CaribPR Wire

TORONTO and PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — RBC International Banking, part of Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE), today announced that Suresh Sookoo, currently chief executive officer of RBTT Financial Group (RBTT), has been appointed chief executive officer, Caribbean Banking. Mr. Sookoo’s responsibilities now encompass Caribbean-wide oversight of retail, business and corporate banking operations.

 ”Suresh’s deep understanding of our business and his proven success as a leader make him the ideal person for this expanded role,” said Jim Westlake, group head, RBC International Banking. “Suresh will focus on integrating our businesses onto a common platform across the Caribbean, enhancing the end-to-end and client experience by simplifying the way we do business, and improving the productivity in our banking network.”

 RBC acquired RBTT in 2008 and Mr. Sookoo’s appointment represents the next step in the integration of RBC Caribbean Banking businesses. RBC has one of the most expansive banking networks in the Caribbean with a presence in 20 countries and territories across the region, 129 combined branches and close to 7,000 employees serving more than 1.6 million clients across the region.

 Suresh Sookoo

 As chief executive officer of RBC’s Caribbean Banking, Mr. Sookoo has Caribbean-wide oversight of retail, business and corporate banking operations. He has been chief executive officer of RBTT since 2006.

 Mr. Sookoo joined RBTT in 1974 and has held senior positions in Corporate and Commercial Banking, Risk Management and Finance. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies and an Executive Masters in Business Administration (Distinction) from the University of the West Indies.

 About RBC

 Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. We are Canada’s largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and transaction processing services on a global basis. We employ approximately 78,000 full – and part-time employees who serve close to 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 51 other countries. For more information, please visit: www.rbc.com.

CaribPR Wire, Toronto, Canada, October 7, 2010 – As part of a campaign to identify and link up with Barbadians across the world, and register their skills and qualifications, Invest Barbados, an economic development agency for Barbados, has  launched a new campaign called, “Return to the Rock,” in which eligible participants could win a free trip for two people to Barbados.

CAMPAIGN DETAILS

The website www.networkbarbados.com  was created to facilitate this process, and Barbadians in the Diaspora are being encouraged to register on the site. To enter the contest, Barbadians living abroad only need to register at www.networkbarbados.com. Each entry has a chance to win an economy fare trip for two people to Barbados. Flights must depart from New York, U.S.A., Toronto, Canada or London, U.K. If Network Barbados receives 10,000 registered names over the next 60 days, two winners will be selected, instead of just one. (Terms & Conditions)

The winning flights will be booked for the final week during Crop Over 2011. This five-week summer Festival has turned into a cultural and culinary extravaganza that attracts thousands of international visitors every year to Barbados.

CAMPAIGN PURPOSE

“We need to significantly increase registrations in order to make the database meaningful as a site for Barbadians to connect, and be informed about what’s happening on the island, and especially what’s happening for Barbadians in the diaspora specifically. We hope this competition initiative for a prize draw of a trip back home for crop over will help us achieve that critical mass of registrations,” said Wayne Kirton, the CEO of Invest Barbados. “Keeping in touch with Barbadians living across the globe also helps us spread the word about what continues to make our country a highly desirable investment location.”

Barbadians living abroad benefit in several ways from signing up on the site, apart from connecting at a social level with other Barbadians, registering on www.networkbarbados.com provides Barbadians living aboard with the opportunity to access timely updates and insights including:

• Governmental changes, legislative shifts, that could directly impact business on and off the island.
• Ability to invest in the development of Barbados and access new initiatives on the ground level.
• Inside access to reach local Barbadians and exclusive ability to post projects (business opportunities) for local responses on the site, the ‘go to’ location for entrepreneurs as well as long-standing business owners.
• Sector trends that help to highlight various business and growth opportunities.
• Wide array of specific investment prospects from government debentures to real estate developments. 

Invest Barbados

Invest Barbados (IB) is the economic development agency of the government of Barbados that  is responsible for attracting, winning and sustaining foreign direct  investment in, and through Barbados, utilizing its international tax treaties, into other countries. The corporation is also responsible for promoting the export of indigenous services and helping to develop and manage the Barbados Business brand.

For more visit: www.investbarbados.org.

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/world-association-for-christian-communication/women-see-modest-gains-in-world-news-media-portrayal

TORONTO, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Women are still significantly underrepresented and misrepresented in news media coverage, according to Global Media Monitoring Project research in 108 countries coordinated by the World Association for Christian Communication, despite significant change since the project began 15 years ago.

 76% of the people heard or read about in the world’s news are male. The world seen in news media remains largely a male one.

 The GMMP monitored 1,365 newspapers, television and radio stations and Internet news sites, 17,795 news stories and 38,253 persons in the news in 108 countries with 82% of the world’s people.

 The report Who Makes the News? The Global Media Monitoring Project 2010 (http://www.whomakesthenews.org/gmmp2010/globalreport-en) was released today in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, along with numerous regional and national reports. 

24% of people in the news are female, compared to 17% in 1995. 44% of persons providing popular opinion in news stories are female compared to 34% in 2005.

• News media show significant gender bias with 46% of news stories reinforcing gender stereotypes.
• 13% of news stories focus centrally on women.
• Expert commentary is overwhelmingly male with only one female in every five experts.
• The age of women in the news is mentioned twice as often and family status almost four times as often as for men.

 Today female reporters are responsible for 37% of stories compared to 28% fifteen years ago, and their stories challenge gender stereotypes twice as often as stories by male reporters.

 Gender bias in Internet news is similar and in some respects even more intense than that found in the traditional news media.

 The 2010 report contains a plan of action for media professionals and others committed to gender-ethical news media.

 The GMMP is the largest and longest running research and advocacy initiative on fair and balanced gender representation in the news media. It is coordinated by WACC, a global network of communicators promoting communication for social change, in collaboration with data analyst Media Monitoring Africa, and with support from the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

 For further information: For further information: www.whomakesthenews.org

TORONTO, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Canada’s most international bank today announced a change in organizational structure that will enable it to capitalize on opportunities for strategic growth. To support the new structure, Scotiabank also announced a series of executive appointments.

 ”We have long been a leader in the international markets where we operate,” said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank President and CEO. “With these changes Scotiabank will be well-positioned to seize significant global business opportunities that align with our strategic plans.”

 Scotiabank announced a re-organization into four business lines:

• Canadian Banking (CB)
• International Banking (IB)
• Scotia Capital (SC)
• Global Wealth Management (GWM)

 Global Wealth Management becomes the fourth pillar in the Bank’s strategy of diversification across multiple geographies, product lines and strong businesses. Existing wealth management and insurance in Canada and internationally will be combined into GWM, along with Global Transaction Banking (GTB).

 In addition, Scotia Capital will have a broader mandate which has been expanded to capitalize on the significant wholesale opportunities in international markets where Scotiabank has a strong presence, most notably in Latin America and Asia. Scotia Capital will continue to be led by Co-CEO’s and Group Heads, Mike Durland, responsible for global capital markets, and Steve McDonald, who leads global corporate & investment banking.

 ”The changes we are announcing today will accelerate the progress of several initiatives that are well underway,” said Waugh.

 To support these changes to organizational structure, Scotiabank is making the following senior leadership appointments.

• Chris Hodgson becomes Group Head, Global Wealth Management
• Rob Pitfield becomes Group Head and Chief Risk Officer
• Brian Porter becomes Group Head, International Banking
• Anatol von Hahn becomes Group Head, Canadian Banking

 ”Scotiabank remains firmly committed to our five key business priorities: sustainable revenue growth, capital management, leadership, prudent risk management and expense management,” said Waugh. “This new structure leverages our progress to date and positions us to compete and win in the global marketplace, recognizing the breadth and diversification of Scotiabank, the strength of our team and our successful business model.”

 Scotiabank is one of North America’s premier financial institutions and Canada’s most international bank. With close to 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 14.6 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With more than $523 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2010), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

30,000 square foot (2787 m2) facility another step in providing much-needed materials for country’s reconstruction

 PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — MSC PLUS, SA, the first full-service home improvement and construction supply store of its kind in Haiti, has opened a 30,000 square foot facility stocked with more than 10,000 items.

 Located on Port-au-Prince’s Boulevard du 15 Octobre, less than a kilometer from the new American Embassy, MSC Plus is stocked with a broad range of construction and home improvement supplies to assist with Haiti’s vast reconstruction needs. 

 ”The country basically needs everything related to construction and home supplies,” said Chris Handal, who along with his three brothers, Michel, Stanley, and Randy, developed and run MSC TRADING SA.  “So we developed this concept of a one-stop shop with everything from the smallest screw, to appliances, to flooring, to finishing supplies, and much more.”

 The Handal family businesses, founded by Michel and Nicole Handal, have been serving the Haitian community since the mid-1960’s. 

 ”Absolutely no one was immune from this catastrophe,” continues Chris Handal.  “We lost close friends, we lost property, but we did not lose our desire to see a brighter future for Haiti.  We are determined to capitalize on the momentum that was realized during 2009, and the hope it brought to all of our people.”

 ”The importance of enterprises such as MSC PLUS to Haiti’s rebuilding efforts cannot be overstated,” said Youri Mevs, president of the Haitian Economic Development Foundation (HEDF), and managing principal of Port-au-Prince based WIN Group.  “For the most part, companies looking to rebuild have to procure construction materials and supplies from neighboring countries, which is expensive and time-consuming. MSC PLUS will stock many of the materials needed to accelerate the repair and rebuilding process of homes, schools, hospitals and businesses.  We applaud their efforts and are honored that they are an integral part of our Foundation.”

 The Haitian Economic Development Foundation was designed to foster economic growth throughout Haiti. The apolitical Foundation is comprised of some of the nation’s most influential enterprises and individuals, with the singular goal of attracting and fostering business in Haiti.

 ”We have taken our government’s message that ‘Haiti is open for business’ to heart,” concludes Handal.  ”The needs are clearly great, and it is of paramount importance that we all do what needs to be done to reignite our economy, create jobs, and help rebuild the country.”

PADF urges attention for children, strengthening institutions

 WASHINGTON, July 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Though great strides have been made since the deadly earthquake in Haiti, immediate problems continue to confront the relief and recovery process that threaten their success, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) told a key congressional subcommittee. (www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org)

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 ”The title of today’s hearing, ‘The Crisis in Haiti: Are We Moving Fast Enough?,’ poses a question that has a simple and easy answer: ‘No,’ we are not moving fast enough,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, the actor and spokesperson for PADF’s recovery efforts in Haiti. “Too many Haitians continue to live in despicable conditions with little hope of moving to recovery in the foreseeable future.”

 Speaking before the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Jimmy Jean-Louis emphasized that more than 1.2 million Haitians live in make-shift camps that are unsafe, unsanitary and unsustainable. Indeed, many live under plastic and even bed sheets.

 In addition to these camps, he urged the donors to give increased attention to the most vulnerable – children, victims of violence and trafficking in persons.

 ”The human rights abuses and violence against women and children have surpassed the crisis point,” he says. “Building roads and bridges are critical to Haiti’s future, but they should not be at the expense of the tens of thousands of young boys and girls who are the country’s future.”

 Despite these and other immense problems, Jimmy Jean-Louis thanked the United States and other supporters who are working on solutions.

 ”I say we are fortunate to have a neighbor that is willing to help out the most disadvantaged during a crisis,” he told the panel. “Haitians will remember the generous support, acts of kindness and prayers on their behalf.”

 Asked by the House Subcommittee as to what is working well, Jean-Louis testified that a little-known program that inspects homes to see if they are safe for occupancy to is making a difference.

 During the past three months, trained engineers working with PADF have inspected more than 53,000 homes and other buildings in the capital area to determine whether they may be occupied.

 Called “tagging,” the engineers place a “green” tag on a safe building; a “yellow” tag indicates it is useable but requires some repair; and a “red” tag states the building must be repaired or demolished before it can be used. PADF is working with the Haitian government and displaced communities to develop training, manuals and prototypes for safe repairs.

 ”This is a critical step in moving people from the deplorable conditions of the displacement camps to homes that are deemed accessible and safe,” he told the Subcommittee.

 How-to help

Individual and corporate donations to PADF-OAS-HUFH’s Haiti recovery efforts are encouraged by visiting www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org.

 In the United States, people may call (877) 572-4484 to donate with a Visa or MasterCard. They may also text HEAL to 50555 to donate $5.

 PADF, along with its partners Hollywood Unites for Haiti (www.hufh.org) and the Organization of American States (www.oas.org), immediately responded to the survivors’ needs by providing food, water, shelter, medicine and other supplies.

 Thanks to individual, corporate and multilateral cash and in-kind donations, they distributed more than 250 tons of supplies since the Jan. 12 earthquake. To learn more, visit www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org

 About PADF

 PADF is a non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past year, more than 5.6 million people in 18 countries benefited from PADF’s programs.

 PADF is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Haiti. With nearly three decades of work on the ground, PADF now manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights. It works closely with all stakeholders to create sustainable solutions.

 Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and has field offices in Haiti, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. www.padf.org

 Donations in the United States: (877) 572-4484

Text HEAL to 50555

www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org

PADF-OAS-HUFH urge continued financial support

 WASHINGTON, July 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — During the six months since the Western Hemisphere’s worst natural disaster, the Pan American Development Foundation and its partners assisted more than 1.3 million Haitians, as well as strengthened vital community organizations and coordinated with the government to ensure long-term success of on-the-ground recovery efforts. (www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org)

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 ”We are proud of our achievements but we are reminded that more than a million Haitians are still homeless and urgently need help,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, the actor and spokesperson for PADF’s recovery efforts in Haiti. “Please visit www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org to learn what we have been doing to improve their lives.”

 PADF and its partners Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH) and the Organization of American States (OAS) immediately responded to the survivors’ needs by providing food, water, shelter, medicine and other supplies. Thanks to individual, corporate and multilateral cash and in-kind donations, they distributed more than 200 tons of supplies worth over $3 million since the Jan. 12 earthquake.

 In addition to relief supplies, PADF employed thousands of Haitians to clear rubble from streets and alleys, clean drainage canals and remove other debris choking neighborhoods.

 To learn more about specific relief efforts, please visit www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org for stories and videos.

 ”We are focusing our efforts on implementing a strategic recovery plan, which is one of PADF’s specialties,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director. “This means moving people out of camps into safe homes, creating sustainable employment and ensuring that Haitians play a major role in the rebuilding of their country.”

 “Tagging” & repairing homes

PADF is helping Haitians to return home by certifying that their houses are safe. It has trained 100 Haitian structural engineers to evaluate homes, schools and other buildings to determine how safe they are. Since May, the engineers have “tagged” 35,000 buildings in three categories: A “green” tag means a structure is perfectly safe; a “yellow” tag indicates it is useable but requires some repair; and a “red” tag states the building must be repaired or demolished before it can be used.

 By the end of July, the engineers will tag 50,000 buildings in Port-au-Prince, which will benefit more than 125,000 Haitians. The six-month program is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

 ”Moving Haitians out of camps and overcrowded dwellings into safe homes is one of our highest priorities, particularly since we are in the hurricane season,” says Sanbrailo. “Haitians are understandable afraid to return to buildings that may collapse. These inspections will give them the certainty they need.”

 Repairing the yellow-tagged buildings is a major challenge for Haiti, particularly since both homeowners and the people they hire are probably unaware of building standards in an earthquake zone.

 Working closely with Haiti’s Public Works Department and under the supervision of U.S. structural engineer and post-earthquake expert Kit Miyamoto, PADF’s tagging project includes hands-on training of construction workers and architects prior to working on the yellow- and red-tagged homes. In addition to brochures and manuals, four model homes have been set up to demonstrate the common repairs they will undertake.

 ”This puts into action the ‘build-better’ concept that we all desire,” says Sanbrailo.

 PADF’s project has a small amount of money that will be used to repair a limited number of homes.

 ”We appreciate USAID’s foresight and generous support,” says Sanbrailo. “Only with its support could PADF undertake this massive and much-needed project.”

 However, Sanbrailo notes that this funding needs to be supplemented by donations from individuals and companies.

 To learn more about earthquake-damaged buildings in Haiti and how PADF is tagging them, please visit www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org to see a video with Kit Miyamoto.

 Protecting the most vulnerable

PADF’s successful, three-year-old Protecting Human Rights (PHR) program has expanded its scope to focus on the needs of the most-vulnerable Haitians, particularly those in the camps.

 PADF brought together its grassroots partners and provided them with training and additional resources to meet the post-earthquake challenges. Together, they are providing psychological support, medical care, safe housing and legal aid to the victims of violence and exploitation. It is funded by USAID.

 Trafficking of women and children, which has been a serious problem in Haiti, was exacerbated after the earthquake. PADF has expanded its anti-trafficking program to cover more communities, including rural areas and the border.

 One Haitian NGO in Petit-Goave praised PADF for its anti-trafficking work and the need to expand the program.

 ”Following the January 12th quake, several families gave their children to the ‘highest bidder,’ fearing the worst for their sons and daughters,” said Jocelyn Jean, the secretary general of ASIDEP, on July 2. “However, in the rural areas where [PADF] trained the communities on [anti-trafficking in persons], the children are still living with their families.”

 To learn more about PADF’s PHR program, please visit www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org for stories and videos.

 Communities deciding their future

Involving Haitians – especially the poorest – in the post-earthquake economic redevelopment process is a key element in PADF’s reconstruction strategy.

 One of PADF’s largest and most-successful programs teaches communities to prioritize, selected and monitor projects that directly affect their quality of life. Called Community Driven Development, it provides grants to start the selected projects.

 Today, PADF is working with more than 360 community-based organizations in 14 Haitian districts — all located in some of the poorest areas — that have identified or are operating in excess of 700 sustainable projects. Now in its third year, PADF implements the program on behalf of the Haitian government. It is funded by the World Bank.

 How-to help

Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, who is originally from Haiti, returned to the island on July 9 to survey the situation and encourage continued donations from individuals and companies to support the rebuilding process.

 ”The suffering of my fellow countrymen is no longer front-page news, but it is still very much a reality,” he says. “It’s unimaginable that Haitians have to live under tarps, bed sheets and even pieces of cardboard. With your help, they can have a dignified life in a safe home.”

 Individual and corporate donations to PADF-OAS-HUFH’s Haiti recovery efforts are encouraged by visiting www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org.

 In the United States, people may call (877) 572-4484 to donate with a Visa or MasterCard. They may also text HEAL to 50555 to donate $5.

 About HUFH

Hollywood Unites for Haiti is a non-profit charitable aid organization based in Los Angeles that that is lead by Jimmy Jean-Louis. www.hufh.org. 

Jimmy Jean-Louis, who plays the “Haitian” on NBC’s hit series “Heroes,” has returned to Haiti several times since the powerful quake. Immediately after Jan. 12, he spent a week in Haiti distributing relief supplies and assisting families. Jimmy returned at the two-month anniversary to continue his work.

 About the OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization and today is comprised of 34 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. www.oas.org

 About PADF

PADF is a non-profit organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past year, more than 5.6 million people in 18 countries benefited from PADF’s programs.

PADF is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Haiti. With nearly three decades of work on the ground, PADF now manages a large portfolio of activities ranging from community-driven development to protecting human rights. It works closely with all stakeholders to create sustainable solutions.

 Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and has field offices in Haiti, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. www.padf.org

Donations in the United States: (877) 572-4484

Text HEAL to 50555

www.ImUnitedforHaiti.org

Access to financial services by mobile phone can dramatically improve the lives of Haitians as country rebuilds from devastating earthquake

 SEATTLE and WASHINGTON, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced a $10 million incentive fund to jumpstart financial services by mobile phone in Haiti and expedite the delivery of cash assistance to victims of the country’s devastating earthquake by humanitarian agencies. This initiative lays the foundation for advanced banking services that could help millions of Haitians lift themselves out of extreme poverty.

Enabling Haitians to send, receive, and store money using their mobile phones has the potential to dramatically improve their lives and leapfrog more conventional banking models to safer, more affordable alternatives. Often called “mobile money,” these services reduce the risks and costs of financial transactions, help increase savings, and generate employment. They also help connect people to difficult-to-access vital services like banking, insurance, and utilities.

“Out of the ruins of Haiti’s tragic earthquake, there is an unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of millions of Haitians and unlock the country’s economic potential through mobile money,” said Mark Suzman, acting president of the Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Making financial services widely available to the poorest families in the developing world can help break the cycle of poverty by giving them a safe place to save, guard against risks, build assets, and provide opportunities for the next generation.”

 ”This partnership provides a unique opportunity to put much-needed cash in the hands of Haitians as they continue to advance on the long road to recovery,” said USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah. “Before the earthquake, fewer than 10 percent of Haitians had ever used a commercial bank. A mobile money system can restore and remake banking in Haiti and serve as an engine of inclusive growth.”

 Shah noted that in other countries’ experience with mobile banking, users start keeping money on hand in their mobile “wallets” for emergencies, setting up a pattern of savings that leads to other benefits. “Encouraging savings and increasing access to credit through these mobile services will help Haitian families improve their financial stability and look toward a better future,” said Shah.

 The fund will offer cash awards to companies that initiate mobile financial services in Haiti. The first company to launch a mobile money service that meets certain criteria in the next six months will receive $2.5 million. The second operator to launch and reach these benchmarks within 12 months will receive $1.5 million. Another $6 million will be awarded as the first 5 million transactions take place, divided accordingly between those operators that contributed to the total number of transactions.

 The foundation and USAID share a goal of increasing mobile money services for the poor and will work together to oversee the incentive fund. The foundation will provide $10 million in awards plus additional funds for related activities. USAID will offer technical and management assistance and other funding totaling approximately $5 million through one of its projects, Haiti Integrated Finance for Value Chains and Enterprise (HIFIVE), already underway in Haiti to improve access to financial services for the underserved.

 In the short term, mobile money services have the potential to accelerate Haiti’s recovery. The destruction of more than one-third of the country’s bank branches, ATMs, and money transfer stations in the earthquake has meant that cash shortages for Haitians have been severe. Mobile money services will help families and friends, humanitarian agencies, charities and donors get billions of aid money and remittances into the hands of Haitians.

 Much of the short-term relief will be distributed through cash-for-work programs such as those run in Port-au-Prince and throughout Haiti by USAID. These programs provide Haitians with an opportunity to earn a livelihood while providing critical services. Workers remove rubble from key thoroughfares that pave the way for displaced individuals to return to their homes. They also execute rain and hurricane season mitigation measures to protect those displaced by the earthquake from life-threatening floods, landslides and severe storms. This program puts money in the pockets of Haitians and encourages commerce to resume. United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations are now making these payments by cash but are eager to switch to speedier and more cost-effective mobile money payments.

 In the long term, mobile money could help millions of Haitians improve their lives through easy access to savings accounts and other financial services. One example of this is in Kenya, where mobile money is already having a dramatic impact. Just three years after its launch, Kenya’s M-PESA mobile money service now has more than 9 million users (40 percent of all adult Kenyans), who pay for everything from taxi fares to school fees via mobile phone. The transactions are much safer than carrying cash, and rural households using M-PESA saw their incomes increase by 5 to 30 percent, according to early results of a recent study by the University of Edinburgh. Just last month, M-PESA customers were given the option to link their mobile phones to bank accounts, further increasing their opportunity to overcome poverty.

 More than 90 percent of the world’s poor don’t have access to safe, affordable savings accounts and resort to risky, expensive, and inefficient ways to save because of the high costs of traditional banking services. The costs of physical bank buildings with dedicated bank tellers are significant, especially when serving poor clients with small deposits.

 Since 2006, the foundation’s Financial Services for the Poor initiative has committed nearly $500 million to explore ways to increase access to financial services. A National Bureau of Economic Research report suggests that poor households with access to savings accounts are more likely to invest in education, increase productivity and income, and reduce vulnerability to illness and other unexpected events. The foundation works with a wide range of public and private partners to harness technologies and innovation to bring basic financial tools – particularly savings accounts – to the doorsteps of the poor in the developing world.

 Separately, the foundation has awarded $2 million to help with relief efforts in Haiti, including shelter, food, water, sanitation, health, and other needs.

 The day after Haiti’s catastrophic January 12 earthquake, President Obama asked USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah to lead a “swift, coordinated, and aggressive” response. In the days and weeks that followed, USAID leveraged the talents and resources throughout the federal government in a synchronized effort to support the efforts of the government of Haiti, the United Nations, and the international community. As part of this effort, USAID supported U.S. search and rescue teams that pulled 132 people from the rubble, the largest-ever urban food distribution through the World Food Program for more than 3.5 million people, and the vaccination of more than 1 million people.

 Today, this work continues in myriad projects, including USAID cash-for-work programs that employ approximately 24,000 people every day, ongoing efforts to construct shelter and mitigate the effects of the rain and hurricane season, and the US government’s significant support of the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission and the multi-donor trust fund.

 Editor’s Note

 For information about the incentive fund criteria, contact [email protected].

 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.

 U.S. Agency for International Development

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development, the American people have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

For more information about USAID’s programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/.

‘Active’ hurricane season is predicted for Caribbean, Central America

WASHINGTON, May 31 /PRNewswire/ — On the eve of what is predicted to be one of the worst Atlantic hurricane seasons in years, the Pan American Development Foundation is urging residents in Central America and the Caribbean to put together emergency plans.

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“Families need to put together a plan now,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s executive director. “A few simple steps will make a difference, possibly even save lives, when the wind, rain and flooding hits a community.”

Forecasters anticipate up to 23 named storms this season, with as many as 14 hurricanes, in the Atlantic. Of that, the region could see up to seven major hurricanes, which have winds of at least 111 miles per hour, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

PADF has responded to hurricanes, earthquakes and floods, as well provided humanitarian assistance, in Latin America and the Caribbean for nearly 50 years. It works with authorities, companies and community groups to reduce the risks of natural disasters. (www.PanAmericanRelief.org)

Since a family may have to evacuate their home for an extended period of time, an emergency plan should contain the following:

• Put all important legal documents (property documents, passports, birth certificates, etc.) into a water-tight container
• Store in a sealed container a 30-day supply of prescription medications
• Create a disaster supply kit, which includes non-perishable food, a flashlight with fresh batteries, matches, a first aid kit and a portable radio
• Coordinate with your family members an escape route and a final safe place to meet, such as a shelter
• Create a plan for the safety of pets and livestock (and be sure they have identification tags)
• Ask your local authorities for their natural disaster plan, including evacuation routes, and which areas of the your community have the greatest risk for flooding and landslides
• Clean all drainage canals of debris and trim tree branches that may strike your home or utilities

“While our region is no stranger to the damages caused by the wind, rain and flooding of a hurricane, we are surprised how few people plan for a disaster,” says Sanbrailo. “Many times, the tools they need to make a plan are in their homes and community. Please seek them out.”

When a natural disaster strikes in Latin America or the Caribbean, PADF accepts donations from individuals and companies to help relieve the suffering of the survivors. Donors are encouraged to call toll-free (877) 572-4484 or to visit www.PanAmericanRelief.org.

About PADF

PADF is a non-profit, nongovernmental organization established in 1962 to promote, facilitate, and implement social and economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean. In the past year, it had more than 5.6 million beneficiaries in 18 countries. PADF is also the natural disaster relief arm of the Organization of American States (OAS).  (www.PanAmericanRelief.org)

Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C., and has field offices in Haiti, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere. www.padf.org

CONTACT:  Michael J. Zamba, Senior Director of Communications, Pan American Development Foundation, [email protected], +1-202-458-3969, Donations: +1-877-572-4484, www.PanAmericanRelief.org

US $2 Billion Lawsuit Claims Petrotrin Expropriated Assets in Joint Venture Company, World GTL Trinidad Limited

NEW YORK, May 13 /PRNewswire/ — World GTL Inc, in the largest lawsuit ever filed against a private or Government-owned company in Trinidad, and amid upcoming elections, said it had served, with the help of a court order there, the Government-owned Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin) with a complaint in the United States Federal District court for the wrongful expropriation of its assets in a joint venture company, World GTL Trinidad Limited.  The Complaint requests damages of more than US $2 billion.

 World GTL Trinidad Limited was constructing a gas-to-liquid plant located within the Petrotrin refinery in Point-a Pierre, Trinidad, 51% owned by the World GTL Inc subsidiary, World GTL of St. Lucia Ltd, and 49% by Petrotrin. When expropriated, the plant was in the process of being commissioned and would have been the first commercial GTL plant in the western hemisphere.

 World GTL Inc says it is seeking damages equal to the projected enterprise value contemplated by Wall Street analysts in an initial public offering.

 In the complaint, World GTL Inc says Petrotrin executed its secret plan to expropriate the plant with the full knowledge and consent of the Trinidad Government.

 In 2005 World GTL Inc and Petrotrin entered into a “Project Agreement” to build a gas-to-liquid plant within Petrotrin’s refinery at a location selected by Petrotrin and recommended as safe, when in fact it was directly down wind from Petrotrin’s Sulfur Recovery Unit.  Petrotrin assured World GTL Inc the refinery location was environmentally safe.

 ”In order to obtain project financing, Petrotrin introduced us to Credit Suisse, noting that a former Trinidad finance minister was now an officer of the bank. The bank agreed to provide a US $125 million loan,” said James Carlisle, World GTL Inc’s vice president of finance and operations.

 ”Contrary to Petrotrin’s representations when we entered into a ‘Project Agreement,’ there were numerous toxic sulfur releases from the Petrotrin refinery, which contaminated the entire facility including the gas-to-liquid plant,” said Carlisle. “We had to evacuate the plant on many occasions – sometimes for as long as two months at a time – creating unforeseen cost overruns and delays severely impacting our ability to meet the completion date set forth in the agreement with Credit Suisse.  Plant closings and evacuations continued despite the many assurances from our partner, Petrotrin, that the situation was being corrected,” he said.

 However, according to the Complaint, Petrotrin surreptitiously bought World GTL Trinidad’s loan from Credit Swiss, which had been jointly guaranteed, clearly demonstrating its intent to be the sole owner of the gas-to-liquid plant.

 ”Moreover, with a clear disregard for their fiduciary responsibilities to the GTL joint venture company, Petrotrin engaged in actions demonstrating it planned to control the project,” continued Carlisle.  “This included payment to Credit Suisse of a disputed $16.2 million breakage premium in order to facilitate taking ownership of the loan,” said Carlisle. “This was done secretly so they could declare a default effectively expropriating the assets without compensating us,” he said.

 According to the complaint, World GTL Inc and its subsidiary, World GTL St. Lucia, allege that Petrotrin did not make the requisite corrections to the sulfur problem because it at all times wanted timely completion of the construction of the plant to fail, thereby creating a default under the terms of the loan agreement with Credit Suisse. This allowed Petrotrin to appoint a Receiver to take over all the assets of the entire project without proper compensation to World GTL Inc. This action was not only contrary to the agreements between the parties but constituted fraud on its face, according to the Complaint.

 World GTL Inc is seeking compensation from Petrotrin for alleged fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, negligence and expropriation.

 World GTL Inc, based in New York City, was formed in 2000 to build and operate gas-to-liquid (GTL) facilities that convert natural gas (coal and other hydrocarbons) into high-value, pollution free fuels and other valuable products.

NOTE TO EDITORS:  For a detailed timeline/fact sheet of events leading to the Complaint, please contact Jay DeBow at 212-906-9192 or email him at [email protected].

- Migratory bird stop between North and South America at risk

 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 6 /PRNewswire/ — A new environmental study sharply critical of the Government of Barbados shows the key Graeme Hall mangrove wetland is disappearing due to outside pollution and poor water quality.

 The Graeme Hall wetland is the last remaining mangrove in Barbados — a red mangrove forest that has existed for no less than 1,300 years. It is the only wetland in Barbados recognized internationally under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar). It acts as a Caribbean flyway stop for migratory birds between North and South America.

 The extensive 800-page study (www.graemehall.com/press/papers/Graeme Hall 043010 MEA.pdf) prepared for the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary by Environmental Engineering Consultants of Tampa, Florida shows the Sanctuary has suffered a 77 per cent reduction in salinity in the past ten years due to an inoperative government-run sluice gate. The huge reduction signals “an inevitable failure of the mangrove ecosystem” as freshwater flora and fauna take over.

 The study also cites damaging factors including: dumping of raw sewage into the wetland instead of the sea by the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant; contaminated storm water runoff originating from 1,150 acres of government-managed drainage systems; and, commercial and residential pollutants from adjoining properties.

 ”The government owned and operated sluice gate failure confirms our worst fears,” said Stuart Heaslet, an official with Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. “It means that as the mangrove forest dies, it will not grow back because freshwater plants are taking over.”

 The original environmental investment was based on the area being protected as a brackish mangrove ecosystem.

 ”The study confirms that Government-controlled pollution is being dumped into the wetland. Despite our formal offers of technical and financial assistance to government, there has been no response. We can’t defend ourselves against pollution and environmental mismanagement outside our boundaries. Bird counts are down, crabs are disappearing, and we are seeing environmental degradation everywhere.”

 Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary occupies 42 per cent of the Ramsar wetland at Graeme Hall, and is owned by Peter Allard, a Canadian investor and philanthropist who has put more than US $35 million into the 35-acre eco-tourism site to preserve the last significant mangrove woodland and wetland on the island.

 ”The investment in the Sanctuary was supposed to be part of a sustainable environmental initiative, dependent on government leadership,” said Allard. “As the largest private environmental stakeholder in Barbados, we continue to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to maintain the Sanctuary, but we all have to face the fact that it’s Government who is killing the wetland. The study shows that our environmental commitment and investment cannot withstand this assault.”

 The Sanctuary in fact closed its doors to the general public in late 2008 when problems of pollution and water quality became overwhelming.

 ”This isn’t just a problem for the Ramsar environmental wetland and our investment, it’s also a health and human welfare problem for the people of Barbados,” said Allard.

 Despite a 6,000 signature petition by citizens of Barbados to create a 240-acre national park at Graeme Hall, a new government zoning policy calls for commercial and residential development for the majority of the area.

 As the Canadian owner of the Sanctuary, Allard has filed several complaints alleging that the Government of Barbados has violated its international obligations by refusing to enforce its environmental laws, thereby allowing increased pollution and land development to damage the Sanctuary.

 See study: www.graemehall.com/press/papers/Graeme Hall 043010 MEA.pdf

 Related articles:

 http://graemehall.com/press/releases/bilateral-investments-treaty-complaint/20091028-BIT-Complaint.pdf

 http://graemehall.com/press/releases/barbados-endangers-wetlands/20091203-Barbados-Endangers-Wetlands.pdf

Joins Assistant Secretary of State Eric Schwartz as USAID Operations Transition from Emergency Response to Long-Term Reconstruction

 WASHINGTON, May 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – Susan Reichle, USAID’s Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, visited Haiti Wednesday through Friday this week to meet with key stakeholders to discuss the U.S. Government’s ongoing transition from emergency response to reconstruction, continued deployment of mitigation efforts in advance of the rainy season, and plans for transitional shelter construction in the next few months. 

 (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091022/USAIDLOGO )

 ”We are as committed to delivering the ’swift, coordinated, and aggressive’ response that President Obama ordered today as we were in the initial days after the earthquake,” Reichle said.  “The conditions have changed and we’ve begun to see results—but we’ve got a long way to go.  With hurricane season right around the corner, we’re heavily focused on executing mitigation measures to help those in danger, helping to restart the economy through cash-for-work programs that clear clogged roads and canals of rubble, and carefully monitoring those at risk to stem major heath problems before they turn into outbreaks.”

 ”We’ve also prepositioned relief supplies, including food, water, and plastic sheeting in our warehouse in Miami so that in case another disaster looks likely to strike, we can quickly get them on the ground and out to those in need.”

 As part of the visit, Reichle met with Major Simeon G. Trombitas, commander of US Army South; conferred with local NGO implementing partners; and visited a cash-for-work site in Delmas.  Together with Eric Schwartz, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, she discussed mitigation efforts related to the upcoming rainy season, maximizing coordination amongst fellow donors and the international community, and USAID’s long-term reconstruction efforts with Nigel Fisher, the Deputy Special Representative, Ad Interim, for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).  Reichle and Schwartz also met with Haitian government officials and leaders of the UN Human Rights Commission, UNICEF, and civil society group officials.  They visited the Petionville Golf Club and Ancien Aeroport internally-displaced-people (IDP) camps. 

 During her visit, Reichle spent a considerable amount of time with USAID staff and others from the US Government who are working to support the Government of Haiti’s reconstruction strategy. The US Government has already committed more than $1 billion towards Haiti relief and pledged another $1.15 billion at the donors’ conference held last month.  Of this funding, USAID contributions total more than $500 million.

 For more information about USAID’s programs around the world, please visit: www.usaid.gov.

 The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.

LONDON, April 13/PRNewswire/ — The Association of Business Executives (ABE) is pleased to announce that there were a record-breaking 21 top paper award winners in Trinidad in the December 2009 ABE examinations. This is a tremendous achievement by ABE students and colleges alike and they deserve to be congratulated on their success. Two colleges in particular, SBCS and CTS, deserve special mentions for tutoring eight and five of these high-achievers respectively.  There were also three top paper award winners at SITAL and one at INTAD. Interestingly, four private students also won awards indicating the flexibility of ABE qualifications and the potential for self-study. 

 Over 28% of all ABE top paper award winners worldwide in December 2009 studied in Trinidad. This success indicates the high levels of commitment and hard-work which ABE students in Trinidad continue to show and we are proud to offer our qualifications on the island and throughout the Caribbean.

 ABE will be hosting an event in Trinidad later this year to honour these students and to give all ABE students a chance to network with employers, colleges and each other.

 There will be more information on this event soon but to hear about this or to find out more about how and where to study for an ABE qualification, contact the ABE Local Representative, Glenda Esdelle at [email protected] or call her on +1-868-663-4107.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 9, 2010: Caribbean nationals across New York State and the U.S., who have yet to fill out and return their 2010 Census forms are being urged to not be foolish and squander the opportunity to truly stand up and count.

There is still time for the form to the filled out and returned so that the federal dollars desperately needed to keep city services flowing can be accessed, said Carib ID Thursday.

The  organization, which has spent since 2008 pushing Caribbean nationals to ensure an accurate count in the Census, painted a picture of overcrowded classrooms, less police and fire men in Caribbean neighborhoods and possibly closed fire houses, closed libraries, poorer hospital care and longer wait times at emergency rooms, poor roads, fewer garbage pickups and less resources for senior or day care facilities and services if Caribbean neighborhoods, especially in New York, fail to complete their Census survey.

“This is the moment to ensure that the tax dollars you pay from the two to three jobs you work weekly can be accessed to help you, your children, your family and your neighborhood improve your standard of living through better social services that are accessible in most non-minority neighborhoods,` said Carib ID officials. “ You cannot complain and moan about poor services, library closures and large classroom sizes if you refuse to take 10 minutes or less to fill out the Census form and mail it back. You have until April 17 th. Wake up and smell the coffee. This is not a joke. This is it. You can make history and count or continue to be dismissed as a bunch of invisible fools.”

Carib ID also reminded the undocumented that if they do not fill out and return the Census form then they are squandering the opportunity to prove that they have been living in the U.S, which will be a requirement of getting legalization under immigration reform.

Caribbean nationals are again reminded to write in their country of origin or ancestry under the Some Other Race section of Question 9 on the forms they got in the mail or on those collected at Be Counted Center, ensure they add the same information on Question 5.

“We need every single Caribbean national in the U.S. to make sure they count by filling out the form, writing in their ancestry and returning it,` said Carib ID’s Felicia Persaud on Thursday. “Census numbers determine every aspect of our lives in this country and right now we are largely invisible as we have no accurate means of identification on the form. We must make sure we end this trend by counting not just our ethnicities but our nationalities this Census so we can all win. Or we can continue to be fools and maintain the cycle of dismissal.”

 CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 2, 2010: Guyana-born award-winning cultural ambassador, natural lifestyle consultant and master drummer, Menes De Griot, is set to bring a traditional twist to Easter celebration in his country of birth this weekend.

 Griot, son of the late Art Sebastion Broomes, will be celebrating Easter in true Kweh Kweh tradition on the Essequibo Coast from April 5 – 7^th.

The true essence of Kweh Kweh is set for Lot 14 Reliance, Essequibo, Guyana. The three-day event is being presented in memory of Josephine Kellman, better known as Ma or Aunt Elvy, the matriarch of the Kellman clan, and the late Mondelle Kellman.

 According to Menes De Griot, the event is to “keep our tradition heritage and culture alive.”

 Joining in the celebration will be Essequibo’s number one cultural icon, Leary Mc Kenzie and his group Afida of Linden, singer Syd Hooper, saxophone player Wilbert Saxie, Guyana’s legendary pan player, tuner, pan maker and arranger Frank Nigerian Lynch and John Miller on drums.

 Menes De Griot, who has performed throughout the world promoting and lecturing on Guyana’s culture, will also host a village town hall gathering on Wednesday April 6^th focusing on health and wellness.

 Menes De Griot has received many community and political citations for his work in New York and is the winner of cultural awards from the Ifaorisa International Organization of Trinidad and the Guyana Cultural Organization of Canada.

 He continues a 17-year tradition as part of the Medgar Evers College of New York’s tribute to the ancestors.  

 For more on Menes De Griot and his work visit him at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?v=wall&viewas=504402806&ref=ts&id=1600713451

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Mar. 31, 2010: With the return day for all Census forms set for tomorrow, April 1, Carib ID, the movement started in 2008 by Felicia Persaud to get Caribbean nationals accurately counted across the U.S., is urging all Caribbeans to make sure they fill out and return their 2010 U.S. Census form while writing in your Caribbean country of origin or ancestry under the Some Other Race section of Question 9.

“We need every single Caribbean national in the U.S. to make sure they count by filling out the form, writing in their ancestry and returning it,` said Persaud on Wednesday. “Census numbers determine every aspect of our lives in this country and right now we are largely invisible as we have no accurate means of identification on the form. We must make sure we end this trend by counting not just our ethnicities but our nationalities this Census so we can all win.”

Carib ID is urging all to help stem the tide of low Census return rates in Caribbean communities across the country by taking pride in their ancestry and documenting their presence in the U.S.

The organization reminded nationals that failure to take the Census means millions left at the table and little to no funding for social services in their communities while for Caribbean media, organizations, festivals and event promoters, Census numbers are used to determine sponsorship and advertising dollars.

For the undocumented, it is imperative that they fill out and keep a copy of the form as it provides them with proof that they are living in the U.S. so that once immigration reform comes around, they can take advantage and get a green card, said Carib ID.

ABOUT CARIB ID
Carib ID is a historic initiative from Hard Beat Communications and an endorsed effort by dozens of Caribbean media partners and key groups and individuals across the U.S. to secure an accurate count of Caribbean nationals. For more, log on to www.caribid2010.com.

ABOUT FELICIA PERSAUD
Felicia Persaud is founder of the ethnic PR and advertising agency, Hard Beat Communications, Inc., (www.hardbeatcommunications.com); CaribPR Wire, the PR wire of the Caribbean (www.caribpr.com) and CARIB ID and publisher of CaribWorldNews (caribworldnews.com).

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 22, 2010: Caribbean nationals and Caribbean Americans across the U.S. are being reminded to ensure they write in their nationality on their 2010 Census forms this census.

The message was repeated many times over this past weekend as Carib ID founder, Felicia Persaud, took to the airwaves of Caribbean shows across the U.S. to drum home the write in message to Caribbean nationals.

Persaud kicked off her Saturday with a live radio interview into Atlanta at noon where she told Caribbean listeners of the Future Movement radio show with Pat Baccas on 1420AM WATB and 1430AM that the moment was now to not simply fill out and return the census forms but to write in their nationality under the some other race section of question 9 of the form while filling in their race.

Which means if you are Guyanese and black or Jamaican and White, then simply place an X next to that ethnic category on question 9 and another X near the Some Other Race Section and write in Guyanese or Jamaican or whatever your country of origin or roots are. This applies to any one from the Caribbean or Africa including those from Belize.

`This is the moment to truly stand up and count,` said Persaud, who repeated the message to Lady D on WOKB 1600 AM in Orlando, Florida.

`It`s not enough to simply be proud to be Caribbean,` said Persaud. `Now is the time to make history as we document this fact. In 2010, Caribbean nationals must be the new sought after bloc.`

At 1:25 p.m., she joined Irie Jam radio on WVIP 93.5 FM in New York to urge listeners on that station to wave their flags like they do in parties and fill out the Census form while writing in their nationality.

At 5 p.m. on Saturday, Persaud used the airwaves of WWRL 1600 AM`s `Caribbean Corner` show, which she appears on weekly, to link in with various Caribbean leaders in order to drive home the census message.

She was joined by attorney and radio personality, Marlon Hill, of South Florida, who at 4:15 pm Saturday completed his Census form live on the airwaves of WZAB radio with Eddy Edwards. Persaud also completed her form live on the WWRL show.

Hill for his part encouraged all listeners to take less than 10 minutes and return the forms for the future of the community and their children.

The message was reiterated by Haitian radio personality, Ricot Duprey who repeated the write in message in Kreyole for listeners even as U.S. Census, New York, representative, Irwine Clare, urged listeners to ensure they get the services they deserve in their communities and the representation by filling out and returning the form.

At 8:40 p.m. Persaud was live into Caribbeana show on WPFW 89.3FM with Von Martin in D.C. to repeat the write in message and stress the urgency. She wrapped up her day with an 11 p.m. interview into Miami, telling Hot 105 FM`s Tanto Irie and Lady English that the census is nothing to be afraid of but one that can help us all, not through social services, but in ensuring that the undocumented can use it as proof that they have been living in the U.S. to legalize their status once immigration reform occurs.

Carib ID was founded by Persaud in 2008 to get Caribbean nationals accurately counted in the Census.

She will appear on One Caribbean Radio this morning after completing similar interviews on Radio Soleil, the Haitian radio station in New York, the CaribZone with Ian Eliger and the BBC Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Jason Walker of WRFG 89.3 FM in Atlanta, will complete his own form live on March 26th while Lloyd Cummings of the award-winning Caribbean Rhythms on WURD 900 AM in Philadelphia will complete his form live on March 27th.

Walker, who is also part of CaribLifeCentral.com along with Sheldon Mundle, has actively been promoting the Caribbean write in message. CaribLifeCentral.com has launched its `I Am Caribbean` Census Awareness Campaign to encourage Caribbean-Americans to ensure they count in 2010.  As part of the `I Am Caribbean` awareness campaign CaribLifeCentral.com has produced a Web-based public service announcement available through YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIZMZGd91s0.

And new advocacy organization Caribbean One is timing its launch with the 2010 Census, as it joins the Carib ID push through a distribution of thousands of posters and information cards to Caribbean-American businesses across New York.

`Being Caribbean is not a race,` says Kendrick Ross, Caribbean One`s founder. `Caribbean Americans can be Black, White, Asian, Indian, or a combination of races, in addition to their Caribbean heritage. And that heritage means interests and concerns that are distinct from other groups.`

Carib ID, a historic initiative from Hard Beat Communications, is an endorsed effort by a number of media partners and key groups across the U.S. to secure an accurate count of Caribbean nationals. Among the partners of Carib ID are Ann Walters and Loughton Sargeant of the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Association, Chris Chaplin of the Philadelphia Caribbean Complete Count Committee, The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, the Bowling Green Association, Ecaroh Entertainment, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey, Pastor Gil Montrose and the Brooklyn Center For Quality Life, the Caribbean Association of Mid West America, Caribbean One, The Caribbean American Center of New York, The Midwest Caribbean Network,  Students of Caribbean Ancestry, the Guyanese American Workers United, Jamaica Diaspora representative, Marlon Hill and Soca De Vote,  the D.C., Chicago, New York and Atlanta carnival associations, and a large number of media houses and media practitioners including the Caribbean American Journalists & Media Association, Inc., DJ Norrie, Power 105 FM; CBean.Tv,  the Caribbean International Network, Caribbean World News Network, Irie Jam Media, One Caribbean Radio, Carib Voice newspaper, South Florida Caribbean, Jamaicans.com, Zync TV and G-Arts Media, Whatz Up TV, Caribbean Vibes Radio, Deeraj TV, Carib Nation TV, CaribVoice Radio, Tropicalfete, Jason Walker, WFGG Atlanta, Eddy Edwards, Ken Webb, The West Indian newspaper, SMAC Productions and Caribbean Life Style TV  among others.

For more log on to www.caribid2010.com.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Mar. 19, 2010: Carib ID, the movement founded to get Caribbean nationals accurately counted, this week ramped up a media blitz of interviews and online promotions as the countdown begins to the April 1st return date for Census forms.

CaribID founder Felicia Persaud has been on a media blitz all week, spreading the important write in message through several radio interviews including with One Caribbean Radio, Radio Soleil, the Haitian radio station in New York, the CaribZone with Ian Eliger and the BBC Caribbean as well as via numerous e-promotions.

Persaud and Carib ID partners are urging all Caribbean nationals across the U.S. and those who are born of Caribbean parents to document this fact by writing in their nationality or ancestry under the Some Other Race box of the form on Question 9 while ticking in their ethnic identity as well.

Which means if you are Guyanese and black or Jamaican and White, then simply place an X next to that ethnic category on question 9 and another X near the Some Other Race Section and write in Guyanese or Jamaican or whatever your country of origin or roots are. This applies to any one from the Caribbean or Africa including those from Belize.

`This allows for a win, win for not just the ethnic blocs but the Caribbean American community across the United States,` said Persaud. `It is not simply about filling out the forms but Caribbean nationals must count on this write in effort in order for us to begin to truly tell our economic story in the United States and harness our power.`

On Saturday, the CaribID founder will stop for a photo shoot for Patois magazine before appearing live on several radio shows including at noon with Pat Baccas on 1420AM WATB and 1430AM WGFS into Atlanta, GA; at 12:50 p.m. with Lady D and Caribbean Connections on WOKB 1600 AM in Orlando, FL.; at 8:40 p.m. with Von Martin on Caribbeana on WPFW 89.3FM in D.C. and at 11 p.m. with Tanto Irie on Hot 105 FM in Miami, Florida.

This comes as Carib ID and Riddims Marketing push Caribbean American announcers to complete their Census forms live on air especially in key U.S. cities where Caribbean nationals live.

Among the stations collaborating on the live Census form write in campaign push this weekend are Eddy Edwards and Marlon Hill on WZAB 880 AM in Miami, Tanto Irie on Hot 105 FM in Miami, FL; Rennie Bishop and Persaud on Caribbean Corner on WWRL 1600 in New York, Pat Baccas on 1420AM WATB and 1430AM WGFS in Atlanta, GA; Caribbeana with Von Martin on WPFW 89.3FM in D.C., Lady Cham on Caribbean Connection in Virginia and Lady D on WOKB 1600 AM in Orlando, FL.

Edwards, host of the Caribbean Riddims radio show will, complete his Census form along with attorney Hill of The Peoples Politics, live on air – WZAB 880 AM  – on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 4 P.M. EST.  Listeners will be encouraged to complete their own form during this live on air community action.

Persaud will complete her own form live on WWRL 1600 on Caribbean Corner between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and connect with other announcers across the country who are doing their part to spread the message.

`We are hoping that this live event will help many of our listeners to develop a level of trust and confidence in the process.  The Census is a critical part of identifying our community and ensuring their piece of the American pie,` stated Edwards, producer and host of Caribbean Riddims. 

`We are serious about recognizing and activating our personal power as a community.  We want to affirm publicly to each other that we will get this done and to inspire each other collectively,` added Hill, commentator on Caribbean Riddims in the weekly segment, The Peoples Politics.

 After completing the form, listeners will be encouraged to share with their family and friends, `I Counted Today. I Have The Power!`  

Jason Walker of WRFG 89.3 FM in Atlanta, will complete his own form live on March 26th while Lloyd Cummings of the award-winning Caribbean Rhythms on WURD 900 AM in Philadelphia will complete his form live on March 27th.

Walker, who is also part of CaribLifeCentral.com along with Sheldon Mundle, has actively been promoting the Caribbean write in message. CaribLifeCentral.com has launched its `I Am Caribbean` Census Awareness Campaign to encourage Caribbean-Americans to ensure they count in 2010.  As part of the `I Am Caribbean` awareness campaign CaribLifeCentral.com has produced a Web-based public service announcement available through YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIZMZGd91s0.

Meanwhile, new advocacy organization Caribbean One is timing its launch with the 2010 Census, as it joins the Carib ID push through a distribution of thousands of posters and information cards to Caribbean-American businesses across New York.

`Being Caribbean is not a race,` says Kendrick Ross, Caribbean One`s founder. `Caribbean Americans can be Black, White, Asian, Indian, or a combination of races, in addition to their Caribbean heritage. And that heritage means interests and concerns that are distinct from other groups.`

Carib ID, a historic initiative from Hard Beat Communications, is an endorsed effort by a number of media partners and key groups across the U.S. to secure an accurate count of Caribbean nationals. Among the partners of Carib ID are Ann Walters and Loughton Sargeant of the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Association, Chris Chaplin of the Philadelphia Caribbean Complete Count Committee, The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, the Bowling Green Association, Ecaroh Entertainment, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey, Pastor Gil Montrose and the Brooklyn Center For Quality Life, the Caribbean Association of Mid West America, Caribbean One, The Caribbean American Center of New York, The Midwest Caribbean Network,  Students of Caribbean Ancestry, the Guyanese American Workers United, Jamaica Diaspora representative, Marlon Hill and Soca De Vote,  the D.C., Chicago, New York and Atlanta carnival associations, and a large number of media houses and media practitioners including the Caribbean American Journalists & Media Association, Inc., DJ Norrie, Power 105 FM; CBean.Tv,  the Caribbean International Network, Caribbean World News Network, Irie Jam Media, One Caribbean Radio, Carib Voice newspaper, South Florida Caribbean, Jamaicans.com, Zync TV and G-Arts Media, Whatz Up TV, Caribbean Vibes Radio, Deeraj TV, Carib Nation TV, CaribVoice Radio, Tropicalfete, Jason Walker, WFGG Atlanta, Eddy Edwards, Ken Webb, The West Indian newspaper, SMAC Productions and Caribbean Life Style TV  among others.

For more log on to www.caribid2010.com.

Independent report calls for major and immediate cuts in public sector expenditure

 GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, March 16 /PRNewswire/ — Direct taxation has been ruled out for The Cayman Islands, according to a report from an independent economic commission published this week.

 The Miller Report was commissioned by the Cayman Islands government at the request of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the FCO requested that the Cayman government appoint an independent external commission to undertake a detailed economic assessment of the impact of changes in revenue sources. The report also examines changes in spending and public sector entitlements that would ensure the long term fiscal and economic health of the Cayman Islands. The Miller Commission’s conclusion highlights the need to cut public sector spending and emphasizes that the introduction of direct taxation to the islands is not a viable option.

 Among the report’s major conclusions are the following points:

• The Cayman government’s expenditure on the public sector and its medical and pension entitlements is no longer fiscally sustainable and is significantly out of line with real world comparables.
• It should be possible for the Cayman government to restore and maintain fiscal sustainability by undertaking major cuts in public sector spending, by privatizing investments in capital projects, and by selling other assets.
• The Cayman economy and its government’s revenue are highly dependent on the financial services and tourism industries, and additional levies or taxes on either would be counterproductive.
• The costs of introducing an authority to collect direct taxation in relation to a highly mobile financial industry would exceed any projected benefit and would be counterproductive in terms of current and projected revenue.

 These findings echo the findings of senior taxation academic Richard Teather in his recent report on the probable effects of direct taxation in the Cayman Islands.

 The Teather Report, commissioned by Cayman Finance, also unequivocally ruled out the introduction of direct taxation to the Cayman Islands, stressing that it would exacerbate the current economic problems in Cayman rather than alleviate them.

 The Teather Report sees the solution to current deficits as a substantial reduction in government expenditure and highlights the fact that government spending in the Cayman Islands is “totally out of line with its peers, having far higher levels of public spending than any other comparable jurisdiction.”

 The comments in the Teather Report are confirmed by the Miller Commission. Miller states in two central conclusions:

 ”Personnel costs are crippling the Cayman Government’s ability to restore its fiscal balance and by any reasonable standard are excessive and unsustainable.”

 ”The Cayman economy and its government’s revenue are highly dependent on the financial services and tourism industries, and additional levies on either would likely be counterproductive.”

 Commenting on the Miller Commission report, Cayman Finance Chairman Anthony Travers, OBE, said:

 ”This is a very comprehensive and academically sound work; the FCO were clearly right to request it. As a result, Cayman Premier McKeeva Bush now has a clear road map towards the right policy for Cayman and the specific remedial revisions to the public sector remuneration and benefits packages.

 ”These problems have clearly developed over a great number of years, but it falls to Premier Bush to bring the Cayman Islands into line now with real world economics.

 ”The Miller Commission is very helpful in specifically targeting the areas where current practices must be revised and changes made.  The report makes clear that there is no sustainable basis on which the Cayman Islands public sector can continue to be isolated from real world economic belt tightening.”

 The chairman of the Miller Commission is James Miller, a former member of President Ronald Reagan’s cabinet who enjoys an international reputation for integrity and technical competence in fiscal matters. As Chairman of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Miller was instrumental in reforming the methods of that agency.  Miller is joined on the commission by David Shaw. Shaw served as a Member of Parliament in the U.K. for ten years. He was the U.K. Parliament representative to the European Parliament Committee meetings on single market and financial services regulation. Shaw is Chairman of the Sabrelance group, a U.K. regulated corporate financial advisory firm.

 The final member of the commission is The Hon. Kenneth Jefferson, the Financial Secretary of The Cayman Islands. Mr. Jefferson previously worked in public accounting in both Cayman and London for PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Mar. 10, 2010: `Ensure you fill out and return the 2010 U.S. Census form while writing in your Caribbean country of origin or your ancestry under the Some Other Race section of the U.S. Census form while filling in your race on question 9.`

 That`s the message Carib ID, the movement started in 2008 by Felicia Persaud to get Caribbean nationals accurately counted across the U.S., is hoping the media and organizations will keep on pushing nationally as the count-down begins to the arrival of the forms in mail boxes across the United States.

 `We need the help of every single Caribbean national in the U.S., especially the media and the many myriad of organizations, party promoters and church leaders who are always pursuing advertising and sponsorship dollars to ensure we count as Caribbean nationals in the 2010 Census,` said Persaud, Carib ID`s founder, on Thursday. `Census forms will begin arriving by March 17^th. It is imperative that we not take 10 minutes to immediately fill out and return the forms while writing in our nationality or ancestry under the Some Other Race section but that we also tell a friend, tell a neighbor, call up a family member, email and blog about it and let`s truly stand up as proud Caribbean nationals and count.` 

Persaud also endorsed a call from attorney Marlon Hill, host of `The Peoples` Politics` commentary on Caribbean Riddims, WZAB 880AM, every Saturday from 4 p.m., and Soca De Vote, for all Caribbean broadcasters, deejays and radio personalities across the U.S. to complete their Census forms LIVE on their shows while urging all of their listeners to join them in doing the same.

 Hill is set to complete his form live on radio WZAB 880AM in South Florida on March 20th at 4pmEST, while Persaud will do the same in New York on WWRL 1600 AM.

 Commented Hill: `We wanted to present a live shared experience for our listeners to build their confidence and trust in completing the form.  This is a critical moment for the Caribbean-American community to demonstrate our sense of urgency and to recognize our personal power in standing up to be counted.`

 Chris Chaplin, of the Philadelphia Mayor`s Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs and Carib ID board member, said his committee has been active in the city of Philadelphia in getting the word out about the importance of filling out the Census form and of completing Question 9.

 His committee is also working with the African Census Complete Count Committee for a Census Awareness Weekend in Philadelphia from March 12-14.

 `Every Caribbean national must be mobilized and be participative in this historic count,` added Pastor Gil Montrose, a CaribID partner. `You must fill out that form and return it. There shouldn`t be any fear even if you are undocumented.`

 Carib ID also has released new PSA`s in the countdown to April 1. Media interested in obtaining these PSAs should contact [email protected].

 Census numbers determines every aspect of our lives in the United States, from federal funding for smaller class sizes and better or more schools in our neighborhoods, to better transportation and health care and secure neighborhoods to even if our roads are cleaned during snow storms and our garbage collected.

 For media, organizations, festivals and event promoters, it determines whether corporations will consider the market place as economically viable enough to invest their hard earned sponsorship or advertising dollars.

 For the undocumented, it is imperative that they fill out and keep a copy of the form as it provides them with proof that they are living in the U.S. so that once immigration reform comes around, they can take advantage and get a green card.

Carib ID, a historic initiative from Hard Beat Communications, is an endorsed effort by a number of media partners and key groups across the U.S. to secure an accurate count of Caribbean nationals. Among the partners of Carib ID are Ann Walters and Loughton Sargeant of the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Association, Chris Chaplin of the Philadelphia Mayor`s Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs, The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, the Bowling Green Association, Ecaroh Entertainment, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey, Pastor Gil Montrose and the Brooklyn Center For Quality Life, the Caribbean Association of Mid West America, Caribbean One, The Caribbean American Center of New York, The Midwest Caribbean Network,  Students of Caribbean Ancestry, the Guyanese American Workers United, Jamaica Diaspora representative, Marlon Hill and Soca De Vote,  the D.C., Chicago, New York and Atlanta carnival associations, and a large number of media houses and media practitioners including the Caribbean American Journalists & Media Association, Inc., DJ Norrie, Power 105 FM; CBean.Tv,  the Caribbean International Network, Caribbean World News Network, Irie Jam Media, One Caribbean Radio, Carib Voice newspaper, South Florida Caribbean, Jamaicans.com, Zync TV and G-Arts Media, Whatz Up TV, Caribbean Vibes Radio, Deeraj TV, Carib Nation TV, CaribVoice Radio, Tropicalfete, Jason Walker, WFGG Atlanta, Eddy Edwards, Ken Webb, SMAC Productions and Caribbean Life Style TV  among others.