CaribPR Wire

Acquisition solidifies Pan-American Life Insurance Group’s presence in the Life and Health insurance segments in the Andean, Central American, and Caribbean Regions (ANCECA)

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG), a leading provider of life and health insurance in Latin America and the United States, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire select businesses and assets from MetLife (NYSE: MET). PALIG plans to acquire MetLife’s American Life and General Insurance Company (ALGICO) unit in Trinidad & Tobago, along with American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) branches in Barbados, Cayman Islands and the majority of the Leeward and Windward Islands, and the ALICO operations in Panama and Costa Rica.  Upon closing, this transaction expands Pan-American Life Insurance Group’s size and extends its geographic footprint. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Through this transaction, PALIG adds to its strong existing businesses in Panama and Costa Rica and expands its presence in the Caribbean. In total, the businesses being acquired by PALIG represent more than $125 million in 2010 premiums and $675 million in assets.

“Post close, Pan-American Life Insurance Group will have more than $625 million in revenues, $2.8 billion in assets and more than 1300 employees,” said Jose S. Suquet, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Pan-American Life Insurance Group. “The acquisition of the MetLife businesses and the establishment of our new operation in Mexico expand our geographic footprint, give us greater diversification and economies of scale, and reinforce the commitment our founders made 100 years ago to providing trusted financial security to customers in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

In addition, in connection with the transaction with MetLife, the parties anticipate that PALIG will become the MAXIS Global Benefits partner in these markets, and also in Central America and Ecuador. MAXIS Global Benefits Network is a worldwide pooling arrangement created to deliver optimal local insurance coverage to multinational companies through their own operations as well as independent carriers.

“This transaction expands Pan-American Life’s product offerings within the Life and Health segments by adding Personal Accident and Health lines, making Pan-American Life the number one, two or three life and health carrier in nearly all markets in which we compete outside of the United States,” added Mr. Suquet.

Both MetLife and PALIG have received their required internal approvals, and the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2012. It is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

“ALICO has a long history of being a formidable company and respected competitor. Their success has been driven by their talented employees and we look forward to adding them to the Pan-American Life team as we expand into 22 countries in the region,” said Mr. Suquet. “We believe this transaction allows us to grow profitably and bring value to our customers, distributors, employees and the communities we serve. We will work closely with MetLife to ensure the smoothest possible transition for employees and uninterrupted service for customers.”

Morgan Stanley served as principal financial advisor to Pan-American Life Insurance Group.  Debevoise & Plimpton LLP served as principal legal advisor to Pan-American Life Insurance Group. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP served as principal legal advisor to MetLife.

About Pan-American Life

The Pan-American Life Insurance Group is a leading provider of insurance and financial services serving nearly half a million customers throughout the Americas. New Orleans-based Pan-American Life Insurance Company, the Group’s flagship member, has been delivering trusted financial services since 1911, employing more than 800 worldwide, providing top-rated life and health insurance, worksite benefits and financial services in 47 states, the District of Columbia (DC) and Puerto Rico. The Group’s member companies offer individual and/or group life and health insurance throughout Latin America. The Group has branches and affiliates in Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and the Cayman Islands. For more information, visit the Pan-American Life Web site at www.panamericanlife.com

The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership recognizes four exceptional teachers making a difference

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — As part of its continuing global education efforts, Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership announced today that it awarded four $5,000 scholarships to teachers who are members of a member unit of the Caribbean Union of Teachers. The scholarship program was created to recognize exceptional teachers in the region who seek to make a difference in their schools and communities.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110112/CL29101LOGO )

Among other criteria, scholarships were awarded based on recipients’ essays describing how their education will help them reach personal goals and effect positive social change. The recipients of the Caribbean Union of Teachers scholarships are:

• Shenile Daniel, English teacher at Boca Secondary School, Grenada, who is enrolled in the M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) program with a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (Grades K–12). Daniel is a member of the Grenada Union of Teachers.
• Andrew Haynes, sciences information technology coordinator at St. Ambrose Primary School, Barbados, who is enrolled in the M.S.Ed. program with a specialization in Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K–12). Haynes is a member of the Barbados Union of Teachers.
• Kenny James, vice principal at St. Rose Modern Secondary School, Grenada, who is enrolled in the M.S.Ed. program with a specialization in Teacher Leadership (Grades K–12). James is a member of the Grenada Union of Teachers.
• Ezra Jonah Fostin-Greene, principal at Clare Hall Secondary School, Antigua, who is enrolled in the M.S.Ed. program with a specialization in Integrating Technology in the Classroom (Grades K-12). Fostin-Greene is a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers.

“It is an honor to recognize these educators who understand the importance of leadership and social change, both in their schools and communities in the Caribbean,” said Dr. Kate Steffens, dean of Walden’s Riley College of Education and Leadership. “Our students have the opportunity to not only make a difference but to also inspire and prepare future generations.”

Continuing its commitment to providing broad access to quality higher education, Walden recently partnered with the Caribbean Union of Teachers to provide its members with the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree online at Walden. The educational partnership prepares educators for emerging opportunities and leadership positions that focus on expanding knowledge and meeting learning needs in early childhood and preK-12 education.

The Riley College of Education and Leadership offers students the opportunity to connect with nationally recognized education experts, researchers, and scholars through programs that emphasize practical skills and analytical tools that educators can immediately use in their classrooms. For more information about degree programs in the Riley College of Education and Leadership, visit www.WaldenU.edu/education. For more information on Walden University, its programs and its educational partnership opportunities, visit www.WaldenU.edu/partnerships.

About Walden University

For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 46,500 students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network — a global network of more than 55 campus-based and online universities in 28 countries.

Walden offers more than 60 degree programs with more than 300 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

Conference provides multidisciplinary forum for HIV stakeholders in the Caribbean to learn and exchange ideas about the most pressing issues facing the region

 NASSAU, The Bahamas, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference: Strengthening Evidence To Achieve Sustainable Action, November 18–21, will bring together approximately 2,000 individuals from across the Caribbean to review research findings, to learn about best practices and skills-building tools, and to participate in networking opportunities. The program also will address regional cross-cutting issues, including:

-          Capacity-Building

-          Gender Issues

-          Human Rights

-          Research To Inform Action

-          Sustainability

-          Youth

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52865-2011-caribbean-hiv-conference

“By focusing our agenda on these issues, we’ve created a program that’s relevant to multiple stakeholders and will allow participants to build on their learnings as they attend different conference sessions,” said Conference Co-Chair Prof. Daisy M. Gely of the Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico. “Presenters close to the issues facing the HIV community in the Caribbean will share expertise and research findings with reproducible results to provide a rich experience that will help us move forward collectively to best address the regional epidemic.”

These cross-cutting issues are woven throughout five program tracks:

-          Track A: Special Populations

• The conference has multiple sessions discussing the unique considerations for populations such as MSM (men who have sex with men), substance users, youth, children, women, and sex workers, among others.

-          Track B: Legal, Ethical, Cultural, Spiritual, and Leadership Issues

• Cultural, spiritual, and societal factors affect HIV stakeholders across the region. Conference-goers will have an opportunity to attend sessions highlighting the importance of these issues in the community. This track also seeks to promote leadership and sustainability at the national, regional, community, and individual levels.

-          Track C: Epidemiology, Basic Science, and Vaccine Research

• The conference will explore the latest techniques, research findings, and management of HIV, which include considerations for coexisting infections, a significant public health concern in the Caribbean.

-          Track D: Treatment, Care, and Support

• Treatment, care, and support are all vital components of achieving good outcomes for individuals with HIV. The conference will explore new approaches, best practices, social and economic influences, and other aspects of treatment, care, and support for individuals of various demographic backgrounds across the region.

-          Track E: Prevention: Social, Behavioral, and Biomedical Change

• HIV prevention is a regional and global priority. Attendees will discuss social, behavioral, and biomedical research and strategies to reduce transmission.

Leading political, scientific, and public health leaders are included in the impressive roster of speakers contributing to the agenda. Visit https://www.2011caribbeanhivconference.org/2011-caribbean-hiv-conference-speakers-announced to view a list of some of the featured speakers and session moderators.

This event is the third Caribbean HIV conference in the past decade, and it is designed to build on successes of the previous events, which demonstrated that regional cooperation and collaboration are key to confronting HIV in the Caribbean. The multidisciplinary forum is designed to support local interests and education and is open and free of charge to anyone who would like to attend.

The conference will be conducted in both English and Spanish. To view the full conference program, visit http://www.2011CaribbeanHIVConference.org/agenda. To register, go to https://www.2011caribbeanhivconference.org/Registration.

Members of the media are also invited to attend. For information about how to register as a media representative, visit https://www.2011caribbeanhivconference.org/Media%20Information.

Please Note: Media members must create an account prior to submitting a registration form. Additionally, media interested in attending must register with the Bahamas Information Services office. More information can be found at: https://www.2011caribbeanhivconference.org/Media%20Information

More About the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference

The 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference will take place November 18–21, 2011, at the Atlantis Conference Center in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The conference is sponsored by the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico; and the Office of AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Prof. Gely’s Conference Co-Chairs are Dr. Perry Gomez, Director, National AIDS Programme, Princess Margaret Hospital, Ministry of Health, The Bahamas; and Dr. Jack Whitescarver, NIH Associate Director for AIDS Research and Director, Office of AIDS Research, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Partners for the conference include: Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC); Caribbean Regional Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (CRN+); Caribbean Treatment Action Group (CTAG); Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); Kerzner International, National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC); Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO); Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP); U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); Trans-Caribbean HIV/AIDS Research Initiative (TCHARI); and The University of the West Indies (UWI).

About HIV in the Caribbean

Although it varies from country to country, adult HIV prevalence in the Caribbean is approximately 1 percent, which is higher than that of any region of the world outside of sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS 2010 Global Report). While the overall response to HIV in the Caribbean has improved, other health challenges and the impact of natural disasters affect the available resources for people living with the disease. Unprotected sex between men and women—especially paid sex—is thought to be the main mode of HIV transmission in this region (UNAIDS 2010 Global Report).

Michael Basiden

CaribPR Wire, Dallas, Texas, Tues. Oct. 25, 2011: Radio personality,  best-selling author, filmmaker, and leader of the successful civil rights march in Jena, LA, Michael Baisden not only talks the talk afternoons on his nationally syndicated “The Michael Baisden Show,” he also walks the walk. On Monday, October 24, Baisden announced his plans to give away a half-million dollars to small businesses and non-profits via a “Million Dollar Business Pitch” campaign. Listeners must tune into the radio show, Twitter, or FaceBook on November 28th for submission details.

“It’s time for those of us who have done well because of the people, to give back to the people,” expresses Baisden. “While we relax in our comfortable homes driving our expensive cars, families are being destroyed.  I understand that I can’t save the world, but I can reach back and help as many people as I can and hopefully inspire others to do the same!  It’s time to pay it forward in a big way!”

From author to radio personality, to filmmaker and now social and political activist, Michael Baisden is committed to advancing the global community to a better place. Baisden’s contribution for the campaign is not from corporate sponsors, but is coming directly from his wallet. “”You see that’s our problem, if we can’t make a profit off helping people, we don’t do it. While I welcome corporations and others to support us, I can’t wait for their budget cycles to make a decision,” he cites.

Over the past eight years, the outspoken and sometimes controversial radio pioneer has advocated for civil rights issues, campaigned for voter registration, supported free health clinics, and promoted mentoring with a 70-city bus tour. Most recently Baisden took his microphone to Occupy Wall Street in New York, engaging his listeners up close and personal with protesters from the site.

“As President Obama said, we can’t wait fourteen months; some of my listeners won’t survive another fourteen weeks. We have to do something now!”

In addition to his Million Dollar Business Pitch campaign, he continues to break boundaries with the release of his new  e-novel  entitled, “Never Satisfied: Do Men Know What The Want?” on Baisden Publishing and  his new film  “Do Women Know What They Want?” on TimeLife slated for release later this year.  Baisden’s other popular titles, “Men Cry in the Dark,” “The Maintenance Man,” and “God’s Gift to Women,” can be found on Amazon.com. 

To get more information on how you can win a share of his Million Dollar Business Pitch, follow The Michael Baisden Show on Facebook (on Baisdenlive) and Twitter (@BaisdenLive).  Details on how to submit your business will be announced live on The Michael Baisden Show on November 28^th between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. ET. Log onto www.Baisdenlive.com to listen to the live stream or download the TuneIn radio app and search Michael Baisden show.  

 About The Michael Baisden Show

The Michael Baisden Show is an entertaining four-hour afternoon drive radio program airing Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. ET and combines the best in music, comedy and social commentary to inspire real change across America. Heard in 22 of the top 25 Urban radio markets, The Michael Baisden Show reaches more than seven million listeners each week and is syndicated by Cumulus Media Networks.  Baisden has been recognized as one of the most influential men in radio. He is also a TV talk show host, film-maker and New York Times best-selling author with nearly two million books in print.  His “One Million Mentors: National Campaign To Save Our Kids,” implemented via his The Michael Baisden Foundation, lead to him being awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation “Keepers of The Dream” Award.

Governor Edward G. Rendell, Congressman Christopher P. Carney and Senator Lynn P. Holowesko bring years of experience and expertise to OTE Corporation’s advisory board

LANCASTER, Pa., Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTE Corporation) today announced the appointment of three distinguished public servants to its Advisory Board: Governor Edward G. Rendell, Congressman Christopher P. Carney and Senator Lynn P. Holowesko. “Our Company is delighted to be able to draw upon the tremendous experience and varied expertise of these three visionaries, who have each shown commitment to the general public welfare,” said Jeremy P. Feakins, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at OTE Corporation. “Their willingness to lend their support to OTE Corporation’s goal of bringing clean energy and fresh drinking water across the globe reflects the depth of that commitment.”

As Governor of Pennsylvania from 2003-2011, Ed Rendell served two terms as chief executive of the nation’s 6th-most-populous state and oversaw a $28.3 billion budget. Committed to make government more responsible to the public and more responsive to the public’s needs, Governor Rendell cut wasteful spending, improved efficiency to save more than $1 billion, and pursued a legislative agenda that included commonsense political reforms to put progress ahead of partisanship. As a long-time supporter of renewable energy, Governor Rendell understands that the development of clean energy alternatives enhances environmental stewardship and promotes substantial job creation along with economic development. “I am pleased to lend my advice and strong support to a company with such great potential for extensive job creation and stimulation of our economy,” said the Governor.

Congressman Carney served in the House of Representatives from 2007-2011 and was a past member of the Homeland Security Committee, in which capacity he reviewed Department of Homeland Security operations, plans, and its future direction. Congressman Carney has served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy for over 15 years and currently holds the rank of Commander. He was also a tenured professor of political science specializing in international relations at Penn State University, where he wrote, published, and presented dozens of academic papers pertaining to international political economy and power relationships.

With extensive expertise in security issues and international relations, Congressman Carney understands the close link between reducing global demand for oil and maintaining international security. He is also keenly aware of the need to bring fresh water supplies across the globe to avoid resource-based wars as well as for humanitarian purposes. “The future of national and international security will be greatly impacted by global availability of renewable energy and potable water,” remarked Carney. “I am eager to help OTE Corporation’s efforts to ensure that future is a safer one for all people.”

Lynn Holowesko has a life-long record of public service and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable uses of natural resources. She has faithfully served the people of the Bahamas for twenty years in a variety of governmental posts, as Founding Chairperson of the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission (BEST); Ambassador for the Environment; Senator; and most recently, in her current position as President of the Bahamian Senate. Senator Holowesko’s passion for environmental concerns reaches far beyond the borders of the Bahamas and has cast her in a prominent role on the international stage of conservation and environmental progress. Her talents have been utilized by the United Nations in several notable appointments, including as the Bahamas Representative to the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development; and as Co-Chairperson of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) Panel of Experts on the Montevideo Program. “We owe it to future generations to be responsible stewards of the environment they inherit from us,” said Holowesko. “I take pride in supporting a company with a core commitment to such stewardship.”

Governor Rendell, Congressman Carney, and Senator Holowesko will offer their considerable expertise and talents to support OTE Corporation in its immediate commercialization of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and the globalization of this competitively priced renewable energy resource. The core mission of OTE Corporation is to bring the clean baseload (24/7) electricity of OTEC and fresh water production to the nearly 100 tropical regions around the world where land-based commercial OTEC power plants are now an economically viable solution.

About OTE Corporation

Based on its proprietary power plant designs, OTE Corporation offers a range of innovative products and services. The Company’s multidisciplinary team of experienced corporate executives, scientists and ocean engineers, together with strong strategic corporate alliances, enables it to provide solutions to address today’s toughest energy, resource and environmental problems.

 www.otecorporation.com

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Jeremy Feakins

https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=103808

Conference provides free venue for HIV stakeholders in the Caribbean to network and to hear from some of the most well-respected names in HIV

 NASSAU, The Bahamas, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Distinguished experts, public officials, and HIV community members will come together at the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference (November 18–21) to focus on HIV in the Caribbean, where adult HIV prevalence is higher than in any region in the world outside of Sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS 2010 Global Report). Individuals from across the Caribbean are invited to attend this free conference to hear directly from authorities on the medical, social, and socio-political factors influencing the HIV epidemic in this region. Featured speakers and session moderators will include, among others:

-          The Honorable Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister of The Bahamas

-          The Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, Prime Minister of St. Maarten

-          Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, United States

-          Dr.  Jean William Pape, Weill Cornell Medical College, Les Centres GHESKIO, Haiti

-          Dr. J. Peter Figueroa, The University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica

-          Dr. Ernest Massiah, Caribbean Regional Support Team, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Trinidad and Tobago

-          Dr. Farley Cleghorn, Futures Group, United States

-          Ms. Geeta Sethi, United Nations Population Fund, Jamaica

 This event is the third Caribbean HIV conference in the past decade, and it is designed to build on successes of the previous events, which demonstrated that regional cooperation and collaboration are key to confronting HIV in the Caribbean. The multidisciplinary forum is designed to support local interests and education and is open to anyone who would like to attend, including:

• people living with HIV
• members of vulnerable groups
• researchers and clinicians
• allied health care professionals
• caregivers
• patient advocates
• advocates for social justice and health parity
• members of community- and faith-based organizations
• regional and international governmental representatives
• policy analysts and decision makers
• civil society and regional media representatives

 ”The conference provides a unique opportunity for attendees with diverse perspectives and backgrounds to share, learn, and network,” said Conference Co-Chair Daisy M. Gely, Professor, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico. “It provides a venue in which to examine the many factors influencing HIV in the Caribbean in order to move forward collectively in our effort to prevent the spread of HIV, mitigate its impact in the region, and improve our overall response.”

 The conference will be conducted in both English and Spanish. To view the full conference program, visit http://www.2011CaribbeanHIVConference.org/agenda; to register, visit https://www.2011caribbeanhivconference.org/Registration.

 More About the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference:

The 2011 Caribbean HIV conference will take place from November 18–21, 2011, at the Atlantis Conference Center in Nassau, The Bahamas.

 The conference is sponsored by the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico; and Office of AIDS Research, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to Prof. Gely, Conference Co-Chairs are Dr. Perry Gomez, Director, National AIDS Programme, Princess Margaret Hospital, Ministry of Health, The Bahamas; and Dr. Jack Whitescarver, NIH Associate Director for AIDS Research and Director, Office of AIDS Research, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Partners for the conference include: Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC); Caribbean Regional Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS (CRN+); Caribbean Treatment Action Group (CTAG); Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) Coalition; Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); Kerzner International, National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC); Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO); Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP); U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); Trans-Caribbean HIV/AIDS Research Initiative (TCHARI); and The University of the West Indies (UWI).

LANDOVER, Md.,  Oct. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation launches its final mission of coral reef research in the Bahamas, concluding the first year of its ambitious Global Reef Expedition. Having completed research in Cay Sal Bank, Hogsty Reef, and the Inaguas earlier this year, the Foundation now turns to Andros and Abaco islands to study sites that were last surveyed more than a decade ago.

The Global Reef Expedition is the first world-wide mapping and research assessment of coral reefs. The chairman of the Living Oceans Foundation, Prince Khaled bin Sultan, said an expedition of this scale “will greatly assist the world in understanding coral reefs, their health and critical role in the environment. Our research will produce maps of previously uncharted areas and provide management recommendations urgently needed to preserve these valuable ocean resources. We are involving local scientists in all of our research and exploration. ”

Andros contains the longest barrier reef in the Bahamas and the third largest in the world. The Foundation’s science team, joined by Bahamian researchers, will identify the abundance, size, and health of reef building coral species as well as discovering how the reef has recovered from coral bleaching events in 1998.

The Foundation’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Andrew Bruckner, said “Our research will lead to improvements in existing habitat maps and will help recent efforts to develop a land and sea use plan for the entire island including zoning of sensitive areas.”

The Foundation will survey unstudied sites around the central Abaco islands as well as some that were last surveyed in 1999 which will yield important time-change information.  The reefs of central Abaco are near areas of high population density and high user pressure which contrasts sharply with other reefs the Foundation has surveyed in the Bahamas, helping to further understand human impacts on reef health.

Commenting on the six months of coral reef research in The Bahamas the Foundation’s Executive Director Captain Philip Renaud, USN (ret), said, “The successful and productive coral reef survey and mapping missions we have accomplished during our first year of the Global Reef Expedition could not have been possible without the committed support for our work from the Minister of the Environment, the Department of Marine Resources, Bahamas National Trust, and The Nature Conservancy.”

Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director added “The Bahamas, as a nation, is extremely fortunate to have been chosen as the first country in the world-wide study of the health of coral reef environments by the Living Oceans Foundation.  Young Bahamian scientists from the Department of Marine Resources , Bahamas National Trust and College of The Bahamas have had the opportunity to join the Living Oceans Foundation research team – a once in a lifetime experience.  The final leg of the Bahamas Voyage will assess the Andros Barrier Reef and the reefs of the Abaco’s.  Both of these areas are critical for the health of Bahamian Fisheries and our larger marine environment.  The information generated from the Global Reef Expedition will feed directly into the management of our national parks and marine protected areas.”

Bahamian researchers include: Indira Brown, Jared Dillet, Agnessa Lundy, Lindy Knowles, Olivia Patterson, Krista Sherman, and Tavares Thompson.

About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

Founded by HRH Prince General Khaled bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was incorporated in California as a 501(c)(3), public benefit, Private Operating Foundation in September 2000. With its headquarters in Washington DC, the Living Oceans Foundation is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of oceans of the world, and champions their preservation through research, education, and a commitment to Science Without Borders®. For more information, visit http://www.livingoceansfoundation.org

Science Without Borders® is registered to the Foundation for financial sponsorship of marine conservation programs and scientific research and to promote public awareness of the need to preserve, protect and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources.

Hard Beat CEO and Invest Caribbean Founder, Felicia Persaud

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 30. 21, 2011: The countdown has begun to Invest Caribbean Montego Bay. On the heels of the very successful inaugural Invest Caribbean Forum held in New York City in June 2011, the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the Jamaica event next month at the Rose Hall convention center as part of their 14^th annual expo: ”Unleashing Innovations.”

The Invest Caribbean MoBay forum will kick off at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 14^th and feature three U.S. investors – Adam Borden, founder and managing director of the Baltimore-based Bradmer Foods, LLC; David  Freschman, managing principal of the Delaware-based Innovation Capital Advisors, LLC and founder of FashInvest; and Stanley Tobin, vice president of Young America Capital of New York.

 Each will present a five minute overview of their company and an educational insight on what they look for in investment opportunities before engaging in a face-to-face match making session with registered entrepreneurs.

 “What our efforts are proving is that there is a wealth of investor interest and a treasure trove of business opportunities in the Caribbean just waiting to be unlocked,” noted Hard Beat Communications CEO, Felicia Persaud, the architect of this series.

The October event is being presented by Hard Beat Communications, Inc., and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with RIU, Air Jamaica, News Americas, CaribPR Wire and WSEE TV.

Invest Caribbean recently concluded a successful forum with the Caribbean Tourism Organization during Caribbean Week in New York, June 9, 2011 featuring Goldman Sachs’ VP, W. Dave Dowrich; Spackman Capital CEO, Martin Mohabeer and CEO of the Brilla Group, David Brillembourg.

See Felicia Persaud’s opening at the June investment forum http://vimeo.com/25323506.

 To register for this forum and more, log on to http://investcaribbeannow.com/.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Plans are well underway for the Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA) 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) next month, October 10 -12 at the Hilton Barbados.  The CSA is the voice of the region’s shipping industry and a major regional forum in which matters relevant to the growth and development of Caribbean shipping are discussed.

 Officials of the Association, which is headquartered in Jamaica, were in Barbados recently finalizing the plans for the event with local partners, Barbados Port Inc. and the Shipping Association of Barbados (SAB). Immediate Past President of CSA, Fernando Rivera said that he was pleased with the headway that Barbados had made in planning for the AGM; and with the social events planned that will enhance the experience of attendees for this very special 40th Anniversary meeting. 

 President of the SAB Marc Sampson commented that Barbados was very pleased to be given the honour of hosting the CSA for its 40th anniversary. “This year is also a key milestone in the shipping industry for Barbados because we at CSA are celebrating our 30th anniversary while Barbados Port Inc. is celebrating 50 years of service to Barbados.  We are therefore determined to make this an extra special AGM for members and their families.”

 Among the issues to be discussed will be the Business and Economic Outlook for Global Trade and Cruise Tourism, Integrated Regional Approach to Logistics, Distribution and Warehousing, Lessons Learned from the Gulf Oil Spill, Forces Shaping Cruise Lines Deployment Decisions, Global Supply Chain, Maritime Transportation and the Caribbean Transshipment Market, Terminals/Ports of the Future and NVOCC Perspective and The Changing Role of the Traditional Ship Agent.

 The AGM is expected to attract participation not only from Caribbean members but from its wider membership which includes companies as far as the UK, France, Holland, China and Germany.

Books That Will Enhance Your Life Due to Release Author John A. Andrews’ Bestseller Rude Buay … The Unstoppable in French Edition

 HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Prolific, national bestselling author John A. Andrews, known for his twisted and gritty writing style in his hit title Rude Buay … The Unstoppable, will not only release its sequel Rude Buay … The Untouchable in March 2012, but will follow it up with Rude Buay…L’irresistible, the French edition. Thus making his hard hitting novel available in four languages: English, Spanish, Chinese and French, on time for the London Book fair in April 2012.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drug-prevention-action-thriller-novel-to-be-released-in-french-edition-130244448.html

Andrews, a visionary, saw the need to translate Rude Buay … The Unstoppable in different languages after signing the thriller around the country and Puerto Rico. According to the author, now on a Multiple Titles Book Tour signing his memoir When The Dust Settles – I am Still Standing: A True Hollywood Story: “Fiction readers not only love engaging page turners, but written in a print easy to read and a language easiest for them to understand.” Andrews will also release two additional Law Enforcement type novels next year: Cross Atlantic Fiasco and Who Shot The Sherriff?

 Rude Buay … The Unstoppable, the first in his Rude Buay Series, not only comes embedded with scenes in the martial arts genre but is sprinkled with patois, a dialect used by Jamaicans, and people from most English/French colonized countries. This French translation will not only provide French readers the thriller in their own language, but continue to expand the international flavor of the Series.

The film project Rude Buay … The Unstoppable is currently being developed and could possibly merge for a two picture production with its upcoming sequel Rude Buay … The Untouchable, according to A L I – Andrews Leadership International.

Rude Buay … The Unstoppable is set in Jamaica, Miami and Colombia and is a blend of Traffic meets Casino Royale with Charlie’s Angels – gone corrupt. Its sequel Rude Buay … The Untouchable is set in China, Jamaica, Miami and Colombia, with a flavor of Blow meets Live and Let Die with Training Day – unplugged.

If both titles merge for a shared location shoot, the Rude Buay Series could wind up joining the league of successful films like Lord of The Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean – both shot on shared locations.

Related links:
A L I
Rude Buay
BTWEYL
Rude Buay Watch

Adam Borden

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 2, 2011: Adam Borden knows a great food and beverage investment when he sees one. After all, his investment in the company that is now the global pioneer in açai products, is proof positive of that. Borden will be among the panelists of Invest Caribbean Montego Bay this Fall.

The October event is being presented by Hard Beat Communications’ CEO, Felicia Persaud  in collaboration with the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, and is set for the Rose Hall convention center as part of the Chamber’s 14^th annual expo that will be opened by Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Albert Ramdin.

Borden, the managing director of Bradmer Foods, LLC, says his company is constantly looking for the next food trend and food entrepreneur, wherever that may be and whatever they may be making. 

“We’re excited to participate in Invest Caribbean because of the new foods and faces we’re likely to encounter.   We look for entrepreneurs with a vision for greatness, a distinguished product and a compelling story,” said Borden, who has also invested in Adina Beverages, an organic & Fair Trade drink company; Blue Horizon Wild, one of the leading marketers of sustainably harvested seafood products; Charles Chocolates, a San Francisco boutique chocolatier; Organic To Go, a West Coast organic catering and retail operation.

 Under the leadership of Persaud, the Caribbean region is being recast as an active entrepreneurial zone that is beyond sun, sand and sea.

 On the heels of the very successful inaugural Invest Caribbean Forum held in New York City in June 2011, which drew an impressive array of speakers and a large audience, Persaud has announced the Montego Bay, Jamaica event, the first foray into the Caribbean region.

 ”What our efforts are proving is that there is a wealth of investor interest and a treasure trove of business opportunities in the Caribbean just waiting to be unlocked,” noted Persaud, the architect of the series.

Invest Caribbean recently concluded a successful forum with the Caribbean Tourism Organization during Caribbean Week in New York, June 9, 2011 featuring Goldman Sachs’ W. Dave Dowrich, Spackman Capital CEO, Martin Mohabeer and CEO of the Brilla Group, David Brillembourg.

 See Felicia Persaud’s opening at the June investment forum http://vimeo.com/25323506.

 Entrepreneurs interested in registering for the October 14th forum and sponsors wishing to be a part of this exciting event should log on to http://investcaribbeannow.com/ for more details.

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. August 19, 2011: Invest Caribbean will make its regional debut this Fall, descending on the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica on October 14^th for another innovative investment forum.

The October event is being presented by Hard Beat Communications, in collaboration with the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, and is set for the Rose Hall convention center as part of the Chamber’s 14^th annual expo that will be presented under the theme, ”Unleashing Innovations.”

The expo will be opened by Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Albert Ramdin and will include the Invest Caribbean forum as part of the opening day.

The high-powered trade exposition will unleash innovative marketing and promotion opportunities for exhibitors in ways that the MBCCI Expo has never been staged. The event has become a calendar event for the Chamber and western Jamaica and boasts a wide diversity of exhibitors in industry and commerce, displaying their goods and services. These include manufactured goods, services, technology, tourism, craft, agriculture, trade and investment. The MBCCI Expo is in its 14^th year and will be targeting some 115 exhibitors.

The three-hour Invest Caribbean forum will feature three U.S. investors, including Adam Borden, founder and managing director of Bradmer Foods, LLC. Each will present a five minute overview of their company and what they look for in investments, before engaging in a face-to-face match making session with registered entrepreneurs.
The Invest Caribbean series is the brainchild of Hard Beat Communications’ CEO Felicia Persaud who sees the opportunity as the perfect way to partner high end investors seeking new opportunities in the Caribbean, with entrepreneurs and ministers/chambers in the region.

Invest Caribbean recently concluded a successful forum with the Caribbean Tourism Organization during Caribbean Week in New York, June 9, 2011.

“The June 2011 Invest Caribbean event delivered on the objective of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. It gave our members the assurance that investors perceive the Caribbean as an attractive region in which to do business and presented a great opportunity to begin the dialogue,” said Sylma Brown Bramble, Director, CTO North America.

“The ‘Investing in Paradise’ breakfast forum was a highly worthwhile gathering for those seeking opportunities in the exciting Caribbean frontier markets. The organizers attracted an excellent mix of existing and potential investors in the region complimented by government ministers and tourism sector executives. The presenters at ‘Investing in Paradise’ made an excellent case for what distinguishes the Caribbean from other destinations in the fierce race for international capital,” added Harold E. Doley, III, Principal of The Lugano Group Incorporated.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities to the Jamaica October event, log on to http://investcaribbeannow.com/.

NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Less than seven months after the release of his hard hitting novel Rude Buay … The Unstoppable in English, prolific, national bestselling author John A. Andrews released  a follow up edition in two other languages.

 To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drug-prevention-action-thriller-available-in-three-languages-127250683.html

 Andrews, also a visionary, saw the need to etch Chico Rudo … El Imparable after a book signing tour of Puerto Rico in January. It was during that visit to PR that he met with film commissioners to discuss the possibility of filming some scenes for the movie on that Island.

Andrews decided to publish a Chinese edition, and plans on taking this translation to the Beijing International Book Fair in September. He loves the timing of this new release and its appeal to the Eastern market.

 This original story embedded with scenes in the martial arts genre, has been tugging at the hearts of Asians since its release, indicated by a successful debut signing event held in a predominantly Asian community in Los Angeles, California.

It is believed that this Chinese edition will not only hit home with Asian readers as the Spanish edition will with Latinos, but extend its roots as an International account as well. Like the James Bond series created by Ian Fleming, Rude Buay, pronounced “Rude Boy,” maintains international pizzazz. Even so, it sets itself apart: cemented in a deep rooted Caribbean culture, thus branded as a gritty, ethnic, relentless, modern day action adventure. 

 With events surrounding the recent extradition of Christopher “Dudus” Coke from Jamaica, the use of narcotics among teens and adults warrants a massive wakeup call.

 Rude Buay … The Unstoppable is a blend of Traffic meets Casino Royale with Charlie’s Angels gone corrupt. The film is currently in development and is expected to plunge into pre-production this fall.

 Synopsis: Author John A. Andrews, son of the Caribbean soil, penetrates inside the belly of the drug world. In an environment saturated with corruption, deception, duplicity, deceit, and inequities of all kinds, Andrews conceives a cross Atlantic, greed driven fiasco, embedded within the drug epidemic. Can Jamaican born, DEA “Rude Buay,” save his country from the tyranny of the Dragon Drug Cartel?

 The sequel Rude Buay … The Untouchable is set in China, Jamaica, Miami and Colombia, and could hit the literary scene in hardcover as early as March 2012.

 An A L I project. Visit: www.AndrewsLeadershipInternational.com

 Related Links:

Publisher

Production

Rude Buay

CaribPR Wire, Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, Aug 5, 2011: Following three years of intensive preparation and planning, the first newly rebranded show – DESIGN CARIBBEAN – is a mere 25 days away from officially opening in the Hotel El Embajador, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  Design Caribbean is a trade show for artisans in the region who are export ready and able to produce uniquely designed, hand crafted, superior quality merchandise.

We have had great response from buyers in the region as well as international interest in attending this show. The timing of this show is perfect for retail buyers and hotel gift shop buyers looking to ensure they can offer a fabulous Caribbean gift selection for holiday shoppers.

 “We are very excited about Design Caribbean – there is an outstanding line-up of very talented artisans displaying at this year’s show. Buyers are going to be very pleased with the quality and uniqueness of the selection,” said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export.

 Buyers can expect to see diverse products including ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, specialty foods and leather goods. A number of cash awards and incentives will be given in each category.  For more information, please visit www.designcaribbean.com  or  www.facebook.com/DesignCaribbean.

The city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was selected as the location to host the first newly-branded Design Caribbean show because it boasts a large population of 10 million people, with four million residing in the city centre of Santo Domingo, where the trade fair will be held.

 About Design Caribbean
Inspired by the passion and talent of both distinguished and aspiring artists, Design Caribbean brings the region’s finest handmade designs and innovative products onto the world stage.

Encapsulating the spirit of design to “celebrate the ‘beautiful” our event takes place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from Sept. 1-4, 2011. Showcasing a broad product range of handmade quality products, it will connect artisans to buyers, and design enthusiasts from the Caribbean region, North America and Europe.  Design Caribbean visitors will come away with a true sense of the diversity and splendor that breathes vibrancy into the Caribbean region.

Design Caribbean is organized by Caribbean Export, a trade and promotion organization with 15 state regions, whose mandate is to “take Caribbean excellence to the world.”

ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan of the Republics of Trinidad and Tobago and His Excellency John Beale from Barbados served as Ambassadors during their recent visit to the unique and remerging city of Detroit. Local businessman Robert Shumake hosted the West Indian royalty.

 (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/CL43119 )

 According to both Beale and Parsan, their impression of the Motor City not only exceeded their expectation, but ignited a new and fervent interest in building stronger ties.

 ”I must admit, that since my first visit to Michigan over 40 years ago, all I have heard or read about Detroit is bad news, naturally I had a certain mindset… I was looking for devastation,” shared Ambassador Beale.

 ”When I arrived at Detroit Metro airport, I not only found it to be among the finest that I had ever seen, but I learned it was the first official stop for the Chinese in the U.S., and the roads into the city were very nice. I am proud to say that my initial impression was vastly superior than what I was anticipating.”

 Both Ambassadors found their V.I.P. accommodations at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino first class and exceptional. Their visit included a feast at the Eastern Market and tour of many of Detroit’s neighborhoods.

 Dr. Parsan boasted to have found Detroit “a most diverse city; among the world’s finest with great foods, experiences, culture, industry and professionalism.”

 ”Although we found that some areas of the city has suffered deterioration, as with most major metropolitans, this translated to us as an opportunity to come back and look at projects that will both develop these areas and impregnate a stronger cultural tie among Detroit and our countries,” explained Dr. Parsan.

During the memorable visit was a celebration at the cultural heritage of the African diaspora, Bal Africain®. With “Caribbean Splendor” as its theme, the event featured both His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan and His Excellency John Beale as special guests at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), which had been metamorphosed into a tropical paradise.

 Among other illustrious attendees were former NBA/NFL player Paris McCurdy, Bank of America Michigan president Keith Cockrell, master of ceremonies Huel Perkins of WJBK-TV Fox 2, and Detroit Public Schools honcho Roy and Maureen Roberts, for whom the DIA recently named a gallery.

 Bal Africain® is one of the most important fundraising events at the DIA. Proceeds support acquisitions for the museum’s collections of African and African-American art, as well as lectures and programs sponsored by the Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA).

 As a gesture of support and goodwill, Ambassador Beale arranged the donation of an original work by celebrated Barbadian artist Wayne Branch to the Detroit Institute of Arts. The colorful painting featured a vibrant depiction of a traditional Barbados Market vendor and received many praises from the audience.

 Ambassador Beale found great pleasure in meeting Detroit royalty and prominent business leaders such as Mayor Bing, Roy Roberts, Bal Africain® Chairperson Roxanne Thomas and Inheritance Capital Group CEO Robert Shumake.

 ”I learned that there are many connections among the people of Detroit and the Caribbean and I would be honored to host folks like Roy and Robert to speak to our people as role models for entrepreneurship and education,” said Ambassador Beale.

 Equally impressed by his overall experience and host, His Excellency Parsan added, “Our visit was highly organized and evident of meticulous planning at the highest level… Robert [Shumake] is very well connected; a young, bright, successful individual, he truly gives others something to aspire to what he has achieved and has offered us a richer frame of reference and perspective of the city for which he serves as a proud ambassador, Detroit!”

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — His Excellency John Beale and His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago served as Ambassadors during their recent visit to the unique and reemerging city of Detroit. Local businessman Robert Shumake hosted the West Indian royalty.

 (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/CL43116 )

 According to both Beale and Parsan, their impression of the Motor City not only exceeded their expectation, but ignited a new and fervent interest in building stronger ties.

 ”I must admit, that since my first visit to Michigan over 40 years ago, all I have heard or read about Detroit is bad news, naturally I had a certain impression… I was looking for devastation,” shared Ambassador Beale.

 ”When I arrived at Detroit Metro airport, I not only found it to be among the finest that I had ever seen, but I learned it was the first official stop for the Chinese in the U.S., and the roads into the city were very nice. I am proud to say that my initial impression was vastly superior than what I was anticipating.”

 Both Ambassadors found their V.I.P. accommodations at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino first class and exceptional. Their visit included a feast at the Eastern Market and tour of many of Detroit’s neighborhoods.

 Dr. Parsan boasted to have found Detroit “a most diverse city; among the world’s finest with great foods, experiences, culture, industry and professionalism.”

 ”Although we found that some areas of the city has suffered deterioration, as with most major metropolitan cities, this translated to us as an opportunity to come back and look at projects that will both develop these areas and impregnate a stronger cultural tie among Detroit and our countries,” explained Dr. Parsan.

 During the memorable visit was a celebration at the cultural heritage of the African diaspora, Bal Africain®. With “Caribbean Splendor” as its theme, the event featured both His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan and His Excellency John Beale as special guests at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), which had been metamorphosed into a tropical paradise.

 Among other illustrious attendees were former NBA/NFL player Paris McCurdy, Bank of America Michigan president Keith Cockrell, master of ceremonies Huel Perkins of WJBK-TV Fox 2, and Detroit Public Schools honcho Roy and Maureen Roberts, for whom the DIA recently named a gallery.

 Bal Africain® is one of the most important fundraising events at the DIA. Proceeds support acquisitions for the museum’s collections of African and African-American art, as well as lectures and programs sponsored by the Friends of African and African American Art (FAAAA).

 As a gesture of support and goodwill, Ambassador Beale arranged the donation of an original work by celebrated Barbadian artist Wayne Branch to the Detroit Institute of Arts. The colorful painting featured a vibrant depiction of a traditional Barbados Market vendor and received many praises from the audience.

 Ambassador Beale found great pleasure in meeting Detroit royalty and prominent business leaders such as Mayor Bing, Roy Roberts, Bal Africain® Chairperson Roxanne Thomas and Inheritance Capital Group CEO Robert Shumake.

 ”I learned that there are many connections among the people of Detroit and the Caribbean and I would be honored to host folks like Roy and Robert to speak to our people as role models for entrepreneurship and education,” said Ambassador Beale.

 Equally impressed by his overall experience and host, His Excellency Parsan added, “Our visit was highly organized and evident of meticulous planning at the highest level… Robert [Shumake] is very well connected; a young, bright, successful individual, he truly gives others something to aspire to what he has achieved and has offered us a richer frame of reference and perspective of the city for which he serves as a proud ambassador, Detroit!”

Bahamas National Trust, Pew applaud creation of permanent sanctuary

 NASSAU, Bahamas, July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Sharks in The Bahamas can breathe more easily after the nation’s government announced today that all commercial shark fishing in the approximately 630,000 square kilometers (243,244 square miles) of the country’s waters is now prohibited.

 (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110705/DC30111)

 ”2011 is fast becoming the year of the shark,” said Jill Hepp, manager of global shark conservation for the Pew Environment Group. “Today’s announcement permanently protects more than 40 shark species in Bahamian waters. We applaud the people and government of The Bahamas for being bold leaders in marine conservation.”

 The island nation joins Palau, the Maldives and Honduras in prohibiting the commercial fishing of sharks. Together, this adds up to almost 2.4 million square kilometers (926,645 square miles) of ocean, where these animals can now swim safely. The Bahamian sanctuary was created by adding an amendment to the Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act (Chapter 244) to prohibit commercial shark fishing along with the sale, importation and export of shark products.

 ”The Bahamas’ prohibition on longline fishing gear 20 years ago protected the marine resources of The Bahamas and ensured that our shark populations would remain healthy,” said Eric Carey, executive director of The Bahamas National Trust (BNT). “But there were no specific laws in The Bahamas for sharks, the crown jewels of ocean health. The new regulations signed this morning by Minister Cartwright ensure that that sharks can continue to thrive for generations in our waters, one of the world’s best places to see sharks.”

 The new sanctuary is the result of a partnership between the Pew Environment Group and BNT, which began just as a major Bahamian seafood company announced its intention to catch sharks and export their fins. Globally, commercial fisheries kill up to 73 million sharks annually (threatening the future existence of many species)—mainly for their fins. The collaboration between the Pew Environment Group and BNT produced popular public service announcements and a supportive petition signed by more than 5,000 Bahamians. Staff also coordinated outreach trips to support shark protections by Pierre-Yves Cousteau (son of Jacques Cousteau), scientist and artist Guy Harvey, and Sherman’s Lagoon cartoonist Jim Toomey.

 ”We congratulate the Right Honorable Hubert Ingraham, the Bahamian Prime Minister, and Lawrence S. Cartwright, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, for acting to save sharks, the ocean’s apex predator,” said Hepp.

 The Pew Environment Group is the conservation arm of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a nongovernmental organization that works globally to establish pragmatic, science-based policies that protect our oceans, preserve our wildlands and promote clean energy. www.PewEnvironment.org

 The Bahamas National Trust was established by an Act of Parliament in 1959 and is mandated with the conservation of natural and historic resources of The Bahamas. It is the only known non-governmental organization in the world with the mandate to manage a country’s entire national park system. www.bnt.bs

 NOTE TO EDITORS: B-ROLL AND STILLS ARE AVAILABLE:

Contact Dan Klotz, +1 202-887-8855 or [email protected] for details.

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — On Tuesday, 5 July, the government of The Bahamas will announce new protections for sharks in the country’s waters, approximately 630,000 square kilometers (243,244 square miles). This declaration is the result of a partnership between the Pew Environment Group and The Bahamas National Trust, which began just as a major Bahamian seafood company announced its intention in September 2010 to catch sharks and export their fins.

 WHO:

Lawrence S. Cartwright, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources, The Bahamas

Earl Deveaux, Minister of Environment, The Bahamas

Eric Carey, executive director of The Bahamas National Trust (BNT)

Matt Rand, director of global shark conservation, Pew Environment Group

 WHAT:

Press conference announcing new protections for sharks in The Bahamas.

 WHY:

The Bahamas is one of the premier shark-watching destinations for divers. According to the Bahamas Diving Association, shark related tourism has contributed more than US$800 million dollars to the Bahamian economy over the past 20 years. The country’s 20-year-old ban on longline fishing gear has left Bahamian waters as one of the few places in the world where sharks are still thriving, but there have been no specific protections for sharks until now.

 WHEN:

8:00 a.m., Tuesday, 5 July, 2011

 WHERE:

British Colonial Hilton Nassau, 1 Bay Street, Nassau, N-7148

 CALL-IN:

Passcode is “Sharks”

1-800-311-9403 for U.S.-based reporters

1-800-867-1164 for Bahamas-based reporters

+1 334-323-7224 for all others

 PLEASE RSVP IN ADVANCE

 B-ROLL AND STILLS WILL BE AVAILABLE:
Contact: Dan Klotz, +1 202-887-8855 or [email protected] for details

NEW YORK, June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The British Virgin Islands Court of Appeal has unanimously reversed a lower court ruling and dismissed a petition by McKinsey & Co. to liquidate Westford Special Situations Fund Ltd.  McKinsey had filed the petition in an attempt to redeem its investment.

 McKinsey, which had invested in a feeder fund to Westford Special Situations Master Fund, L.P., attempted to liquidate Westford after the fund suspended redemptions — even though Westford had made partial payments to McKinsey. 

 In denying McKinsey’s motion, the Court upheld Westford’s argument that, as a redemption creditor, McKinsey did not have the legal standing to force the appointment of a liquidator.

 The Westford Special Situations Fund Ltd. and Westford Special Situations Master Fund L.P. are part of the Westford-Epsilon family of funds managed by Steve G. Stevanovich.