Property developer Michael Ryan has unveiled plans for a 360 acre resort, incorporating the Ritz Carlton and the land at the former SafeHaven golf course.
The project, known as Dragon Bay, will include an 18-hole golf course, a marina, boutique hotel, private residences, and the existing Ritz Carlton hotel.
A retired US naval ship will be sunk off Grand Cayman in a bid to boost the island’s dive industry.
The USS Kittiwake, a submarine rescue ship decommissioned in 1994, will be sunk off the northern end of Seven Mile Beach next year.
Nancy Easterbrook of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association said, ‘The Kittiwake has been a labour of love and really hard work for over five years, but it is coming to fruition now. It will be transferred to government before year end for cleaning and remediation, with an expected sinking date around June 2009. We all look forward to seeing water-based tourism in Grand Cayman stimulated by this new underwater attraction, suitable for both divers and snorkellers.’
The Cayman Islands performed well in Scuba Diving magazine’s recent reader awards. Little Cayman and Grand Cayman were voted the 3rd and 4th best Dive Destinations in the Caribbean. The top spot was taken by Bonaire.
The islands fared better in the Top Wall Diving category with Little Cayman taking top spot, with Grand Cayman in second place.
Grand Cayman’s Ritz-Carlton will host an Outback Champions Series tennis tournament from April 16 to 20 2008. It will feature some of the greatest over-30 tennis legends including John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Wayne Ferreira, and Jimmy Arias.
Michael Ryan, owner of the Ritz-Carlton and the event’s main sponsor, said ‘The Outback Champions Series and our Legends Championships reinforces our commitment to making Grand Cayman the premier tennis destination in the Caribbean. We’re looking forward to hosting many of the best tennis players in the world and welcoming athletes and visitors alike with our relaxed Caymanian hospitality.’
Grand Cayman’s lobster season starts on December 1 and runs until February 28. The Department of the Environment has asked residents and visitors to take note of the relevant regulations.
The Marine Conservation Board has issued a further reminder that the importation of spear guns into the Cayman Islands is illegal. They have also declared an amnesty period up to July 30 2007, during which any illegally imported spear gun can be handed over without penalty or prosecution. Anybody found in possession of an illegally imported spear gun after the amnesty ends will be liable to a fine of $6,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years.
Spear guns can be handed in at the Department of the Environment (telephone 949 8649).
The women’s constant ballast freediving world record was broken in the waters off Seven Mile Beach last Sunday. Mandy-Rae Cruickshank of Vancouver, Canada reached a depth of 88m on a single breath of air, breaking the previous record of 86m held by Natalia Molchanova of Russia.
Regulations proposed in December 2006 to protect and regulate activities at Stingray City and the Sandbar have been approved by Cabinet. Both areas are now designated Wildlife Interaction Zones.
Cayman’s Marine Conservation Board has issued a warning concerning the illegal importation of spear guns. It reads, ‘It has come to the attention of the Marine Conservation Board that in an apparent disregard for the law, new spear guns and parts thereof are frequently being illegally imported into the country. The Board is reminding the public that the importation of spear guns and spear gun parts has been illegal since 1986. Consequently, any spear gun proven to have been imported into the Cayman Islands since 1986 will be considered contraband, and will not be eligible for licensure. It is further advised that any person in possession of such contraband is in breach of the Cayman Islands Customs and the Marine Conservation laws, the latter of which carries a maximum penalty of $500,000.00 and/or a year in jail.’
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has reported that a 57-year old American died while diving off Smith Cove last Sunday. The Texas man had been on vacation with friends and family.