Figures released by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism reveal that tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2007 showed a significant improvement on the prior year. Total arrivals by air reached 86,819 compared to 76,660 in 2006. Cruise visitors rose to 682,975, a 5.8 percent increase on the corresponding figures for 2006.
The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has released figures showing a drop in serious crime in the first quarter of 2007. Compared to the previous year total serious crimes have dropped from194 reported offences to 167. Speeding and drink driving offences rose sharply, but the police put this down to increased enforcement.
A dinner and auction at the Palace of Westminster in London raised CI$50,000 to help protect the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana. The event, for the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, was organised by Kate Kandiah of the Cayman Islands Government Office in the UK.
Minister of Health Anthony Eden has said that government are considering exempting cigar bars from proposed smoking legislation. There are several bars in Grand Cayman selling Cuban cigars including the Havana Club Bar at the West Shore Centre.
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.’
A discussion White Paper was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Monday that proposes banning smoking in all enclosed and collective public places in the Cayman Islands. This would include bars, restaurants, buses, taxis and parks. Members of the public have 60 days to voice their opinion on the proposals.
The Public Beach was officially reopened last weekend, more than 2 years after most of its facilities were destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The restoration project involved replacing damaged cabanas, playground equipment and other facilities and was undertaken by the Leo Club of Grand Cayman. The event was marked by a ceremony on the beach.
Tremors from a shallow earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, hit Grand Cayman at 4 pm on Sunday. No damage was reported and most residents remained unaware of the event. The epicentre was 75 miles northwest of Montego Bay, Jamaica.
As reported earlier, Prince Edward will visit the Cayman Islands this weekend. During his visit he will see the efforts the islands have made to recover from Hurricane Ivan. His whistle-stop tour will include visits to Stingray City and the Salina Reserve, where he will release a Blue Iguana.
The Department of Environment has completed the first stage of a project to help restore red mangroves damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan. Governor of the Cayman Islands, Mr Stuart Jack, helped with the planting of over 800 reef balls, each containing thousands of mangrove seedlings.