CaribPR Wire

CaribPR Wire, New York, NY, Thurs. May 11, 2011: National Best selling authors Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy honored Super Wings NY founder Colette Burnett, and Television Personality and Author Star Jones during the “Dare to Follow Your Dreams,” a Salute to Women of Courage based upon the book Tears To Triumph: Women Learn to Live, Love and Thrive (Souls of My Sisters Books/Kensington Publishing Corp.) at Renaissance Times Square Hotel, in New York City. The event was held in partnership with Terrence Daniels, Ameriprise Financial; She’s Got Papers Custom Stationery, Cheap Chat Pre Paid Calling Cards and ETS Air Shuttle and Transportation.

Recession aside, executive women and entrepreneurs are thriving and it’s because they call on their band of sisters for help. Star Jones, Television Personality and Author of Satan Sisters: A Novel Work of Fiction (Gallery) gave a moving speech sharing with her fellow honorees overcoming open heart surgery and the many adversities and triumphs in her life and stated, “You never know the role that your fellow sister can play in your life and their will come a time that all you can do is turn to one another for support.”   The singing group ACE performed a special arrangement and tribute of Helen Reddys’ I am Woman Hear Me Roar.

Colette who grew up in Chase Village, Trinidad, W.I. before moving to the United States was saluted because of her courage in the face of adversity, and her drive to constantly provide support to fellow entrepreneurs.  After a decade of being a business banker and community leader, Colette Burnett opened Super Wings in Crown Heights just 20 months ago and enjoys New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg; Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz and Food Network Bobby Flay amongst her biggest fans. Her Union Street eatery located in Brooklyn, NY serves 10 kinds of wings, including Pineapple Jerk, Ginger Buff, and Island BBQ. “When I first shared the idea with my colleagues so many people expressed their dismay and felt I was throwing away my career and even said I was wasting my time,” stated Burnett. Colette continues, “I persevered, because an estimated 90 million pounds of chicken wings are sold in the United States during Super Bowl Sunday alone, and I knew if I infused the various flavors I grew up with, the restaurant would be would be a success,”

Co-Author Candace Sandy who was born and raised in Carapichaima, Trinidad W.I. and Dawn Marie Daniels whose family ancestry is from Antigua and Barbados, wrote Tears to Triumph to share a new framework that will help women move beyond just surviving to thriving and, most importantly, it shows women how to use their own adversities as a blueprint for future success.   Souls of My Sisters also recently launched a Tears To Triumph Blogtalk radio show giving women entrepreneurs 24 hour access to advice and support from top women business owners.  “I am delighted to have received the Tears To Triumph Woman of Courage Award, with the help of my mother, fiancée and an even wider support system of friends I was able to move the fear aside and step out of faith,” stated Colette. 

Later this year Colette will open up a new restaurant in Chaguanas, Trinidad, W.I. and release her new e-cookbook entitled Super Wings E-Cook Book:Transforming Your Cooking Experience. Superwings is located at 1218 Union St., Crown Heights, Brooklyn; (718) 467-8737; www.MySuperWings.com.  For more information on Tears To Triumph Woman of Courage Awards log on to facebook.com/soulsofmysisters or listen to the Tears To Triumph Radio Show hosted by Sky LaRose www.blogtalkradio.com/tears-to-triumph.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Left to Right: Candace Sandy Co-author of Tears To Triumph, Colette Burnett (Super Wings NY), and fellow honorees, Star Jones, Iasha Rivers (Macy’s) and Rachel Braun Scherl, President, Semprae Laboratories Inc. (Zestra) (Photo Credit: Rowena Husbands Blink of an Eye Photography)

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, May 13, 2011: Meteorologist Joey Stevens and his parrot have become the most famous weather forecasters in the Caribbean on OneCaribbeanWeather.com and WSEE TV, the CBS affiliate of the Caribbean region.

It is little wonder then why the Caribbean’s most famous weather channel, with some four million viewers daily in over 25 countries – from Antigua to Puerto Rico, has joined forces with the organizers of Invest Caribbean 2011, to present the inaugural investment power forum.

The Pennsylvania-based WSEE TV and OneCaribbeanWeather.com, both part of Lilly Broadcasting Corporation, is an official sponsor of the Hard Beat Communications and Caribbean Tourism Organization’s ‘Invest Caribbean Power Breakfast,’ set for June 9^th from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Lilly Broadcasting operates a number of enterprises worldwide including 24-hour weather broadcasting in the Caribbean.

The event is being billed as a high powered networking event and not a talk shop and will include Vice President at Goldman Sachs, W. Dave Dowrich, David Brillembourg, CEO of the Brilla Group and several Caribbean ministers of government.

“The Caribbean Tourism Organization is proud to team up with Hard Beat and the Caribbean American Chamber of Industry and Commerce to present this event since in these tough economic times, investment in the Caribbean and Latin America is critical and the CTO believes strongly in continuing to boost the tourism sector of this vibrant region by presenting investment opportunities for its members,” said Sylma Brown Bramble, director of CTO-USA Inc.

“We’re very proud to team up with a company that’s already investing in the Caribbean and sees the bright future the region holds,” said Hard Beat Communications CEO, Felicia Persaud of the WSEE TV and the One Caribbean Weather partnership. “Anyone serious about doing business in this region or networking with potential investors should book one of a few spots today.”

Additional sponsors include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, The Bahamas Weekly, and News Americas Now.

For additional sponsorship opportunities log on to: http://investcaribbeannow.com/ or for individual tickets register at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=7phqhyn6&oeidk=a07e3p448ple41d4ad3

  Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez of the Dominican Republic and Margarita Zavala of Mexico Announce Commitment to Online Safety Worldwide

LONDON and WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to online safety, today launched the First Ladies Initiative for Online Safety. The goal of the Initiative is to engage first ladies from around the globe in a cross-cultural dialogue and programs that encourage safe and responsible online use and foster greater digital citizenship. The announcement was made at the FOSI 2011 European Conference, held today in London.

Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez, the first lady of the Dominican Republic, and Margarita Zavala, the first lady of Mexico, have committed their support to the Initiative. The First Ladies Initiative will bring together the wives of leaders from around the world in order to promote education efforts within their countries and engage in transnational dialogues that raise global awareness and spur international cooperation. The Initiative is a means of linking the first ladies in a common cause that not only directly impacts their own countries, but like the Internet, also transcends national borders.

“While the Internet presents unlimited opportunities for our youth to connect with one another and learn about the world around them, there are also risks that must be addressed,” said Ms. Zavala. “I look forward to working alongside FOSI and other first ladies to make the Internet a safer place for children.”

In addition to serving as the first lady of Mexico, Ms. Zavala serves as the president of an advisory board for DIF (el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia or the Integral Development of the Family), a government agency that helps to develop and strengthen families in Mexico. Ms. Zavala hosted a joint FOSI-Telmex conference in Mexico City in June 2007.

“As individuals of all ages, particularly children and young people, increasingly use the Internet for a varied range of purposes and avail themselves of the benefits of social networks to stay connected with friends and family, it is important to also consider the ramifications of sharing information on such a vast arena and apply, in the digital world, the same values we promote offline,” said Dr. Cedeno de Fernandez, first lady of the Dominican Republic. “I commend FOSI’s efforts to promote a safe and responsible use of the Internet, and I am delighted to join this important initiative.”

Dr. Cedeno de Fernandez’s office coordinates the social programs developed by President Fernandez and also operates its own projects, including work to close the digital gap and establishing 71 Community Technology Centers, mostly in rural areas. Dr. Cedeno de Fernandez has numerous awards for her work in training women in network technology and for developing cultural and educational training of children and teenagers. 

“We’re thrilled to announce that Dr.  Cedeno de Fernandez and Ms. Zavala are joining the First Ladies Initiative,” said Stephen Balkam, CEO of FOSI. “They have done so much to raise awareness about important issues affecting families around the world and this Initiative will provide them with a platform to share best practices in promoting safer and more responsible Internet use with first ladies from other countries. We are very fortunate to have their commitment to this effort.”

 Details will follow regarding a number of events and programs from the First Ladies Initiative.

About FOSI

The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) works to make the online world safer for kids and their families by identifying and promoting best practices, tools and methods that also respect free speech. FOSI’s members include: AOL, AT&T, BT Retail, Comcast, Disney, Entertainment Software Association, Facebook, France Telecom, Google, GSM Association, Microsoft, Motion Picture Association of America, NCTA, Ning, Nominum, Optenet, RuleSpace, Sprint, StreamShield, Symantec, Time Warner Cable, Telefonica, TELMEX, USTelecom, The Wireless Foundation, Verizon and Yahoo!. FOSI hosts an annual international conference to bring together Internet safety advocates from a variety of sectors, including global corporations, government, non-profits, academia and the media, to discuss the current pulse of online safety and emerging solutions that will enhance it. For more information, visit www.fosi.org.

BOSTON, OAKVILLE, Ontario and HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, April 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — First Wind Holdings, LLC (First Wind), (TSX: AQN): Algonquin Power and Utilities Corp. (Algonquin) and (TSX: EMA) Emera Inc. (Emera) announced today that they have entered into an agreement to jointly construct, own and operate wind energy projects in the Northeast U.S.

 First Wind has a 370 Megawatt (MW) portfolio of wind energy projects in the Northeast U.S. including five operating projects and two projects near operation. These assets will become part of an operating company of which First Wind will own 51%. Emera and Algonquin are entering into a separate joint venture (Northeast Wind), which will own 49% of the operating company. Emera will initially own 75% of Northeast Wind and Algonquin will own the balance. Northeast Wind will invest a total of $333 million to acquire the 49% ownership of the operating company. This includes a $150 million loan to the operating company. The loan will be repaid within 5 years, or convert to equity in future projects.

 First Wind will work with Algonquin and Emera to grow the operating company. In addition to its ownership interest in the operating company, First Wind will serve as its managing partner and will continue to operate the projects. First Wind will continue to develop Northeast projects and once these projects meet certain eligibility criteria they will transfer to the operating company.

 ”This is an excellent strategic partnership that brings together the region’s leading wind company with some of the region’s leading power and utilities companies. This partnership will help bring further growth of well-sited and well-run wind energy projects in the region in the future,” said Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind. “This agreement will support First Wind’s plans to grow and develop and invest in new projects in the Northeast and across the country.”

 ”This investment is an excellent means for Algonquin to partner with Emera and expand our reach into the New England renewable energy market with a strong portfolio of attractive wind projects,” stated Ian Robertson, CEO, Algonquin. “This transaction augments Algonquin’s growth strategy and affords us the opportunity to lever our expertise alongside the First Wind development team and expand our participation with Emera in the New England ISO electricity market.”

 ”This investment provides Emera and Algonquin with the opportunity to partner with the largest operator of wind assets in New England,” stated Chris Huskilson, President and CEO, Emera Inc. “This partnership brings together Algonquin’s renewable generation experience, Emera’s financial capacity and marketing experience with First Wind’s development expertise and is consistent with our renewables strategy in the region.”

 Emera will finance the transaction through existing credit facilities subject to lender approval.

 Algonquin’s financing plans include an agreement with Emera for Emera to acquire $37 million of subscription receipts in Algonquin at a price of $5.37 per share. This provides Emera with the opportunity to increase its ownership interest in Algonquin up to 25%, subject to Algonquin shareholder approval.

 The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to both Emera and Algonquin.

 The transaction requires certain state and federal regulatory approvals, among others, and is expected to close by the end of the year.

 The First Wind projects being transferred to the operating company are:

Maine projects:

 - Mars Hill Wind, Mars Hill, ME (in commercial operation since 2007) – 42 MW

- Stetson Wind I, Danforth, ME (in commercial operation since 2009) – 57 MW

- Stetson Wind II, Danforth, ME (in commercial operation since 2010) – 26 MW

- Rollins Wind (in construction, expected completion July 2011) – 60 MW

 Vermont Project:

 - Sheffield Wind, Sheffield, VT (in construction, expected completion Oct. 2011) – 40 MW

 New York Projects:

 - Steel Winds I, Lackawanna, NY (in commercial operation since 2007) – 20 MW

- Cohocton Wind, Cohocton, NY (in commercial operation since 2009) – 125 MW

 Analyst Call Information: Emera and Algonquin will hold an analyst call on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:00 am Eastern time jointly hosted by Algonquin Chief Executive Officer Ian Robertson and Emera Chief Executive Officer Chris Huskilson.

 Conference call details are as follows:

 Analysts and other interested parties wanting to participate in the call should dial 1-866-225-0198 (in Toronto 416-340-8061) at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No pass code is required. The teleconference will be recorded. If you are unable to join the teleconference live, you can dial for playback toll-free at 1-800-408-3053 (in Toronto 905-694-9451), access code 8543255No. (available until midnight, Monday May 16, 2011). The teleconference will also be web cast live at www.emera.com and available for playback for one year.

 Cautionary Statement

 This news release contains forward looking information. Actual future results may differ materially. Additional financial and operational information regarding Emera (and APUC) is filed electronically with various securities commissions in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR).

 About Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

 Through its distinct operating subsidiaries, APUC owns and operates a diversified portfolio of $1.1 billion of clean renewable electric generation and sustainable utility distribution businesses in North America. Liberty Water Co., APUC’s water utility subsidiary, provides regulated water utility services to more than 73,000 customers with a portfolio of 19 water distribution and wastewater treatment utility systems and has entered into agreements to acquire additional utility systems serving 7,400 customers. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Liberty Energy Utilities Co., APUC provides regulated electricity and natural gas distribution services, currently serving more than 47,000 electric customers in the Lake Tahoe, CA area. Pursuant to previously announced agreements, Liberty Energy Utilities Co. is committed to acquiring Granite State Electric Company, a New Hampshire electric distribution company, and EnergyNorth Natural Gas Inc., a regulated natural gas distribution utility, which together serve approximately 130,000 customers. Algonquin Power Co., APUC’s electric generation subsidiary, includes 45 renewable energy facilities and 12 thermal energy facilities representing more than 460 MW of installed capacity. APUC and its operating subsidiaries deliver continuing growth through an expanding pipeline of greenfield and expansion renewable power and clean energy projects, organic growth within its regulated utilities and the pursuit of accretive acquisition opportunities. APUC’s common shares and convertible debentures are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQN.DB, AQN.DB.A and AQN.DB.B. Visit Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. on the web at www.AlgonquinPowerandUtilities.com and www.sedar.com.

 About Emera Inc.

 Emera Inc. is a growing energy and services company with $6.3 billion in assets and revenues of $1.6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera’s strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of that clean energy to market. Emera operates throughout northeastern North America, in three Caribbean countries and in California. More than 80% of the company’s earnings come from regulated investments. Emera common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbols EMA and EMA.PR.A respectively. Additional information can be accessed at www.emera.com or www.sedar.com.

 About First Wind

 First Wind is an independent wind energy company exclusively focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind projects in the United States. Based in Boston, First Wind has wind projects in the Northeast, the West and in Hawaii, with the capacity to generate up to 533 megawatts of power and projects under construction and construction-ready with the capacity to generate up to an additional 238 megawatts. For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com or follow us on Twitter (at)FirstWind.

 For further information: For further information: Emera Investor Relations Contact, Jill MacDonald, Manager Investor Relations, 902-489-6876; Emera Media Contact, Sasha Irving, Director Corporate Communications, 902-229-5104; First Wind Contact, John Lamontagne, Director Corporate Communications, 617-960-9521, jlamontagne(at)firstwind.com; Algonquin Contact, David Bronicheski, Chief Financial Officer, 905-465-4512

(EMA.)

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, April 29, 2011: The countdown has begun to the inaugural Investing in Paradise power breakfast, set for June 9, 2011 in New York City. The Invest Caribbean forum, presented by Hard Beat Communications and The Caribbean Tourism Organization, in collaboration with the Caribbean American Chamber of Industry & Commerce, is set for the New York Marriott Marquis from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The son of Barbadian migrants and vice president at Goldman Sachs, W. Dave Dowrich, will deliver keynote remarks at an event that will be attended by several Caribbean ministers of government, directors of tourism, investors and entrepreneurs.

 “Investing in the Caribbean is really an excellent choice for an emerging market investor given its tax incentives, established tourist market, available land and year round amazing weather and beauty,” commented Hard Beat’s CEO Felicia Persaud. “This event is also perfect for those persons seeking investment information or looking for investors as well as for Self Invested Personal Pension investors who do not feel they are getting enough out of their pension plan, and would prefer to manage their own fund, switching their investments as they see fit,” added Persaud. Seats are going fast. To reserve your space register now at: www.investcaribbeannow.com.

Sponsors to date include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, The Bahamas Weekly, and News Americas Now.

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, April 22, 2011: An investment banker at full-service global investment banking and securities firm Goldman Sachs, born to Barbadian parents in Toronto, Canada, is set to deliver the key note address at the 2011 Invest Caribbean Power Breakfast this June in New York City.  

Wendell Dave Dowrich, Vice President of Risk and Capital Markets in the Financial Institutions Group at Goldman Sachs, will address Caribbean ministers of tourism and delegates of the June 9^th event, set for 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the New York Marriott Marquis in NYC.

The event, part of Caribbean Week in New York, is being presented by the Caribbean Tourism Organization and digital media solutions firm, Hard Beat Communications, Inc., in collaboration with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Dowrich, whose responsibilities at Goldman include providing risk management advice to insurance companies, with specific focus on capital markets reinsurance, will speak on the prospects for international investment in the Caribbean region.

Before Goldman, Dowrich worked at Credit Suisse and prior to that appointment, was the Head of Corporate Planning & Analysis for Swiss Re’s life reinsurance business for North America, where he was responsible for performance measurement, performance enhancement, capital management and management reporting for the North American operations.

 He began his career in employee benefits consulting in Toronto, Canada before relocating to Barbados to become a member of the management team of the Barbados reinsurance operations of a Canadian insurance company.

Dowrich attended primary and secondary school in Barbados and holds an Honors Bachelor of Science degree from University of Toronto, Canada, with majors in Actuarial Science and Applied Statistics, as well as an MBA with a major in Finance, from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

David Brillembourg, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the Brilla Group, a private equity real estate firm focused exclusively on acquiring luxury beachfront hotel and resort assets in South Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Colombia, will also speak at the event that is set to feature top Caribbean Tourism Organization officials, government ministers and directors, New York City elected officials and investors, lenders and entrepreneurs.

“For the very first time in the history of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York, an investment component has been added and we’re very proud to be working with the CTO to make this happen,” said Hard Beat Communications CEO, Felicia Persaud. “This event is a must attend for interested in investing in ‘Paradise’ or for those seeking to learn of the opportunities there.”

Sponsors to date include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, The Bahamas Weekly, and News Americas Now.

For additional sponsorship opportunities or breakfast tickets call 646-820-5694 or log on to: http://investcaribbeannow.com/.

ABOUT THE CTO

The Caribbean Tourism Organization exists to increase significantly the inclusion of the Caribbean region in the set of destinations being considered by travelers. The CTO, with headquarters in Barbados, comprises 32 member countries, including English, French, Spanish and Dutch countries and territories, as well as private sector allied members. Every year, the CTO presents “Caribbean Week In New York,” which Caribbean Week in New York is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colors, culture and unique vacation attributes of the Caribbean.

ABOUT HARD BEAT COMMUNICATIONS

Hard Beat Communications brands itself as a Digital Media Solutions Company. The company does this through its PR Wire and Digital Content Creation and Dissemination and syndicated digital newswire – New Americas Now, formerly CaribWorldNews, its Media Buying and Event Promotions arm and its New Media Solutions department.
 

ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI), founded in August 1985, is a statewide membership organization, which has developed expertise in providing business assistance to small and start-up business owners, in areas of business planning, financing, procurement, certification, expansion, and export/import opportunities.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (”Arcos Dorados”) (NYSE: ARCO) announced yesterday the closing of its underwritten initial public offering of 84,506,788 class A shares at a price to the public of $17.00 per share. The underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full, thereby increasing the number of shares sold by 11,022,624 class A shares. The shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ARCO.”

 Arcos Dorados sold 9,529,412 class A shares and certain selling shareholders sold 74,977,376 class A shares, including 11,022,624 class A shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

Arcos Dorados received approximately $152.3 million in net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. Arcos Dorados intends to use the net proceeds for capital expenditures such as opening and reimaging restaurants.

 ”We are very appreciative of the positive response to our IPO,” said Woods Staton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our management team, board of directors and the entire Arcos Dorados crew deeply respects the trust our shareholders have placed in our company and our strategy, and we take very seriously our responsibility to consistently deliver value to all our stakeholders.”

 BofA Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Itau BBA and Citi acted as joint bookrunners for the offering.

 A registration statement relating to this offering was declared effective by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2011.

 This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

 About Arcos Dorados

Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee, in terms of systemwide sales and number of restaurants, and the largest quick service restaurant chain in Latin America and the Caribbean, with restaurants in 19 countries and territories.

CaribPR, Milan, Italy, Tues. April 19, 2011: Debut author, Trinidad national Terry Bhola, has delivered a fascinating expatiatory memoir in which he reveals the joys and pains surrounding his acclimatization into the Italian society as a man of color

Picking up everything and moving to a new place is never an easy task. However, Bhola and his wife (along with their beloved cat) took the challenge to a whole new level. After years of dealing with the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, New York, Bhola needed a change of scenery and an intra-continental move would not suffice.

With a longstanding inclination towards the picturesque countryside of Italy, there was no question as to where their new residence would be. However, upon arriving in the scenic countryside of Umbria, Terry and his wife soon realized that their transatlantic transition would be accompanied by some unexpected turbulence. Within the pages of “Searching for Wild Asparagus in Umbria,” Bhola vividly and humorously describes the couples’ encounters with the local population, territorial creatures, wild snowstorms, recurring plumbing problems, and other unexpected issues while trying to make their modestly built villetta into a real home – and earn a decent living.

“Searching for Wild Asparagus in Umbria,” is an intriguing and deliciously candid memoir, unique in its authorial perspective. Terry H. Bhola not only conveys the surprising and often comical experiences that he and his wife encountered while settling into a new country, but also reveals the mood of modern Italy as a nation not known for embracing diversity, contending with immigration. Seasoned with countless comical scenes, “Searching for Wild Asparagus in Umbria,” is an innovative dolce vita tale that will delight readers from cover to cover.

About the Author: Although a native of Trinidad and Tobago, Terry H. Bhola has never been able to settle in one place for too long. This has made him a resident of both Washington D.C. and New York City, where his thriving career in the publishing industry took place. Terry H. Bhola currently lives in Italy with his wife.

For more information go to http://www.terrybhola.com.  You can also find him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Tbhola.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — (TSX: EMA): Chris Huskilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emera Inc., is pleased to announce that Judy Steele, FCA, has been appointed interim Chief Financial Officer of Emera, effective May 16, 2011. Ms. Steele is replacing Nancy Tower, FCA, who was recently appointed CEO for Emera Newfoundland and Labrador, and Executive Vice President of Business Development for Emera.

Ms. Steele is presently the Vice President of Finance for Emera Energy Inc., and a member of its Executive Team. Prior to joining Emera Energy, Ms. Steele worked in a variety of capacities across Emera’s business including Investor and External Relations, Strategy Development, and Regulatory Affairs. She is a Chartered Accountant and before joining Emera, worked in the financial services industry for Ernst & Young, in both the accounting and auditing, and consulting practices. In 2005 she was awarded her profession’s highest honour, the designation Fellow Chartered Accountant.

 ”Judy knows Emera’s business thoroughly, and her experience and financial expertise is welcomed during this time,” said Chris Huskilson. “Our search for a permanent CFO is in process, and we expect the transition to be seamless throughout this period.”

 Ms. Steele is a Director of Film Nova Scotia, a Crown Corporation of the Province of Nova Scotia; and a former Director of The Halifax Port Authority, and Chair of its Audit Committee. She is well known for her community leadership, which has included serving as Treasurer of the 2011 Canada Winter Games, and as National Chair of The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (the “Run for the Cure”). In 2003 she received the “CA of the Year Award” in recognition of her outstanding community leadership.

 Forward Looking Information

 This news release contains forward looking information. Actual future results may differ materially. Additional financial and operational information is filed electronically with various securities commissions in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR).

 About Emera

 Emera Inc. is a growing energy and services company with $6.3 billion in assets and revenues of $1.6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera’s strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of that clean energy to market. Emera operates throughout northeastern North America, in three Caribbean countries and in California. More than 80% of the company’s earnings come from regulated investments. Emera common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbols EMA and EMA.PR.A respectively. Additional information can be accessed at www.emera.com or www.sedar.com.

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, April 15, 2011: Investing in the Caribbean region’s tourism sector will be the focus of a power breakfast this June, presented by the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Hard Beat Communications, Inc., in collaboration with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Hard Beat Communications, a digital media solutions company specializing in the Caribbean and Latin American market, is teaming up with the Caribbean’s regional tourism agency and CAACI to present the Invest Caribbean 2011 Power Breakfast on June 9, 2011 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in New York City.

Confirmed speakers to date include W. Dave Dowrich, Vice President – Investment Banking at Goldman, Sachs & Co. and David Brillembourg, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the Brilla Group, a private equity real estate firm focused exclusively on acquiring luxury beachfront hotel and resort assets in South Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Colombia.

Ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism from several nations are set to attend the event and present investment opportunities from their nations.

“This event will allow for executives of corporations to showcase their product and services to a very exclusive niche group of high powered business executives and for entrepreneurs seeking investment to be able to pitch their ideas for seed or expansion capital to key investors,” said Hard Beat Communications CEO, Felicia Persaud.

“The Caribbean Tourism Organization is proud to team up with Hard Beat and CAACI to present this event since in these tough economic times, investment in the Caribbean is critical and the CTO believes strongly in continuing to boost the tourism sector of this vibrant region by presenting investment opportunities for its members,” said Sylma Brown Bramble, director of CTO-USA Inc.

Media sponsors include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire and News Americas Now.

For sponsorship opportunities  call 1-800-789-3062 or 646-820-5694 or log on to: http://investcaribbeannow.com/. For tickets register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=7phqhyn6&oeidk=a07e3p448ple41d4ad3

ABOUT THE CTO

The Caribbean Tourism Organization exists to increase significantly the inclusion of the Caribbean region in the set of destinations being considered by travelers. The CTO, with headquarters in Barbados, comprises 32 member countries, including English, French, Spanish and Dutch countries and territories, as well as private sector allied members. Every year, the CTO presents “Caribbean Week In New York,” which Caribbean Week in New York is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colors, culture and unique vacation attributes of the Caribbean.

ABOUT HARD BEAT COMMUNICATIONS

Hard Beat Communications brands itself as a Digital Media Solutions Company. The company does this through its PR Wire and Digital Content Creation and Dissemination and syndicated digital newswire – New Americas Now, formerly CaribWorldNews, its Media Buying and Event Promotions arm and its New Media Solutions department.
 

ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI), founded in August 1985, is a statewide membership organization, which has developed expertise in providing business assistance to small and start-up business owners, in areas of business planning, financing, procurement, certification, expansion, and export/import opportunities.

The University of the West Indies’ second annual benefit gala in Toronto a huge success

 TORONTO, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The University of the West Indies (UWI) raised approximately $300,000 at its second annual benefit gala in Toronto on March 26th. The gala honoured notable individuals who have made significant contributions to UWI and the Caribbean and Canadian communities.  Outstanding individuals who were honoured include: Donovan Bailey; Michael Lee-Chin; The Right Honourable Michaelle Jean; The Honourable Justice Dr. Irving Andre;  Former Deputy Chief of Toronto police Keith L. Forde; Kamala-Jean Gopie; Dr. Karl Massiah and Dr. John Stewart.  Two organizations were also honoured including Ryerson University for its contribution to the advancement of Caribbean people through its joint programs with UWI, and GAP Adventures for its role in pushing the boundaries of sustainable travel.

The benefit was under the patronage of Dr. G. Raymond Chang, immediate past Chair of CI Financial, Chancellor of Ryerson University and himself, an honorary graduate of UWI.  Proceeds from the Toronto gala will benefit students through the UWI Scholarship Fund and the UWI Haitian Initiative.

“The University is once again touched by the outpouring of support it received from the Canadian private and public sectors and the Caribbean Canadian community,” said Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement Division, The University of the West Indies.  “We are thankful for the scholarships that the University will now be able to award to students from the proceeds of the event.”

 Masters of Ceremonies Hamlin Grange and Valerie Pringle welcomed over 500 guests to a sold out event at the Four Seasons Hotel for an evening of celebrating excellence; connecting and reconnecting; music and live and silent auctions.  The gala was filled with contagious spirit and overwhelming generosity.

 ”Through this gala we are all now united as one UWI family,” stated Gala Patron, Dr. G. Raymond Chang.

 Find additional gala details at www.uwitorontogala.com.

 UWI would like to thank its sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests for making the UWI Benefit Gala Toronto 2011 a huge success. 

 About The University of the West Indies Benefit Gala, Toronto

 Building off the success of its inaugural benefit gala last year, and with such a strong Caribbean community in Canada, UWI is striving to develop a successful event that will continue to strengthen the relationship between Canada and the Caribbean for years to come.

 The 2010 benefit gala was sold out with 460 attendees.  Approximately $230,000 was raised, resulting in 17 scholarships being awarded to students in need, and helping to support Haitian students whose university was devastated after the earthquake.  

 Those honoured at the inaugural event included: Dr. the Honourable Harry Belafonte, The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, The Honourable Jean Augustine, Professor Dionne Brand, Mr. Austin Clarke, Ms. Maud Fuller, Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong, Dr. Robert Moore, Mr. David Rudder, Project Advancement Childhood Education (P.A.C.E), Royal Bank of Canada and Scotiabank.

 About The University of the West Indies Scholarship Fund and Haitian Initiative

 The UWI Regional Endowment Fund (UWIREF) scholarships and bursaries are offered to outstanding students in the Caribbean region who have difficulty financing their university education. The scholarships and bursaries are based on academic excellence and financial need. The University of the West Indies has accepted numerous Haitian students to complete their degrees at the Mona Campus in Jamaica and St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago. 

About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (UWI) was established in 1948 as a college of the University of London.  It achieved full university status in 1962 and today, is the only pan-Caribbean tertiary level institution offering a wide array of diverse and accredited programs to 40,000 students throughout the region, with campuses in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (”Arcos Dorados”) announced today the launch of an underwritten initial public offering of its class A shares at a price range between $13.00 to $15.00 per class A share.  Arcos Dorados will offer 12,461,539 class A shares, while certain selling shareholders will offer 50,000,000 class A shares. The class A shares will be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and will trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

 Arcos Dorados will use $150.0 million of the proceeds from the sale of its class A Shares for capital expenditures such as opening and reimaging restaurants.

 BofA Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Itau BBA and Citi are acting as joint bookrunners for the offering. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. A prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, when available, may be obtained from BofA Merrill Lynch, 4 World Financial Center, New York, NY 10080, attention: Prospectus Department, or e-mail [email protected]; from Morgan Stanley, 180 Varick Street 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, attention: Prospectus Department, telephone: 866-718-1646; or Itau IBBA USA Securities, Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue 50th Floor, New York, NY 10153, USA, attention: Equity Sales Desk, telephone: +1 212-710-6756; or from Citi, Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220, telephone: 877-858-5407.

 A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective.  These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.

 This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

 About Arcos Dorados

Arcos Dorados is the world’s largest McDonald’s franchisee, in terms of systemwide sales and number of restaurants, and the largest quick service restaurant chain in Latin America and the Caribbean, with restaurants in 19 countries and territories.

 For information please contact:

——————————-

Investors:                          Press:

Sofia Chellew                       Flavia Vigio

Arcos Dorados -Director, Investor

 Relations                          Arcos Dorados – VP, Communications

[email protected]            [email protected]

(+5411) 4711-2515

                                    Latin America press:

                                    ——————–

                                    Alessandra Ritondaro

                                    S2Publicom

                                    [email protected]

                                                        (+55 11) 5505-1628

                                    U.S. and Europe press:

                                    ———————-

                                    Courtney Harper

                                    Reputation Partners

                                    [email protected]

                                                         (+1 312) 819-5722

Akerman Senterfitt Advises First Citizens Bank Limited on Successful Placement

 MIAMI, March 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — First Citizens (St. Lucia) Limited, a special purpose subsidiary of First Citizens Bank Limited, recently closed on a $175 million Rule 144A/Resolution S placement of notes.  First Citizens Bank Limited, based in Trinidad & Tobago, guaranteed the notes.  Akerman Senterfitt advised First Citizens Bank Limited throughout this placement.  The notes will not trade on any exchange in the U.S.  The sole book running manager for the financing was J.P. Morgan.

 ”First Citizens is a leading financial institution in the Caribbean and found a strong and receptive market for this placement,” said Carlos Mendez-Penate, Co-Chair of Akerman’s Latin America & Caribbean practice.  “We were very pleased to work with our valued long standing client First Citizens on this important transaction.  We have seen a growing interest in capital financings in the Caribbean and Latin America with the rebound of the world economy.”

 First Citizens’ notes carry investment grade ratings from both Moody’s (A2) and Standard & Poor’s (BBB+), notable among Latin American financial institutions and a testament to First Citizens’ leadership position in the region.  The bank, which has $4.7 billion in total assets, has been named “Bank of the Year” by World Finance magazine, The Banker and Latin Finance and is the highest rated indigenous bank in the English-speaking Caribbean region.

 The Akerman team on this transaction included Carlos Mendez-Penate, Kenneth G. Alberstadt, and John J. Lee.  All are in Akerman’s New York office.

 Akerman is recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers as a national tier one law firm for Private Equity, and for Corporate, M&A, and Securities/Capital Markets law in the U.S.  In addition, Akerman’s Corporate practice is recognized by The Legal 500 within the National Firms – Middle Market category and is ranked #1 by Chambers & Partners for Corporate/M&A in Florida.  Akerman represents multinational clients on a wide range of cross-border mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, securities offerings, syndicated and secured lending transactions, project financings, and international disputes throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

 About Akerman Senterfitt

Akerman is ranked among the top 100 law firms in the U.S. by The National Law Journal NLJ 250 (2010) in number of lawyers and is the largest firm in Florida.  With 500 lawyers and government affairs professionals, Akerman serves clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from Florida, New York, Washington, D.C., California, Virginia, Colorado, Texas, and Nevada.  More information can be found at www.akerman.com or www.twitter.com/akerman_llp.

CaribPR Wire, Barbados, March 2, 2011: Artisans from the Caribbean region are invited to exhibit their products at the region’s foremost trade show, Design Caribbean, which offers unique access to important regional, international and diaspora buyers.

From September 1-4, 2011 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Design Caribbean will unite a passion for design with the soul of the Caribbean. All products are vetted for excellence so only the best of the region will be on show. Alongside the main trade fair, there will be many related events including a major musical event, a film programme, spa and wellness and a fashion show. Participating artisans will also attend a number of product and market development workshops on hot topics such as copyright, growing a business and accessing foreign markets.

Design Caribbean will attract buyers from North America, Europe and the Caribbean region. This year promises to be a notable event that no artisan should miss. If you want your products to reach a global marketplace, please register your interest immediately as places are limited.

Artisan Sign-up Details

All artisans engaged in design in the Caribbean region are eligible to participate in the Design Caribbean trade show. We are seeking products from diverse creative specialties including but not limited to ceramics, jewellery, fashion accessories, home furnishings, spa and wellness items and leather goods. In addition, there will a number of cash awards and incentives for winning various design categories.  For participation criteria and sign up details, please email  [email protected].

Sharing the Caribbean Experience

“Design Caribbean is an opportunity for exhibitors and visitors to experience the Caribbean, where all cultures collide to create something beautiful,” says Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), organisers of the event. Participants will leave the show inspired and invigorated by the creative splendor of the Caribbean and new business insight.

Ms. Coke Hamilton believes that Caribbean Design operates within a unique environment where “every race, culture and creed has been able to create a truly genuine melting pot of racial, religious and ethnic blending, which has now become the foundation of the Caribbean identity and culture. This region is the only one where anyone can land and immediately fit in without fear of exclusion or isolation. We merge all the varying aspects of our differing ethnic backgrounds to create a spirit, which is uniquely and quintessentially Caribbean. This spirit is captured and reflected in the originality, boldness and inherent creativity that mirror the experience of those who landed on our shores from disparate parts of the globe. The Caribbean soul is, without apology, dynamic, vibrant and intrinsically beautiful. This is Design Caribbean.”

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 artists 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 member regions, whose mandate is to “take Caribbean excellence to the world.”

For media inquiries or to contact a spokesperson for an interview, please contact:                                     

Quentin T. Baldwin
Email: [email protected]       
Phone:   1 246 436 0578  (Barbados)

Caribbean Export Head Office
Mutual Building, Hastings Main Road
Christ Church, BB15154
BARBADOS

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. Feb. 26, 2011: Get ready for News Americas, newamericasnow.com.

Executives of Hard Beat Communications have rebranded their CaribWorldNews wire to fit the company’s new goal of covering a larger demographic and capturing the emerging interest in the Americas, especially Latin America.

NewAmericasNow.com will replace CaribWorldNews.com, though readers will still be able to access the site through domains: CaribWorldNews.com, CaribbeanworldNews.com and Hardbeatnews.com.

The company’s new aim is to focus more on the top news, entertainment, business, sports and lifestyle and cuisine of the Americas and the content will be syndicated across over 50 sites and via EBSCO publishing.

The brand new website featuring web 3.0 technology will also allow for live feedback from readers who can view a live weather forecast, translate stories to suit their language need, listen to a Caribbean audio newscast right on the site and check out the preview of the latest bold move by HBC executives – a Caribbean entertainment newscast that will be presented weekly by a swimwear-clad anchor.

The video cast pioneers a new look and feel in the presentation of Caribbean news that is targeted specifically to the news service’s growing Internet followers globally.

Known for their spirit of innovation and originality, HBC CEO Felicia Persaud says 2011 is all about upping the ante – expanding into the Americas while still keeping the sexiness of the beach and the Caribbean’s beauties – with the video news of Caribbean-born celebrities.

The V-cast is being produced in collaboration with Mark Wright of Flatbush TV and will feature both male and female hosts. Wardrobe will be provided by popular Caribbean designers, including Guyana’s own, Roger Gary.

Persaud added that the company will, however, keep its weekly audio news cast focused on the Caribbean, given the BBC’s pull out from the region. The cast is aired across the U.S. on 13 radio stations and podcasted on 32 African-American and Caribbean websites.

For more log on to NewsAmericasNow.com.

\

One Publisher’s pursuit to Newsstands.

February 14^th 2011 – [caribbeanposh.com] British Virgin Islands: It’s POSH DAY -Caribbean POSH Magazine has returned to the dot com after an almost two year hiatus.

This is a return worth celebrating since just a year ago it seemed as if the award winning magazine would be no more. The plague of economic down turn had advertisers even more hesitant to invest in advertising in a niche publication run by a young female entrepreneur. “In 2009 I moved back home with plans of increasing distribution in the Caribbean but by 2010 all my dreams were crumbling before my eyes and to make matters worse I had a miscarriage that same year,” says Brin.

With the nay sayers in one ear and motivators from complete strangers – decisions had to be made. Brin strongly believed that she couldn’t give up the magazine; it was time for directional change. So it would be with the same focus but a different strategy to keep the brand alive.

A diverse background in retail, state government, telecoms, and marketing makes Caribbean POSH MAGAZINE’s Publisher, Editor, and Founder an unlikely player in the consumer magazine industry.

Yet, as a company, POSH MAGAZINE shall continue to be a unique contender in the arena, and so will Brin.  Her mission in creating and nurturing the brand involves so much more than the latest subscription or cover story…

“POSH MAGAZINE gives Caribbean people an opportunity for a positive and desirable level of exposure”, says Brin … “POSH aims to create many educational and business opportunities for the people of the Caribbean”. And with the social media take over on the World Wide Web the potential reach of an online magazine is even greater.

Born in St.Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and raised in Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Bronx, New York, Janette received her Undergraduate Degree in Business Marketing from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix.

In 2005, Brin founded POSH MAGAZINE with the help of family and close friends, excited about the possibilities of a business venture that incorporated her belief in enlightening and empowering Caribbean people, primarily women. Today, in addition to creating and developing new POSH MAGAZINE event products, Brin works to spread the great opportunity offered by this dynamic and innovative company.

Brin is also the proud mother of her 13 year old son Keano.

Proceeds raised will contribute to the UWI Scholarship Fund and Haitian Initiative

 KINGSTON, Jamaica, Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The University of the West Indies (UWI) is hosting its 2nd Annual Benefit Gala in Toronto honouring Donovan Bailey (Jamaica) and Michael Lee-Chin (Jamaica), among other notable individuals who have made significant contributions to UWI and the Caribbean and Canadian communities. Outstanding individuals to be honoured include: The Honourable Justice Dr. Irving Andre (Dominican), Keith L. Forde, Kamala-Jean Gopie (Jamaica), Dr. Karl Massiah (Barbados) and Dr. John Stewart. Two organizations are also being honoured: Ryerson University for its contribution to the advancement of Caribbean people through its joint programs with UWI, and GAP Adventures, owned by Trinidad born Bruce Poon Tip, for its numerous successes.

 Under the patronage of Dr. G. Raymond Chang, immediate past Chair of CI Financial, Chancellor of Ryerson University and himself, an honorary graduate of UWI, the gala promises to be an evening of celebration, embracing Canada’s rich diversity while raising funds for students in the Caribbean.  Proceeds from the Toronto gala will benefit students through the UWI Scholarship Fund and the UWI Haitian Initiative.

 ”This benefit gala is about supporting students, celebrating the good works of those within our community; and hopefully inspiring others by recognizing the valuable relationship between Canada and the Caribbean,” says Chang.  “This year’s honourees demonstrate our common thread of education, giving back; and service to community, which has added to the rich fabric of Canada.”

 The first man in history to achieve the rare triple title of World Champion, Olympic Champion and World Record Holder, Donovan Bailey is also the first Canadian to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m. Jamaican born, Mr. Bailey now runs Bailey Inc. focusing on real estate and media relations.  He also volunteers his time working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and ParticipAction.  Also Jamaican born, Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman, Portland Holdings Inc. is widely regarded as a visionary entrepreneur whose philosophy of “doing well and doing good” has resulted in phenomenal success and inspiring philanthropic initiatives.

“Our University’s proudest achievement is our graduates who are leading all sectors of Caribbean life and, in the case of those who have migrated, contributed amply to communities in North America, Europe and other places to which they have gone”, says Professor E. Nigel Harris, vice-chancellor, The University of the West Indies.  “This Gala will provide another generation of young people with the means to ensure their place in a rapidly changing global marketplace and to engender a robust future for the Caribbean.”

 The gala will take place on March 26, 2011 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, with interview and photo opportunities available for select honourees. Find additional gala details at www.uwitorontogala.com, and for more timely updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  

About The University of the West Indies Benefit Gala, Toronto

 Building off the success of its inaugural Benefit Gala last year, and with such a strong Caribbean community in Canada, UWI is striving to develop a successful event that will continue to strengthen the relationship between Canada and the Caribbean for years to come.

 The 2010 Benefit Gala was sold out with 460 attendees.  Approximately $230,000 was raised, resulting in 17 scholarships being awarded to students in need.  Those honoured at the inaugural event included: Dr. the Honourable Harry Belafonte, The Honourable Mayann E. Francis, The Honourable Jean Augustine, Professor Dionne Brand, Mr. Austin Clarke, Ms. Maud Fuller, Dr. Herbert Ho Ping Kong, Dr. Robert Moore, Mr. David Rudder, Project Advancement Childhood Education (P.A.C.E), Royal Bank of Canada and Scotiabank.

 About The University of the West Indies Scholarship Fund and Haitian Initiative

 The UWI Regional Endowment Fund (UWIREF) scholarships and bursaries are offered to outstanding students in the Caribbean region who have difficulty financing their university education. The scholarships and bursaries are based on academic excellence and financial need.

The University of the West Indies has accepted numerous Haitian students to complete their degrees at the Mona Campus in Jamaica and St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago.

 About The University of the West Indies

 The University of the West Indies (UWI) was established in 1948 as a college of the University of London.  It achieved full university status in 1962 and today, is the only pan-Caribbean tertiary level institution offering a wide array of diverse and accredited programs to 40,000 students throughout the region, with campuses in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean.

Perla del Caribe Inc. of Miami, FL wants to get paid

 CORAL GABLES, Fla., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The problems of DYC Fishing Ltd. based in Kingston, Jamaica continue on several fronts.

The exporter of fish, lobster and conch is now battling with the Government of Martinique over the ownership of four containers of conch meat reportedly worth an excess of $1.2 million. These containers were seized in September by Martinique officials.

The company Krustafish, is now claiming that DYC Fishing Ltd and its alleged Marketing agent, Wasamaki Ltd, committed fraud by using the bar codes belonging to Krustafish to import products into Martinique. Pursuant to custom laws, this practice is illegal.  

Perla del Caribe, Inc., the Miami-based seafood distributor who obtained a jury verdict against DYC Fishing Ltd, for approximately $1.6 million dollars last November, is also attempting to seize the same containers in Martinique after recording the United States judgment in both Martinique and in Jamaica.

“Later this month, a Jamaican court will determine the enforceability of the U.S. judgment in Jamaica that has gone far enough in avoiding paying its debt to Perla del Caribe,” said Alfonso Perez of Rasco Klock Reininger Perez Esquenazi Vigil and Nieto attorney for Perla del Caribe. “That is not going to work and we will continue to expose their efforts to hide from their obligations.”

 About The Firm

 Founded in 1985, Rasco Klock Reininger Perez Esquenazi Vigil & Nieto has become one of South Florida’s premier law firms with 18 attorneys and 30 staff members, servicing the needs of domestic and international clients. The firm is minority owned and operated and has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to community and pro bono service.  The firm represents public and private companies, government entities, and high net-worth individuals in a wide range of practice areas, which include: real estate, international business, litigation, corporate formation and governance, aviation law, financial institutions, trust and estate planning and administration, arts and entertainment, and government/environmental land use practices. For more information on the Firm, call 305-476-7100 or visit www.rascoklock.com

 Online shoppers in Latin America and the Caribbean enjoy easy, fast, cost-effective delivery from U.S. retailers

 MIAMI, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ – BrandsMart USA (www.BrandsMartUSA.com), one of the largest per-store-volume retailers in the United States, is now expanding its cross-border online shopping capability to customers in Latin America and the Caribbean. The service is made possible through a strategic partnership with PuntoMio (www.PuntoMio.com), the international shopping facilitator that gives non-U.S. residents a U.S. address which they can use to place online orders from U.S. retailers. 

 With this new service, consumers accessing www.BrandsMartUSA.com from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and other countries are directed to the BrandsMart USA international website, through integration with PuntoMio.  Customers will see products displayed in local currency and the purchase price will include transportation to their country, duties, taxes, and delivery within 5 to 8 days of purchase. 

 ”We observe a large amount of Latin American and Caribbean shoppers in our stores every day. Relying on PuntoMio’s expertise to reach out to those customers in their own country is a valuable advantage that we believe will translate into a significant increase in online sales for us,” stated Bobby Johnson, Executive Vice-President of BrandsMart USA.

 E-commerce in LATAM experienced a nearly 40% growth last year, and is expected to increase another 27% in 2010, according to AmericaEconomia Intelligence. “With this partnership we reach out to a growing market and further extend PuntoMio’s visibility among potential customers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Patricia Voigt, General Manager of PuntoMio.  “We offered BrandsMart USA a truly integrated and easy to implement platform that eliminated their challenges with international e-Commerce.  With our private delivery network we were able to offer them much lower and more accurate costs compared to other international checkout solutions that depend on the major express carriers.”

 www.PuntoMio.com provides complete information on how to subscribe to the service and obtain a U.S. address for general shopping from more than 1.7 million other online stores and catalogues in the U.S.

 About PuntoMio

PuntoMio, a division of SkyShop Logistics, Inc (OTC Bulletin Board: SKPN) www.skyshoplogistics.com, is an international shopping facilitator for online buyers that transforms the shopping experience from the time of purchase through cross-border delivery. PuntoMio enables U.S. merchants to sell to non-U.S. residents without the risks associated with foreign sales.

 About BrandsMart USA

BrandsMart USA is the U.S. leading, multi-award winning retailer offering a large selection of high quality merchandise from top brands at low prices since 1977. Currently with 10 storefronts in the South Florida and Atlanta areas, BrandsMart USA provides employment for over 2600 individuals.

 Contact: Natalia Pinheiro

(561) 750-9800 x230

[email protected]

Heads of government, banking, technology, and international development gather for first-ever Global Savings Forum; foundation pledges $500 million and announces new grants to increase access to savings

 SEATTLE, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, today hailed a historic moment that will help bring financial services, particularly savings accounts, to hundreds of millions of people living on less than $2 a day. Speaking at the foundation-hosted Global Savings Forum in Seattle, the first global gathering focused on the role of savings in the developing world, Gates urged leaders in government, banking, mobile communications, and international development to work together to build a new kind of financial infrastructure to bring savings to the poor. She also pledged $500 million from the foundation over the next five years to expand savings.

 ”This is an amazing moment. The stage is set for incredible breakthroughs,” Gates told nearly 200 influential world leaders who gathered for the two-day forum. “As last week’s statement on savings by the G20 proves, financial inclusion is on the global agenda at the highest level. And innovations are happening so fast that, for the first time, the world has the opportunity to provide even the poorest people with access to financial services.”

 Savings accounts are in great demand by the poor in the developing world. Research shows that when they are offered side by side with loans, people chose savings over loans at rates of up to 12:1. In one study, Malawian farmers who were given the option to put aside some of their earnings toward the next planting season increased their farming inputs by 64 percent, resulting in 54 percent higher farm revenues, and 30 percent higher day-to-day expenditures. New research also shows that safe savings options can empower women, help people manage risks, like illness and job loss, and increase investment in livelihoods. Still, less than 10 percent of the world’s 2.5 billion poor have access to formal financial tools.

 ”Savings doesn’t just help people mitigate the risks posed by a medical emergency or a bad crop,” said Gates. “It also gives them the ability to marshal their resources to build something better for themselves and their children. It allows them to fund their own businesses, to look ahead with confidence. Savings helps families to take the giant leap from reacting to events to planning for a healthier, happier future.”

 Gates was joined by influential leaders who discussed the vital role financial services play in improving the lives of the poor, including Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, U.N. Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.

 ”I am a strong believer in the power of financial inclusion,” said Princess Maxima. “When financial services are provided properly, they can help people grow their businesses, shield themselves against unforeseen shocks and make better lives. And I cannot stress enough the importance of savings accounts. Savings is a debt-free way to make investments and take advantage of opportunities, whether starting a business or sending a child to school.”

 As a part of the foundation’s $500 million pledge, Gates announced a package of six new grants totaling $40 million. The grants support projects and partnerships to improve access to savings and other financial services, including:

• Expansion of bank and microfinance services to include savings accounts
• Implementation of new approaches to reach the poor with savings, such as branchless banking and mobile money
• Research to identify how people use formal and informal financial tools, including savings, credit, insurance, and payment services, and to analyze the impact of financial services on the lives of the poor

 Technologies such as mobile phones are already providing safe, reliable, and easy options for people to access financial services. Sixty-nine percent of the developing world already has a mobile connection, and this number is expected to climb to 98 percent within five years.

 ”Technologies like mobile phones are powering a next-generation banking system,” said Chris Locke, managing director of the GSMA Development Fund. “We now have the opportunity to put this to work for the developing world, offering the poorest people tools to manage their assets and build financial security.”

 Other leaders who joined Gates included Janamitra Devan, vice president and head of network, financial, and private sector development for the World Bank–International Finance Corporation (IFC); Njuguna Ndung’u, governor of the Central Bank of Kenya and steering committee chair of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI); Chris De Noose, managing director, World Savings Banks Institute; Yongbeom Kim, director general of Global Financial Architecture Bureau in the Presidential Committee for the G20 Summit; and Luis Urrutia, president, Financial Action Task Force.

 The foundation’s Financial Services for the Poor initiative is working with a wide range of public and private partners to harness technology and innovation to bring quality, affordable, and safe savings accounts and other financial services to the doorsteps of the poor in the developing world. Since 2006, Financial Services for the Poor has already committed more than $530 million to explore ways to increase access to financial services.

 This announcement includes the following grants.

 World Savings Bank Institute (WSBI) (2010-2011)

Doubling Savings for the Poor: $600,000

WSBI will work with major savings banks in developing countries to double the number of savings accounts held by poor people. Building on a $20 million grant to WSBI given in 2008, the program will identify and define viable projects that could be supported to offer affordable, accessible, and sustainable savings accounts with approximately 10 additional WSBI member banks.

 Press Contact

Dirk Smet, +32 2 211 11 90, [email protected]

 Vodacom Tanzania Limited (VTL) (2010-2012)

M-PESA Tanzania Acceleration Opportunity: $4.8 million

This program aims to increase awareness and usage of the mobile money service, M-PESA, in Tanzania, reaching at least 2 million people in 18 months. It looks to improve the lives of millions of Tanzanians, much like M-PESA is doing in Kenya.  

 Press Contact

Mwamvita Makamba, +255 754 706 642, [email protected]

 ShoreBank International, Ltd. (2010-2012)

bKash Mobile Money Platform: $10 million

This project will work with BRAC Bank Limited to build bKash, a scalable mobile money platform that will allow poor Bangladeshis to store, transfer, and receive money safely via their mobile phones. Within five years, the project aims to bring 17.5 million poor people into the formal financial system for the first time ever.

 Press Contact

Nicholas Molodyko, +1 312 881 5806, [email protected]

 Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)/International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) (2010-2013)

CGAP II Technology Program: $6 million

Building on a major grant in 2006, this program will promote the use of branchless banking to increase the number of poor people with access to financial services, particularly savings. Co-funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development and the World Bank, the program includes an innovation fund to support promising approaches and advises banks, microfinance institutions, telecommunication providers, and financial regulators on effective design and regulation.

 Press Contact

Jeanette Thomas, +1 202 473 8869 or +1 202 744 4829, [email protected]

 World Bank (2010-2014)

Global Financial Inclusion Survey: $11.4 million

This program will include 10 financial questions in an existing Gallup global poll to generate first-of-a-kind baseline data on financial inclusion levels across 150 countries. The survey will be issued every three years to measure and track specific data on people’s use and access to formal and informal banking, and financial tools.

 Press Contact

Merrell Tuck-Primdahl, +1 202 473 9516, [email protected]

 Yale University/Innovations for Poverty Action (2010-2014)

The Microsavings & Payments Innovation Initiative (MPII): $7 million

The MPII will strengthen understanding of the financial needs of the poor, and the economic benefits of financial products by launching more than 20 studies to identify the best ways to reach the poor with savings products and money transfer services. To support this effort and build capacity in developing countries, the program looks to expand its research network to include at least 15 more developing country researchers worldwide.

 Press Contact

Dorie Baker, +1 203 432 8553, [email protected]

 Note to Editors

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 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Learn more at www.gatesfoundation.org or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.