Thursday, December 19, 2013

Duty Cuts Remain for 2014

Duty on fuel and building materials remains reduced throughout 2014. Marco Archer said, “The extension of these concessions is consistent with the Government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate growth in the economy, and I encourage all developers and other stakeholders to accelerate their construction activity during this further concessionary period.”
Normal import duty on fuel is 75 cents/gallon and duty rate on building materials ranges from 17-22%. The reduced duty is currently 12.5 cents/gallon for gasoline for Cayman Brac. 100% waiver on building materials to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman remain in effect. 




Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Cuba via Cayman Brac

Talks are underway to establish a Cayman Airways flight from Florida to Cuba via Cayman Brac as early as next year, according to Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell. Preparations for the processing of international flights have been underway which includes an x-ray machine for checked baggage. "Our goal is to be completed in February, so that Cayman Airwatys can have flights coming in and out of the Brac on the Cuba route," Mr. Kirkconnell told the Caymanian Compass.

With this added influx of travelers, investors may consider a new hotel venture at the Divi Tiara site. which Neil van Niekerk, president of the Sister Islands Tourism Association, said Cayman Brac has sorely needed for several years. "The Brad has needed a new hotel since the Divi Tiara Beach Resort closed in 2007." Mr. van Niekerk said. "I understand they would be interested in investing and rebuilding at that site if the airlift was there."





Wednesday, September 18, 2013

National Conservation Law a Possibility



Could this be the year that the National Conservation Law is passed and Cayman's natural environment is protected? With the support of Minister Wayne Panton and Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Cayman's environmental future holds promise.

For over 10 years, Department of Environment Direction Gina Ebanks-Petrie has long hoped the National Conservation Law would come to pass, warning that Cayman's unique endangered species could disappear without proper protection. The department offers its opinion to the Central Planning Authority when it comes to major developments, but recommendations are mostly ignored. 

The DoE has also completed consultation on the enrichment of the Marine Parks legislation. After 25 years of successful legislation, the need to increase this protection of our local marine environment remains critical as precious coral reefs, mangroves and fish stocks are the primary draw for the overnight tourism market. 

Minister Wayne Panton has been a leading member of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands for many years, coupled with a new governor providing her support and commitment to the environment, local conservation groups are encouraged this could be the year that government shows their support and value for Cayman's natural assets.



Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The Splits Now Protected

The family of the late Dr. Roy Herrman and Estelle Herrman has given an additional 8.6 acres of Cayman Brac land to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Well known for its natural beauty, The Splits is a unique inland freshwater ecosystem that will now be protected. This increases the total National Trust donation by the Herrman Family to 26.1 acres via the International Reptile Conservation Fund. Located in the West End of the island, The Splits is part of an island long, naturally occurring fissure or "split" which provides fresh water to the wildlife of the Brac. It has ecological significance as it is also a nesting site for two species of heron, home to two endemic freshwater fish species, in addition to being a well-used watering area for local and migratory birds.
“In fond memory of our parents, Dr Roy and Estelle Herrman, we gift our Cayman Brac land to the Trust to help maintain a pristine home for rare birds and animals,” the Herrman sisters, Shirley, Barbara, Louise, and Carol, said in a written statement to the Trust. “We have very fond memories of time spent on Cayman Brac and the white sandy beach overlooking sparkling blue water, and this is our way of giving back to such a beautiful island.”
"Conserving this land is critical for preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our islands and the Splits is one of Cayman Brac’s true ecological gems being one of the very few inland sites with freshwater year round. With the exception of a rough footpath from the north, the site is undisturbed and contains many endemic and native plants,” Christina McTaggart, executive director for the Trust, said. “We thank the landowners for their generosity and vision in permanently protecting this natural treasure."
For more information, contact The National Trust. www.nationaltrust.org.ky 
Photos by CNS

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Duty Concessions for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman

To help further stimulate the economy, The Finance and Economic Development Ministry has extended the following duty concessions for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman:

-        -   For the next 6 months, Cayman Brac will continue to receive a 12.5 cents/gallon gasoline duty rate vs. the normal 75 cents/gallon rate.

-       -   On Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the 100% import duty waiver on building materials will remain in effect. Normal duty on building materials range from 17-22%. Building materials  are defined as “all physical components and substances, whether solid or liquid, used in the construction, renovation or restoration and forming a permanent part of any building or related structure.” This does not include furniture, accessories, electronics and appliances.



The 15% duty rate on imported building materials to Grand Cayman has also been extended to year end.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Hurricane Season 2013



Are you ready? 2013 has been predicted to be an active hurricane season. 

Here is a comprehensive list of supplies to have on hand:


-- A three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day.
-- Three days of food, with suggested items including: canned meats, canned or dried fruits, canned vegetables, canned juice, peanut butter, jelly, salt-free crackers, energy/protein bars, trail mix/nuts, dry cereal, cookies or other comfort food.
-- A can opener.
-- Flashlight(s).
-- A battery-powered radio, preferably a weather radio.
-- Extra batteries.
-- A first aid kit, including latex gloves; sterile dressings; soap/cleaning agent; antibiotic ointment; burn ointment; adhesive bandages in small, medium and large sizes; eye wash; a thermometer; aspirin/pain reliever; anti-diarrhea tablets; antacids; laxatives; small scissors; tweezers; petroleum jelly.
-- A small fire extinguisher.
-- Whistles for each person.
-- A seven-day supply of medications.
-- Vitamins.
-- A multipurpose tool, with pliers and a screwdriver.
-- Cell phones and chargers.
-- Contact information for the family.
-- A sleeping bag for each person.
-- Extra cash.
-- A silver foil emergency blanket.
-- A map of the area.
-- Baby supplies.
-- Pet supplies.
-- Wet wipes.
-- A camera (to document storm damage).
-- Insect repellent.
-- Rain gear.
-- Tools and supplies for securing your home.
-- Plastic sheeting.
-- Duct tape.
-- Dust masks.
-- An extra set of house keys.
-- An extra set of car keys.
-- An emergency ladder to evacuate the second floor.
-- Household bleach.
-- Paper cups, plates and paper towels.
-- Activities for children.
-- Charcoal and matches, if you have a portable grill. But only use it outside.
photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

Thursday, April 25, 2013


Did you know you can climb the bluff on Cayman Brac?

The Brac is home to 7 distinct climbing areas. 2 of these areas are right over the ocean and require experienced rappel access. The remaining 5 areas are known as normal sport areas where you can access the base, climb and lower off.

The rock is white limestone with many features that will excite those daring enough to try.

For more information, see http://www.climbcaymanbrac.com/ for details.


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Active 2013 Hurricane Season Predicted




Atlantic basin hurricane experts have predicted an above average hurricane season this year, which runs from June 1- November 30. 18 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 4 major hurricanes of Category 3 and higher are the predictions for this year. The average figures from 1981-2010 is 12 named storms, 6.5 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes. 

El Nino which creates "increased wind shear in the upper atmosphere of the Atlantic basin, inhibits the formation and strengthening of tropical cyclones" will have a neutral effect this year. 

Higher sea surface temperatures also have an effect on the predictability of storms. According to experts, sea surface temperatures in the western tropical Atlantic are at near average values, while the eastern tropical Atlantic is now significantly higher than average.






Thursday, April 4, 2013

Green Iguana Hot Line


If you live in the Sister Islands and see a green iguana, you're being asked to phone in to a new hotline created to help eradicate green iguanas in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Department of Environment officials are hoping that by compiling data on the green iguana, they can better prevent the pervasive intrusion of the prolific green iguana. In addition, to protect the sister island's endemic rock iguana.

Hot line numbers are:

Cayman Brac: 917-7744
Little Cayman: 926-0377





Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Major Lionfish Culling Event Planned


On April 26-27, 2013, local restaurants and watersports operators will join together to participate in the first annual Fosters Food Fair Earth Month Lionfish Tournament. The objective is to cull lionfish from local reefs to help with the unprecedented numbers of this invasive fish and to offer an array of lionfish dishes to local diners at their favorite restaurants. 
Restaurants will sponsor a culling team with watersports operators and put together a culling team of six licensed cullers. Culling courses are offered through local diver operators. Cullers will go with their watersports operators team during a 24 hours period (5pm on Friday, April 26 to 5pm on Saturday, April 27). A weigh in will take place at each watersport operator where prizes will be awarded for largest catch, biggest lionfish, largest cull in weight and smallest lionfish in length. 75% of the fish will go to sponsor restaurants and 25% to Fosters Food Fair.
For more information: www.cita.ky/lionfishtournament2013



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Dallas Flights Postponed


The twice weekly non-stop flights between Dallas Fort Worth and Grand Cayman has been postponed from April 10 until May 25, 2013. Cayman Airways has confirmed that Dallas/Ft. Worth will remain a permanent year round gateway for Cayman. The Wednesday and Saturday flights will continue to boost arrival figures for the coming year. 
“Cayman Airways anticipates that the Dallas flight will be a strong and successful year- round route serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and facilitating easy, same-day connections to and from the US Southwest and West Coast. Cayman Airways will fly twice weekly nonstop between Dallas Fort Worth and Grand Cayman on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s,” the airline said.








Thursday, March 7, 2013

Brac Airport Expansion Increased


What was once an expansion of the Cayman Brac Airport of over a 10,000 sq. foot addition has now been modified to include a further increase of 8422 sq. ft. or nearly 75% from the initial approval. 

The extra square footage will include a VIP Lounge accessible from the departure lounges and the arrivals immigration area. The departure area will also expanded and the number of check-in areas has been increased from 7 to 9. Also included in the newly approved expansion will be increased retail space and enlarged baggage handling areas.

Despite these additions, the estimated costs will remain at $2.5 million.







Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Caymanian Style Home on the Brac

Privacy abounds in this lovely 2 bedroom/2 bath fully refurbished Caymanian style home. It has a fully screened wraparound porch located on a large .70 acre lot. For more information, contact tranquilrealty@yahoo.com.














Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Your Piece of Paradise

This beautiful unit is part of a 4Unit complex located at the very west tip of Little Cayman called Sunset Point. Unit #4 shown below has three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms on the second floor. The dining area offers a pass through breakfast bay from the kitchen. This unit been newly painted and offers hurricane shutters as well. The view is spectacular as you can see.

For more information and a showing of this beautiful unit, please contact us

























Sunday, January 6, 2013

Duty Free Construction Materials

In an act to help stimulate the economy on the Sister Islands, Premier Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has announced that the concessions on the duty on building materials be extended until the end of this fiscal year, June 2013. This results in a 7% duty cut on Grand Cayman and now a 100% reduction on the Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. 22% is the normal rate of duty on building and construction materials.

"The continuation of this concession is intended to stimulate growth in the economy, and all developers and other stakeholders have an incentive to start or continue their construction activity during this further concessionary period," Juliana O'Connor-Connolly said.