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Revision as of 22:40, 5 April 2007

GoToCayman.com - News from Cayman (ISSN: 1744-7690)

March 2007

For the first time since the introduction of The Port Authority Law (1999), the Royal Cayman Islands Police shut access to the Stingray City Sandbar to watercraft. Superintendent Mike Needham said "We were very sorry we had to do this, but on the evidence ... we decided that it wasn't safe." The weather and wind conditions were extremely hazardous." "The officers actually witnessed two boats nearly collide with each other." This coincided with a number of minor injuries at the site: two cruise ship passengers suffered stings from tiny jellyfish known as sea thimbles (common in the waters of Cayman at this time of year). A third tourist was injured when a stingray barb pierced the skin of his arm. I can't remember the last time that a visitor was injured by a ray at Stingray City. According to Superintendent Needham "The stingray was thrown onto the tourist (by) the wave action. The animal was likely scared. I don't think this was a deliberate action by the stingray." The Legislative Assembly are still working on drawing up marine regulations for Stingray City and the Sandbar.

A Tobacco Bill is currently under discussion. If passed, it would not allow smoking in restaurants or bars. In outside areas, smoking is also banned if they are within 10 feet of an enclosed public space, or within 10 feet of a place like a public park. Vehicles used for commercial or public transportation are also included in the ban. It may be that cigar bars will not be covered in the legislation as their purpose is specifically to allow smoking.

One of the six original "Batmobiles" built for the original 1960's Batman television series was sold at auction in London recently for US$230,000. According to auction house Coys, the winning bid came from a private museum based in the Cayman Islands. Since 2004 there has been talk that an antique car museum may open near to the Turtle Farm/Boatswain's Beach.

Cayman Islands Brewery (CIB) has launched it's first brew. Caybrew is a full-bodied premium lager with a crisp, clean hop finish. Quin & Hampson and Mourant have announced plans to merge their businesses. Subject to regulatory approval, joint operations will commence by the end of April 2007 and Quin & Hampson will rebrand as Mourant with effect from 1 October 2007. Mourant will also acquire Q&H Corporate Services, Ltd., the corporate services affiliate of Quin & Hampson.

Mourant have also announced that it has become the first offshore law firm to open a New York office. The combined firm has offices in Cayman, San Fransisco, New York, Jersey, Guernsey, London, Dubai and Luxembourg.