CaribPR Wire

Wanda Fisher, founder of the Caribbean Association of Wellness & Spas and brand, strategist and partnership marketing specialist for SkyCue Marketing & Productions Inc. and wellness advisor for the National Association of Black Females Executives in Music & Entertainment, is set to help host a wellness and Spa retreat for celebrity moms in Antigua & Barbuda.
Fisher says she was inspired to establish annual retreats for the entertainment industry after recognizing the level of stress seen in the syndrome of  a “”Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”" behavior created from some executives and talent in music, film, and television having to please so many people and depending on them to always be perfect. Derede Whitlock-Samuels, director of tourism USA , Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Ministry, is hosting the first Annual Celebrity Mom Retreat for the celebrity moms of the National Association of Female Executives in Music & Entertainment.  
Samuels saw the value of inviting the entertainment industry to Antigua and Barbuda for a haven of relaxation, peace, and mental rejuvenation.  Properties in Antigua & Barbuda are continuing to specialize in spa services not available on any other island. Mothers to Billboard artists Alicia Keyes, Grammy winners and film stars Common, Ludacris and Mos Def are participating in this year’s retreat.   In memory of NABFEME sister and celebrity mom, Donda West, a special planting of seeds ceremony is set to be held at Antigua & Barbuda Government House hosted by General Dame Louise Lake-Tack.
West was a key reason for Fisher to create a platform for NABFEME to host their celebrity moms in a peaceful and natural setting to stimulate balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Fisher insists she will continue to work with Whitlock’s vision to help reinforce the destination’s commitment to becoming the entertainment center of the Eastern Caribbean and garner the support of the wider entertainment community to increase the likelihood of establishing stronger ties with support groups and organizations throughout the United States .
`We hope to attract the attention of the celebrity mom’s children and the media to address some of the critical issues that families face today,` she added. The Celebrity Moms will be hosted at Jumby Bay and will attend events at other properties including Sandals Spa and Blue Waters.  Lighthouse Bay in Barbuda has created a magical day of authentic Caribbean 8 course meal, charter flight, and concierge room service to provide special services requested by each celebrity mom.

CaribPR Newswire , NEW YORK , NY , Tues. Apr. 8, 2008: Reggae singer Cocoa Tea is joining an all-star cast later this month for the inaugural Team Jamaica Bickle Reggae Concert. The event is set for April 20 th at the Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center, 2900 Campus Road Brooklyn ,  New York 11210 from 7 p.m. Its goal is to assist athletes from Jamaica who participate at the Penn Relays annually.
Cocoa Tea, who recently made national headlines with his new song, “Barack Obama,” is set to thrill fans with his Obama lyrics and more.   Cocoa Tea, whose real name is Calvin George Scott says that he is donating his time because “whenever there is a charity event that supports Jamaica , I always want to be apart of it.”
Cocoa Tea reiterated that fans should support the event because, “This event helps the Olympic team.   Funds are limited and whatever we can do to support Jamaica and the Olympic team we should do it.”
Other acts scheduled to perform at the inaugural Team Jamaica Bickle event include Richie Stephens, Etana and Duane Stephenson.   Stephens is best known for his dancehall singles

CARIBPR , NEW YORK , NY, Fri. Dec. 14, 2007: Grammy winners and 2008 Grammy nominees are set to rub shoulders and thrill music fans in Montego Bay , Jamaica next month. Three of the 2008 artists set to perform at January 24-26th Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica have just picked up nominations for next year’s 50 th Grammy awards. While two others on the bill already hold the prestigious statuettes. Grammy winner Jill Scott, newcomer Ryan Shaw and Spyro Gyra all been nominated for next year’s 50th Grammy Awards, set for Feb. 10, 2008, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Scott, who already holds two Grammy’s, has been nominated three times for the 2008 awards. She’s up for ‘ Best Female R&B Vocal Performance ,’ for ‘ Hate On Me ,’ ‘ Best Urban/Alternative Performance,’ for her collaboration with Lupe Fiasco on ‘Daydreamin’ and ‘Best R&B Album’ for the ‘ The Real Thing.’ Shaw has received his first nomination in the Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for ‘I Am Your Man,’ while Spyro Gyra has gotten the nod in the Best Pop Instrumental Performance   category for ‘Good To Go’ off the album, ‘Simple Pleasure’ as well as for Best Pop Instrumental Album of the year. Shaw is a 26-year-old singer/songwriter from Decatur , Georgia who recently launched his debut album, ‘ This Is Ryan Shaw ‘ on the One Haven/Columbia label. Working with player/producers Jimmy Bralower and Johnny Gale, Shaw gave overlooked classics by obscure artists like the Combo Kings and the Sharpees along with more familiar songs made famous by Wilson Pickett, Jackie Wilson, and Bobby Womack, a new life. While his original tunes – “”Nobody”" (the first single), “”We Got Love,”" and “”Over and Done”"

Thirty speakers from around the world as well as several top regional ministers, are gearing up for the 5 th Annual Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation conference.
The forum is set for the prestigious Ritz Carlton Resort, Rose Hall, at Montego Bay , Jamaica from September 24 th to the 26 th with organizers touting it will be the most important multinational ICT event ever held in the Caribbean .
Eighteen nations will be represented by speakers and already ICT ministers, heads of regulatory bodies and CEO-level representatives from the private sector have all confirmed their participation. They include Ransford Smith, Deputy Secretary General, Commonwealth; Minister Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Science and Technology, Jamaica; Minister Dr Jerrol Thompson, Minister of Telecommunications, Science, Technology & Industry, St Vincent and the Grenadines ; Neletha Butterfield, J.P.M.P, the Minister of the Environment, Telecommunications and E-Commerce, Bermuda ; Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General, CTU; Noor-ud-Din Baqai, Member (Telecom), IT & Telecom Division, Ministry of IT, Government of India ; Engr Ernest C Ndukwe, EVC and CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission and Paris Mashile, Chairperson, ICASA, South Africa.
For more information contact Andrea Hooker at 0044 208 834 1589 or email

  Hardbeatnews, TORONTO , Canada , Mon. July 9, 2007: When Frances Anne Solomon

CARIBPR , NEW YORK , NY, Fri. June 29, 2007: Hip Hop legend, LL Cool J and R &B

 
Orlando Fl , June 3- Gerard Greene, the Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago in Florida has said that Caribbean Americans must remain focused, continuing the positive contribution they make to American society and not allow the news of an alleged terrorist plot involving four Caribbean nationals to impact them negatively.
Two of the three persons arrested so far in the alleged plot are Guyanese and the other Trinidadian. The fourth person being sought is reportedly Guyanese.
Greene’s comments came in response to questions from the media on Saturday as he toured the second annual Caribbean American Business Expo here in Central Florida . The Expo is put on by the Caribbean Sun newspaper as part of the activities to commemorate Caribbean American Heritage Month.
“”Like you I have just heard the news and I don’t have any facts at my disposal. What I want to assure you is that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is fully committed to the fight against international terrorism. Trinidad is a partner with other members of the international community in this fight.
“”But what is also important is that Americans of Caribbean descent remain focused on the positive lives they live here in America, continue to celebrate the positive contribution they have and continue to make to this country and not allow today’s news to impact them negatively,”" he said.
Greene said that the Caribbean American Expo “”is a clear example of the positive things being done by Caribbean Americans and the ongoing quest to expand business

  CaribPR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY May 30, 2007: Guyana’s flag, the Golden Arrow Head, continues to fly high over the financial district of Manhattan after being raised there for the first time on Saturday, May 26th, the 41st anniversary of the country’s independence. Hollywood actor Sean Patrick Thomas, Bollywood actor Kumar Guarav, counsel generals from Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad as well as the media, joined several hundred Guyanese and friends of Guyana in watching the Golden Arrow Head being hoisted above Bowling Green.
The event an initiative of Hard Beat Communications’ CEO, Persaud, was presented along with the Bowling Green Association of New York and the Committee for Guyana’s Independence under the patronage of the Guyana Ambassador Karran.
Guyana’s Ambassador to Washington, Bayney Karran, Chair of the Committee to Celebrate Guyana, Felicia Persaud and Arthur Piccolo, chair of the Bowling Green Association, helped raise the flag as the country’s national anthem was sung accapella by Almira Brasse.
Earlier, newly sworn in Haitian Councilman, Mathieu Eugene helped raise the American flag as singer Clifford John belted out the US anthem. The flag raising was preceded by several cultural performances that took place on Broadway, which was closed down for the event. Among the performers were veteran performer, John ‘Slingshot’ Drepaul, heated up the crowd during his first return to the stage since a horrific accident in Guyana; The Dheeraj Cultural Foundation’s Ghungroos Dance School, whose gyrations tickled many; Mr. H2o WataFlow, who took the temperature several degrees hotter; poets, James Richmond and Francis Quamina Farrier; musical saw performer Moses Josiah; drummer Akoyah Rudder; The Verna Walcott Impressions Dance Theater and the Malini Bose-Shaw dancers of the Nritya Kala Kendra Inc.
The flag raising concluded with a special performance by UN worker and Guyanese singer, Mr. Courtney Noel, who helped bring the curtain down on the historic occasion that showcased not just the diversity of Guyana but its friends in many other Caribbean and the US communities, with ‘I Love My Golden Arrow Head.’
Guests then filed inside the Grand Rotunda of the Alexander Hamilton US Custom Building for the First Annual Independence Day Leadership Award’s ceremony. The impressive, architecturally alluring building was decked out with the colors of Guyana as well as artwork and a special cake in the colors of the flags was put on display by Roxanne Sookraj of Unique Professional Creations.
Newly elected congresswoman, Yvette Clarke, joined Felicia Persaud in presenting the awards to five outstanding individuals, who have excelled in film and sports. Thomas as well as movie producer Rohit Jagessar of ‘Guiana 1838,’ movie director, Mikey Nivelli of ‘Rainbow Raani,’ and boxer Vivian Harris all were presented with the stunning, hectagonal, solid glass awards. Actress CCH Pounder could not attend the event, as she is shooting another season of the Shield but was presented the award in absentia.
In his acceptance speech, Thomas reminisced on growing up in a Guyanese household and feasting on tennis roll, pepper pot and cook up rice. And he lauded the Committee for the imitative and welcomed the honor.
A special tribute presentation was made to former Guyanese cricketers Sewdatt Shivnarine, Vishal Nagamootoo, Amin and Sudesh Dhaniram. While the special advisor to US General Services Administrator as well as actress, Aonika Laurent Thomas, a native of New Orleans also attended. Proclamations to the Committee was presented by Sandra Harte of the New Jersey Guyanese Association on behalf of the Mayor Of Irvington as well as from the Office of the Mayor of New York City and the Brooklyn Borough President. The Pepper Corn Award was presented to Persaud by the Bowling Green Association.
Boxer Vivian Harris and Persaud subsequently cut the Guyana cake, bringing an end to the formal proceedings.
The event was sponsored by Western Union, AmeriGroup Funding, North American Airlines, Deluxe Delivery, Laparkan Shipping and Ariana Development Group Of Companies while donations were made by JR. Giddings, Pat Jordan Langford, President, Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Edgar Henry, Wanda Fisher, Brand Caribbean LLC, Albert Baldeo, Ray Rafeek, Golden Krust Bakery, Tota’s Bakery, Sybil’s Restaurant and Hollis West Indian Restaurant. Volunteers included Roger Gary, Marina Sahadeo, Rawle Persaud, Allison Skeete, Jared McCallister, Hazra Alli, Rosalyn McLymont, Don Profitt, Djenny Passe Rodriguez, Stacia Weaver, Alexander Sahadeo, Sanjay Marray, Michael Haddaway, Maureen Moore, Andrea Mohan and Michael Jones.
Actor Ron Bobb-Semple, of the Committee To Celebrate Guyana, served as the master of ceremonies for both events while other Committee members, Aleem Ally, Chuck Mohan and Rickford Burke introduced the honorees. The official photographer of the event was Hayden Roger Celestine while filming was done by RolModel Media’s Roland Hyde.
New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, had proclaimed Saturday May 26th, 2007, ‘Guyanese Independence Day’ In New York City.
NOTE : P hotos are available for reprint by contacting [email protected]
 

CaribPRWire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Apr. 6, 2007: Get ready for Brand Caribbean LLC, a collaborative effort of marketing and promotional talent geared solely to raising awareness of the strength of the Caribbean marketplace comprised of people who claim Indian, West Indian, Asian and African heritage. Hard Beat Communications’ Felicia Persaud and SkyCue Marketing’s Wanda Fisher are coming together as part of BRAND CARIBBEAN, LLC, a promotional agency focusing solely on helping companies reach the Multi-Ethnic Caribbean market. Fisher and Persaud are kicking off their collaboration with the launch of the first national Caribbean American public service announcement campaign across the US, featuring corporate executives paying tribute to their most admired Caribbean greats from the industry of entertainment, political, sports, education, and popular unsung heroes.   The production is scheduled for April 20 th and 23 rd in the well-known studios of Diamante Pictures in Manhattan. Fisher believes that Persaud’s venture into the market to date, as well as the expansion of the Caribbean World News Network, (CWNN) via syndication, will also help to provide a national and international media source for building a case to strengthening the power base of this community and providing a real multi-level platform to reach the Caribbean consumer

CaribPR Newswire, ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Mon. July 31, 2006:   Grenada issues a special invitation to all visitors to join the party from August 6 th – 15 th when Grenada hosts Carnival 2006. This annual event, which features Calypso and Soca Monarch competitions, Panorama Championship, and a masquerader competition, is undoubtedly Grenada’s most popular and influential summer festival. Grenada’s annual carnival is a one-week celebration that encompasses the island’s French and African traditions. Visitors and residents parade alongside costumed revelers by day and join in street jump-ups at night. During the latter portion of the Parade of the Bands, visitors are allowed to take part in a ‘Las Lap’ jump-up with hundreds of masqueraders parading through the streets of Grenada. The tradition of Carnival began hundreds of years ago in Italy when Catholics held wild costume parties before the first day of Lent. Traditionally, during Lent, Catholics were forbidden to eat meat so the festival was called “”carnevale,”" meaning, “”put away meat.”" This tradition quickly spread to other European countries that brought it to the Caribbean. During the days of slavery, carnival became a way by which slaves could openly mock their colonial masters. The costumes worn during carnival have a much deeper meaning than one might first think. Parading through the streets in costumes and masks is an African tradition believed to bring good fortune, heal problems and help settle the spirits of friends and family members that have passed away. Feathers represent a human’s ability to rise above problems, pain, heartbreak and illnesses, while natural objects like bones, grass, beads and shells represent a spiritual force. Steel drum music is an integral part of Grenada’s Carnival celebration. This music dates back to 1941, and uses the surface of a steel drum made concave and beaten to make musical notes. The steel drum is often heard in calypso music, which can be traced back to the arrival of African slaves brought to work in the sugar plantations of Trinidad (Grenada). Forbidden to speak to one another, the African slaves began to sing songs, now called calypsos, as a means of communication. Soca is a similar form of music that remains intensely popular in the Caribbean. Soca is Caribbean dance music originating in the West Indies. The word ‘Soca’ comes from the words “”soul”" and “”calypso”" showing the music’s roots as a blend of American soul music and Caribbean calypso. Many notable bands are scheduled to perform throughout Grenada’s Spicemas Carnival 2006.  Apart from the Panorama, and Soca Monarch Competition, which are held days prior to the actual Carnival holidays, the event schedule for 2006 is as follows: Sunday August 6 th : KAISOCA Competition Wednesday August 7 th : Groovy Soca Monarch Show Sunday, August 13th, 2006 Dimanche Gras

Atlanta , GA

Summer Isle Tours, a pioneer of Jamaican theme tourism offers the unique opportunity to discover Jamaica through its International Youth Volunteerism program and Jamaica Nice Time Packages.
Since its inception in 1987, this tour company with a difference has successfully marketed and delivered sports camps and adventure tours to the land that gave the world legendary reggae superstar Bob Marley. But now the company is offering a new blend of tourism packages that serve up a sliver of local culture with your cup of Blue Mountain java.
“”We’re not just trying to sell sand and sea,”" says Summer Isle founder, and managing director, Maureen Wright-Evans, “”Many people are not looking for sand and beach alone anymore. They long for a first-hand cultural experience and want to immerse themselves in the local life. They’re looking to experience life in the community- so we are selling the community.”"
This passion of creating experiences for the person with an adventurous spirit who want to experience the thrill of knowing Jamaica and its history led to launch of the International Youth Volunteerism & Cultural Fest program. It aims to connect second and third

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – December 21, 2005 – On December 20, 2005, Jamaica welcomed its one-millionth visitor from the United States for this year, when a New York family landed at Montego Bay

Contact:                                                             Steve Dawson                                                             1-877-JTB-NEWS [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
NEW FLIGHTS BETWEEN THE U.S. AND JAMAICA TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17 Only nonstop flights to Jamaica from Washington, DC, two new flights added from Chicago

NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Dec. 14, 2005: On January 31, 2006, Penalty Recordings in conjunction with Fine Gold Productions will release ‘ It’s All About Dancing: A Jamaican Dance-U-Mentary ,’ the first official DVD to capture the vibrant and sometimes outrageous culture of the Jamaican dancehall.
  The film features local and international dancehall artists and dancers: Beenie Man, Elephant Man, T.O.K., Mr. Vegas, Voicemail, Macka Diamond, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Tony Matterhorn,  Richie Feelings, Bogle, John Hype, Ice, Sadiqy & G-Unit, Latisha and  Kiyo (dancehall Queens).
  ‘It’s All About Dancing,’ does for Jamaican dancing what David LaChappelle’s acclaimed film “”Rize”" did for Los Angeles “”krump”" dancing. It is the first feature-length documentary to showcase a local dance culture in its truest form.  Filmed on location in the country where dancehall was born, this DVD spotlights the scene’s rich and colorful cast of talent: dancehall selectors, DJs and dancers, almost all of whom are native to Jamaica.
The film is hosted by premiere Jamaican dancer “”Ding Dong,”" who was discovered by infamous DJ Tony Matterhorn, and having recently appeared in videos by Elephant Man and Beenie Man, is today’s hottest dancehall personality. Together in one “”dance-u-mentary,”" dancehall superstars delve into the history, language and sometimes over-the-top style of dancehall culture.  Directed by Jason “”Jay Will”" Williams (who has directed internationally released music videos for Shaggy, T.O.K., Voicemail) and produced by Carleene Samuels, ‘ It’s All About Dancing,’ is an eye-catching, entertaining documentary that reveals the essence of dancehall via interviews and candid monologues, inter-spliced with improvisational dance sequences meant to school even a beginner in the moves of the dancehall. The DVD also features a tribute to Gerald “”Bogle”" Levy, founding father of Jamaican dancing (and mentor to Ding Dong).  Bogle was gunned down in Kingston in January, one year ago to the film’s release date.  An all-star dance tribute, along with never-before-seen footage of Bogle can be found on the main DVD menu. For more, log on to: http://www.penaltyrecordings.com/ .  

Record Number of Attendees Turn up To Taste Creative Conch Dishes and Participate in Event that Exemplifies All that is Great about Turks & Caicos PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands

KINGSTON, JAMAICA

THE MOST HON. P.J. PATTERSON, PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA AND PETER GREENBERG HOST PREMIERE OF “”JAMAICA: THE ULTIMATE TOUR”" Travel Channel Special Unveiled at Loews IMAX Theater in NYC KINGSTON, JAMAICA – September 15, 2005 – The Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, hosted the premiere of “”Jamaica: The Ultimate Tour”", on Thursday, September 14th at the Loews IMAX Theater in New York City.; The Travel Channel special hosted by Chief Correspondent Peter Greenberg documents a personal journey throughout Jamaica, as seen through the eyes of the Prime Minister.; “”Jamaica: The Ultimate Tour”", is scheduled to air at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, September 15 on the Travel Channel. Invited guests of this exclusive screening included Caribbean and U.S. government members, leaders of U.S. and Jamaican business communities, travel trade and news media, all invited to celebrate the premiere of this long-awaited program.; A cocktail reception, which preceded the screening, showcased the offerings of the Jamaica Tourist Board and its various partners, including Unique Jamaica, a local tour operator that has established a series of itineraries that follow the path of the Prime Minister and Greenberg.; Air Jamaica, Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues and Walkerswood Caribbean Foods also displayed booths in the theater.; As guests mingled, the theater was filled with the sounds of mento and Dexter Daley

SIR RICHARD SUPPORTS ELVIS
 
SIR RICHARD BRANSON FOUNDER OF VIRGIN EMPIRE ENDORSES NEW CARIBBEAN BAND ELVIS WHITE!
 
 
Atlanta , GA.   September 7, 2005

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