CaribPR Wire

 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.

Congressman William Clay, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Al Green

join the Unity Diaspora Coalition to kick off 30-day countdown

and launch of Census Poster and Social Media Competition

 CaribPR Wire, Washington, DC – The urgent need for better schools, roads, and healthcare in disadvantaged neighborhoods are only a few of the reasons people of color should be eager to complete and return their census form, Melanie L. Campbell told several Black groups assembled at the US Capitol today for The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s (The National Coalition) Unity Diaspora Coalition (UDC) 30-Day Countdown to National Census Day and launch of the UDC Poster & Social Media Competition.

 “The Black community was hurting before the economy crashed. It’s worse and we’re tired of getting the short end of the stick,” said Campbell, executive director and CEO of The National Coalition, and convener of the UDC. “It’s also time to hold our own community accountable. People keep looking for change, we’re the change. We have come together to hit the streets to urge our community to answer ten easy questions to receive ten years of benefits.”

 Congressman William “Lacy” Clay, chair, Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair, Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressman Al Green (D-TX), were on hand to stress the importance of getting everyone counted. They pointed out that the census impacts political representation, economic opportunity and helps to identify where action is needed to protect civil rights.

 The press conference marks the launch of the UDC’s aggressive 30-day push to remind the African, African American, Caribbean and Afro-Latino community of the importance of filling out and returning the Census form. The coalition also announced their partnership with the  American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association for the UDC Poster & Social Media Competition which seeks decrease the undercount of children.

 The UDC Poster & Social Media Competition targets school-age children and young adults and challenges the youth to use their artistic talent to express why  the Census is important to their community. Contestants can submit posters and other types of artwork, video, audio, poetry etc. For requirements, contest dates and prizes visit www.unitydiaspora.ning.com.

 Members of the historic coalition will also help to clarify the widely publicized race question on the census form.

 “It’s important that we make sure that immigrants understand that they can provide more than one answer on question nine,” said  Claire A. Nelson Ph.D., founder and president, Institute of Caribbean Studies. “The Black immigrant population has grown 47% since 2000. When you consider that census count will help allocate more than $400 billion a year in federal money to communities, the sense of urgency to be counted becomes apparent,” Nelson added.

 The Unity Diaspora Coalition is advising Black immigrant communities that don’t see themselves represented on question nine of the form, to check the appropriate box for  their race, then fill in their country of origin on the line below. A poster size sample of question nine was displayed at the press conference illustrating a check in the box for “Black, African Am, or Negro” and Jamaican filled in on the “other” line below.

 Benjamin Afrifa, chairman of African Federation adds, “In addition to the fact that many immigrants cling to national origins rather than racial identities, immigrants are often afraid to answer questions for the government. Our coalition is made up of trusted voices in the community that can convince residents that it is illegal for any of the information from the census questionnaire to be shared with any third party including immigration.”

 The UDC is working with grassroots organizations to get hard-to-count communities in nine cities counted. Over the next 30-days local sites will host census countdown press conferences, town hall meetings and other census events. Cities are: Houston, TX; Jackson, MS; Gary, IN; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; Los Angeles, CA; NYC, NY; Atlanta, GA; and Miami, FL.

 Another important issue is where to count prisoners. Although most state constitutions and election law statutes say a prison cell is not a residence, Census Bureau practices count incarcerated people as residents of the prison location. Makani Themba-Nixon, executive director, The Praxis Project said, “The Bureau’s new data product will be helpful in assisting state and local governments to avoid prison-based gerrymandering because they won’t have lack of data as an excuse.”

 The National Coalition Unity Diaspora Coalition partners include: The National Council of Negro Women, The Praxis Project, APRI, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights,  National Urban League, NAACP LDF, African Federation, Institute of Caribbean Studies, National Council of Negro Women, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation,  Black Leadership Forum, NAACP, Skinner Leadership Institute, Institute of the Black World 21^st Century, National Conference of Black Mayors, UniverSoul Circus,  Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Black Youth Vote,  Black Women’s Roundtable, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Center for Law and Social Justice and others. 

 For more information on the Unity Diaspora Coalition visit www.unitydiasporacoalition.net or www.ncbcp.org.

###

PHOTO CAPTION:

 The National Coalition’s UDC hosted a press conference to kick off their 30-Day Countdown to Census Day. Dr. Dorothy I. Height is seated. Front row pictured (L-R):  Richard Womack, AFLCIO; Melanie L. Campbell, The National Coalition; Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA); Congressman William Clay Jr. (D-MO); Kevin Parker, National Urban League. Back Row: Gary Flowers, Black Leadership Forum; Jackie Davis, UniverSoul Circus; Rev. Barbara Williams Skinner, Skinner Leadership Institute; Benjamin Afrifa, African Federation; Dr. Claire Nelson, Institute of Caribbean Studies; William Kellibrew, Black Youth Vote; and Marcia Johnson-Blanco, Caribbean People International Collective.

PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN THIERRY

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Feb. 24, 2010: Carib ID, the movement founded in 2008 by Felicia Persaud to get Caribbean nationals accurately counted in the U.S., gained a promotional shot in the arm on Wednesday as the Associated Press turned its spotlight on the organization.

Persaud has been working diligently to encourage the Caribbean communities to become accurately counted by the Census through a push for a Caribbean origin category on future census forms and a write in campaign for 2010.

For this current U.S. Census, CaribID is urging all Caribbean nationals and those with Caribbean ancestry to fill out the form and ensure they tick their race but to write their nationality or ancestry as well on the line under “some other race” on Census Forms being distributed next month.  The story has so far appeared on over 175 media outlets based on the AP syndication, including the New York Times and the LA Times, and also generated a CBS News interview.

Persaud, CEO of Hard Beat Communications, an ethnic advertising, PR and news agency, and who founded the organization in 2008 because of her frustration at being unable to tell the Caribbean American story in numbers, said the story could not come at a better time, since CaribID has been hard pressed financially to get the write in message to Caribbean nationals across the United States as Census 2010 approaches.
 
“Since 2008, we have been the lone voice speaking out on this issue.  We have utilized our own time and resources without a dime in funding to fight for this cause on behalf of the entire Caribbean community,” says Persaud.  “But we believe strongly that the Caribbean population in the U.S. cannot really move forward until we can accurately count ourselves, tell our spending power and determine our voting strength. Let us all take pride in our heritage by standing up and count.`

See full story at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-census-caribbean-identity,0,4000390.story
ABOUT CARIB ID

CaribID was founded by Persaud in 2008 to call for a Caribbean origins category on the U.S. Census form and to ensure an accurate count for Caribbean nationals living in the U.S.

The organization has several partners across the country – both in media and on the organizational level. Directors include Chris Chaplin and Ann Walters.

So far the organization has secured two bills in the U.S. House of Representatives, calling for the measure in 2009. The group is a national partner of the 2010 U.S. Census and is urging all Caribbean nationals to write in their country of origin on question 9 of the Census form, while filling in their race and en sure they mail it back as soon as they receive it in their mail boxes.

For more, see CaribID2010.com.

ABOUT FELICIA PERSAUD

Felicia Persaud is a Caribbean-born media entrepreneur who runs the only Caribbean-focused advertising, public relations and news agency in the U.S. – Hard Beat Communications (www.hardbeatcommunications.com) The company’s CaribPR Wire is part of the PR Newswire family and CaribWorldNews is the daily syndicated news service. Persaud is also a social activist, an immigration columnist and a radio host on WWRL 1600 AM.

Company Implements Several Key Initiatives to Help Support Those Affected by the Earthquake in Haiti

 MIAMI, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Brightstar Corp., a leading global services company providing innovative distribution and supply chain solutions to the wireless industry, has implemented several initiatives, via financial and equipment donations, to help the people of Haiti recover from the recent earthquake catastrophe.

 Marcelo Claure, chairman, president and CEO of Brightstar, has initiated a company-wide “50-50 Fundraising Challenge.”  For every dollar Brightstar employees contribute, the company will match it one hundred percent. All funds raised will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, an international medical humanitarian organization that brings medical care and relief supplies to people caught in crisis. To date thousands of dollars have been raised by Brightstar employees.

 The company has also engaged in donating wireless equipment via its U.S. operations including donating mobile devices to the relief effort including:

• Through a joint partnership with AT&T, Brightstar has provided and delivered 5,000 wireless devices
• 150 fixed wireless units to Digicel, the largest mobile telecommunications operator in the Caribbean
• 150 fixed wireless units to Comcel, a Haitian mobile phone operator

 William Hague, executive vice-president, AT&T Roaming and International said, “When we learned about the desperate need for wireless phones in Haiti, we turned to Brightstar and they responded fast, and in a big way. We’re proud to have such a great business ally.”

 Brightstar also started a non-perishable collections program to donate items such as food and bottled water, first aid supplies, blankets, sheets and toiletries.  In January, many pallets of donated items were delivered to Haiti. Next month, after the international disaster relief organizations have assessed what the people of Haiti further need longer term, the company is also planning to donate clothing items and shoes. 

 ”We are working quickly to help assist Haiti in their relief efforts as well as their rebuilding efforts, with a specific focus on helping the country with device distribution to support the communications infrastructure as that is our forte,” said Marcelo Claure.  “We will continue to monitor the telecommunications situation in Haiti, and as needed, we will work with our partners to continue sending additional critically-needed telecommunications equipment.”

 About Brightstar

Brightstar Corp. is a multi-billion dollar global leader in demand generation distribution and integrated supply chain solutions for the converging wireless and IT industries.  With sales and distribution facilities on six continents, Brightstar offers leading wireless and IT manufacturers the largest global reach, enabling the right product to be in the right place, at the right time.  Brightstar’s supply chain solutions are used by the world’s top network operators and retailers to improve financial results, increase EBITDA and turn their supply chains into a competitive advantage.  For more information on Brightstar, please visit www.brightstarcorp.com.

PADF-OAS-HUFH urge support for this critical phase

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Thirty days after the catastrophic earthquake that killed more than 170,000 people in Haiti, the Pan American Development Foundation renewed its call for financial support as the nonprofit and its partners are implementing plans to get Haitians to work, to rebuild their homes and to take care of their families. www.PanAmericanRelief.org

 (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100211/DC53912LOGO)

 ”Today, hundreds of thousands of people continue to live under tarps, bed sheets or simply out in the open,” says Jimmy Jean-Louis, the actor and spokesperson for PADF’s disaster relief and recovery efforts. “We need to move survivors out of these miserable camps and into safe homes. I am asking people to contribute to this vital recovery and reconstruction phase by calling toll free (877) 572-4484.”

  Jimmy Jean-Louis, who plays the “Haitian” on NBC’s hit series “Heroes,” thanked individuals, companies and governments for their initial support of relief efforts, which enabled PADF and its partners to provide food, water, shelter, medicine and other supplies to more than 35,000 people during the first few weeks after the quake.

 3,000 Jobs & “Tagging” Homes

Although providing relief will continue for a few months, PADF, along with its partners Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH) and the Organization of American States (OAS), has initiated its recovery and reconstruction in key areas of Port-au-Prince and the Southeast province.

 Starting next week, PADF will put to work 3,000 Haitians in a massive clean-up operation in areas such as Cite Soleil and Bel Air. PADF’s program, which uses funds from the World Bank that were provided to the Haitian government, will eventually employ 6,000 Haitians during six months.

In a separate program, PADF starts to work on Feb. 12 with leading earthquake recovery expert Kit Miyamoto to “tag” homes.

 The California-based structural engineer uses a high-tech inspection process to categorize buildings: “Green tag” means a home can be occupied; “Yellow tag” allows limited access until repairs are made; and a “red tag” indicates that it unsafe.

 ”Many engineers are red tagging buildings for destruction, but no one is placing the very vital green and yellow tags on homes that can be used,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director. “Reassuring Haitians as to which homes are safe, as well as the rooms that may need to be repaired, is critical to getting people off the streets and into their homes.”

 PADF’s goal is to inspect 20,000 buildings during the next few months, which Miyamoto will reach by training 50 Haitian engineers to use the technology.

 ”If PADF obtains enough financial support, our goal is to expand the inspections, as well as provide proper guidance and construction materials so Haitians can repair and rebuild their homes,” says Sanbrailo.

 Individual and corporate donations to PADF-OAS-HUFH’s Haiti relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts are encouraged by calling toll-free in the U.S. (877) 572-4484 or visiting www.PanAmericanRelief.org. Text HEAL to 50555 in the U.S. 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.

 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. 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, it had more than 5.6 million beneficiaries in 18 countries.

 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.

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

Donations: (877) 572-4484

Text HEAL to 50555

www.PanAmericanRelief.org

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ — The Haitian Economic Development Foundation today announced that Electricite d’Haiti, the government-owned electric utility, has restored electrical power to a section of earthquake ravaged Port Au Prince.  The restoration of approximately 10 Megawatts of power from one of the utility’s main power plants will service approximately 2,000 homes in the Northeastern part of Port Au Prince.

 ”From a practical, as well as an emotional perspective, few elements of the recovery efforts will be more impactful than restoring power,” says Youri Mevs, President of the Haitian Economic Development Foundation.  “While 10 Megawatts is but a start, it is nonetheless a positive, hopeful step as we look to rebuild Haiti’s infrastructure.”

 ”Electricite d’Haiti has worked tirelessly to restore an infrastructure which was completely decimated by the January 12 earthquake,” adds Serge Raphael, General Director of Electricite d’Haiti, the country’s public utility company.  “Every organization within Haiti’s power industry recognizes the importance of restoring electricity as rapidly as possible, and will continue to work around the clock to move the process forward.”

 ”Restoring power, even in small increments, is crucial for us,” concludes Jean Marie Vorbe, President and CEO of Sogener, one of Haiti’s largest independent Power Producers (IPP), and a founding member of the Haitian Economic Development Foundation.  While Vorbe’s company is not associated with this particular power plant, he notes that:  “Everyone in the industry is working tirelessly to support this element of the recovery process.”

 About the Haitian Economic Development Foundation

The newly-formed Haitian Economic Development Foundation was designed to foster economic growth throughout Haiti. The a-political 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.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The devastating earthquake in Haiti has shattered millions of lives, but the relief efforts and outpouring of support by organizations and individuals worldwide offer hope. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working diligently since the disaster to provide aid to the people of Haiti through its humanitarian aid program. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of relief supplies have arrived already, and more are being shipped.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, with over 13 million members world-wide. As committed Christians with strong traditional values, the Church actively participates in humanitarian efforts, from small-scale local projects in hospitals, schools and communities, to large-scale emergency relief efforts such as the recent Haiti earthquake.

In the Caribbean islands, there are more than 150,000 members of the LDS Church, in 369 congregations. Over 15,000 of these members live in Haiti, half of these calling Port-au-Prince home.

“Our hearts ache for the people of Haiti and our prayers are with them as we witness the unimaginable suffering they are experiencing,” said Bishop H. David Burton, presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who oversees the Church’s humanitarian program. “We are grateful for the many generous donations that enable the Church to provide extensive relief in Haiti, as well as other parts of the world.”

Relief Supplies Provided by the Church
Five air shipments of aid provided by the Church have arrived and are being used in Haiti. They include food, medical supplies, communications equipment, tents, tarps, water filtration bottles, blankets, newborn kits, wheelchairs, first aid kits, portable toilets and other items. Those five flights include a total of nearly 375,000 pounds of relief supplies. Partners United Airlines, Islamic Relief USA, Airline Ambassadors and UPS have worked with the Church to provide transport for these shipments.

Additionally, four truckloads of relief supplies have arrived in Haiti with supplies the Church procured in the Dominican Republic. On the ground in Haiti, the Church is working with partners Food for the Poor and CARE to distribute supplies.

Local Church leaders closest to the situation provide the direction for what supplies are most needed for people in their areas. Future shipments will continue to bring those relief supplies.

“Normal daily activity has come to a stop in Haiti. Helping to restore normalcy in the midst of devastation will be our greatest goal. Our focus will be on helping people become self-reliant again,” said Elder Francisco J. Viñas, the LDS Church area president who oversees the Church in Haiti.

Medical Relief
A team of five medical personnel coordinated by the Church arrived on Friday, 15 January, from the Dominican Republic to assist the injured. Another team of 16 medical professionals from the United States arrived on 18 January and provided emergency care for those needing medical attention. A revolving core team of doctors from the Church remains in Haiti providing general health care, follow-up care for injuries, as well as for sickness and communicable disease common after disasters.

Church Meetinghouses as Shelters
All of the Church’s meetinghouses in Haiti have been left largely undamaged. Local Church leaders report that nine chapels in Haiti have been used to shelter as many as 5,000 people in local communities where the chapels are located. Several truckloads of food and other relief supplies have been shipped to the chapels, and doctors sent by the Church have provided treatment to injured and sick individuals who are taking shelter there.

Generosity of Members and Friends of the Church
In the first few days after the earthquake the LDS Church received donations in the millions of US dollars from concerned members of the community, specifically for aid in Haiti. Church members in the Caribbean Area have been invited to dedicate their February monthly fast offering to the Haiti relief effort. When fasting, members traditionally donate the money they save by not eating two meals to the church for providing financial help to those in need; those who can donate more are encouraged to do so.

An official statement from the Church on January 22, 2010 also addressed the emotional trauma the Haitian people are experiencing in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

“Money is not the only need in Haiti,” the statement explains. “People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people.”

Donations for relief efforts can be made at http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.

PHILADELPHIA and EAST RIVERTON, N.J., Feb. 1  /PRNewswire/ — Sea Box, Inc., an ISO-certified shipping container manufacturing and modification company (www.seabox.com) is sending a container filled with relief supplies – including their ShelterPak for converting the container box into habitable housing – to Haiti. The aid was prompted by a company engineer, Werner Guerrier, a Haitian native with a large extended family in Carrefour, Port au Prince, Haiti who lost his sister and nephew in the earthquake. 

In an effort to support their co-worker and other survivors of the earthquake, Sea Box employees have donated food, water and clothing and the owners of Sea Box have donated a 20 foot shipping container (and shipping) – complete with a ShelterPAK module already installed. 

Sea Box created the “ShelterPAK” six years ago in response to demand for easily installed basic housing units for disaster areas.  Designed to fit into a standard 20 foot shipping container, when installed, it turns a basic shipping container into a livable shelter.  

The Sea Box container with ShelterPAK is destined for Carrefour, Mr. Guerrier’s hometown where the food, water and clothing will be distributed to JEBCA D’HAITI, an organization of the church M.E.B.S.H. de Cote-Plage, directed by Pastor Rev. Samson Dorilas.  Sadly, 39 members of this church lost their lives, and many more lost their houses. JEBCA D’HAITI will be in charge of the distribution of all the items donated and intend to use the shelter as a medical treatment center.

“Sea Box has the ability to deliver 5,000 ShelterPAKs per week to Haiti where these kits can be easily inserted into the empty shipping containers currently sitting at the Port in Haiti. In the next six months aid to Haiti will be sent in an estimated 100,000 of the standard 20-foot cargo containers. Once unloaded, these same containers could serve as life-saving shelters with the installation of a ShelterPAK,” said Jim Brennan, Jr., President of Sea Box, Inc. “We at Sea Box thought the best way we could help Haiti – and our colleague – is to provide both supplies and the product and services we are best at – the efficient and economical use of containers. Our ShelterPAK makes the container itself useful once the supplies are distributed.”

Cargo containers have been used in other countries for emergency shelters. ShelterPAKs meet earthquake zone specifications and exceed the structural codes.  They are sturdy, safe and economical (estimated $4,000 per ShelterPAK, installed) on a permanent site.  They allow families to be back on their own land quickly and these families can also reconstruct their houses around the container making it a permanent emergency shelter at the core of their homes.

About Sea Box, Inc. (www.seabox.com)
Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia (East Riverton NJ), with offices in Charleston, SC, Qingdao, China and Fyshwick, Australia, Sea Box was established in 1983 by current President Jim Brennan Jr. The company specializes in new design, modification and manufacture of ISO quality-certified containers for commercial and military applications such as personnel shelters, power generating stations, large computer data centers, interim housing units, mobile latrine-toilet-shower shelters, Coast Guard approved berthing vans and portable laboratories.

PADF-OAS-HUFH relief efforts get a major financial boost

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Chevron has donated $450,000 to the Pan American Development Foundation’s Haiti disaster relief and recovery effort, a major contribution that will have a significant impact on the nonprofit’s in-country work. www.PanAmericanRelief.org

“Chevron is a shining example of corporate leadership during natural disasters and humanitarian crises,” says John Sanbrailo, PADF’s Executive Director “Chevron’s generous contribution to our work in Haiti ensures that we can benefit even more people in some of the mostly heavily damaged areas.”

PADF — an independent nonprofit that also acts as the natural disaster arm of Organization of American States (OAS) — is collaborating with Hollywood Unites for Haiti (HUFH) and other organizations to provide immediate relief and to contribute to the country’s reconstruction.

“PADF has always taken a long-term approach to helping Haiti. We were there for them before and we are proud to be able to respond to the call for support again in providing immediate relief and assistance,” says Mauricio Nicholls, general manager, retail and commercial and industrial, Caribbean, Central America and Andean regions for Chevron Products Company.

Chevron is also matching its USA employee contributions to PADF-OAS-HUFH and encouraging employees around the globe to contribute to the earthquake relief efforts. Employees are donating online at www.PanAmericanRelief.org. Chevron’s contribution to PADF is part of a $1.2 million donation to several aid organizations working in Haiti.

In addition to Haiti, Chevron has been involved in PADF’s relief efforts in Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, Ecuador, Peru and elsewhere. It is a founding member of PADF’s Disaster Management and Emergency Response Program, which was created to channel corporate contributions to relief efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Individual and corporate donations to the Haiti relief efforts are encouraged by calling toll-free (877) 572-4484 or visiting www.PanAmericanRelief.org. Text HEAL to 50555 to donate $5. One-hundred percent of donations go to Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

About Chevron
Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business across the globe. The company’s success is driven by the ingenuity and commitment of approximately 62,000 employees who operate across the energy spectrum. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and other energy products; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops and commercializes the energy resources of the future, including biofuels and other renewables. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

About the OAS
The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, which was held in Washington, D.C. from October 1889 to April 1890. Today, it is comprised of 34 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean. www.oas.org

About HUFH
Hollywood Unites For Haiti is a non-profit charitable aid organization based in Los Angeles that is lead by Jimmy Jean-Louis, the actor who plays the “Haitian” on NBC’s “Heroes.” www.hufh.org and www.HaitianHero.com

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, it had more than 5.6 million beneficiaries in 18 countries.

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.

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

CANTON, Mass., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — In recognition of the continued need for aid in Haiti, the OneBeacon Charitable Trust has announced a donation of $48,000 allocated to five nonprofit organizations assisting in the ongoing humanitarian relief efforts– the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, Partners in Health and UNICEF.

The contribution consists of a $5,000 donation to each organization as well as a dollar-for-dollar match of the $23,000 donated by OneBeacon employees, its Hagerty Insurance partners and White Mountains Insurance Group staff. In total, the OneBeacon community will donate $71,000, with almost $30,000 going to the American Red Cross.

Carmen Duarte, a member of the OneBeacon Charitable Trust Committee said, “Addressing the devastating loss and continued suffering in Haiti is clearly a global collaboration. The OneBeacon community deeply admires the relentless efforts demonstrated by these five organizations. We are pleased to be in a position to assist them and Haiti during this most challenging recovery effort.”

The OneBeacon Charitable Trust is a tax-exempt private foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code managed by employees of OneBeacon Insurance Company. As one of the oldest property and casualty insurers in the United States, OneBeacon traces its roots to 1831 and the Potomac Fire Insurance Company. Today, OneBeacon’s specialty insurance businesses are national in scope while its personal lines business is concentrated in the Northeastern United States. OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda-domiciled holding company that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OB”.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or referenced in this release which address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “will,” “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to OneBeacon’s:
 
• change in book value per share or return on equity;
• business strategy;
• financial and operating targets or plans;
• incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses and the adequacy of its loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and related reinsurance;
• projections of revenues, income (or loss), earnings (or loss) per share, dividends, market share or other financial forecasts;
• expansion and growth of our business and operations; and
• future capital expenditures.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by OneBeacon in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations, including:
 
• claims arising from catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, floods, fires, explosions, terrorist attacks or severe winter weather;
• recorded loss and loss adjustment expense reserves subsequently proving to have been inadequate;
• the continued availability and cost of reinsurance coverage;
• the continued availability of capital and financing;
• general economic, market or business conditions;
• business opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to it and pursued;
• competitive forces, including the conduct of other property and casualty insurers and agents;
• changes in domestic or foreign laws or regulations, or their interpretation, applicable to OneBeacon, its competitors, its agents or its customers;
• an economic downturn or other economic conditions adversely affecting its financial position including stock market volatility;
• actions taken by ratings agencies from time to time, such as financial strength or credit ratings downgrades or placing ratings on negative watch;
• the risks that are described from time to time in OneBeacon’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to OneBeacon’s Annual Report on the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed February 27, 2009.
 
Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by OneBeacon will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, OneBeacon or its business or operations. OneBeacon assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Web site:   www.onebeacon.com

Quick International Courier donates its services for fast delivery

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today, International Breast Milk Project (IBMP) and Quick International Courier delivered close to 500 ounces of donor breast milk for premature, sick and orphaned infants aboard the USNS Comfort’s Medical Treatment Center stationed outside Haiti.

The ship is equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit and medical staff to provide emergency care to the youngest victims of the earthquake. They are uniquely positioned to handle a donation of breast milk because they maintain cold chain requirements and ensure proper handling and security of the donation.

Emphasizing the importance of human milk, Jay N. Gordon, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UCLA Medical School, said, “Nothing protects at-risk, premature or sick infants like mother’s milk does.  Breast milk’s natural antibodies prevent illnesses, treat illnesses and will save lives.”

The earthquake that devastated Haiti has left countless infants without their mothers and without breast milk. Amanda Nickerson, Executive Director, for International Breast Milk Project told MediaGlobal, “Unfortunately, without proper infrastructure in place, frozen donor milk is not going to be a viable option for so many infants in need, but we are happy to make a difference in the lives of the infants aboard the USNS Comfort.”

Quick International Courier, a global medical logistics specialist, donated their services to provide packaging, dry ice and the fastest and most secure cold chain transport services to Haiti.

“It is so rewarding to be able to help make a difference in the lives of orphaned and critically ill babies.  As a mother and a person concerned about the world and health, this project really speaks to my heart,” said Dominique Bischoff-Brown, COO of Quick International Courier.

This humanitarian project has been made possible with the active cooperation of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, who provided the donor milk, Toby and Maggie Moffett, of the Moffett Group in Washington, D.C., and the offices of Congressman Courtney, Congresswomen Betty McCollum, and Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and the dedicated staff of the USNS Comfort.

IBMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding solutions to ensure that infants worldwide have access to donor milk when they need it. Since its inception, IBMP has provided over 65,000 bottles (262,682 ounces, 7,768 liters or 2,052 gallons) of donor breast milk to infants around the world.

For more information, please contact Amanda Nickerson, Executive Director. Cell: 786.837.3082. Email: [email protected].

Visit www.breastmilkproject.org for additional details.

NEW YORK, Jan.  28 /PRNewswire/ — Coty Inc., a leader in the global beauty industry, announced today a collective donation of $100,000 to two humanitarian organizations involved in the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

The company is donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization working closely with the Haitian Red Cross and other partners to provide immediate relief to those affected in Haiti.  Coty is also contributing $50,000 to Save the Children, an international organization working in Haiti since 1978, which has over 200 staff members in the country responding to the immediate needs of children and their families.

“Our hearts go out to the countless victims of the earthquake in Haiti and their families around the world,” said Bernd Beetz, Coty’s Chief Executive Officer.  “In addition to our corporate donation to both the American Red Cross and Save the Children, our 10,000 employees worldwide are continuing to support numerous Haiti relief efforts around the globe.  As a company, Coty is committed to further supporting recovery needs.”

About Coty Inc.
Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Baby Phat, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloe, Chopard, Davidoff, Home Skin Lab, Jennifer Lopez, Jette Joop, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renee Fleming, Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nautica, Nikos, Phat Farm, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, Astor, Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Miss Sixty, Miss Sporty, N.Y.C. New York Color, Pierre Cardin(1), Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Shania Twain, Stetson, Tim McGraw and Tonino Lamborghini.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Prada, and Paco Rabanne in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

(1) Not available in North America

***** MEDIA ADVISORY FOR AUDIO PRESS BRIEFING ON HAITI TODAY – THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, AT 1 PM EST *****

WHO:  Save the Children, American Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, Habitat for Humanity, World Vision, and other members of InterAction, a coalition of more than 150 U.S. humanitarian organizations.

WHAT:  Save the Children and other U.S. humanitarian relief organizations will share details of their work in Haiti, including progress, challenges, and what needs to be done in the future. From Port-au-Prince, Save the Children’s Director of Emergency Health and Nutrition, Kathryn Bolles, will speak about protecting the health and nutrition of children.  The groups will also discuss food distribution, camp conditions, orphans and child protection, rescue and recovery, and lessons learned from past disasters.

WHEN:  Today – Thursday, January 28, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (EST)

WHERE:  This is a call-in audio briefing.

 
Call in information:
U.S. Toll-Free:                           888-299-4099
Canadian Toll-Free:                       866-682-1172
International Toll:                       302-709-8337
Verbal Passcode (to be given to the
 operator):                               VC27526

Save the Children and other organizations within the InterAction alliance have raised $350 million from the American public to put toward relief efforts. Since the earthquake on January 12, Save the Children’s staff members in Haiti have been responding to the immediate needs of children and families.  The humanitarian organization has worked in Haiti since 1978 and has more than 250 staff in the country.
 
Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

CONTACT:  Tanya Weinberg of Save the Children, +1-202-640-6647,

/PRNewswire-USNewswire — Jan. 28/

Players Trust launches long-term commitment with $100,000 grants to Esperanza International and Medicines for Humanity

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Major League baseball players today pledged their long-term support of relief and recovery efforts in Haiti by committing up to one million dollars from the Major League Baseball Players Trust.  Beginning with immediate $100,000 contributions each to Esperanza International and Medicines for Humanity, over the next five years the Players Trust will provide grants totaling up to one million dollars to support the efforts of non-profit organizations working to help Haiti recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070111/MLBTRUSTLOGO )

“On behalf of all Major League baseball players, it’s an honor to pledge our long-term support to the people of Haiti,” said MLBPA Association Representative and Players Trust Trustee, Curtis Granderson of the New York Yankees. “Haiti faces a long road to recovery and we want to do our part to support the humanitarian efforts of those non-profits committed to this cause.”

“For many years I have seen firsthand the commitment of the Players Trust to make a difference in the lives of the poor. Esperanza is honored to serve alongside Major League baseball players in this Herculean effort of assisting those in great need in Haiti,” stated David Valle, President, Esperanza International.

“For almost a decade, the Players Trust has been at our side helping to save the lives of vulnerable children,” said Tim Bilodeau, MFH Executive Director.  “This gift, for the relief and restoration of Haiti, demonstrates the on-going commitment of Major League baseball players to reach out where help is needed most.”

Esperanza has been working in Haiti since 2005 and is leading a coordinated rapid response effort of over 150 local organizations, providing food packs, water, bedding and hygiene kits to thousands of families.  They have established two medical clinics with two more online with over 80 doctors and nurses.  In keeping with its mission to free children and their families from poverty through initiatives that generate income, education and health, Esperanza plans to help Haiti’s economic development efforts by growing their established microfinance program and providing housing and educational opportunities to the children.  The Players Trust has collaborated with Esperanza since 2006, growing a microfinance program serving 35,000 women and families in the Dominican Republic.  For more information, please visit http://esperanza.org/us/

Medicines for Humanity (MFH) has worked to improve maternal and child health in Haiti for over eight years.  MFH is currently supplying its Haitian healthcare partners with medicines and medical supplies so critically needed in the aftermath of this disaster. MFH is also supporting the work of a volunteer medical team that is seeing almost 300 patients each day.  MFH will be actively involved in the efforts to rebuild maternal and child health services in Haiti.  MFH has been a partner of the Players Trust since 2002 in providing lifesaving medicines and health services to people in the Dominican Republic. For more information, please visit http://www.medicinesforhumanity.org/

On Friday, January 22, the MLBPA announced that it was joining the NFL Players Association, National Basketball Players Association and National Hockey League Players’ Association in the creation of the “ONE TEAM 4 HAITI” campaign to support the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund’s focus on the country’s earthquake relief and recovery efforts.  The campaign launched with a text message fund-raising effort supporting the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. In the U.S., supporters can text the word “TEAM” to 20222 to donate $10. Canadian supporters can text the word “TEAM” to 20222 to donate $5. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised by the texting campaign will go directly to relief efforts.

The “ONE TEAM 4 HAITI” campaign will also promote relief efforts in Haiti by airing public service announcements featuring professional athletes from all four major sports.  St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman, Albert Pujols, 2009 National League MVP, and San Francisco Giants pitcher, Tim Lincecum, 2009 National League Cy Young Award winner, have recorded the PSA on behalf of the MLBPA.

Today’s pledge matches the largest financial contribution ever made by the Players Trust, the charitable foundation of all Major League baseball players.  In 2005, in a demonstration of their commitment to rebuilding the Gulf region following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Major League Baseball Players Trust presented a gift of one million dollars to launch the Volunteers of America Rental Housing Development Fund.  That contribution, along with contributions from other organizations, was used to develop affordable rental housing in the Gulf Coast region.

About the Major League Baseball Players Trust

The members of the Major League Baseball Players Association created the Players Trust, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation,  to provide resources of caring to those in need by volunteering in causes close to their hearts and encouraging others to do the same. The foundation became the first of its kind in professional sports established and administered by the players.  For additional information, please visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com and visit the Players Trust channel on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/MLBPlayersTrust

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Within days of the creation of the American Red Cross LGBT Haiti Relief Fund, a Red Cross representative stated the fund has already raised more money than many of the huge corporate donors. This was accomplished by significant outreach efforts to the LGBT community via donors and activists along with a massive email campaign to the members of three LGBT cruise companies, Olivia, Atlantis and RSVP. Within a week, the community has raised over $150,000 for the fund.

Donations of cruises, an upgrade auction and matching funds all were contributed by the cruise companies as pledges came pouring in with record dollars in a matter of a few hours. “We are reaching out to all LGBT organizations and individuals to become part of this relief fund effort and get the word out everywhere,” said Judy Dlugacz, President and founder of Olivia Companies, a lesbian-oriented vacation company. “If we all work together we can provide enormous support to the Haiti relief efforts.”

“Over the last week we have seen a wonderful broadening of this initiative within our community,” stated Claire Lucas, an international development expert and a well known community activist and political fundraiser who worked with the American Red Cross to set up the fund. This effort began with the LGBT cruise companies and has quickly expanded to include other organizations and individuals. “Just this morning, three very diverse LGBT groups approached us to join the initiative; The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission based in New York, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center/Pride Center representing Southern Florida and a donor-directed community fund at the Alaska Community Foundation.”

“We are inspired to see so many groups coming together to help earthquake survivors in Haiti,” says Nan Buzard, Sr. Director of International Response and Programs for the American Red Cross. “The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender community has done an outstanding job of raising funds to support the American Red Cross’s relief work in Haiti.”

Cary Alan Johnson, Executive Director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, stated, “The LGBT community has a long tradition of mobilizing quickly to respond to crisis. We are proud that so many business leaders in our community have come forward to assist the people of Haiti in this time of great need.”

Lucas added, “While we have received over 1,300 donations totaling over $150,000 as of today, the actual donations have only just begun and we predict there will be a colossal response to this historic endeavor.”

Mark Bromley, of The Council for Global Equality, a non-profit organization that encourages a stronger voice on LGBT human rights concerns said, “We are urging all members of the LGBT community and their friends to donate to the American Red Cross LGBT Haiti Relief Fund to help the people of Haiti. Our community sends its deepest compassion and support to the people of Haiti and we will speak as one voice to show that support.”

To contribute to the fund, visit: http://american.redcross.org/LGBT-pub

For interviews and more information about the American Red Cross LGBT Haiti Relief please contact Andrea Burnett [email protected] or 650.207.0917.