.

The Public Service Pensions (Ex-gratia Pensions)(Amendment) Regulations, 2009 sought to:

• Increase the amount of ex-gratia pension that a Caymanian who had served four (4) or more years but less than ten (10) years from $200p.m. to $300p.m.; and

• Introduce a new means of determining the amount of ex-gratia pension that a Caymanian who had served more than ten years should receive (based on the period of service and the earnings at the end of the period as if the person had been enrolled in the defined benefits plan) but also ensuring that the amount would not be less than $450p.m.

Unfortunately, that amendment did not cater to those persons who were already in receipt of an ex-gratia pension. For persons currently receiving $200p.m., they were unable to have their rate revised to the new rate of $300p.m. And for persons with more than ten (10) years service, they were unable to either have their entitlement recalculated under the new system based on their period of service and their salary or wages at the time their employment ceased, or to have it revised to the new minimum rate of $450p.m. Only new applicants after May 2009 who were successful received the new dispensations.

“This was extremely disappointing to those persons who had served well over ten years and who were keenly looking forward

to being able to receive something more to allow them to better look after themselves now that they have retired”, said Deputy Governor Donovan Ebanks. “I’m extremely pleased that Cabinet recently approved the Public Service Pensions (Ex-Gratia Pensions)(Amendment) Regulations, 2011 and that these issues have now been addressed and sorted out”, he added.

Under the new amending regulations, a Caymanian already in receipt of an ex-gratia pension will be eligible to have that revised either from:

• $200p.m. to $300p.m. for a Caymanian who has served four (4) or more years but less than ten (10) years; or

• $300p.m. to the minimum of $450p.m. for a Caymanian who has served ten (10) or more years.

For some of these Caymanians, who have worked for over 15, 20 or even 25 years without any entitlement, the new method of determining their ex-gratia pension based on their period of service and salary at the end will translate into a nice, well-deserved increase.

Extending these benefits will result in an increase in the annual costs of the ex-gratia pensions from just over $400Kp.a. to just under $750Kp.a. Nevertheless, the Deputy Governor feels that it was the appropriate decision for the Cabinet to have taken: “The status quo simply wasn’t any longer justifiable. No Caymanian is going to be able to provide for themselves in retirement based on $200p.m. or $300p.m.”, Ebanks stated. “The good news is that we were able to completely put an end to earning qualifying service to this ex-gratia benefit 12 years ago. Everyone who has been employed by the Cayman Islands government since the dawn of this new century accrues a pension entitlement and thus cannot accrue an ex-gratia pension entitlement too. But we have to do what is right by those Caymanians who toiled before we had that universal pension benefit”.

Government gets the kinks out of ex-gratia pensions system

to blog visit www.ieyenews.com to blog visit www.ieyenews.com


25

Fiona [email protected]

Does it feel like all you do is get up in the morning, go to work, come back in the evening, and go to bed? Do you sometimes ask yourself, “Is this all there is?” If you do, that’s a positive sign. It means you are still emotionally alive and want to live your life on a higher level than you have been until now. It means you want your life to be about more than just the working day, and that is a healthy desire.

Your True PurposeYou were put on this earth for a purpose,

and it is your duty to find out what that purpose is and to dedicate yourself to it. If you don’t, you will always have the feeling that something is missing. There will always be that question at the back of your mind. Your talents and skills are the tools for this purpose. All your experiences, pleasant or painful are the training for this purpose. You have been especially designed to make this contribution, and no-one else in the world can do it in

exactly the way you do.

Getting Involved to Make a DifferenceTrue happiness comes from using our

talents in such a way that we are helping others. We all have talents that we are supposed to develop and use. You know there are certain things you are good at, and enjoy. Your job is to pinpoint what they are and find out how they can be used to benefit others. Even if you don’t know the answers to all your questions, you can start now, and things will become clearer.

Start small and build from thereOne of the best ways to help other people is to

donate your time doing something you already know how to do. Even if you don’t consider yourself brilliant at it, the chances are that other people will really appreciate your efforts, and to them you will seem like an expert.

A few years ago, even though I had no

experience of talking to the elderly, I started visiting the Pines home for the elderly, taking my guitar so that I could sing songs, in order to avoid finding myself in awkward conversations. I figured that it wouldn’t matter that I was not very good at the guitar as the old people would be deaf and not very switched on, so they wouldn’t mind.

In spite of my lack of experience and questionable attitude, the fact that I was there singing with them gave them comfort, and I soon developed a rapport with each of them as we got to know each other.

The point is that you don’t need to wait until every circumstance is perfect, just start doing something no matter how small, and everything else will gradually fall into place. The mere act of opening yourself up to other people develops parts of you that may have been lying undiscovered for years, and your transformation will take root and blossom from there.

After attending Church services, Peter, Rose, Sam, Tom,

and Vicky gathered together at a restaurant. The restaurant

serves five course meals.

Each have a choice of soup, a salad, a pasta course, a meat

course and a desert. The menu is a follows:

Soup: Minestrone, Navy Bean, or French OnionSalad: Italian, Ranch, or Ceasar’s SaladPasta: Spagetti, Linguine, or PenneMeat: Beef Steak, Chicken Breast, or Fish FilletDesert: Ice Cream, Apple Pie, or Fruit Cake.

The only choice Peter and Rose have in common is

Linguine.

The only choice Tom and Vicky have in common is

Ice Cream.

Two people had beef steak.

The only choice Sam and Tom have in common is

Navy Bean Soup.

The person who chose ranch and fish fillet had Apple Pie

Vicky had ranch salad.

Two people had ceasar’s salad.

Only one person choose penne.

The person who chose Minestrone also chose Italian

Salad.

Rose and Vicky did not choose Minestrone Soup.

The people who chose beef steak had ice cream.

Tom had Chicken Breast.

The only choice Rose and Sam have in common is

Fish Fillet.

Sam and Tom did not have spaghetti.

Find out what each person ate at the restaurant.

Live a More Meaningful Life


Christmas Meal

Soup Salad Pasta Meat DesertPeter

Rose

Sam

Tom

Vicky

Solution

Our Eye OPINION



[email protected]

Tukka is! the island side of Cayman.

• Destination dining

• Corporate events

• Parties

• Wedding receptions

• A family friendly • A family friendly restaurant

Lunch everyday:11:30am - 5:30pmDinner everyday:5:30pm -10pm

Breakfast Saturdayand Sunday:

8:30am - 11:30am8:30am - 11:30amSunday Brunch: 11:30am - 3pm

We are here!

Christmas Sudoku


A magic word square is a square array of letters such a valid word is found in every row and every column of the array. Form a magic word square given the following letters in the array:

Magic Word Square

Fill in the matrix so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box, contains the letters C H R I S T M A S & E. This also means that no

repetition of letters is allowed in each column, row, or 3X3 box.

Solution



The New York Yankees were hit with a $13.9 million luxury tax bill Thursday, their lowest since 2003.

The fee, assessed by Major League Baseball under its labor contract, is down from $18 million last year and $25.7 million in 2009, when the Yankees won the World Series.

Boston, which missed the playoffs for the second straight season, is the only other team that will have to pay a tax. The Red Sox received a bill for $3.4 million, up from last year’s $1.5 million.

Season-ending payroll information and the tax was sent to teams and obtained by The Associated Press.

According to the collective bargaining

agreement, checks to pay the tax must be sent to the commissioner’s office by Jan. 31.

New York has paid the tax in all nine years since it began, $206 million of the $227 million raised under the penalty for high payrolls. The only other teams to pay have been the Red Sox (a total of $18.8 million), Detroit ($1.3 million) and the Los Angeles Angels ($927,000).

The Yankees pay at a 40 percent rate on the amount of their payroll over $178 million, a figure that includes the average annual values of contracts plus benefits. Boston, which exceeded the threshold for the second straight year, pays at a 30 percent rate. For purposes of the tax, New York’s final payroll was $212.7 million and

Boston’s was $189.4 million.Under the new labor contract, the Yankees’

rate would increase to 42.5 percent next year and 50 percent in 2013 if they continue to exceed the threshold, and Boston’s rate would go up to 40 percent next season.

But if in any year a team goes under the threshold, its rate decreases to 17.5 percent the next time it pays the tax.

As an added incentive for the high-spenders to decrease payroll, if they get under the threshold they will become eligible to get back some of the money they contribute in revenue sharing. The tax threshold stays at $178 million through 2013, then goes to $189 million in each of the following three years.

Yankees hit with $13.9M luxury tax

The medical director of the hospital where Eusebio is being treated for bronchial pneumonia admitted he can not say when the Portugal legend is likely to be released.

The 69-year-old is in the care of doctors at the Hospital da Luz in Lisbon, but his condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

Eusebio played for nine clubs in a 22-year professional career but it was at Benfica where he forged his reputation as one of the game’s greats, turning out for the club 614 times between 1960 and 1975 and scoring an astonishing 638 goals.

During his time at Benfica Eusebio won 11 Portuguese league titles, five Portuguese Cup titles and the European Cup in 1962.

Despite being born in Mozambique, Eusebio was eligible to play only for Portugal as his homeland was a dependency of the European nation. He scored 41 goals in 64 international appearances between 1961 and 1973, and finished as the top scorer at the 1966 World Cup in England.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also wished Eusebio - who has been employed as an ambassador for the national team - a quick return to health.

‘On behalf of the Portuguese Football

Federation we wish a speedy recovery to Eusebio and also to express that the whole Portuguese football family is behind him,’ a statement read.

‘Eusebio is a symbol of Portuguese football.

‘It will take a lot of strength to overcome this difficulty, but he has honoured Portugal for many years with his distinguished presence, including as ambassador of the national team.’

Eusebio in hospital with pneumoniaiSports WORLD

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Paul [email protected]

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