CaribPR Wire

LONDON, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — UBM Aviation and the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) have announced the launch of a major new event for the region’s airline engineering and maintenance community. The Latin America & Caribbean Engineering & MRO Summit 2012 will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on October 17-19, 2012 and will bring together senior representatives from the entire MRO spectrum from across the region, and their international counterparts.

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Through this new partnership ALTA and UBM Aviation will work together for the benefit of the region’s aviation industry. UBM Aviation’s CEO Phil Callow said that "with regional MRO growth rates exceeding 5% annually over the next decade, this collaboration is the perfect marriage of ALTA’s leadership in this rapidly-developing region and UBM Aviation’s expertise at facilitating knowledge-sharing and networking in this industry."  He added, "We look forward to working with ALTA to create a summit which will serve as the region’s meeting place for airlines, MROs, OEMs, lessors and other suppliers from around the world."

Alex de Gunten, ALTA´s Executive Director, noted, "ALTA is delighted at the opportunity of working together with a world-class organization, like UBM, with expertise in such a broad range of aviation related services.  This will allow us to apply our know-how and relationship-building experience in the Latin America and Caribbean, leveraging our leadership, expertise and presence in the Region to continue promoting a safer and more efficient industry."   ALTA recently held the long-standing and highly successful Aeronautical Material Procurement Committee (CCMA by its Spanish acronym), an event that hosted over 800 attendees and sold out nearly one month before the conference.

The region’s airline community is supporting this new event which is expected to act as a catalyst for the development of cutting-edge maintenance and engineering services in one of the world’s fastest – growing aviation regions. The high-profile conference will take place over two days and will feature a high level summit, closed airline sessions, a gala dinner and a host of other networking and learning opportunities. 

For full programme information and to register please visit http://www.alta-ubma-mrosummit.com

About UBM Aviation
UBM Aviation, a UBM plc company, is the pioneer of innovative market leading aviation solutions. Our instantly recognisable brands provide the data, analysis, events, media and consultancy services that drive route development and financial growth for our customers’ businesses.
For more information, visit http://www.ubmaviation.com

About ALTA
ALTA (Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association) is a private, non-profit organization, whose more than 40 member airlines represent over 90 percent of the region’s commercial air traffic. ALTA coordinates the collaborative efforts of its members in order to facilitate the development of safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly air transport in the Latin America and Caribbean region for the mutual benefit of the association’s members, their customers and the industry.

For more information, visit http://www.alta.aero

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG), a leading provider of insurance and financial services throughout the Americas, today announced it received regulatory approval and has completed its acquisition of assets and businesses of MetLife (NYSE: MET) in the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. In an important next step, PALIG expects to receive regulatory approval and close on the remaining Caribbean countries over the next few months.

Upon closing in all jurisdictions, the PALIG acquisition will represent approximately US$675 million in assets, encompassing 15 countries in Central America and the Caribbean. In total, the acquisition will represent more than US$170 million in revenues (as of 2010).

"This purchase solidifies Pan-American Life Insurance Group’s strategy to become one of the leading life and health insurance providers in the Americas," said Jose S. Suquet, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Pan-American Life Insurance Group. "For more than 100 years, Pan-American Life Insurance Group has provided trusted financial security to our policyholders. The acquisition enhances Pan-American Life Insurance Group’s financial strength and expands our size and geographic footprint, and makes available our high quality of service to customers in the Caribbean." 

The regions acquired through this transaction greatly expand PALIG’s international revenues further making these markets a priority as the company continues to expand its global footprint.  In the Caribbean, the Alico/Algico acquired premiums represent 11 percent of PALIG’s overall premium distribution and 20 percent of its international portfolio, thus making the Caribbean market one of the most important for PALIG.

"This transaction aligns with our dedicated focus on our core competencies of life and health insurance. The addition of the MetLife – Alico/Algico business fits perfectly with Pan-American Life’s strategic focus of becoming a leading life and health insurance carrier with international reach for insureds of both our corporate and personal lines," said Mr. Suquet. "Additionally, it ranks PALIG in the top three among life and/or health insurance carriers in nearly all markets in which it competes outside of the United States."

MetLife – Alico/Algico customers in the Caribbean and Central America will benefit from being insured by a provider that has a high-quality asset base, a strong balance sheet, financial strength ratings of A (Excellent) from AM Best and Fitch Ratings, an expanded footprint and 100 years of experience with a distinct focus of life and health insurance in the Americas, the Company said.

In connection with the acquisition, a PALIG insurer is now a MAXIS Global Benefits partner in the Caribbean, Panama and Costa Rica, as well as in Central America and Ecuador.  The MAXIS Global Benefits Network is a worldwide network created by MetLife and AXA to deliver optimal local insurance coverage to multinational companies through their own operations as well as independent carriers.

Working together with the senior management team, leading the PALIG business in the Caribbean will be Miguel Sierra, as Managing Director of the Caribbean Operations and Jacinto Martinez, Vice President, Regional Director of Agencies.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Pan-American Life
The Pan-American Life Insurance Group is a leading provider of insurance and financial services throughout the Americas. New Orleans-based Pan-American Life Insurance Company, the Group’s flagship member, has been delivering trusted financial services since 1911, employing more than 1,300 worldwide, providing top-rated life and health insurance, employee benefits and financial services in 47 states, the District of Columbia (DC), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Group’s member companies offer individual and/or group life and health insurance throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Group has branches and affiliates in Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and 15 Caribbean markets*, including Barbados, Cayman Islands, Curacao* and Trinidad and Tobago. For more information, visit the Pan-American Life Web site at palig.com.

* Pending Regulatory Approval

LONDON, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Kemeny family is deeply distressed by the tragedy of their daughter, Eva’s, death and have seen the widespread worldwide media coverage of her difficulties over the last few days. Eva would have wanted the memory of her life to be used to benefit others facing similar addiction challenges in their lives. The Kemeny family hopes this tribute will be used to draw attention to the tragedy of drug addiction and to generate awareness and financial support for this cause in the future. In due course they will launch a foundation.

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American philanthropist, loving wife and mother, who helped countless addicts, and children
By Tom Kemeny, Eva’s father

Eva Louise Kemeny was born on 7 March, 1964 exactly nine months and one week after Nancy and I were married in Goldsboro, North Carolina on 1 June, 1963.

Eva was born in the Matilda War Memorial Hospital on the Peak of Hong Kong. Our darling Eva was literally delivered by me and a 16 year old assistant nurse, since the doctor had failed to show-up. When Eva was born, I wrapped her up in a towel, still attached to Nancy’s umbilical cord, and held her up to show Nancy our beautiful first born. Nancy said, "Oh, a boy!" And I said, "Not exactly, what you’re seeing is the umbilical cord." Thus Eva entered dramatically into our world.

From Hong Kong we moved to Sydney and from there to Milan where her sister, Be, was born. We then moved to Rome in 1967, where Eva attended the original Montessori Nursery.

In 1970 we moved to London and Eva first attended Garden House School, and then later Queens Gate, followed by the American School in London. She was an immensely bright, loving but very shy little girl.

We think she started experimenting with drugs in her late teens to overcome her shyness. The drug dependency impacted poor Eva, and her attendance, at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

After attending many drug rehabilitation centres in the USA and the UK, Eva finally recovered in the late 1980’s. Her recovery was strong and, as is customary in the 12-Step Programme, she went around London and the UK sharing her life and experiences to explain that recovery is possible and to give hope and support to others. This became a major defining endeavour in her short life: to help others, especially those with drug addictions.

Before her marriage, Eva worked for two years in John Aspinal’s London office, as his assistant, where her duties included buying exotic fruit for his large collection of gorillas. She married Hans Kristian Rausing on 16 October, 1992 at the Swedish Church in London. The service was officiated by the Archbishop of Sweden, assisted by Reverend Lennart Sjostrom, the former Rector of the Swedish Church in London. Recently he commented: "I just saw two people who were immensely happy and so in love, and I remember the looks on their faces as they exchanged their vows and promised to love and honour each other." Reverend Sjostrom also baptised their four children.

After her marriage, they attended Richmond College, where Eva read Economics and Hans Kristian read English literature. She also attended the London School of Economics for a short time.

Eva played a pivotal part in her life-long vocation in helping those with drug addiction. She joined the Board of both Clouds and Chemical Dependency Centre in the early 2000s, which later formally became Action on Addiction in 2007 after merging with a third charity. It is a national organisation that provides direct and indirect help to both addicts and their families. The indirect help it provides includes training for professionals, counselling, research and campaigning support. Its direct help includes residential and out-patient treatment to those suffering from addiction, in addition to offering support to their families.

Eva’s particular interest within Action on Addiction was Hope House, a specialist unit for women to deal with complex issues – not just drug addiction, but eating disorders, mental illness and domestic abuse. Eva and Hans Kristian were adamant that no one should be turned away from treatment for addiction. They passionately (and anonymously) supported ‘Charity Funded Treatment’ for those that could not get statutory funding or raise the funds themselves.

From early 2000 up until her death, Eva was involved with RAPT, Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners’ Trust. Although Eva was not on the Board or a trustee and had no official capacity, she was a life-time supporter and dedicated her time to visit women’s prisons, such as Send.

Tristan Millington-Drake, who worked with Eva on her charitable activities, remembers the caring attitude she took to her work: "She was never afraid to visit women addicts in prison and in connecting with them she was always open about her own struggles in the hope that she might help them." Tristan remembers her love of cats which even extended into her support for the Animals at War memorial in London’s Park Lane: "She was always mischievously trying to get them to include cats in the memorial, despite it being pointed out to her that cats didn’t go to war."

Eva was also a patron of the Mentor Foundation, a charity purely concerned with drug prevention which was founded in the early 2000s.

Ten years ago Hans Kristian and Eva established Verdun in Barbados, a full 12-Step Recovery clinic which remains unique in the Caribbean. Verdun has treated over 2,000 local Bajan people since its foundation.  Eva and Hans Kristian have essentially been the only benefactors of this facility. There are plans to develop a women’s unit, as it had become a male-only facility.  The charity also set up a Halfway House which provides training and rehabilitation to reintegrate recovering addicts into society.

Through her endeavours, both with her personal involvement and charitable contribution, Eva and Hans Kristian "saved" thousands of lives – tragically not her own. This is a stark reminder that the illness of addiction knows no social class or gender.

As Nick Barton, Chief Executive of Action on Addiction, said recently: "Eva worked tirelessly for years, without any desire for public recognition and despite her own health issues, to help people and charities in the addiction field through her wonderfully generous support."

"Eva was much admired for the very personal commitment shared with her husband Hans Kristian in supporting a number of charitable causes, including several organisations in the addiction field."

Eva and her husband were also generous patrons of many other good causes. She had a sharp and intelligent wit, and her sparkling eyes often betrayed what she was about to say. Her beautifully written messages and emails were in equal turns both provocative and humorous, but always a pleasure to read. The love she had for her children was the most dominant theme in her life, and one which occupied her every day. Even in the depths of her despair she always worried more about the happiness and well-being of others. At the time of her death her over-riding concern was for the safety of her beloved husband, for whom she interrupted her own treatment to return to London in an attempt to take him back with her to California, but tragically to no avail.

We shall always remember Eva as a beautiful, generous, and fun daughter, wife, mother, sister and aunt. Eva and Hans Kristian adored each other and their four beautiful children. When not in London they would have family holidays with their cousins and extended family, without any glitz or glamour.

Eva and Hans Kristian were a devoted and loving couple for the 21 years they spent together. They benefited thousands of lives through their personal involvement and philanthropic activities. They bravely battled their demons and supported each other and Eva will be a devastating loss to our beloved "son" Hans Kristian, whom we love unconditionally with all our hearts.
"A loved one is a treasure of the heart and to lose a loved one is like losing a piece of yourself. But the love that this person brought you…did not leave, for the essence of the soul lingers. It cannot escape your heart, for it has been there forever."

Debbie Burton

Eva is survived by her beloved husband, Hans Kristian Rausing, their  four children, her sister, Be, and parents, Nancy and Tom Kemeny and an extended American and Swedish family.
O, G-d, full of compassion. Thou who dwellest on high, grant perfect rest beneath the shelter of Thy divine presence among the holy and pure who shine as the brightness of the firmament to the soul of my beloved Eva who has gone to her eternal home.
Mayest Thou, O G-d of Mercy, shelter her forever under the wings of Thy presence, May her soul be bound up in the bond of life eternal, and grant that the memories of my life inspire me always to noble and consecrated living. Amen.

Please send comments, questions, shared experiences to: [email protected]

Colette Burnett, (r), and Brooklyn Borugh President Marty Markowitz. (Lerone Ault Photography)

CaribPR Wire, BROOKLYN, N.Y., Weds. July 4, 2012: Colette Burnett, owner of Super Wings N.Y., recently accepted the “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” from Borough President Marty Markowitz at the 7th Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Month Economic Development Power Networking Brunch at Brooklyn Borough Hall. 

“It’s an honor to accept the Entrepreneur of the Year Award; I built the business on a wing and a prayer and I am grateful for the overwhelming support,” stated Colette Burnett.   Burnett continued, “I am even more thankful to Borough President Marty Markowitz, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City Business Solutions, Roy Hastick (President of the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce), my family, staff and most of all our customers. This award really belongs to my family, supporters, and my 20 full and part-time staff and the Super Wings customers who continuously provide unyielding support to our business.” 

“Colette Burnett is a true Brooklyn success story – launching Super Wings NY on a ‘wing’ and a prayer and turning it into at thriving eatery serving up delicious wings the Daily News voted the Best of New York. More importantly, Colette has created jobs and employed residents in the Crown Heights and East Flatbush communities. I like to call myself a ‘proud Trini,’ but Colette is the real deal—and all of Brooklyn congratulates her on her success,” Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz stated.

Super Wings was actually a second career for Colette, who after spending a decade working as a business banker decided to turn her craving into a business. She opened Super Wings N.Y. in the midst of a recession just three years ago. Since then Brooklyn-based Super Wings N.Y.:
Expanded the Business: There is the original location in Crown Heights, a second in East Flatbush and a third slated to open later this year in Carnarsie; Threw down with an Iron Chef: Won the Food Network Thrown Down with Iron Chef Bobby Flay; Won over customers: Voted “Best Wings In Brooklyn” and placed #3 in the “Restaurant Sauce Off” creative spicy category at the10th Annual National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, N.Y

Colette has the secret ingredient for success. She tapped into an industry that is hot–in more ways than one. It turns out the wing business is thriving–90 million pounds of wings are sold and consumed just during Super Bowl weekend alone in the United States. And Super Wings is there to satisfy this appetite for wings. In fact, Super Wings serves up wings in 10 ten flavors including Pineapple Jerk, Ginger Buff, and Island BBQ, all inspired by Colette’s’ native Trinidad and Tobago where recipes are a tantalizing blend of mainly African, East Indian, Europe, China, Middle East and Mediterranean culinary traditions. 

Visit one of Super Wings N.Y. locations or log on to www.mysuperwings.com

Super Wings N.Y.  I 1218 Union Street, Crown Heights, Brooklyn, N.Y.; (718) 467-8737

Super Wings N .Y. II 888 Utica Avenue, East Flatbush, Brooklyn N.Y. (347) 915-0773.

Jay Yeo, President of Solamon Energy, addressing the 2012 Invest Caribbean Now power forum on June 6th in NYC. (Sharon Bennett image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 22, 2012: The Caribbean region is rich in renewable energy and possesses tremendous capacity for solar, geothermal, tidal and wind projects.

That’s according to Jay Yeo, President of Solamon Energy, which is building the largest solar energy plant in the Caribbean region. Yeo made the observation at June 6th Invest Caribbean Now power forum, hosted in New York City by digital media company Hard Beat Communications and the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

His comments come as the latest “Climatescope,” the first annual report, index and interactive web tool which scores 26 nations on their relative ability to foster low-carbon energy growth in the region of Latin America by the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank and Bloomberg New Energy Finance, showed Brazil, Nicaragua and Panama grabbing chunks of investment in renewable but the Caribbean region way down the list with the Dominican Republic at 15.

Yeo said investment in renewables, especially solar, will not only lower the cost of energy across the region but helps create 11 times more jobs than natural gas or coal.

“Capital intensive renewable energy is an important vehicle to increase the inflow of capital into the Caribbean and achieve economic growth, said Yeo.

Forum delegates also heard from North American investors, Jonathan Blue, who touted his positive investment experiences, in the Caribbean region; CTO Chairman and minister of St. Kitts/Nevis, Senator Ricky Skerritt; Jean Arnell, vice president of the French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce; and Lisa Lake, Chief Entrepreneurship Officer of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean.

One of the world’s most renowned and successful entrepreneurs, Sir Richard Branson, was this year’s inaugural Leadership Award recipient.
“Let’s work together more than ever, from this day forward, to create an entrepreneurial Paradise, in Paradise,” said the Virgin Group and Branson Center of Entrepreneurship founder.

The forum was moderated by W. Dave Dowrich, V Vice President of Risk and Capital Markets in the Financial Institutions Group at Goldman Sachs.

The Invest Caribbean Now 2012 forum was funded in part by The French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce, (CCISM), One Caribbean Television and Teamsters Local 237, a union of 24,000 New York City employees who work in government agencies and several municipalities on Long Island, while supporting sponsors included the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now and Damoola Inc.

CTO Chairman and minister of tourism of St. Kitts/Nevis, Senator Ricky Skerritt, addressing the 2012 Invest Caribbean Now forum. (Sharon Bennett image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 15, 2012: The Caribbean needs investment partners who will join hands with us for the long-term and invest in our easily trainable Caribbean people.

That’s the word from Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Minister of Tourism of St. Kitts/Nevis, Senator Ricky Skerritt. Skerritt made the call at the June 6th Invest Caribbean Now power forum, hosted in New York City by digital media company Hard Beat Communications and the CTO.

“Caribbean people are really our most valuable asset and represent a genuine and critical source of what makes our region so special,” said the CTO Chair. “I therefore submit to you that investing in Caribbean people development must be an essential portion of any major tourism investment in our region.”

Pointing to the growth in the region’s tourism sector last year, Skerritt insisted that the Caribbean’s proximity to the US makes it both a prime tourist destination and a secondary home location.

“With the public investment programs of so many of our Caribbean governments having been compromised because of recent fiscal shocks, there should now be more opportunities than ever before for private investors to get involved in financing, designing, building, and even operating, select public sector infrastructure and services projects,” he added.

One of the world’s most renowned and successful entrepreneurs, Sir Richard Branson, was this year’s inaugural Leadership Award recipient. Branson, in his acceptance remarks, reiterated Skerritt’s statement, insisting “that while tourism will always remain a key industry, there’s so much more to attract investment to these beautiful and vibrant islands, not least, the people.”

“Let’s work together more than ever, from this day forward, to create an entrepreneurial Paradise, in Paradise,” said the Virgin Group and Branson Center of Entrepreneurship founder.

Forum delegates also heard from North American investors, Jonathan Blue and Jay Yeo, who both touted their positive investment experiences, in the Caribbean region even as Jean Arnell, vice president of the French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce, told the audience that the Caribbean island is open for business.

“With more than a dozen ministers of government, including a premier and a chief minister, as well as dozens of private sector attendees from investment firms in attendance, what we have proven is that the Invest Caribbean Now forum, while only in its second year, is simply THE investment event of the Caribbean,” said Felicia Persaud, CEO of Hard Beat Communications and convener of Invest Caribbean Now, in summing up the conclusion of the June 6th sold out power forum.

The forum was moderated by W. Dave Dowrich, V Vice President of Risk and Capital Markets in the Financial Institutions Group at Goldman Sachs, who observed that “too long the Caribbean has been simply known as a playground and great for partying but when it comes to the serious business of investment – not so much so.”

The Invest Caribbean Now 2012 forum was funded in part by The French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce, (CCISM), One Caribbean Television and Teamsters Local 237, a union of 24,000 New York City employees who work in government agencies and several municipalities on Long Island, while supporting sponsors include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, the Museum of American Finance, ALTA and Damoola Inc.

Ministers of Govts With Hard Beat CEO FeliciaPersaud, r, and Panelist LisaLake at l. (Sharon Bennett image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. June 7, 2012: North American investors, Jonathan Blue and Jay Yeo, are touting their positive investment experiences, in the Caribbean region.

At the Invest Caribbean Now forum on June 6th in New York City, both institutional investors shared their experiences with over 150 delegates including over a dozen Caribbean ministers of government.

Blue, chair of Blue Equity LLC, spoke of his multi-million dollar investments in Jamaica and expressed extreme satisfaction with the country and its business environment.

He referenced seamless transitions among three governments since Blue Equity has invested in Jamaica.

“Blue Equity is continuing to evaluate opportunities in the Caribbean and is committed to inspire other investment firms to follow their lead,” Blue said.
Jay Yeo, President of the Canadian-based Solamon Energy, spoke of his firm’s work in the Caribbean and said governments should be focusing on renewables, especially solar, to solve its high energy cost.

“Capital intensive renewable energy is an important vehicle to increase the inflow of capital into the Caribbean and achieve economic growth,” said Yeo, adding that jobs could be increased 11 times more than in companies where energy comes from coal or natural gas. 

Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Minister of Tourism of St. Kitts/Nevis, Ricky Skerritt, opened the panel and said the Caribbean may not be a fully fledged BRIC group yet, but the message from Invest Caribbean Now is, that it’s on its way.

Jean Arnell, vice president of the French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce, told the audience that the Caribbean island is open for business and over the next five years is looking to create a “Free Zone” of office and warehouse, an island wide broadband open access network and expand its road, water and sewage networks and the Grand Case Airport for regional traffic.

St. Martin was represented by a delegation of five including President of the Collectivity, Alain Richardson. In addition, there were several ministers of tourism present including Chief Minister Government of Anguilla, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Investment, Commerce & Tourism, Hubert Hughes; and the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr. Daniel Orlando Smith. 

Lisa Lake, Chief Development Director, Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean, who wrapped up the panel, insisted that the ultimate goal of the center was to help young entrepreneurs grow and create employment for others.

One of the world’s most renowned and successful entrepreneurs, Sir Richard Branson, was this year’s inaugural Leadership Award recipient. Branson, in his acceptance remarks, said he is now directing a lot of his interest and his funds in entrepreneurial enterprises in the Caribbean through his Branson Center of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean and reiterated his commitment to young entrepreneurs and the region.

“The Caribbean may still be best known for its sun and its beaches, but we are proving that there is so much more to this region,” said Felicia Persaud, CEO of Hard Beat Communications and convener of Invest Caribbean Now, in summing up the conclusion of the June 6th sold out power forum, held in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization, as part of Caribbean Week in New York. “What has to happen now is for government ministers to take their jobs of doing business with the private sector seriously.”

The forum was moderated by W. Dave Dowrich, V Vice President of Risk and Capital Markets in the Financial Institutions Group at Goldman Sachs, who observed that “too long the Caribbean has been simply known as a playground and great for partying but when it comes to the serious business of investment – not so much so.”

“We hope to begin through this forum to change that image somewhat – yes the Caribbean is great to vacation, but it’s also a hot emerging market that should not be ignored and should be considered for some of your wallet share,” said Dowrich.

Other private sector delegates included CEO of Spackman Capital, Martin Mohabeer; Lugano Group’s Harold Doley, III, Dean Chang of CIBC Markets; Laura Perez of Merrill Lynch; Kathleen Mulhern of the Coleman Alliance and Brian Lilly, founder of One Caribbean Television.

See Branson’s full acceptance speech at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VjaVFuVT94 and our video news report from One Caribbean Television.

The presentations from the four speakers are at http://investcaribbean.wordpress.com/2012-speakers/ and a list of attendees can be found at http://investcaribbean.wordpress.com/who-should-attend/.
Photos from the event are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/committeetocelebrateguyana/

Fans can also bid on two auction items  -  a trip for two to Jamaica or Grenada – online at http://www.32auctions.com/organizations/3984/auctions/4426

The Invest Caribbean Now 2012 forum was funded in part by The French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce, (CCISM), One Caribbean Television and Teamsters Local 237, a union of 24,000 New York City employees who work in government agencies and several municipalities on Long Island, while supporting sponsors include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, the Museum of American Finance, ALTA and Damoola Inc.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Tuesday June 5, 2012: More than a dozen ministers of government, including a premier and a chief minister from the Caribbean, will gather in New York City tomorrow for the second annual Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum.

The investment breakfast, a partnership between digital media company, Hard Beat Communications and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the regional tourism arm, is set for the Marriott Marquis in Times Square New York City on June 6th from 7:30 to 10 a.m.

Among the high powered attendees of this year’s event include Dr. Daniel Orlando Smith, OBE, Premier and minister of finance and tourism of the British Virgin Islands; Chief Minister Government of Anguilla, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Investment, Commerce & Tourism, Hubert Hughes; Minister of Business Development and Tourism of Bermuda, Wayne Furbert; Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Minister of Tourism, & International Transport of St. Kitts/Nevis, Ricky  Skerritt; Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation of The Bahamas, Obe Wilchcombe; Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture of St. Vincent & Grenadines, Cecil Mckie; Minister of Tourism of St. Maarten, Romeo Pantophlet; Minister of Ministry of State of Jamaica, Damion Crawford; Minister of Tourism, Heritage, Culture and Creative Industries of St. Lucia, Lorne Theophilus; Minister of Tourism of Trinidad and Tobago, Rupert Theophilus Griffith; Minister of Tourism of Haiti, Stephanie Balmir-Villedrouin;  Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation of Grenada, Dr. George Vincent; acting Minister of Tourism of Guyana, Irfaan Ali; Luis Gerardo Rivera Marin, current Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and Alain Richardson, President of the Collectivity of St. Martin.
Invest Caribbean Now 2012 panellists are Jonathan S. Blue, Chairman & Managing Director, Blue Equity, LLC. and CEO of Cool Petroleum; Jay Yeo, President, Solamon Energy Corp.; Lisa Lake, Chief Development Director, Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean; Jean Arnell, vice president of the French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce and Hon. Minister of St. Kitts and CTO Chairman, Ricky Skerrit.
Organizers of Invest Caribbean Now 2012 will also honour world renowned business leader, Sir Richard Branson with the 2012 Leadership Award for his commitment to the Caribbean via the launch of his Branson Center of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean.

The forum comes as Chinese investment in the Caribbean continues to boom in this free trade emerging market economy that is politically stable and boosts a highly literate work force and an established tourism market, and which the International Monetary Fund and World Bank forecast will see a 3.5 percent growth into 2013, higher than the economies of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and similar to those of East Asia.

Invest Caribbean Now 2012 sponsors are The French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce, (CCISM), One Caribbean Television and Teamsters Local 237, a union of 24,000 New York City employees who work in government agencies and several municipalities on Long Island, while supporting sponsors include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now and Damoola Inc.

Supplementary information on the event can be found at InvestCaribbeanNow.com, the event’s pages on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Invest-Caribbean/100002110419705 and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/InvestingCarib. When tweeting about this event, use #InvestCarib.

Registration for this event is now closed.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Friday June 1, 2012: Investment opportunities in the emerging market of the Caribbean region will help usher in Caribbean American Heritage Month in the United States this June as the Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum returns to the Big Apple.

The event, set for the Marriott Marquis in Times Square New York City on June 6th from 7:30 to 10 a.m., is a partnership between digital media company, Hard Beat Communications and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the regional tourism arm.

Caribbean American Heritage Month has been celebrated in the U.S. each June since 2006.

“The Caribbean is often tagged as a fun, sea and sand destination. In Caribbean American Heritage Month, as we pause to remember the millions of Caribbean nationals who have lived in the United States since slavery and served and contributed to its heritage through finance, politics, the arts, science, education, business, sports, the military and government, it is important to focus on the strong investment potential of this region and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people,” said Felicia Persaud, convener of Invest Caribbean Now and CEO of Hard Beat.

This year’s Invest Caribbean Now panellists are Jonathan S. Blue, Chairman & Managing Director, Blue Equity, LLC. and CEO of Cool Petroleum; Jay Yeo, President, Solamon Energy Corp.; Lisa Lake, Chief Development Director, Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean; Jean Arnell, vice president of the French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce and Hon. Minister of Tourism of St. Kitts and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Ricky Skerrit.

Invest Caribbean Now 2012, which will also honour world renowned business leader, Sir Richard Branson with the 2012 Leadership Award for his commitment to the Caribbean via the launch of his Branson Center of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean.

The forum comes as Chinese investment in the Caribbean continues to boom in this free trade emerging market economy that is politically stable and boosts a highly literate work force and an established tourism market, and which the International Monetary Fund and World Bank forecast will see a 3.5 percent growth into 2013, higher than the economies of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and similar to those of East Asia.

To book last minute seats to the event log on now to InvestCaribbeanNow.com or call 718-476-3616.

Invest Caribbean Now 2012 sponsors are The French Saint Martin Chamber of Commerce, (CCISM), One Caribbean Television and Teamsters Local 237, a union of 24,000 New York City employees who work in government agencies and several municipalities on Long Island, while supporting sponsors include the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now and Damoola Inc.

For remaining sponsorship opportunities email Joe Bernstein at [email protected].

Supplementary information on the event can be found at InvestCaribbeanNow.com, the event’s pages on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Invest-Caribbean/100002110419705 and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/InvestingCarib. When tweeting about this event, use #InvestCarib.

MONTREAL and BARBADOS, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Irosoft Inc., a worldwide leader in Acts and subsidiary legislation management solutions, in partnership with ESI Technologies Inc., is proud to announce the successful implementation of its LIMS Drafting and Consolidating solutions for the Government of Barbados.

“We are honoured to have been part of the LIMS project in Barbados for many reasons,” said René-Luc Morin. Vice-president and co-founder of Irosoft, Morin was in Bridgetown to complete the assignment and attend the official launch of the system held by the Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Adriel D. Brathwaite.

“Barbados can now manage its legislation using the latest and most advanced fully integrated system on the market,” Morin adds. “Our Irosoft LIMS implementation is now in full production in Barbados, and legislative drafters are already seeing the benefits of not having to deal with many repetitive and tedious tasks. Those involved in the consolidation process now have an easy-to-use, semi-automated system that respects the legal principal of ‘point-in-time’.

“Most of all, we have had the privilege of working with high-level professionals who have made our job easier. Supported by a strong project management, headed by Michael Forde of NexLevel Info on the client side and Chantal Lamarre, L.L.B, for Irosoft, we were able to finish the project on time and on budget, as we usually do.”

Project Manager Michael Forde commented: “Our success was due in large measure to the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of the legislative drafters and other staff in the office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel. For this, I commend them. Also contributing to our success, of course, was the expertise of the Irosoft team, their understanding of the legislative processes in our jurisdiction, and the quality of their LIMS product.”

“I see direct benefits to a wide cross-section of users,” said Attorney-General, Hon. Adriel D. Brathwaite, “from the ordinary man on the street to judges to attorneys to ourselves and, of course, to the draftsman themselves. LIMS brings tremendous benefits to them. It assists them not only in terms of research but certainly in terms of updating other laws that may be impacted by a piece of legislation. It is going to make that aspect of their lives that much easier.”

“We have now implemented our LIMS product in three countries in this part of the world,” concludes René-Luc Morin, “and we are looking forward to many more successful implementations in the near future.”

 About Irosoft Inc.

 Founded in 1995, Irosoft is a world leader in Document/Record Management and Legal Information Management. As a specialist in integrated content management, Irosoft offers innovative and easy-to-use solutions so that clients can simply and efficiently develop, organize, exploit and preserve their information capital. To date, more than 100 national and international organizations — government departments and agencies, municipalities, as well as private companies — have come to Irosoft to carry out large-scale content management projects.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 18, 2012: The leader of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean will reveal the attractions of the region’s market at Invest Caribbean Now, set for this June 6^th at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

The Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s breakfast power forum will spotlight on the Caribbean as a viable investment destination. The event will boast speakers from Jonathan Blue, chairman of Blue Equity, Jay Yeo, Solamon Energy Corp, Jean Arnell, of The Chamber of Commerce for French St. Martin, an official of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Agency, and Lisa Lake,  chief entrepreneurship officer, the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean, and will highlight the investment opportunities in the region and its Diaspora. 

The speakers will share their views on whether the Caribbean is the next hot emerging market that investors should be eyeing and explain how the region is developing new industries to balance the reliance on tourism that has powered many of the islands economies for years.

The Caribbean region, home to some 41 million people, has great tax benefits for investors, is politically stable, has a high literate work force, is open to free trade and has an established tourism market.  

Lake will be speaking of her plans to support the economic development of the region through supporting high potential entrepreneurs through the early stages of their business development. The Centre is supported by Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, and has been developed in partnership with Virgin Holidays and Virgin Unite, the group’s not-for-profit foundation.  Branson will be honored with the first Invest Caribbean Now Leadership Award on June 6^th.

“The Caribbean region is rich in entrepreneurial spirit and in opportunities to grow the economy. Tourism has sustained this region for many years. We now need to develop and add diversity to the market by investing in the skills of entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and to help them scale their businesses and employ people while to competing in a global market,”    Lake said.

The Invest Caribbean Now forum, the brainchild of Hard Beat Communications CEO, Felicia Persaud, will take place at the Marriott Marquis Times Square on June 6, 2012 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. during Caribbean Week in New York.

The June investment forum is a partnership between the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Hard Beat, a digital media company.

Cost to attend is $100 per person and registration can be done at www.investcaribbeannow.com or by email to [email protected].

About Invest Caribbean Now 2012

The Invest Caribbean Now series aims to connect investors with entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce and ministers of governments in the hot new emerging market that is the Caribbean and its Diaspora. Its sponsors to date include One Caribbean Television, La Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, (CCISM), the PR Newswire, WSEE TV, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Damoola Inc and The Affiliated Lawyers of the Americas (”ALTA”). For additional partnership opportunities log on to the sponsorship section of investcaribbeannow or call 646-820-5694.

About The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean

The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean, based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was launched by Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, using funding from lead partner Virgin Holidays, the UK’s leading long haul holiday company last September. It is a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and aims to offer practical business skills, access to coaches to offer guidance, mentors to share their experiences and in the future plans to work with partners to develop financing opportunities to enable growth. It supports the development of small and growing businesses and job creation in the Caribbean with an emphasis on tourism related businesses with strong financial, social and environmental credentials. The first Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship was established in 2006 in Johannesburg, South Africa as a unique launch pad for bold and aspiring entrepreneurs to create successful businesses.

About Lisa Lake

Prior to joining The Branson Centre, Lake was Director of Operations for Brand Extensions at Sandals Resorts International. In this role, she had operational oversight of the Sandals Lifestyle Division and Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours.  Prior to joining Sandals, Lake worked with OTF Group – a consulting firm focused on issues of competitiveness in developing countries. She sits on the Economic Planning Committee of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica.

Carib PR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 11, 2012: Reiterating its commitment to the Caribbean region, One Caribbean Television returns this June as a partner of the 2012 Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum.

OCTV, which jumped on board to help present the inaugural forum last June, has again signed on to the second annual Caribbean Tourism Organization and Hard Beat Communications investment forum, slated for June 6, 2012 at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

“We are pleased to be joined by OCTV for a second year in a row,” said Felicia Persaud, CEO of Hard Beat Communications and convener of Invest Caribbean Now. “What OCTV has done is reiterated its investment commitment to this region and that is certainly a breath of fresh air in an investment arena here few respect this region as a fertile investment destination.”

“OCTV is proud to partner with Hard Beat Communications at Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum because it brings together so many like minded” people who see the Caribbean as a future place to do business, not just in recreation and tourism, but the many areas of untapped resources and talent the region has to offer,” said OTV officials. “We look forward to meeting people at the forum that we can not only do business with, but form long term partnerships and friendships!”

One Caribbean Television (OCTV) started off as a Caribbean Weather Channel, serving the Caribbean, Latin, Central and South America with current conditions and severe weather, tropical storm and hurricane coverage.  That platform has been rapidly expanding to News, Business Reports, Sports Reports, Entertainment and Local Events as well as reports from correspondents on the islands and reports from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Our goal is to provide as much Caribbean content as possible and to continue to provide our viewers the quality programming that they deserve.

OCTV is expanding its cable penetration in the Caribbean, Latin, Central and South America and is projecting its launch in the US and Canadian markets!

The Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum is done in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization to educate the private sector on Wall Street of the hot Caribbean market as well and boost interest in investment opportunities in the Caribbean and its Diaspora.

This year’s panelists are Chairman of Blue Equity, Jonathan Blue; President and co-founder of Solamon Energy Corp, Jay Yeo, Hon. Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization & Minister of Tourism & International Transport Government of St. Kitts & Nevis, Ricky Skerritt and  Lisa Lake, the chief development director of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean. The 2012 Leadership Award recipient is Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group.

Invest Caribbean Now returns for a second year as Chinese investment in the Caribbean continues to boom in this free trade region that is politically stable and boosts attractive tax incentives, a highly literate work force and an established tourism market, and which the International Monetary Fund and World Bank forecast will see a 3.5 percent growth into 2013, higher than those of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and similar to those of East Asia.

Invest Caribbean Now 2012 sponsors include La Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, (CCISM) and One Caribbean Television while supporting sponsors are the PR Newswire, WSEE TV, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Damoola Inc., The Museum of American Finance and The Affiliated Lawyers of the Americas.

Additional information on the event can be found at InvestCaribbeanNow.com, the event’s pages on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/people/Invest-Caribbean/100002110419705 and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/InvestingCarib.

Invest Caribbean Now 2012 sponsors also include La Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, (CCISM), the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Damoola Inc and The Affiliated Lawyers of the Americas (”ALTA“) and the Museum of American Finance.

For additional partnership opportunities email Joe Bernstein at [email protected] or log on to the sponsorship section of investcaribbeannow.com.

Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Letters of Intent (LOIs) inked with Ochsner Health Systems, Payson Center and World Trade Center

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The Haitian delegation that participated in the 2012 World Cultural Economic Forum in New Orleans, led by Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul, returned home from a very productive visit, having signed LOIs and MOUs for development partnerships with three renowned multinational and regional organizations. Minister Mayard-Paul inked preliminary agreements for cooperation with Ochsner Health Systems, the World Trade Center New Orleans and the Tulane Payson Center for International Development. 

“Our meetings in New Orleans were exceptionally rewarding and gratifying,” said Mr. Mayard-Paul. “We are solidifying valuable partnerships with outstanding agencies that will help advance our goals for building a stronger, more resilient Haiti under the umbrella of Katye Pam Poze, Haiti’s community-based decentralization program.”

According to Mayard-Paul, Ochsner, which has been a reliable partner to Haiti since the earthquake, is interested in establishing a relationship with Haiti’s Justinien hospital and the Ecole Polytechnic De Mayaya La Victoire, allowing Ochsner physicians and medical students to provide health services in and around Cap-Haitien.  “Ochsner plans to implement a recurring medical mission to Haiti, supported by United States board-certified physicians,” he said. “They expect to launch their first mission this year.”

The MOI also plans to include Ochsner as a key health services partner within KPP, to help strengthen capacity building through training, and access to basic services through regional health centers and hospitals, in order to increase coverage throughout the country. “The Government of Haiti is seeking to enhance healthcare services available to Haitians by encouraging and supporting Ochsner and others to contribute to the health and well-being of the people of Haiti throughout the country,” added Mayard-Paul.

In signing the agreement with Tulane’s Payson Center, the Minister of the Interior emphasized that in its post-earthquake recovery process, the Republic of Haiti faces many challenges for which the Payson Center can provide meaningful solutions. “The Center is interested in providing its well-known expertise and experience in legal system reform, affordable housing and higher education, through a public-private partnership with the Government of Haiti,” said Mayard-Paul. The minister pointed out that Payson showed special interest in introducing online learning within the education module of Katye Pam Poze (KPP).

In addition, Tulane expressed an interest in also providing technical assistance/collaboration in waste water management, given its expertise in this particular area and the importance of this service to Haiti and KPP. “All of this is aligned with Haitian priorities,” highlighted Mayard-Paul, who reiterated that he was “greatly encouraged to find a long-term partner who shares the government’s vision of increasing access to basic social infrastructure and services through a ‘bottom-up’ approach so that, in the end, people would have no need to migrate out of their communities and into urban areas.  This is the cornerstone of KPP and the government’s National Decentralization Agenda,” added Mayard-Paul.

During the delegation’s visit with the World Trade Center New Orleans, Mayard-Paul, met with Jessica Steverson, Marketing Director of the World Trade Center and they discussed the ways in which they could partner to “bring to life” the myriad of energy, agriculture and maritime investment opportunities available in Haiti. “Louisiana and the Gulf South region have many companies with the knowledge and capacity to develop these critical areas,” assured Mayard-Paul.  During the discussion both parties agreed to work on building investment opportunities and establishing reciprocal trade missions between the two regions.

Of special significance to Mayard-Paul and the Haitian delegation was a meeting with the city of New Orleans including Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu, who successfully led the efforts to rebuild the city and restore thousands of jobs following Hurricane Katrina.  

“Mayor Landrieu’s rebuilding efforts set a viable model for Haiti to learn from,” remarked Mayard-Paul. “Looking at New Orleans’ regional economy, it is clear it has begun to diversify, spearheading growth in knowledge-based industries.  As a result, entrepreneurship in New Orleans has spiked dramatically post-Katrina.  With jobs a pressing need in Haiti, this is a valuable take-away from our visit.”

The City of New Orleans welcomed the idea of partnering with the Ministry of the Interior and the Government of Haiti by providing technical expertise and support in different fields that enable building back a better Haiti, as well as facilitating other investment opportunities identified by the minister.

Mayard-Paul was “humbled and grateful” for the warm reception provided by WCEF and its participants to Katye Pam Poze, Haiti’s innovative “bottom-up” approach to community integration and sustainable development, which is focused on improving delivery of government services, as well as fostering development and job creation by promoting strong community involvement.   “KPP has been designed as a holistic community-based program, where the end prize is to improve the quality of life of the Haitian people by enabling safe and prosperous communities right where they live, so they don’t have to migrate to urban centers to look for jobs.”

CaribPR Wire, Brooklyn, New York, Mon. May 7, 2012:  Caribbean celebrities are already well-known for their artistic innovation, on-stage personas and public dramas. Now, an entertaining live conversation series: “At the Feet of the Masters,” will provide insight into the personal narratives, life stories and autobiographical memories of five icons of Trinidad and Tobago culture. Calypso megastar, the Mighty Sparrow; art prodigy David Moore; steelband innovator, Dr. Ellie Mannette; Midas-touch record producer Rawlston Charles and promoting legend, Flag Woman Janet, will tell it in their own words when they take center stage at Tropical Paradise Ballroom, 1367 Utica Avenue from June 3^rd to 29^th.

Leading the conversations – which includes interviews, performance highlights, film footage and audience questions – are renowned Caribbean broadcast pioneers Dave Elcock and Eric St. Bernard, as well as, international photojournalist Colin “Soulboy” Williams. The full series is as follows:

• Sunday June 3 at 5p.m. Artist David Moore whose life’s work has been dedicated to documenting disappearing scenes of Caribbean traditions on canvas. The opening also features an exhibit of Moore’s work and a grand reception. Trinidad and Tobago Consul General Mrs. Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam will bring remarks on behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago government.
• Friday, June 8 at 8p.m. The brilliant and ever witty Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), who is  heralded as the undisputed calypso king for his unmatched recording and performing career and his trailblazing record of cultural, social and political activism.
• Friday, June 15 at 8p.m. Steelband innovator Dr. Elle Mannette – who at 86 – is celebrating his 75^th anniversary in developing the steelpan, a career of innovation which has earned him the title “Father of the modern day steeldrum instrument.”
• Friday, June 22 at 8p.m. Hitmaker Rawlston Charles, owner of Charlie’s Calypso City record store in Brooklyn and founder of the legendary Charlie’s Records, a famous independent record label established in the 1970s that produced some of the Caribbean’s greatest calypso hits.
• Friday, June 29 at 8p.m. Promoting legend Flag Woman Janet, a former renown dancer in Trinidad and Tobago adjudged “T&T’s #1 Soul Queen,” who brought her signature flair and dynamism to promoting cultural and social events for decades in New York.

Producer Nandi Keyi, a longtime cultural enthusiast and writer, is thrilled to provide this forum in the midst of Trinidad and Tobago 50^th anniversary celebrations. “This body of influential artists has spent a lifetime innovating, creating and showcasing Caribbean music and arts,” she said. “At the Feet of the Masters” is an excellent opportunity to garner first hand insight and ask questions about the personal and professional journeys that recreated the mastery.”

Tickets for each conversation, priced at a nominal 20.00, are available at SmartTix.com and leading local Caribbean outlets. For information call 347-636-0079 or email [email protected].

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Haiti’s Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul leads the nine-person delegation that will participate in the World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF), scheduled to begin today in New Orleans, Louisiana. The minister’s primary objective is to present Haiti’s decentralization plan and the many investment/partnering opportunities available in Haiti’s heartland, as part of the government’s national development plan.

As part of the official agenda, in addition to convening with public and private sector leaders from around the world, the Minister and his delegation will meet with local government officials, the City of New Orleans, the Port of Lake Charles, Ochsner Health System, the Payson Center for International Development, the Port of South Louisiana, Port Fourchon and other maritime and service agencies.

“The WCEF provides Haiti a unique opportunity to showcase the many compelling investment prospects available to help revitalize our economy and drive job creation across all sectors, and throughout all the communities of Haiti,” said Mayard-Paul.

The minister also plans to discuss Haiti’s cornerstone decentralization program, Katye Pam Poze (KPP), which is focused on improving delivery of government services, as well as fostering development and job creation by promoting strong community involvement.   He also expects that KPP will continue to gain favorable receptivity internationally as an innovative “bottom-up” approach to community integration and sustainable development, “particularly since it includes cultural programs as mechanisms for peace, education and harmony,” added Mayard-Paul. “KPP has been designed as a holistic community-based program, where the end prize is to improve the quality of life of the Haitian people by enabling safe and prosperous communities right where they live, so they don’t have to migrate to urban centers to look for jobs.”

The range of actions within KPP include strengthening natural disaster risk reduction and recovery efforts; improving the delivery of health, housing and education services; recovering public spaces, developing local citizen initiatives and  creating job opportunities in tandem with the private sector. 

Mayard-Paul also stressed the opportunities available within Haiti’s diverse cultural talents, citing that worldwide personalities such as fashion icon Donna Karan have already pledged their support to Haitian artisans and their works, “which provide a grassroots model for job creation and education in Haiti that goes hand-in-hand with KPP’s ultimate goals,” said Mayard-Paul.

“The Haitian government is committed to facilitating investment,” underscored Mayard-Paul. “We are ready to assist with municipal initiatives throughout Haiti—in any of our regions—and we look forward to collaborating for sustainable development that advances decentralization and captures the ten-thousand-plus square miles of opportunities available.”

The delegation traveling with the Minister includes Ms. Elizabeth Landers, Adjunct Chief of Staff for the Minister of the Interior; Mr. Vladimir Laborde, Cabinet Member; Mr. Francois Richelle Lafaille, Minister of Social Affairs; Mr.  Guy Paul, Chief of Staff; Mr. Karl Jean Lousi, Executive Director, CFI; Dr. Rene Jean Jumeau, Secretary of State for Energy; Mr. Andy George Rene, Presidential Advisory Board and Mr. Anthony Arango, Special Envoy.

The World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) is an annual convening held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hosted by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, the Forum convenes leaders from cities around the world to shape the international discussion on culture.

HOUSTON, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The Flexitallic Group (Flexitallic), an international market leader of industrial static sealing products is pleased to announce that ESAU Oilfield has been accepted into Flexitallic’s Allied Distributor Program. Flexitallic specializes in the design, manufacturing and global distribution of high performance industrial sealing products for process industries including oil refineries, petrochemical, chemical and power generation.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/CL96062LOGO )

“ESAU Oilfield is based in Trinidad and has been a well respected distributor of Flexitallic since 2003,” says Keith Miller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Flexitallic. “We are pleased to promote ESAU Oilfield to the level of Allied Distributor for Flexitallic.  ESAU Oilfield has done a tremendous job of aligning our technology with a high level of customer service and support to companies in Trinidad.”

Flexitallic’s Allied Distributor Program selects companies from around the world that consistently demonstrate Flexitallic’s philosophy for providing high quality products, technical expertise and customer service.  ”ESAU Oilfield has successfully achieved the level of Allied Distributor,” says Steven Johnston, Sales Manager for Latin America, Caribbean & Mexico. “They are a great representative for Flexitallic in Trinidad.  ESAU Oilfield has a local market and service capability that is important as an independent distributor and we want to continue to support their efforts.”

ESAU Oilfield is the 17th company selected globally as part of Flexitallic’s Allied Distributor Program that began in 2002. Adds Johnston, “Recognizing ESAU Oilfield as an Allied Distributor is just one more way we can reinforce our continued commitment to them as a valued partner.   We look forward to building our business in Trinidad and continuing to provide world class static sealing solutions to our customers there and around the world.”  For more information, visit www.flexitallic.com or www.EsauOilfield.com

The Flexitallic Group is an international market leader in the manufacture and global supplier of high quality, high value industrial static sealing products. Formed in 1912, Flexitallic maintains a major market position in sealing devices used throughout the world, most notably in the oil and gas industry’s upstream and downstream operations. Flexitallic has manufacturing locations in 15 countries and over 600 stocking distributors worldwide. 

Interview Opportunity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

History-making move gives Haiti more direct access to GFDRR and the World Bank, which are critical partners in the development of a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Agenda

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Consultative Group (CG) has invited Haiti to become a Developing Country member delegate of this prestigious organization, making Haiti the first nation in the history of GFDRR to be invited into membership for a second term.

Thierry Mayard-Paul, Haiti’s Chief of Staff and Minister of the Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Defense, who led the Haitian delegation and served as its chief representative at this year’s GFDRR meeting, said, “this honor underscores the importance of the Martelly administration’s work in Disaster Reduction and Recovery Management (DRRM) throughout the country, in partnership with international organizations like the World Bank, the UNDP, USAID, SOUTHCOM and others.”

Mayard-Paul presented his government’s approach to Disaster Risk Management and shared Haiti’s proprietary, community development decentralization initiative, Katye Pam Poze (KPP), to a cadre of top-level experts from 38 nations.

Disaster risk reduction and management are intrinsically “embedded” within KPP, the cornerstone program for the Haitian government’s National Decentralization Agenda.  In this way, capacity is built at the community level across the country, under an innovative “bottom up” or grassroots approach, but in complete alignment with the national strategy.

Haiti’s innovative approach to community-based decentralization, as well as its commitment to institute Disaster Risk  and Recovery Management across all government entities, was well-received by GFDRR members and meeting participants.  Zoubida Allaoua, GFDRR’s Chair and the World Bank’s Director of Finance, Economics & Urban Department, encouraged the development of innovative initiatives such as Haiti’s KPP, stating, “We should not use yesterday’s solutions to confront today’s problems.  The GFDRR will work in partnership with the government of Haiti in its Disaster Risk Management efforts, so that they become a showcase project for other nations.”

As incoming GFDRR member, Haiti will have more direct access to the GFDRR and the World Bank, key partners in the development of a comprehensive DRRM program for Haiti.  Recently, the World Bank committed US$ 60 million to fund a four-year Reconstruction and Disaster & Risk Management Program that will support decision-making and capacity building, the construction of an emergency telecommunications system, as well as road infrastructure and safety.

The minister stressed that the Government of Haiti seeks to make risk reduction an essential part of its reconstruction and recovery efforts, while developing strategies and a policy framework for long term disaster risk reduction and management into the new national development plan.

Other counties welcomed as new GFDRR members during the spring sessions were Solomon Islands and Togo. Each country will occupy a chair for two years.  The three current developing country members, with one year remaining to serve, are Malawi, Bangladesh and Yemen.

“The GFDRR meetings were extremely helpful as they allowed us the opportunity to share –and learn– from other countries’ experience in this crucial area of disaster and risk reduction and management,” added Mayard-Paul.  “With our designation as Developing Country members, we are looking forward to even greater exposure to best practices, as well as opportunities for support and collaboration from the GFDRR’s membership.”

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – MEI Healthcare Inc., a leading provider of healthcare strategies and equipment solutions for medical facilities around the world, is partnering with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, the governments of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Global Health Partners, Ltd., to begin construction of The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean at Mount St. John Medical Centre in St. John, Antigua. Groundbreaking for the new $13.5 million (EC dollars) facility will take place Thursday, April 26.

“Our partnership will provide accessible, high-quality cancer care for a population that is underserved,” said Gordon Baltzer, CEO of MEI Healthcare Inc. Baltzer will be speaking at the groundbreaking. “Currently, patients need to be treated abroad, which is costly and incredibly difficult for patients and their families. As a result, many patients have gone without treatment.”

The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean will provide high-quality medical, radiation and surgical oncology services. The facility will include state-of-the-art technology capable of administering intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The centre will be used as the hub for consultation services being offered to the participating member countries.

“Nearly 1,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed each year in the OECS and, of those, approximately 400 will need radiotherapy at some time in their disease course,” said Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, The Hon. Baldwin Spencer in a prepared statement. “I recognize that currently there are no facilities in the Eastern Caribbean that are truly comprehensive and offer both surgery and radiation…(and) it’s important for us to develop the facilities necessary to provide support to patients who have cancer.”

The Hon. Arthur T. Porter, M.D., Chair of the Board of MEI and a key driver of this project, stated, “MEI insures that the Eastern Caribbean will have the technology platform to deliver modern day cancer therapy at a level commensurate with that of the USA, Canada or Europe.”

During a regional healthcare symposium in 2009, government officials expressed interest in developing a partnership with the private sector to equip a cancer center in Antigua with the latest oncology services and technical expertise. The “partnered care” model being used to create the facility is a cost-effective solution to bringing the latest technology to the region.

MEI provides business development, capital equipment funding strategies and growth consulting services to physicians, hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide.

About MEI Healthcare Inc.

Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., MEI is a comprehensive healthcare strategy firm that works with physician groups and medical centers to provide turnkey healthcare solutions. MEI and its subsidiaries, MEI Development Group, MEI Healthcare Capital, MEI Informatics, MEI Healthcare International and MEI Healthcare Foundation, offer its clients more than 40 years of healthcare business experience and the value-added benefits of its strategic alliances. For more information, visit http://www.mei.com.

L.R.: Ujjwal Bhattacharjee, Felicia Persaud, Loreto Duffy-Mayers and Tony Fiddy at the “Going Green” Invest Caribbean Now Forum on April 18, 2012 in Guyana. (CTO image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, April 23, 2012: A panelist at the first green investment forum at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference believes waste to energy plants in the region could help solve the problems of high power cost.

Tony Fiddy, President of the Waste to Energy Division and Regional Vice President for Europe and Africa, Naanovo Energy Inc., says waste to energy plants could lower the power costs of many nations tremendously.

“In St. Kitts we will be building a plant and selling power for US.20 cents to the government there, resulting in a huge savings that will be passed along to the consumer,” said Fiddy, a panelist on the “Going Green” Invest Caribbean Now Forum, organized by Felicia Persaud’s Hard Beat Communications and the CTO, and held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Guyana International Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Guyana.

The forum also featured Loreto Duffy-Mayers, Project Manager for the Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action (CHENACT) Programme and Ujjwal Bhattacharjee, a specialist in renewable energy and energy efficiency with a focus on technology, investment and policy and a consultant on the CHENACT project.

The CHENACT Study found that green investments in the Caribbean hotel sector offers a sufficient critical mass to spur entrepreneurial activity and both Duffy-Mayers and Bhattacharjee expressed the hope that a Clean Energy Policy will be incorporated into the National Energy Policy of countries and replicated throughout the region

The forum was a partnership between the CTO and Invest Caribbean Now, the brand founded by Felicia Persaud, the Guyana-born CEO of the New York-based digital media company Hard Beat Communications.

Persaud, who co-convened and moderated the forum, urged the 100 delegates to remember that “investing in clean energy is not just environmentally responsible, but good business.”

“No region offers more long-term growth prospects for renewable energy than the Caribbean,” said Persaud.

Last year, according to the UN Environment Program, investors pumped a record two hundred and 11 billion US dollars into renewables globally and this is projected to grow to 1.7 trillion by 2020. Of the 211 billion, $72 billion was invested in developing countries vs. $70 billion in developed economies. South and Central America secured $13.1 billion of that amount. The Caribbean was not accounted for in this study.

“And so it is a challenge to the Caribbean region to position itself to take advantage of this new sector sustainably and with transparency. Our leaders must begin to think outside the box and be unafraid to move beyond the traditional sectors – for instance out of a dying sugar industry, to ethanol,” Persaud added. “We must tap investment into this sector to create new jobs and limit our dependence on the up and down prices of oil and grow our economies like our south American neighbors and really make a mark on this generation.”

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has been staging its Annual Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, otherwise known as the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), since 1997. The 2012 conference was presented by the CTO and hosted by the Government of Guyana from April 15-18, 2012.

Partners for the April 18^th Green Investment forum included One Caribbean Television, CaribPR Wire and News Americas Now.