Cayman Islands – Gateway to the Americas
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Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) welcomed high-level delegations of the tech industry, in conjunction with the Internet Marketing Association (IMA) to Grand Cayman on April 9th 2015. The trip was part of Cayman’s initiative to bring leading tech companies to the Cayman, and to develop the partnership between CEC and IMA.
The Cayman delegation met with business leaders from leading technology brands including Google, Microsoft, and Adobe. Despite business relations being at an early stage all parties seemed delighted with at the prospect and expect big things in the future. A co-hosted annual conference is in Cayman is in the pipeline, starting with a 300 attendee next year.
It has also been reported that the IMA has taken steps to become part of the Special Economic Zone, according to Chairman of the IMA Sinan Kanatsiz
Sinan Kanatsiz went on to say “We are excited that our partnership with CEC has been taken to the next level by bringing leadership from American business interests to the Cayman Islands. This event materialises a vision created in September 2014 during IMA’s flagship event, IMPACT14 in Las Vegas. The IMA looks forward to creating more economic investment opportunities for CEC and appreciates all of CEC’s contributions to date. This trip has been so successful that we plan to co-host with CEC a much larger annual event in Cayman starting next year.”
CIBC First Caribbean has had its best quarterly performance since 2010. For the first quarter of their financial year, ending January 31, 2015, they recorded a net income of $26.6 million. This is a good improvement compared with the net income of $15.4 million for the same period in 2014.
The Cayman Islands has also been named “Best Hedge Fund Services Jurisdiction” for 2015.
Cayman received the award at the Hedgeweek Global Awards in London’s Mayfair on the 27th of February. Hedgeweek Awards brought together 2014s best performing managers and service providers in the global hedge funds industry. (more…)
The Ocala MSA economy has grown 1/3 faster than the national average each of the last two years according to the US Department of Commerce, BEA. Additionally, in a report for the US Conference of Mayors prepared by IHS Global Insights, the Ocala metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is predicted to have one of the 40 fastest economies in the US in 2015. (more…)
Health City Cayman Islands (HCCI) celebrated its 1year anniversary of the hospital’s grand opening on Wednesday (25th February 2015)
During the first year HCCI has treated 2,500 patients, performed close to 200 procedures (including Cayman’s first ever coronary artery bypass graft surgery and first left ventricular assist device heart surgery), started an inaugural internship program, and launched the first Caribbean stroke prevention study.
The new medical facility, founded by Narayana Health’s Dr. Devi Shetty, offers affordable, world-class healthcare to Caribbean patients as well as its regional neighbors. Dr. Shetty was Mother Teresa’s physician and was inspired by her compassionate ways. Health City Cayman Islands is part of her response to bring high-quality, affordable healthcare to all in need, especially to those who may not be able to afford it. (more…)
The new additions at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport, new baggage equipment and an expanded departure area, was unveiled in late January 2015.
The brand new baggage screening machine complies with standards to allow international departures from Cayman Brac to the United States, for the first time since 9/11. The expansion also helps put Cayman Brac in a strategic position to reach Cuba, which is a massive launching point for people who travel to and from Europe. (more…)
Scuba Diving magazine’s readers voted on their most prized dive sites around the world and the Cayman Islands won more awards in the Caribbean and Atlantic than any other destination.
“As a prime dive destination, we are so pleased to have a thriving dive community who care for our underwater splendor and act as ambassadors for the Cayman Islands. Earning awards such as these are a reflection of the valued partnerships between the dive operators, tourism and government who all must continue to work together to ensure that our dive sites thrive and draw visitors from around the globe in the future.” Minister of Tourism Hon. Moses Kirkconnell. (more…)
Cayman has been the backdrop to many may major film productions over the years, including ‘Into the Blue’ staring Paul Walker and Jessica Alba and ‘The Firm’ staring Tom Cruse. However now the Film Commission Board is trying to be more active in bringing more movie, TV, commercial and documentary production crews to the Cayman Islands.
During 2014 the Film Commission moved from the Department of Commerce and Investment to the Department of Tourism. (more…)
Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) was launched in Cayman’s economic zone (CEZ) in February 2012. During its first 7 months (February to September) CEC’s estimated impact on the local economy was CI$12.6 million. (more…)
Thanks to the efforts of the Cayman Islands Government, private and tourism sector the islands have been named the Caribjournal’s ‘Destination of the Year 2014’.
The Cayman Islands are know for being a laid-back place with kind and friendly people. Even with its almost impossibly beautiful beaches it has remained somewhat under the radar, up until now. Thanks to the efforts of its tourism sector, Government and the private sector, the island is seeing new heights, including one of the highest rates of arrival growth in the Caribbean. (more…)