CaribPR Wire

CARIBPR Wire, PASAY CITY, Philippines, Mon. Feb. 13, 2023:The 1st National Peace Convention was held on January 25, 2023 in the Philippines under the theme, “Peace Builds One Nation, One Future: Peace is Here.” It was attended by over 1,500 peace advocates to build a holistic roadmap towards the attainment of national unity through peace in consonance with the Marcos Administration’s agenda.

Dr. Ronald Adamat, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, (CHED), and Founding Chairman of Volunteer Individuals for Peace, (VIP), spearheaded the event.

“We want peace to reign in our country. We want peace to be the language every one of us will speak and every Filipino and every foreigner will understand. Today, let’s declare peace as a pandemic. Infect people not to rest in peace but to live in peace,” said Dr. Adamat.

Dr. Adamat is the first Filipino recipient of the prestigious Mahatma MK Gandhi Prize for Non-Violent Peace awarded last year in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding including the higher education.

In attendance also was Chairman Lee Man-hee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, (HWPL), a 92 year-old Korean war veteran.

“Peacebuilding in Mindanao after conflict is becoming known worldwide. This is the case of transforming death into life for peace. Starting with Mindanao and the Philippines, when we unite in love, peace will come to our world. For this reason, everyone in the Philippines has to become one and work together as messengers of peace,” said Chairman Lee.

The two peace advocates first met in 2017 during HWPL World Peace Summit held in South Korea. As an expression of their shared commitment to promoting peace, CHED and HWPL signed a Memorandum of Agreement, (MOA), in 2018 to integrate peace education in the higher education curricula.

The convention commenced with the first Plenary Session followed by parallel sessions in the afternoon. The parallel sessions were conducted separately for five sector groups – lawmakers and non-government organizations, academe and youth, religious and ethnic groups, women, and media. Each session drafted a resolution which contained their solidarity with the organizers’ peace-building efforts.

The five resolutions were consolidated during the second Plenary Session to call for President Bongbong Marcos to proclaim January 24th as ‘National Peace Day’ or “Truce Day”.

The date January 24th was proposed in commemoration of a civilian-led peace agreement signed at General Santos City in 2014 to boost reconciliation among the local communities. It was proposed by Chairman Lee to mediate between the existing conflict in Mindanao at the time. The date was later declared as ‘HWPL Peace Day’ by then Maguindanao governor Toto Mangudadatu in 2015 and BARMM Chief Minister and MILF Chairman Ahod Ebrahim in 2016.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Download images for use with this press release HERE and HERE

CaribPR Wire, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. July 7, 2022: After the end of the Cold War, ethnic-religious identities have emerged as a primary source of conflict. The emergence of new conflict requires a new approach. The achievements of the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWP), presents a ‘New model of peace’ to the global community.

Mindanao was the site of one the largest conflicts in Southeast Asia. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, (MILF), was an armed force in Southeast Asia and the Philippine government declared an all-out war resulting in over 120,000 casualties. In October 2012, the government and MILF signed a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro due to the intervention of the international community, recognizing Muslim autonomy in Mindanao.

However, the deep-rooted conflict did not end. In September 2013, Antonio Ledesma, former Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, requested Chairman Lee of HWPL to mediate the settlement.

On January 24, 2014, Chairman Lee visited Mindanao and held a Peace Walk, inviting more than 1,000 people including students from Mindanao State University to the City of General Santos. Chairman Lee then asked Fernando Capalla, former Davao Archbishop, and Esmael Mangudadatu, Governor of Maguindanao to sign a peace agreement.

The government and MILF finally agreed on the final annex of the Preliminary Peace Agreement on January 25, 2014. The agreement is to recognize Muslim autonomy and gradually disarm the MILF in the Bangsamoro region in southern Mindanao. This is considered the biggest progress in the 18-year negotiation process. In May of that year, the Parliament began to enter the so-called Bangsamoro Basic Law into the legislative process, and the civil war of Mindanao was over when President Rodrigo Duterte finally signed this Law in August 2018.

The Peace Agreement arbitrated by HWPL was Mindanao’s declaration of permanent peace. Since then, all parties, including local-national politics, religion, and society, have cooperated. With signing MOUs with 70 educational institutions in February 2016, HWPL implemented peace education curricula that has since been presented by the United Nations-UNESCO. HWPL signed an MOU with The Commission on Higher Education in 2018 resulting in 2551 teachers, from 557 educational institutions in the Philippines being trained to teach peace education to up to 23,000 students.

On May 25, 2015, “the 2nd Anniversary of Peace Walk in Commemoration of the Declaration of World Peace ” was held in Buluan, Maguindanao Province. During the January 24th celebrations, MILF Chairman Hon. Ahod Ebrahim declared January 24 as ‘HWPL Day.’ This announcement was to recognize contributions to achieving peace in Mindanao. HWPL Peace Monument was erected on July 19, 2021, in the Barangay Bagua Mother, Cotabato City, Mindanao.

About HWPL

HWPL is a non-governmental organization in South Korea seeking peace and cessation of war and it is registered in special consultative status with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Learn More : https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/about-hwpl-_en/

CARIBPR WIRE, WASHINGTON, D.C., Sat. Mar. 19, 2022: In the present era where the safety of individual lives is constantly threatened by widespread conflicts, peacebuilding is currently demanded to develop into a system that promotes the values, norms, and culture of peace for all countries, communities and individuals, based on the shared principles of coexistence and interdependence of the global community.

That’s the word from Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, (HWPL),

HWPL held its 6th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) online on March 14, 2022 with over 5,000 participants, under the theme, ‘Institutionalizing Peace: Building a Legal Foundation for Sustainable Peace.’

The UN-affiliated NGO, HWP), has endorsed combined efforts of governments and civil society efforts that lead to the institutionalization of peace in each society. Its DPCW proclaimed in 2016 has provided a guide to citizen-led peace advocacy, in line with international organizations including the UN, the African Union (AU), and the EU that have stressed normative guidance as a standard for substantial conflict resolution with the participation of women and youth.

As for the need to “build a legal foundation for sustainable peace,” Dr. Kamal Hossain, the President of International Law Association, (ILA), Bangladesh Branch said: “The precondition for achieving peace is securing peoples’ inalienable rights, which include equality before the law, equal protection of the law, non-discrimination, freedom to associate, freedom to assemble, and freedom to express.”

In addition, Ms. Anna Cervenakova, a member of HWPL International Law Peace Committee, mentioned: “In the world’s ongoing crisis, governments question themselves, what kind of action would be the best action to take in order to overcome the emergency crisis. The need for human development, by overcoming the public health emergency, climate change, economic decline, restrictions on human rights, brings us to the point of how these burdens are solved by the institutions of the governments. Much of the burdens of the work is, therefore, on the side of the governments, so it is important what are the priorities in their institutional agenda.”

As one of the speakers, Prof. Rommel Santos Diaz of international law at the Universidad INCE, said that government offices including the Senate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Attorney General’s Office in the Dominican Republic have been working with NGOs for the purpose of the “state’s decision-making for public policies on citizen security and human rights” based on the DPCW.

Responding to prevalent threats from religious conflicts, Imam Moulana Shafiek Nolan in Westridge of South Africa expressed: “(T)he DPCW emphasizes the importance of peace between religions and the cessation of religious conflict. The monthly scripture dialogue hosted by HWPL particularly aims to create a platform to break down misunderstandings of religious scripture and practices, mirroring the values expressed in the DPCW.”

Chairman Man Hee Lee of HWPL said that wars and conflicts continue to occur since “wars can be triggered if it is allegedly necessary according to the current international law, which is why this cannot put an end to war.” He highlighted that all members of the global village need to be united as one as “messengers of peace” to “certainly create a thing (international law for peace) that can bring about peace.”

On February 28th, HWPL issued a statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that includes refugee protection and global youth solidarity against war and is delivering it to 192 countries. The DPCW presents principles of peace to be promoted by the international society such as prohibiting the use of force, fostering religious freedom, and civic participation to spread a culture of peace. It highlights that sustainable peace can be achieved through all members of the global society by identifying not only nation-states but also international organizations and all citizens as the main actors in building peace.

For the full text of the DPCW or Statement Regarding Russia and Ukraine, you may visit www.hwpl.kr

EDITOR’S NOTE: An image for use with this press release is available HERE

CaribPR Wire, WASHINGTON, D.C., Fri. Mar. 4, 2022: Many parts of the global society are reacting to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine by denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision of devastating attack and occupation of the Ukraine territory.

In his presidency, Putin used the military power to invade and control foreign territory including South Ossetia, Crimea of Ukraine, and now parts of the north, east and south of Ukraine, which all challenged the global security and stability.

On 28th, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a South Korea-based international NGO affiliated with the UN ECOSOC and Seoul Metropolitan Government, made a statement to advocate a global cooperation for peace.

Titled “Statement by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Regarding Russia and Ukraine,” it demands that Russia withdraw all military to its own territory, international community protect and accommodate refugees, and global youth unite for an anti-war movement and peace.

“Military aggression against a sovereign state cannot be a solution to any problem, and the perils of such war and violent conflict hit innocent citizens the hardest, including women, the youth, and children. … Russia must withdraw its forces back to its country … (and we) request all nations to demonstrate their love for humanity by offering help to refugees,” HWPL said.

HWPL has been seeking to construct a global network for peace by building solidarity among leaders and representatives from the field of politics, religion, youth, women and media in the world. Written by 580,000 citizens worldwide, HWPL in 2018 sent out “peace letters” urging the heads of states of 192 countries to demand their participation in cooperation for peace.

On February 26th, the White House announced through a statement that the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States will cooperate to execute an economic sanction to exclude Russia from the international financial system by removing selected Russian banks from the SWIFT.

Ukrainian forces are currently resisting against the Russian military with effective defense, and anti-war protests and voices in support of Ukraine through social media become more widespread throughout the world.

PHOTOS FOR USE WITH THIS PR ARE AVAILABLE HERE AND HERE

The List recognizes and celebrates the generosity of changemakers from across the world who serve as an inspiration for future philanthropists.

CaribPR Wire, SAN FRANCISCO and WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2021: – Indiaspora, a nonprofit community of global Indian leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions, released today their list recognizing one hundred Indian and diaspora leaders who are making a difference through their giving.

“It is incredibly inspiring to see so many philanthropists from our community who have translated their success into social impact,” said Indiaspora Founder MR Rangaswami. “These leaders serve as an example of the importance of generosity and remind us of the many issues that need our attention.”

With guidance from nine jurors and drawing from multiple sources, including reputed studies, earlier verified lists, and publicly shared documents, Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List recognizes Indian and diaspora leaders across the globe for their philanthropic contributions and engagement.

“It was very gratifying to be a part of this effort, and I appreciated the careful consideration given to each honoree by those who were involved,” said Sara Kalim, Director of Development at Somerville College and one of the jurors. “As someone who works in the development space, I see firsthand how philanthropy can transform lives for the better. This list shines a light on the tremendous power of giving.”

With more than 32 million people of Indian origin globally, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Indians are the largest diaspora population in the world. Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List includes philanthropists from India and from geographies with significant diaspora migration, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Australia. Several of these philanthropists stepped forward to give during the COVID-19 crisis.

“COVID-19 taught us that businesses, nonprofits, government, and philanthropy all play a critical role in lifting the communities they serve and operate in during times of crisis,” said Prem Watsa, Founder and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings and one of the honorees on the List. “Indiaspora’s Philanthropy Leaders List serves as a reminder to the diaspora to continue the important work of giving even once the crisis abates so our communities can meet future challenges.”

The List includes names from various industries including technology, entertainment, finance, and the law, among others, who are using their philanthropy to address issues such as access to healthcare, quality education, water and sanitation, arts and culture, food insecurity, and employability.

“I hope the diaspora will continue to give forward, and even more boldly,” said Rohini Nilekani, Founder-Chairperson of sustainable water and sanitation nonprofit Arghyam, who is also an honoree on the List. “It is both inspiring and critical to resolve many old and emerging societal challenges in India.”

Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List is one of several of the organization’s philanthropy-focused initiatives. Other initiatives include ChaloGive, an online giving campaign that raised more than $3.5M in 2021 to provide COVID relief in India, and the Philanthropy Summit, an annual event that brings together nonprofits, foundations, philanthropists, and others in the social impact space to share learnings regarding Indian and diaspora philanthropy.

“This is a transformative moment for philanthropy,” said Ashish Shah, Senior Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Indiaspora. “The purpose of our philanthropy work is to galvanize the Indian diaspora to elevate its level of giving in the next decade, and Indiaspora’s 2021 Philanthropy Leaders List is an important step towards building a culture of philanthropy.”

For the list of honorees and additional resources, including additional quotes, information and news about the honorees, please visit the 2021 Indiaspora Philanthropy Leaders List website.

More on the Indiaspora Lists

The Indiaspora Lists (lists.indiaspora.org) highlight the advances of the Indian diaspora in areas such as government, business, and philanthropy.

Indiaspora’s inaugural Business Leaders List (July 2020), highlights the Indian diaspora who are leading the largest global companies and the Government Leaders List (February 2021) highlights over 200 government leaders of Indian heritage from 15 countries around the globe.

Indiaspora (www.indiaspora.org) is a nonprofit community of powerful global Indian leaders from diverse backgrounds and professions who are committed to inspiring the diaspora to be a force for positive impact by providing a platform to collaborate, engage, and catalyze social change.

La Lista de líderes de filantropía 2021 de Indiaspora destaca cien líderes de la India y la diáspora que tuvieron un impacto significativo con sus contribuciones filantrópicas y participación

La lista reconoce y celebra la generosidad de innovadores de todo el mundo que sirven de inspiración para futuros filántropos.

CaribPR Wire, SAN FRANCISCO y WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2021– Indiaspora, (Diáspora India), una comunidad sin fines de lucro de líderes indios de diversos orígenes y profesiones, publicó hoy su lista que reconoce cien líderes indios y de la diáspora que hacen una diferencia a través de sus contribuciones.

“Es increíblemente inspirador ver a tantos filántropos de nuestra comunidad que traducen su éxito en impacto social”, dijo el fundador de Indiaspora, MR Rangaswami. “Estos líderes sirven como ejemplo de la importancia de la generosidad y nos recuerdan los muchos temas que necesitan nuestra atención”.

Con la guía de nueve miembros del jurado y recurriendo a múltiples fuentes, incluidos estudios reputados, listas verificadas anteriormente y documentos compartidos públicamente, Lista de líderes de filantropía 2021 de Indiaspora reconoce a los líderes indios y de la diáspora de todo el mundo por sus contribuciones filantrópicas y participación.

“Fue muy gratificante ser parte de este esfuerzo, y aprecio la cuidadosa consideración dada a cada uno de los homenajeados por parte de los participantes”, dijo Sara Kalim, directora de desarrollo de Somerville College y miembro del jurado. “Como alguien que trabaja en el espacio del desarrollo, veo de primera mano cómo la filantropía puede transformar vidas para bien. Esta lista ilumina el grandioso poder de contribuir”.

Con más de 32 millones de personas de origen indio en todo el mundo, según el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de la India, los indios son la mayor población de la diáspora en el mundo. La Lista de líderes de filantropía 2021 de Indiaspora, incluye filántropos de la India y regiones geográficas con emigración significativa a la diáspora, que incluyen, Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Canadá, Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Singapur y Australia. Varios de estos filántropos dieron un paso adelante para contribuir durante la crisis del COVID-19.

“COVID-19 nos enseñó que las empresas, las organizaciones sin fines de lucro, el gobierno y la filantropía, juegan un papel decisivo para levantar las comunidades a las que sirven y operan en tiempos de crisis”, dijo Prem Watsa, fundador y director ejecutivo de Fairfax Financial Holdings y uno de los homenajeados en la Lista. “La Lista de líderes de filantropía de Indiaspora sirve de recordatorio para la diáspora para continuar los importantes esfuerzos de contribución, incluso una vez que la crisis disminuya para que nuestras comunidades puedan enfrentar desafíos futuros”.

La Lista incluye nombres de varios sectores, incluyendo, tecnológico, entretenimiento, finanzas y jurídico, entre otros, que utilizan su filantropía para abordar cuestiones como acceso a atención médica, educación de calidad, agua y saneamiento, arte y cultura, inseguridad alimentaria y empleabilidad.

“Espero que la diáspora continúe su contribución en el futuro, y aún con mayor audacia”, dijo Rohini Nilekani, fundadora y presidenta de la organización no lucrativa para la gestión sostenible del agua y el saneamiento, Arghyam, que también es homenajeada en la Lista. “Es inspirador, así como crítico resolver muchos desafíos sociales antiguos y emergentes en la India”.

La Lista de líderes de filantropía 2021 de Indiaspora es una de varias iniciativas centradas en la filantropía de la organización. Otras iniciativas incluyen ChaloGive, una campaña de contribuciones en línea que recaudó más de $ 3.5 millones en 2021 para proporcionar alivio por el COVID en la India, y la Cumbre de Filantropía, un evento anual que reúne a organizaciones sin fines de lucro, fundaciones, filántropos y otros en el entorno de impacto social para compartir aprendizajes con respecto a la filantropía de la India y la diáspora.

“Este es un momento transformador para la filantropía”, dijo Ashish Shah, director sénior de filantropía y participación comunitaria de Indiaspora. “El propósito de nuestro trabajo filantrópico es galvanizar a la diáspora india para elevar su nivel de contribución en la próxima década, y la Lista de líderes de filantropía 2021 de Indiaspora es un paso importante hacia construir una cultura de filantropía”.

Para obtener la lista de homenajeados y recursos adicionales, incluidas citas adicionales, información y noticias sobre los homenajeados, visite el sitio web de la Lista de líderes de filantropía 2021 de Indiaspora.

Más sobre las Listas de Indiaspora

Las Listas de Indiaspora (lists.indiaspora.org) destacan los avances de la diáspora India en áreas como gobierno, negocios y filantropía.

La Lista de líderes empresariales inaugural de Indiaspora (julio de 2020), destaca la diáspora India que lidera las mayores empresas globales y la Lista de líderes gubernamentales (febrero de 2021) destaca a más de 200 líderes gubernamentales de herencia india de 15 países en todo el mundo.

La Indiaspora (www.indiaspora.org) es una comunidad sin fines de lucro de poderosos líderes indios de diversos orígenes y profesiones que se comprometen a inspirar a la diáspora para que sea una fuerza de impacto positivo al ofrecer una plataforma de colaboración, participación, y catalizadora del cambio social.

Un Fragmento de Medios de Comunicación adjunto con este comunicado de prensa está disponible haciendo clic en la imagen o enlace a continuación:

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Sunday, July 25, 2021: The countdown has begun to the 24th annual Brooklyn, New York, Unity Walk & Community Festival, set for August 7, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning at Empire Blvd and Flatbush Avenue.

Established in August of 1997 by Jamaican immigrant Rev. Dr. Terry Lee of Community Concerns Network Inc., and By-Ways and Hedges Youth for Christ Ministry, Inc., the Walk and Festival has been fostering a better understanding and relationship between the New York Police Department, (NYPD), and Brooklyn residents for over two decades.

This year’s event will once again be presented under the theme: “Uniting Police And Our Community Step By Step While Providing Fun For The Whole Family.” Over 1,000 have been invited, including politicians and Caribbean diplomats, members of the NYPD, military personnel, immigrant and community activists, faith-based groups and members of the clergy, healthcare providers, local businesses and block associations, as well as people who have lost loved ones to violence.

The event will begin at the corner of Empire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue at 11 a.m., continue down Flatbush Avenue to Church Avenue, and end at Church Avenue and Utica Avenue with the Community Festival.

Performances and bands scheduled include the Byways and Hedges Youth Group and other gospel performers; Barbados-born Empress Poetry, The Empire Marching Elite, the FDNY Fire and EMS Exploring Program; Guns Down and Bikes Up Brooklyn and Steelpan artist, Freddy Harris, III.

At the Festival, children will be able to climb the NYPD Rock Wall and enjoy inspirational games, storytelling, giveaways, and exciting sports and biking demonstrations. NYC’s Test & Trace will be available on spot to provide COVID 19 vaccinations for adults and children, 12 years and up.

Adults will be able to visit The MetroPlus Health Pavilion for COVID-19 testing, other health screenings and more. They will also be able to apply for health care insurance, learn healing and meditative techniques to release stress, pick up essential information on jobs, housing, finance, citizenship, immigration food stability, and more; and of course enjoy delicious Caribbean and other food and beverages from vendors.

Over 150 invited vendors, not-for-profits and city agencies will participate including:

•           The Brooklyn Public Library

•           Community Boards 17, 9 and 14

•           East Flatbush Village

•           FDNY – Department of Fire Safety Education

•           FDNY: Department of Recruitment & Diversity

•           Fitserious Health and Wellness, LLC

•           God-Squad

•           GMACC

•           Re-Serve, Inc.

•           Test & Trace

The Annual Unity Walk & Community Festival was created in response to police-related incidents that prompted violent outbreaks and protests in Crown Heights. Rev. Terry said he felt called to launch the event to give “everyone an opportunity to come together in healing and help cultivate and build a more positive relationship with the NYPD.” It promotes awareness on issues like violence, health and immigration and provides legal, financial, and other referrals.

Register to join the Walk HERE or at communityconcernsnetwork.org/events/24th-annual-unity-walk-community-festival. A free Unity Walk t-shirt will be available to anyone who signs up before July 30^th.

Current sponsors and partners include: the New York City Police Foundation, Inc.; NYPD Community Affairs Bureau; 71^st Precinct Council, MetroPlus Health, Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts, Inc.; GraceKennedy Foods, LLC, Caribbean Supermarket; Chef’s Choice; EmblemHealth, Laparkan Trading, Healthcare Education Project, Humana, Rainbow Car Service and CaribPR Wire.

To sponsor the event or reserve a vendor table, contact Community Concerns Network Inc., or By-Ways and Hedges Youth for Christ Ministry. at 718-940-7499 or fill out their contact form HERE or at https://forms.gle/TyK8M3vchjygHzi56

MEDIA CONTACT:

Nicole Lumpress

[email protected]

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. June 29, 2021: TikTok Influencers, top West Indian cricketers and music stars are joining arms as the new “Disaster Fighters,” a team of influential figures, to disseminate informational messages on fighting the impact of hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, COVID-19 and other hazards.

Starting June 28th, West Indian cricketers, DJ Bravo of Trinidad and Tobago; St. Lucia’s Daren Sammy, and St. Kitts & Nevis’ Kieran Powell, have joined forces with musicians, Mr Killa of Grenada, Tafa Mi Soleil of Haiti and Ricky T of St. Lucia, for the TikTok campaign kick-off.

Popular Caribbean TikTok creators will go live and connect directly with the audience in real time to help spread hurricane preparedness messages and hear about the personal experiences of those who have lived through disasters. They will also invite users to show their support for the Disaster Fighters campaign by creating videos using the hashtags, #DisasterFighters and #HurricaneSeason.

A TikTok Challenge #MakeAPlan will be launched to inspire and encourage the general population in order to raise awareness about hurricane preparedness through creating and sharing creative videos, singing the famous Jahmar Hamilton phrase: “Make A Plan,” in a 10-second segment of the Disaster Fighters song.

The 2021 hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. The impact of hurricanes in the Caribbean region is growing every year, and it’s important to alert nationals and send relevant preparedness messages. TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile videos has partnered with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, (CDEMA) on this regional prevention campaign to raise awareness about the hurricane season in the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM) region.

TikTok will support the Disaster Fighters campaign to encourage people to be prepared for the hurricane season and provide access to informational messages on preparedness before, during and after a hurricane. They will also engage in livestreams and the creation of videos to improve community preparedness and resilience to risks such as hurricanes in the region.

The initiative is supported by the World Bank, TikTok, the European Union’s Caribbean Regional Resilience Building Facility, the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility, the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery and Binance Charity. The campaign has been developed by the risk communications firm Pacifico.

For more information visit disaster-fighters.org

And follow DISASTER FIGHTERS on

TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@disasterfighters

Twitter at https://twitter.com/disasterfight

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/disasterfighter

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/disasterfighters

MEDIA CONTACT:

For media interviews contact the Disaster Fighters team at [email protected]

Saturday, November 21, 2020 (7:30 p.m. EST/4:30 p.m. PST)

Global leaders and citizens come together for peace based on ideals of
interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values

Special Performance to honor Korean War veterans and
commemorate 70^th anniversary of the Korean War

CaribPR Wire WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2020: The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) is announcing that a third global Rally of Hope will be held this weekend, featuring world leaders who see new opportunities for peacebuilding in all sectors of society.

The online rally will be held simultaneously worldwide — on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) and at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) in the United States. The program will be produced and broadcast from Seoul, Korea on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. (Korea Standard Time).

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-Founder of the Universal Peace Federation, will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia; H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya; H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan; H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Hon. German Alcides Blanco Alvarez, Colombia Parliament Speaker; H.E. Yves Leterme, Prime Minister of Belgium (2009-2011); The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada (2006 – 2015): Hon. Christopher Hill, (U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (2004-2005) and Hon. Charles Rangel, U.S. House of Representatives (1971-2017) and Korean War Veteran.

This third Rally of Hope commemorates the 70^th anniversary of the Korean War, which began in 1950 with North Korea’s invasion of South Korea and ended in an armistice in 1953 after an estimated 3 million deaths. Tragically, many Korean families remain separated by the Demilitarized Zone at the 38^th parallel that still divides North and South.

The renowned Little Angels Folk Ballet of Korea will perform a special tribute at the Rally of Hope to honor veterans of the 16 nations who, as part of the United Nations peace force, sent troops and support for the Republic of South Korea.

The Rally of Hope will be broadcast from Cheongshim Peace World Center in South Korea. Dedicated links for broadcast media will be available at https://www.peacelink.live/bc from Friday, November 20, 2020.

These Rally of Hope events are aimed at building a “unified world of lasting peace around the core ideas of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values,” said UPF Chairman Dr. Thomas G. Walsh.

The first Rally of Hope, held in August, “drew several million online viewers from around the world with its focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental degradation, poverty and race relations,” said Dr. Walsh.

The second Rally of Hope held in September, as well as this weekend’s third Rally of Hope, envision a heavenly, unified world that embraces the values of freedom, peace, unity and happiness.

Previous rallies’ speakers, “in their own ways and in their own words, all express hope that humankind, as one family under God, has the full potential to resolve all of these issues by working together,” said Dr. Walsh.

“This Rally of Hope,” he added, “is part of UPF’s global effort to overcome the barriers that divide us and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

Founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in 2005, UPF is building a global coalition of stakeholders and peacemakers around the core principles of interdependence (mutual respect, cooperation and recognition of our common humanity), mutual prosperity (reduction of extreme poverty and more equitable distribution of wealth), and universal values (the common ground of shared values, with recognition that characteristics that unite us are stronger than those that might divide us).

The path to such a world is formed around a worldwide peace movement that includes heads of state and first ladies, parliamentarians, faith leaders, media professionals, scholars and business and financial experts in economic sectors.

The Rally of Hope series features leaders from UPF’s six associations: the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), International Association for Peace and Economic Development (IAED), and International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP).

A fourth Rally of Hope is planned for December.

Universal Peace www.upf.org

Más de un millón de participantes se espera que se unan al tercer Rally de Esperanza en línea

Sábado 21 de noviembre de 2020 (7:30 p.m. EST/4:30 p.m. PST)

Líderes globales y ciudadanos se unen por la paz basada en ideales de
interdependencia, prosperidad mutua y valores universales

Presentación especial para rendir homenaje a los veteranos de la Guerra de Corea y
conmemorar el septuagésimo aniversario de la Guerra de Corea

CaribPR Wire, WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2020: La Universal Peace Federation (UPF), anuncia que se realizará un tercer Rally de Esperanza global, este fin de semana, con la participación de líderes mundiales que ven nuevas oportunidades para la consolidación de la paz en todos los sectores de la sociedad.

El rally en línea se realizará de manera simultánea en todo el mundo, el sábado 21 de noviembre de 2020, a las 7:30 p.m. (Hora Estándar del Este) y a las 4:30 p.m. (Hora Estándar del Pacífico) en Estados Unidos. El programa será producido y transmitido desde Seúl, Corea, el domingo 22 de noviembre de 2020 a las 9:30 a. m. (hora estándar de Corea).

El Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, cofundador de la Universal Peace Federation, será el orador principal. Otros oradores incluyen, Su Excelencia Sahle-Work Zewde, Presidenta de Etiopía; Su Excelencia Uhuru Kenyatta, Presidente de Kenia; Salva Kiir Mayardit, Presidente de Sudán del Sur; Su Excelencia Mahinda Rajapaksa, Primer Ministro de Sri Lanka; el Honorable German Alcides Blanco Alvarez, Presidente del Parlamento de Colombia; Su Excelencia Yves Leterme, Primer Ministro de Bélgica (2009-2011); el Muy Honorable Stephen Harper, Primer Ministro de Canadá (2006-2015): Honorable Christopher Hill (Embajador de los Estados Unidos en la República de Corea (2004-2005) y Honorable Charles Rangel, Cámara de Representantes de Estados Unidos (1971-2017) y veterano de la guerra de Corea.

Este tercer Rally de Esperanza conmemora el septuagésimo aniversario de la Guerra de Corea, que comenzó en 1950 con la invasión de Corea del Norte a Corea del Sur y terminó en un armisticio en 1953 después de una cifra estimada de tres millones de muertes. Trágicamente, muchas familias coreanas siguen separadas por la Zona Desmilitarizada en el paralelo 38^o que aún divide el Norte y el Sur.

El renombrado Ballet Folclórico Little Angels de Corea realizará una presentación como tributo especial en el Rally de Esperanza para honrar a los veteranos de las 16 naciones que, como parte de la fuerza de paz de las Naciones Unidas, enviaron tropas y apoyo a la República de Corea del Sur.

El Rally de Esperanza será transmitido desde el Cheongshim Peace World Center en Corea del Sur. Los enlaces dedicados a los medios de difusión estarán disponibles en https://www.peacelink.live/bc a partir del viernes 20 de noviembre de 2020.

Estos eventos del Rally de Esperanza tienen como objetivo construir un “mundo unificado de paz duradera en torno a las ideas principales de interdependencia, prosperidad mutua y valores universales”, dijo el presidente de la UPF, Dr. Thomas G. Walsh.

El primer Rally de Esperanza, celebrado en agosto, “atrajo a varios millones de espectadores en línea de todo el mundo con su enfoque en la pandemia del COVID-19, la degradación ambiental, la pobreza y las relaciones raciales”, dijo el Dr. Walsh.

El segundo Rally de Esperanza celebrado en septiembre, así como el tercer Rally de Esperanza de este fin de semana, visualizan un mundo celestial y unificado que adopta los valores de libertad, paz, unidad y felicidad.

Los oradores de asambleas anteriores, “en sus propias maneras y con sus propias palabras, todos expresan la esperanza de que la humanidad, como una sola familia bajo Dios, tenga todo el potencial para solucionar todos estos problemas trabajando en conjunto”, dijo el Dr. Walsh.

“Este Rally de Esperanza”, agregó, “es parte del esfuerzo global de la UPF para superar las barreras que nos dividen y establecer la paz en la Península de Corea.”

Fundada por el Reverendo Sun Myung Moon y el Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon en 2005, la UPF construye una coalición global de partes interesadas y pacificadores en torno a los principios básicos de interdependencia (respeto mutuo, cooperación y reconocimiento de nuestra humanidad común), prosperidad mutua (reducción de la pobreza extrema y distribución más equitativa de la riqueza) y valores universales (el terreno común de los valores compartidos, con el reconocimiento de que las características que nos unen son más fuertes que las que podrían dividirnos).

El camino hacia tal mundo se forma en torno a un movimiento de paz mundial que incluye a jefes de Estado y primeras damas, parlamentarios, líderes religiosos, profesionales de los medios de comunicación, académicos y expertos empresariales y financieros en los sectores económicos.

La serie del Rally de Esperanza cuenta con líderes de las seis asociaciones de la UPF: Cumbre Internacional por la Paz (ISCP), Asociación Internacional de Parlamentarios por la Paz (IAPP), Asociación Interreligiosa por la Paz y el Desarrollo (IAPD), Asociación de Medios de Comunicación Internacionales por la Paz (IMAP), Asociación internacional por la Paz y el Desarrollo Económico (IAED) y la Asociación Internacional de Académicos por la Paz (IAAP).

Un cuarto Rally de Esperanza se planea para diciembre.

Universal Peace www.upf.org

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Mar. 29, 2018: Caribbean-American elected officials are being urged to speak up on new US Census changes by the Donald Trump administration that could cost them their jobs.

CaribID Founder Felicia J. Persaud

Felicia J. Persaud, the founder of CaribID, the historic initiative launched in 2009 to get Caribbean nationals accurately counted by the US government, said she is appalled by the deafening silence so far from many Caribbean born and Caribbean-Americans in elected office across the US, to the Trump administration’s racist decision to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 census.

Such a move will not only result in the further undercount of the Caribbean and other immigrant populations already living in fear of Trump’s immigration round-ups, but it will lead to serious redistricting, which will leave many Caribbean and immigrant elected officials possibly out of a job, said Persaud.

“The entire move is a xenophobic political one, aimed at creating fear and slamming the door in the face of immigrants while shoring up the ‘Trump base’ through redistricting triggered by a massive undercount,” said Persaud. “Immigrants have long been fearful of taking the decennial Census and this decision will only serve to drive them further underground, despite their immigration status, while leaving many Caribbean American elected officials vulnerable to having entire districts banished from electoral maps and their jobs becoming history.”

The Caribbean-born, US-based entrepreneur, is also urging the Caribbean Bar Association to join other rights organizations and attorneys general across the US, to take a stand and sue the federal government.

“The US Constitution requires that every resident of the United States be counted in a decennial census, whether or not they are citizens,” said Persaud. “The results are used not just to redraw political boundaries, from school boards to House seats, but to allocate hundreds of billions of dollars in federal grants and subsidies to where they are needed most. Census data provide the baseline for planning decisions made by corporations and governments alike. We in the Caribbean US Diaspora must realize how important this is and stand up for those who are too fearful to stand up for themselves but most of all, stand up and be counted because our future and our livelihoods do depend on it.”

ABOUT CARIB ID

Carib ID is a historic initiative started by Persaud in 2009, to get Caribbean nationals a category on US Census forms in order for them to be accurately counted. So far, the movement, which has created dozens of partnerships across the country in its infancy and secured two bills in the US Congress to call for a separate category for Caribbean nationals in the US, has been able to lobby effectively for a write in portion for the 2020 Census under the African American race category, for Caribbean immigrants to write in their country of origin or ancestry.

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SOURCE: CaribID

MEDIA CONTACT:

For more information or interviews:

Kathy Bronson

[email protected]

Animal rescue efforts in BVI intensify as HSI and H/3 Foundation deploy veterinary team

STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Global animal charities Humane Society International and H/3 Foundation Inc. have launched an animal rescue and relief initiative in the British Virgin Islands, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma. The initial members of an emergency veterinary team have already arrived on the island of Tortola. Additional HSI veterinarians and technicians, as well as H/3 Foundation volunteers, are scheduled to arrive over the next several days, bringing crucial supplies including food, carriers, hay for farm animals and equipment to support the rescue efforts.

The organisations will also evacuate lost and displaced dogs and cats, and work to reunite families separated from their pets. HSI and H/3 Foundation are working to secure airlift and logistics to bring lost and stray animals from the BVI to shelters in the United States, while setting up local BVI veterinary clinics to provide emergency care and treatment for animal victims. Because many people in BVI, like caring individuals everywhere, find it extremely difficult to evacuate without their beloved pets, HSI and H/3 Foundation will work to immediately facilitate the travel certifications required for such animals.

Spencer B. Haber, H/3 Foundation’s founder and chairman, commented, “The BVI has always been a special community of generous and resourceful people, with a deep connection to the magical place they call home – and with the animals who share that home. Since I first visited many decades ago, the BVI and its people have favoured us with their friendship, hospitality and grace. So it is now our honour to be able to give something back – both in addressing an urgent, immediate need, but also as the first step in working together as a community to rebuild an even better BVI in the coming years. Having come to know the BVI spirit over the last 30+ years, I am confident that this community will emerge from this tragic period even stronger than it was before.”

“The devastation seen in these islands is heart-breaking,” said Adam Parascandola, director of animal protection and crisis response at HSI. ”With almost all buildings badly damaged or gone, we know Hurricane Irma has affected many animals, including pets and farm animals, as well as the human population of the BVI. Following disasters, we typically find lost and bewildered animals, suffering from injuries, hunger, and dehydration/shock, and in need of immediate care. Our emergency responders and veterinary specialists have already started to evaluate the animal-related needs and challenges on the ground and will help to evacuate pets as needed.”

About HSI:

Humane Society International and its partner organisations together constitute one of the world’s largest animal protection organisations. For more than 25 years, HSI has been working for the protection of all animals through the use of science, advocacy, education and hands on programs.  Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide – on the Web at hsi.org. HSI has considerable experience in global disaster response. For example, HSI animal rescue and veterinary teams responded to the 2015 earthquake in Nepal; the 2015 floods in Chennai, India; the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador; Hurricane Matthew in Haiti in 2016, as well as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.  Humane Society International is approved by the Better Business Bureau for all 20 standards for charity accountability. Our American affiliate, The Humane Society of the United States, was voted by Guidestar’s Philanthropedia experts as the #1 high-impact animal protection group and named by Worth Magazine as one of the 10 most fiscally responsible charities in the USA.

To support Humane Society International, please make a monthly donation, or give in another way. And see our 25 ways you can help animals. Your donation enables our Animal Rescue Team to respond at a moment’s notice, and to provide urgent and necessary care to animals in this and other disasters. Thank you for your generous support to Humane Society International.

About H/3 Foundation:

Founded by Spencer B. Haber in 2014, the H/3 Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation dedicated to creating game-changing progress on animal welfare and associated issues globally. To that end, H/3’s primary focus is on creating and funding media projects, including the production and co-production of feature-length and short documentary films that directly impact the way people relate to animals and the environment. H/3’s other important initiatives include funding and developing humane education curricula, a myriad of direct action projects and support for animal rescue and first-responder organizations.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Sept 14, 2017: A Caribbean, US-based agency is doing its part to try to help the tens of thousands across several Caribbean islands who have lost everything to the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

Executives at the global private sector investment agency, Invest Caribbean Now, (ICN), have launched a GoFundMe appeal titled the Caribbean Hurricane Relief Fund to benefit a US organization that has already pitched in to help suffering disaster victims in the region.

“Every single dime raised will go to help fund the immediate needs of those affected by the category 5 storm and will be disbursed to Samaritan’s Purse, a North Carolina-based global non-profit organization, which has already responded to the needs of St. Martiners by taking two plane loads of emergency goods to benefit over 4,000,” ICN said in a statement.

St. Martin after Hurricane Irma. (Samaritan Purse image)

The company is urging all businesses doing business in the Caribbean to pitch in to help those in Saint Martin, St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Haiti, Cuba and the U.S. Virgin Islands who are in need of the basic amenities to survive, including water, food, cleaning supplies and clothing. Many are still in shelters and have nothing to return to including no jobs. The situation is dire.

“It is unfortunate that many of the same companies who benefit from government contracts and who Caribbean governments are quick to do business with are silent at this time. Where are the PR and AD agencies that major contracts? Where are the airlines and the investors who benefit from major tax relief and the citizenship by investment deals? Where are the law firms and lobbyists who these governments pay big bucks to? And where are the Caribbean and Caribbean roots celebrities?” asked ICN. “We need them all to step up to the plate and pitch in now more than ever – not just show up in the good times.”

“Hurricane Irma leveled islands in the Caribbean and devastated the Florida coast,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “We are taking critically needed supplies to storm survivors and coming alongside affected families. We want to meet their physical needs while showing them the love of Christ. Please pray for all those affected by this horrific storm.”

The organization has already taken two plane loads of supply to St. Maarten and will take 30 tons of high-energy biscuits to help residents faced with dwindling food supplies into St. Martin. In the days ahead, Samaritan’s Purse will also place equipment on the ground in St. Martin to convert seawater into clean drinking water, which has become another urgent need. They are also looking to distribute food on the island of Antigua, which has also been impacted by Irma on its deadly path through the Caribbean. Currently, the entire population of the devastated island of Barbuda has been evacuated to Antigua.

Support the initiative at gofundme.com/caribbeanhurricanerelieffund. The situation is urgent.

ABOUT ICN

Invest Caribbean Now is the global private sector investment agency of the Caribbean. The company works with small to large enterprises to secure low interest debt capital of US$5,000 to $500 million through its many funding partners.   For more information seeinvestcaribbeannow.com.

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SOURCE: Invest Caribbean Now

CaribPR Wire, Indianapolis, Indiana, July 18, 2017: The Government of Jamaica and Christel House last week entered into a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement, which facilitates the development of a new learning center on the island – the second most-impoverished in the Caribbean.  Christel House, an international NGO with a proven track record of breaking the cycle of poverty for severely at-risk children, will build its facility on a 10 acre parcel of land near Kingston, which the Jamaican government is contributing as part of a public private partnership.   At its own expense, Christel House will construct a facility which will serve approximately 840 students from the severely impoverished area.

Minister of Education, Youth & Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, applauds the decision of Christel House to invest in Jamaica. “This proposed development will be a significant addition to the many safe housing facilities available for the children under our watchful care,” says Reid. “This will be a home where the children will experience love, care and security, while their education and development needs are being addressed.”

Christel House Jamaica plans to begin operations no later than August, 2019.  The school will be built in phases, with the first phase to accommodate grades KG – 2.  Each year thereafter an additional 60 kindergarten students will be admitted, and the school will grow organically until it reaches capacity at grade 13.  Admission to the tuition-free school is needs-based. In addition to academics, leadership and character education, students will receive books, uniforms, transportation, breakfast, lunch and a snack daily and health services.

Christel House Founder and CEO, Christel DeHaan, is delighted with the expansion announcement.  “Breaking the cycle of poverty is the only way to unleash human potential and to build better societies.  We are thrilled to bring a Christel House to Jamaica and we thank the Ministry of Education for its support and belief in our model and our mission.”

Fundraising initiatives will be pursued both on-island and around the world, but particularly in the U.S., where Christel House International is based.  Christel House Jamaica is a Jamaican legal entity, with an independent board of directors, and its nonprofit tax status is expected to be received shortly.  The organizations have no political or religious affiliations.

See a video about Christel House Jamaica

About Christel House International

The mission of Christel House is to transform the lives of impoverished children around the world—breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society. A focus on academic excellence through a robust K–12 curriculum is combined with a strong character development program to give students the skills and competencies necessary to compete successfully in complex 21st Century society.

Much more than a school, Christel House was established in 1998 by Founder and CEO Christel DeHaan, and currently serves over 4,600 impoverished students through eight learning centers—located in India, Mexico, South Africa and the U.S.A. Christel House students maintain a 99% graduation exam pass rate, and the majority of its graduates go on to pursue higher education. They become productive citizens, and many secure employment with top multinational corporations. Christel House graduates are confident, hardworking, responsible and ethical, with a passion for giving back to their communities and caring for their families.

For more information, please visit www.christelhouse.org and follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/christelhouse; www.twitter.com/christelhouse

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f4ac2bb2-046c-453e-a0f2-a844d16319fb

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62d47922-4b5e-4239-858a-ed9f7b0b0e3b

Nearly 100 Anguillan stakeholders gather at a Government of Anguilla Workshop to hear initial recommendations for the integration of Renewables into Anguilla’s Energy profile.

CaribPR Wire, The Valley, Anguilla, Fri. April 27, 2012: On Tuesday 24th of April, The Government of Anguilla’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities and Housing (MICUH) hosted the Anguilla Renewable Energy Integration Project (AREIP) Stakeholder Workshop at Paradise Cove Resort, Anguilla. Close to 100 local stakeholders gathered to listen and comment on the presentation of the initial report from the Project Consultants, Castalia Strategic Advisors. The AREIP is being funded by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) – a UK based development funding agency that aims to help decision-makers in developing countries design and deliver climate compatible development.

The specific purpose of the project is to support Anguilla’s efforts to implement key elements of its National Energy Policy and Climate Change Policies by amending current electricity legislation to provide a clear framework for the integration of both customer-sited and utility-scale renewable energy into the national electricity grid.

At the welcoming ceremony the Chief Minister, The Hon Hubert Hughes stressed how important this Project is to the Government and people of Anguilla. The Minister with responsibility for Energy, the Hon Evan Gumbs went on to tell the audience that the Integration of Renewables was his Ministry’s priority – in order that there will be a cheaper and more sustainable Energy Supply for Anguillans. Minister Gumbs thanked the stakeholders for coming and stated positively that “relief is not here yet, but it’s coming”.
The Presentation was led by Mr. Gianmarco Servetti, Castalia Principal and Project Director, with the assistance of two colleagues, Project Manager Ms. Laura Berman and Legal Consultant Ms. Barbara Vargas. The key assessments and recommendations can be briefly summarized as follows:

• Anguilla has economically viable renewable energy resources that can be used now.
• Anguilla’s viable renewable energy resources include solar hot water heating, solar electricity production on both a large, utility scale and a small home and business scale, and utility scale wind energy. There’s also a possibility that Anguilla could produce some limited utility scale waste to energy.
• All new buildings that require hot water should be mandated to use solar hot water heating.
• Anguilla’s Electricity Act should be amended to allow those people generating electricity at their home or business with solar or wind – referred to as Distributed Generators, to sell any excess power they produce back to the national grid under a contract agreement with the electric utility.
• Utility rules should be put in place to govern Distributed Generators’ eligibility for interconnection, technical compliance standards, contract term and payment rates under the agreement.
The three consultants then facilitated lively and informative breakout sessions on: Assessing the Potential and Viability of Renewable Energy Projects; Land Use, the Environment and Development of Renewable Energy Projects and Selling Electricity Generated by Renewable Energy Technologies.

The wrap up session saw many local stakeholders taking the floor and sharing their hopes and concerns – including Mr. Sutcliffe Hodge, who talked about the sustainability of Anguilla’s National Utility, ANGLEC, and its need to be ambitious and embrace renewables; Mr. David Gumbs, the CFO of ANGLEC who gave many examples of ANGLEC’S commitment to do so; and Mr. David Carty, Chairman of the Anguilla National Energy Committee (ANEC) who reminded the audience of the ‘big picture’ and posed that mitigating climate change is key, and the integration of renewables and the sustainable development of Anguilla can serve as a role model for other developing nations, and as such should attract international funding and exposure for Anguilla.

Mr. Servetti said, “It was a successful workshop. There proved to be lots of interest and buy-in for the regulatory changes in the short term and also support for broader reforms long term.” When asked if he thought the audience was engaged he went on to say, “More than normal – it seems everyone feels that they have a primary role. It was a very lively and engaging discussion – and productive too.” When asked when the recommendations could be acted on he added “some can be implemented immediately …some can happen now.”

Mr. Crefton A. Niles, Director of Public Utilities/Telecommunications Officer, Government of Anguilla, who is managing the project, said, “… an excellent workshop – lots of information was exchanged in both directions. Participants questioned the presenters and vice-versa. We all came together for the benefit of the country as a whole. I look forward to the final report from the consultants and thank CDKN & DFID for their overall sponsorship of the project.”

The Project Manager for CDKN, Ms. Patricia Leon, summed it up “It was inspiring to see the interest of different stakeholders in Renewable Energy and I look forward to seeing the recommendations being analyzed by the Government of Anguilla and implemented in projects that benefit the people of Anguilla.”

The Anguilla Renewable Energy Office (AREO) was instrumental in securing funds for the project from CDKN and continues to play a key role – working alongside the Government of Anguilla to raise awareness of and communicate the milestones and successes of the AREIP by regular communications with stakeholders.

For more information please contact Mr. Crefton Niles, Government Project Manager, at the Ministry of Energy at email [email protected], or at Tel: 264-497-2651 (W), or 264-476-0056 (M); or Beth Barry, Renewable Energy Coordinator at Tel: 1-264-235-8292 or email: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE: This document is an output from a project funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) for the benefit of developing countries. However, the views expressed and information contained in it are not necessarily those of or endorsed by DFID or the members of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, which can accept no responsibility or liability for such views, completeness or accuracy of the information or for any reliance placed on them.

MIAMI, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ — Premier Heart, LLC today announced the formation of Premier Heart CICA, a new division to launch its Multifunction Cardio Gram