CaribPR Wire

Grammy Nominated Legendary Jamaican Jazz Great Monty Alexander.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. March 6., 2017: Minneapolis jazz fans will be in for a treat this Wednesday, March 8, 2017 as Grammy-nominated, award-winning Jamaican jazz pianist and band leader, Monty Alexander, and his Harlem Kingston Trio, bring the warmth of Jamaica to the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant.

Along with his swinging jazz piano interpretations, Alexander says he will be bringing his Jamaican heritage – all stirred up for an uplifting ‘One Love’ experience – at the rare Minneapolis’ entertainment gem at 1010 Nicollet, Minneapolis, MN.

Alexander and his band will perform only one show only so get your tickets now. Tickets are $35 and $30, respectively, and can be secured now here or directly at http://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?eventId=1128014&presenter=DAKOTA&venue=&event=.

ABOUT ALEXANDER

Alexander is an American classic. He tours the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. His spirited conception, documented on more than 70 CDs, draws upon the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit. In the course of any given performance, Alexander covers a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expression—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Like his “eternal inspiration,” Erroll Garner, Alexander— listed at Number 5 in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing) gives the hardcore-jazz-obsessed much to dig into while also communicating the message to the squarest “civilian.”

Alexander is most widely known as an upper echelon master of the swinging piano trio function, as he has demonstrated with several top-shelf groups, including iconic units with bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, and with the legendary bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Alexander also performs frequently with Harlem-Kingston Express, a double trio in which he coalesces his love for hard-swinging jazz with musical flavors that reflect his Jamaican heritage, shifting between an acoustic trio and master Jamaican practitioners of electric bass and drums.

In August 2000, the Jamaican government designated Alexander Commander In The Order Of Distinction for outstanding services to his homeland as a worldwide music ambassador. Furthermore, every Labor Day weekend since 2010, Alexander has served as Artistic Director and perennial performer at his namesake Monty Alexander Jazz festival in Easton, Maryland. For more on Monty Alexander and his music visit him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performance on Twitter at @montyHKE.

Media Contact:

Felicia Persaud

Hard Beat Communications

718-476-3616

[email protected]

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/: Hurricane “Matthew” made its enormous strength felt, generating the evacuation of more than one million people in Cuba, while costing lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and left the mayor damages in the Southern region.

Faced with a natural disaster, whichever its origin and type, a basic service like electricity is affected. So that repercussions are minimal, it is necessary to count with backup systems that will help to reduce the destructive force caused by nature.

Thus, today more than ever, companies, citizens and governments need not only to be alert but prepared to anticipate incidents like hurricane Matthew, to minimize the impact that these could have on continuity of services, businesses and on our daily life; and due to the dramatic climate changes that have lately arisen, the world is more vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, storms, etc.

Effects of Natural Disasters

Sociocultural Effects – It refers to the number of human losses as a result of a natural phenomenon. All disaster affects the life style of people living in the environment.

Political Effects – They take place when the government of the affected country has to fund the rehabilitation of the affected zones.

Economic Effects – When a natural phenomenon occurs, depending on the magnitude and the place where it occurs, the effects can be devastating through: loss of infrastructure, in agriculture and irreversible damages to the environment.

So no one is exempt from being affected by natural disasters; from the common citizen whose housing can be destroyed by a natural phenomenon, to the hotel chains with large tourist complexes, nor much less our governments, which even with a strategy of intelligence and safety, can only prevent further damage and take actions to mitigate the impact. As against the force of nature ¿who can stand up to it?

“Faced with natural disasters with the strength of Matthew, a culture of prevention is necessary, which will lead to count with adequate tools for the continuity of our day-to-day endeavors. Thus, it is important to always be prepared and count with power backup systems that will allow us to address the worst natural phenomenon or mains failure” Frank Moreno, Sales Director for Latin America, Generac.

¿So is it really worth preventing? Certainly, as according to the Association of Audit and Control of Information Systems (ISACA), 81% of managers whose organizations activated its mechanisms of business continuity, say that it was effective in reducing interruptions.

The emergence of fast generation of electricity, either due to the deficiency of existing supplies, a failure in a power station, a natural disaster or any unforeseen catastrophe, can be satisfied by means of portable power.

Characteristics of the backup generators for domestic use: Comfort, Safety and Convenience.

1. Automatic operation.

2. Various fuel options: GN / GLP.

3. It is installed outdoors, same as an air conditioning equipment.

4. It supplies power directly to the electrical system, backing up the entire system or only its essential parts.

5. The continuous resupply of fuel can be done through a local mains or through the existing gas service to the home.

6. Several capabilities and configurations in accordance with your needs.

About Generac:

Since 1959, Generac has been the leader in the design and manufacture of a wide range of power generation equipment and other products driven by engines. As a leader in light equipment for use in residential, industrial, energy and construction sectors, Generac’s power products are available globally through a broad network of independent distributors, dealers, retailers and equipment rental companies, as well as direct sales for certain customers and end users.

To access the full version of this article:

http://www.infosol.com.mx/proyectos/generac/Natural-Disaster.html

http://www.infosol.com.mx/proyectos/generac/Natural-Disaster.docx

http://www.infosol.com.mx/proyectos/generac/Infographic-Natural-Disasters.JPG

Contact: Verónica Ballesteros – Directora de Cuentas Corporativas- InfoSol – 52(55)5403 0044

comScore Releases 2015 Study of Internet Behavior in Central America

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCOR), a leader in digital media analytics, announced the release of the Study Central America 2015 highlighting the current state of digital trends, including social media and mobile usage. The report shows a detailed analysis of the overall media consumption and behavior of internet users, where we can find that more than half of the online audience in Central America spends an average of two daily hours of internet usage across devices.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20080115/COMSCORELOGO

Social networking was the most commonly visited online content category among Central Americans, with Facebook ranking as the leader (97 percent reach), followed by Twitter (54 percent). Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr all saw significant gains in popularity in the last two years.

comScore Study Central America 2015 % of respondents who

                                    visited any social

                                    media sites in the

                                    last 30 days

----------------------------------- --------------------

Social Media                                             2013           2015

                                            (n=1,070)         (n=1,028)

---                                          --------          --------

Facebook                                                  95%           97%

--------                                                  ---            ---

Twitter                                                   60%           54%

-------                                                   ---            ---

Instagram                                                 19%           38%

---------                                                 ---            ---

LinkedIn                                                  29%           32%

--------                                                  ---            ---

Online Blog or message board                              18%           18%

----------------------------                              ---            ---

Pinterest                                                  7%           19%

---------                                                 ---            ---

MySpace                                                   19%           12%

-------                                                   ---            ---

Sonico                                                    20%            9%

------                                                    ---            ---

Tumblr                                                     3%            7%

------                                                    ---            ---

FourSquare                                                 4%            3%

----------                                                ---            ---

None of the above                                          2%            1%

-----------------                                         ---            ---

   Q10. In the past 30 days,

 have you visited any of the

      following social media

                      sites?

  Social media sites include

 social network sites (e.g.,

       Facebook or MySpace),

       online blogs, forums,

   message boards, and other

           sharing websites.

          Base: Total sample

To learn more about the study, visit comScore’s recent blog post summarizing the findings.

For further information on comScore Custom Studies or to learn more about the Central America report, please contact us at [email protected].

About comScore

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a global media measurement and analytics company that makes audiences and advertising more valuable. We help media buyers and sellers understand and make decisions based on how consumers use different media, such as TV, video, mobile, desktop and more. Through its products and partnerships, comScore helps its more than 2,500 clients understand their audiences, know if their advertising is working, and access data where they want and need it. Please visit www.comscore.com to learn more.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO

CONTACT: Rodrigo Ceron, comScore, Inc., +52(55) 8000-8077, [email protected]

NEW YORK and BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ – root9B Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: RTNB) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, IPSA International (IPSA), has been retained by the St. Kitts and Nevis Government to address recommendations that will improve the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program.  IPSA, a regulatory risk mitigation firm delivering advisory and investigative services, will assist the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit to increase the program’s transparency and efficiency.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris has committed to ensuring the continued prestige of the Citizenship by Investment Program, which began in 1984 and is the most established program of its kind in the world. The program attracts investors of good character to make a substantial economic contribution to the development of the Federation in return for the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

“We appreciate the opportunity to assist St. Kitts and Nevis in their objective to ensure integrity exists in all aspects of their Citizenship by Investment Program,” said IPSA’s Chief Executive Officer Dan Wachtler. “The Immigrant Investor industry is seeing tremendous growth and change, and with that can come increased risk. St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to help themselves and the industry as a whole by implementing best practices in their program.”

IPSA International completed a program review of the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program in the fourth quarter of 2014. Prime Minister Harris outlined that, with higher volumes, changing regulations and increased focus on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Funding, the review was commissioned to make recommendations for enhancements to protect the integrity and security of the program. IPSA made 20 recommendations for improved governance, risk mitigation and compliance, all of which were accepted. These included the roll-out of a case management tool to streamline the application management process within the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU); changes to the CIU’s organizational structure to enhance processing capabilities and mitigate risk; an improved risk assessment process; and a review of previously approved applicants. Prime Minister Harris stated that IPSA has now been engaged to assist the CIU and the Government in carrying out these recommendations, including the immediate implementation of the case management tool.

“I can say today, that this government has reviewed the report and after consultations with a wide cross section of persons representing developers, agents, service providers, lawyers, ordinary citizens and workers, we have decided that it is in the best interest of our country that we implement the 20 recommendations proposed by IPSA International,” said Prime Minister Harris. “These will form the basis to restructure, reform, and reposition the CBI Program and unit in particular to restore it to its former glory. Not just to become known as a program which is the oldest, but a program which is the best and which will become a leader in best practices in (similar) programs.”

Since 2004, IPSA International has been providing investigative due diligence and consulting services for citizenship by investment programs, and in the Caribbean region since 2012. IPSA is a recognized industry pioneer and currently a preferred vendor for three citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean. IPSA has consulted with governments in relation to these programs, including operational policies and procedures, workflow analysis, operational support, system recommendations, and implementation.

“IPSA has been involved with Immigrant Investor programs for over 10 years and we are pleased to be able to assist St. Kitts and Nevis in implementing these changes to meet the highest international standards,” IPSA’s Executive Vice President, International Operations, Kim Marsh said. “This will ensure continued confidence in the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program.”

About St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program

The Citizenship by Investment Program was established in 1984, making it the longest established program of this kind in the world. It has distinguished itself from many other similar programs by rigidly enforced investment requirements and meticulous due diligence procedures. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis utilizes this program to attract investors of good character to make a substantial contribution to the development of the Federation. These investors are then given the opportunity to apply for citizenship and passport within the strict guidelines of the law and the relevant regulations. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is the Government Authority which handles all matters concerning Citizenship by Investment in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

About IPSA International

IPSA International, a root9B Technologies, Inc. company, is a regulatory risk mitigation firm delivering advisory and investigative services globally in the areas of Anti-Money Laundering, Investigative Due Diligence, Enterprise Risk Management and Litigation Support. Our clients include public and private middle market businesses, multi-national corporations, financial institutions and governments. IPSA International has offices in the US, UK, Canada, UAE and Hong Kong, resources in over 75 countries and research capabilities in 20 languages. For more information, please visit us at www.ipsaintl.com.

About root9B Technologies

root9B Technologies (OTCQB: RTNB) is a leading provider of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Risk Mitigation Solutions. root9B Technologies delivers results that improve productivity, mitigate risk and maximize profits. Our clients range in size from Fortune 100 companies to mid-sized and owner-managed businesses across a broad range of industries including local, state, and government agencies. For more information, visit www.root9Btechnologies.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release may include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future financial performance, future growth and future acquisitions. These statements are based on root9B Technologies’ current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of root9B Technologies business. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies are indicated from time to time in root9B Technologies filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. Further, investors should keep in mind that root9B Technologies financial results in any particular period may not be indicative of future results.  root9B Technologies is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

CONTACTS:

IPSA International

Kenneth (Kim) Marsh

Executive Vice President, International

Operations

(604) 633-1750

[email protected]

MEDIA                                   INVESTOR RELATIONS

 root9B Technologies                     root9B Technologies

 Andrew Hoffman                          Mark Elliott

 (908) 655-6798                          Chief Administrative Officer

 [email protected]                 (704) 521-8077

                                        [email protected]

IPSA International

Julie Malone                            The Equity Group Inc. (Investors)

Brand Marketing Manager                 Devin Sullivan

(602) 889-1137                          Senior Vice President

[email protected]                    (212) 836-9608

                                      [email protected]

SAO PAULO, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Judge Daniel Carnio Costa, of the 1^st Section of Bankruptcy and Judicial Recoveries of the Court of Justice of the State of Sao Paulo, accepted yesterday the petition for Judicial Recovery placed by nine companies of OAS Group.

According to Costa’s decision, Construtora OAS, OAS S.A., OAS Imoveis S.A., SPE Gestao e Exploracao de Arenas Multiuso, OAS Empreendimentos S.A., OAS Infraestrutura S.A., OAS Investments Ltd., OAS Investments GmbH and OAS Finance Ltd. have, from now on, 60 days to submit to the creditors and suppliers the Plan for Recovery of the debts contracted until March 31, 2015.

All debts contracted as of the month of April will be fully paid. Payments of salaries and benefits of more than 100 thousand direct or indirect employees will not be affected by the process of Judicial Recovery.

The office of Alvarez & Marsal Consultoria Empresarial do Brasil was appointed as the Court-Appointed Trustee. It is the Court-Appointed Trustee’s responsibility to inspect the operations of the companies under Judicial Recovery, verify the list of creditors, chair the General Creditors’ Meeting and, finally, inspect compliance with the Judicial Recovery Plan approved by the creditors. Alvarez & Marsal will have no administrative role in any of the companies of OAS Group.

The initiative to go into Judicial Recovery was the best path found by OAS Group to negotiate its debts with creditors and suppliers due to the intense credit restriction observed since the end of last year for the companies in the infrastructure sector due to investigations at Petrobras.

“With almost 40 years of existence, OAS is compelled to take measures which allow it to continue operating in a healthy debt renegotiation process, preserving thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” said Fabio Yonamine, chairman of OAS Investimentos.

According to Diego Barreto, director of Corporate Development of Construtora OAS, the Group “will take to the negotiation of this process contributions which are very different from the ones observed in other Judicial Recoveries. A company with resources to maintain its activities, valuable assets and a team of professional managers provides clients, creditors and suppliers with a much safer environment for negotiations.”

OAS will sell some of its assets in the process of Judicial Recovery to provide safety to the investors who will take no risk of having their business contested by the creditors of the Group. The disinvestment in assets is also caused by the decision to concentrate efforts on what is its main vocation, heavy construction.

The participation of OAS S.A. in Invepar, the participation in Enseada Shipyard, OAS Empreendimentos, OAS Soluções Ambientais, OAS Oleo e Gas and OAS Defesa will be offered for sale. Arena Fonte Nova and Arena das Dunas will also be traded.

Construtora OAS goes into Judicial Recovery for technical matters, as it is already the guarantor of the Group’s loans, rather than for lack of liquidity.

“Construtora OAS bets on a professional governance, a corporate remodeling, revision of its management processes, strengthening of the compliance and internal audit areas, besides tough guidelines for reducing risks in the business conduction. The aim is making the company leaner, more agile, more competitive, focused on productivity and costs,” said Yonamine.

OAS – Comunicacao+
+ 55 11 3874-2020

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Aug. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Now, it will be easier than ever to make your dream of traveling the Caribbean come true. Seaborne Airlines, the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean, announced that they will be launching the “Fly Anywhere you like for as many times as you like” promotion for $699*.  This promotion offers a customer the option to book as many trips as they like, to travel as often as they like, between September 3^rd, 2014 and November 17^th, 2014. To take advantage of this unprecedented offer, customers must call Reservations to book or to even buy the offer for another individual as a sweet gift **.

“We wanted to give our customers an excuse to see the beauty of the Caribbean by taking multiple trips for one low price.  With just two trips, this can pay for itself.  Whether to sightsee or visit friends and relatives, we hope that many will experience Seaborne’s exemplary service under this promotion.” said Gary D. Foss, president and chief executive officer of Seaborne Airlines.

Reservations can be made by calling: 1-866-359-8784 or 787-946-7800.

With service to 15 airports throughout the Caribbean; connecting service to American, Jet Blue and Delta at San Juan, Puerto Rico; two pilots on every flight; a flight attendant on our new Saab 340 aircraft and the outstanding dependability, Seaborne is becoming the preferred regional airline in the Caribbean.

*Taxes / fees still apply per booking. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. Passenger cannot have more than two (2) outstanding reservations at a time.

** Must have passport information for international bookings.

About Seaborne Airlines
Seaborne Airlines has been operating in the Caribbean for over 21 years, carrying over two and a half million customers safely.  Seaborne operates over 2,100 monthly departures throughout the Caribbean to San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Thomas Seaplane, St. Croix, St. Croix Seaplane, Dominica, Fort de France, Martinique, Point a Pitre, Guadeloupe, La Romana, DR, Punta Cana, DR, Santo Domingo, DR, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis.

CONTACT: Sandra Colon Perez, [email protected], +1-866-359-8784 or +1-787-946-7800

Dr. Ma Lin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, second from right and Mr. Cao, Pengcheng, Vice Chairman of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development were among the panellists on the “Bejing-Caribbean Tourism And Investment Opportunity” panel at Invest Caribbean Now 2014. (Sharon Bennett/ICN image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. June 10, 2014: The prospects are good for Beijing and the Caribbean region to enhance cooperation in developing tourism and boosting their respective economic and social progress.

That’s the view from Dr. Ma Lin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, who brought welcoming remarks to delegates at Invest Caribbean Now 2014 and who was also part of the “Bejing-Caribbean Tourism And Investment Opportunity” panel at the summit on June 4^th in New York City.

Dr. Lin called for a deeper understanding of Beijing and the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), so that they can “enhance exchanges and cooperation and promote common development.”

He noted that the rapid growth of outbound tourism from China has made it a rising industry. In 2013, the number of outbound tourists reached 93.4 million, spending 117.6 billion U.S. dollars overseas in total. It is expected that by 2020, the number of China’s outbound tourists will increase by over 200 million, offering huge potential.

“Therefore, there are good prospects for China and the Caribbean region, especially Beijing and the Caribbean region to enhance cooperation in developing tourism and boosting their respective economic and social progress.” Dr. Lin addressed the over 200 delegates gathered, who included several Caribbean ministers of governments as well as top US and Caribbean companies like Merrill Lynch, the World Bank Group, Goldman Sachs, OPIC,  Bright Capital, Aegis Capital, Medici Group, Adiuvo Partners LLP, The Lugano Group, The Woody Wilson Fine Clothing of Beverly Hills, Global Med Choices, American World Clinic; MPowered, Aspenall Energies,  Sandals Resorts International, DHL Caribbean, HBO Latin America, One Caribbean Television, First Citizens TT, InvesTT, interCaribbean Airways, Bright Capital and Sir Richard Branson’s, Carbon War Room.

Meanwhile, Mr. Cao, Pengcheng, Vice Chairman of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, urged Caribbean ministers of tourism and leaders to join the WTCF as a first step in order to enhance their brand promotion to Beijing and Chinese tourists.

He agreed with Dr. Lin that due to inconvenient transportation and lack of information exchanges, most citizens from Beijing are unaware of tourism in the Caribbean region, and only a small proportion of China’s outbound tourists visit the Caribbean region.

But he said that through closer collaboration and membership within the WTCF and promotion at the annual expo in Beijing in September, the Caribbean tourism destinations can help boost promotion for their tourism sectors and attract more tourists from Beijing and China.

At present, the Caribbean region accounts for only a small proportion of Chinese overseas visits, and no Caribbean cities or organizations have joined the WTCF.

The panel included Mr. Richard Nixon of  NATCOM International and past Chargé d’ Affaires at Embassy of Grenada to China, who urged the Caribbean region to do a better job of packaging its projects for promotion in China, and Li Li, managing director of the Chinese American Business Development Center, who reiterated that the first step towards any real tourism promotion in Beijing and China must be through membership in the WTCF which will enhance promotion on a global level.

The panel was moderated by Arthur Piccolo, chairman of the New Sports Group.

Invest Caribbean Now was founded in 2011 by Hard Beat Communications CMO, Felicia J. Persaud. The 2014 ICN summit was presented under the theme, “Advancing Wealth.”

ICN 2014 also hosted several panel discussions including ‘Global Trends & The Caribbean;’ ‘Introducing The New Trend In Tourism – Medical Tourism;’ ‘Introducing A New Trend In The Caribbean  – Clean Energy’, and the “Caribbean Diaspora as a source of investment.”

The first half of the event included remarks by Claire McLeveighn who brought greetings on behalf of New York State Governor, Andrew Cuomo; an opening address by ICN founder and chairman, Felicia J. Persaud; a keynote address by Harvard graduate Dr. Isaac J. Newton, of Paramount Communications Consultancy; an investment announcement on the Caribbean Market Village of  St. Lucia and a focus on ‘Advancing Wealth In The Caribbean With Technology,’ from Trinidad-born, LA resident, Anthony Wellington Phills, branding specialist of Disney’s ‘Million Dollar Arm’ and founder of Caribbean Commerce Magazine/Media, Calypso Cloud and Blinglet Inc.

See photos from the event here.

SOURCE: Invest Caribbean Now

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kathy Bronson

Communications Coordinator

Invest Caribbean Now

[email protected]

Sister Organization of the National Black Chamber of Commerce Brings Entrepreneurs Together in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for Three Days of Extraordinary Networking

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The second annual PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference (PAEC) will convene at the luxurious, all-inclusive Paradisus Palma Real Golf and Spa Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  The conference will be held over the US Thanksgiving holiday, from November 28 to December 1, 2013.

Amongst the invitees are American and foreign business and government officials ready to share insights on some of the conference’s key topics. These hot topics will range from intellectual property, trade secrets, and currency exchange issues to analyzing the anatomy of an international scam and more. “The mission of PAEC is to create an arena for entrepreneurs and business people within the Black Diaspora to meet and further business connections,” says Kay DeBow, president of PAEC, adding that “discussions will consist of policy improvements and issue awareness that will benefit the status of black entrepreneurs internationally.”

PAEC’s project strategies are to promote, help develop and expose procurement opportunities for entrepreneurs. These opportunities include:  infrastructure, energy, water management, agri-business, telecommunications, fashion, logistics, transportation, healthcare, environmental management, bidding/tender/RFP management, IT, and rare minerals.

Conference participants will learn about innovative capital formation through various avenues such as the World Bank, IMF, Export Import Bank, Hermes, Asian Development Bank, Equity Funding, European Union, and others.  Proud of the innovative techniques being showcased at the conference, Harry C. Alford, president/CEO of National Black Chamber of Commerce comments, “Several attendees possess the capacity to fund projects through BOTs (build-operate-transfer) and BOOTs (build-own-operate-transfer) and therefore do not require any investment assistance.”

Entrepreneurs in attendance will be integral to an international discussion on trade policy formation. This discussion will include: AGOA oversight, tariffs and duty relief, US Corrupt Practices Act, best practices in foreign business, DR-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and implications of Whole Foods, General Electric and Walmart in Africa.

This event is open to the public.  Reserve your suite now, early bird discount rates will expire September 30 and October 26 is the final deadline to register at www.panafricanec.org. Conference registration is free, and all food, beverages, gratuities, greens fees, nightly shows and beach activities are included in the hotel suite rate.

TAMPA, Fla., May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – The following statement is being issued by the United States Department of Justice:

Persons who lost money from investments in companies operated by David A. Smith, doing business as Overseas Locket International Corporation (”OLINT”), and related companies may be eligible to receive compensation from the United States Government.

Smith claimed that the companies were private investment clubs that purportedly traded in foreign currency on investors’ behalf. Smith made false and fraudulent statements indicating that members could expect high returns on their investment with low risk to principal. Rather than investing the funds as promised, Smith used them for personal gain and paid returns using new investors’ money, in a classic Ponzi scheme.

Smith was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in September 2011 on multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering, in the case of United States v. David A. Smith, No. 6:10-cr-232-35DAB (M.D. Fla.). As part of his criminal sentence, Smith was ordered to forfeit assets seized by federal authorities.

The forfeited funds will be returned to victims of the scheme through a process called Remission. To be considered for Remission, a Petition for Remission Form must be submitted to the Remission Administrator. A copy of the Petition Form can be obtained from the Remission Administrator’s website: www.gilardi.com/DSmithRemissionFund. The Petition Form must include evidence of relevant investments and returns, including copies of all required supporting documentation.

Persons needing assistance in completing the Petition Form or with questions about the Remission Fund may call 1-877-281-4446; or send an email to [email protected]; or visit the Remission website at www.gilardi.com/DSmithRemissionFund.

Offering Funeral Services For New York´s International Communities,

Especially the Caribbean and Latin American Communities

BROOKLYN, N.Y.– Caribe Funeral and Floral Studio (www.caribefuneral.com) has debuted their new location. Caribe hosted a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening ceremony last week at their new location, 1922 Utica Avenue (between Avenues L and M).

New York State Assembly members Rhoda S. Jacobs (D–District 42) and Helene E. Weinstein (D–District 41) along with Rene Hastick-Motes, Policy Advisory, Borough President Marty Markowitz’s office, and Dr. Roy Hastick, President of Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce attended the ceremony and delivered remarks.  Clergy members from various denominations were also on hand, including Reverend Gilford Monrose, President of the 67thPrecinct Clergy Council.  Caribe has created 12 new full and part-time jobs and plans to add more positions in the next 18 months

Stated Dr. Hastick, “We are delighted that Caribe Funeral Home has provided affordable funeral services for people of the Caribbean and Hispanic Diaspora who have specific needs and have created jobs right here in the community.”

Joseph Fanzai, owner of Caribe Funeral Home, stated, “I have had the privilege of serving many families from all walks of life, honoring the deceased and comforting their families. At Caribe Funeral Home we are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make a difficult time easier for the families we serve.”

Caribe offers professional direction of funeral services, whether held in the funeral home, church, temple, cemetery, or crematory.   Caribe Funeral Home specializes in funeral services for the Caribbean and Hispanic communities with multilingual world-class customer service representatives who speak Spanish and Creole. Caribe also proudly offers affordable prices, life-centered innovations and affordability for grieving families.  The tranquil state-of-the-art building offers complimentary valet service and two of the largest chapels in Brooklyn located in the15000-square-foot space with seating capacity up to 410 people.

The mission of Caribe Funeral Home is to providing families with the utmost of care, integrity, respect and innovations, such as live webcast and or videotaping of the funeral service, memorial service, and graveside service for family members overseas.

Caribe Funeral Home offers:

• Full service funeral services
• Coordination of funeral services in the United States and overseas
• Cremation services
• Memorialization services
• Casket and urn showroom
• Specializing in veterans funerals

Caribe Floral Studio is conveniently located on premises and offers the highest quality of floral tributes in both freshness and design.  Caribe´s floral designers are trained to help you with your selections, and are able to provide information concerning what is traditional and customary for all occasions.  Floral delivery is available throughout the New York City area.

From procuring the death certificate to composing the obituaries to coordinating service details with church and clergy and burial or cremation permit to providing benefits assistance in completing forms for Social Security, insurance, Veterans benefits, pensions and notary public service, Caribe Funeral Home provides every service necessary to assist families during their time of grief.

For a consultation or more information call 718-444-1818 or log onto www. caribefuneral.com for helpful information on all your funeral preparation concerns.

Haiti’s Cornerstone Decentralization Program, Katye Pam Poze, gains wide reception as innovative “bottom-up” approach to disaster reduction & management based on community integration and sustainable development.

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Thierry Mayard-Paul, Haiti’s Chief of Staff and Minister of the Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Defense, led the Haitian delegation that shared Haiti’s disaster risk management and recovery experience with a cadre of top-level experts from approximately 38 nations, at the highly-regarded Consultative Group meeting of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). Haiti was the only Western Hemispheric country invited to attend the event as a Developing Country, for the period 2012- 2013.

Mayard-Paul described the Martelly Administration’s vision for emergency preparedness and response, stating: “the 2010 earthquake demonstrated that development will never be successful if we don’t build risk reduction at our core. That is why the Martelly administration is committed to making disaster risk reduction and management, a critical priority across the government.”

Coming into Office, President Martelly’s new Government boosted preparedness and response capacity by strengthening the Civil Protection Directorate, as well as sub-national efforts. This work continues and will remain important as Haiti heads into the hurricane season. The Haitian delegation provided specific examples, for instance, of how the government has integrated risk reduction as a centerpiece of its recovery efforts within the 16/6 project. This is a US$78-million project seeking to rehabilitate 16 neighborhoods to relocate residents of six large camps in the metropolitan area, impacting 30,000 people.

Mayard-Paul gave many examples of fruitful collaborative efforts between donors, NGOs, and federal and local governments. “However, they are independent programs that are not fully integrated under one single, comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction & Management strategy.” As a result, the government –through the Ministry of the Interior– is developing a policy framework for longer term disaster risk reduction and management that will be integrated into the new national development plan.

“Development progress and risk reduction will only be successful if they are tied to local development,” added Mayard-Paul. “That is why we recently launched Katye Pam Poze, the cornerstone program for the government’s National Decentralization Agenda.” Disaster risk reduction and management are intrinsically embedded within KPP. 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.

Mayard-Paul encouraged potential partners present at the meeting to help Haiti make a significant impact in disaster risk reduction and management. “We know we can’t do this alone. We need long-term development partners to support the government’s identified priorities,” said Mayard-Paul. “That’s why organizations like GFDRR and the World Bank (WB) are critical, and why this meeting is so important to Haiti.”

The Minister cited eight key areas of potential support from international partners:

• Building institutional capacity at all levels– for example, supporting Katye Pam Poze’s emergency risk reduction and response modules.
• Contributing to build infrastructure and processes — from basic physical work space to the creation of a single national emergency warning system.
• Supporting knowledge and innovation – by financing university research to identify new ways to tackle risk whilst channeling efforts of the young.
• Funding research and assessments –information gathering and sharing is one of Haiti’s major challenges.
• IT/online infrastructure, software and training so that databases and critical information can be shared.
• Helping build comprehensive disaster risk reduction programs in priority cities and departments since reducing risk across the whole country at the same speed is impossible.
• Build national capacity to assess, monitor and reduce risks. In particular, build on the progress made on seismic risk reduction while also strengthening cyclone/hydro capacity.
• Supporting communications and public awareness campaigns.

“The Government of Haiti is charting a new course on disaster reduction and management, one based on resilience, best practices and community integration ensuring sustainable development,” concluded Mayard-Paul.

The Haitian delegation also included Elizabeth Landers, Adjunct Chief of Staff, Ministry of the Interior; Jean-Elie Germain, Project Manager for disaster risk reduction, OXFAM GB Haiti; Yolene Surena, Coordinator, IDA Project “Disaster Risk Management and Reconstruction”; and the staff members of the GFDRR: Gaetano Vivo, Disaster Risk Management Focal Point for Haiti and Jean-Baptiste Migraine, Disaster Risk Management Specialist at the World Bank.

GFDRR, (www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/12CG) is Co-Chaired by the World Bank and the Government of the Netherlands. The CG meeting serves as a focal point for the United Nations’ international efforts to mitigate and minimize disasters such as the January 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti.

Global delegates will be introduced to KPP, Haiti’s Innovative Approach to Disaster Reduction and Recovery

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, April 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul is traveling to the United States today as head of a delegation that will participate in the 12th Consultative Group (CG) meeting of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) next week. The meeting serves as a focal point for the World Bank’s efforts to mitigate and minimize disasters, such as the January 2010 earthquake that devastated our country.

Mr. Mayard-Paul will officially represent the Government of Haiti, addressing the CG regarding the disaster risk management challenges Haiti is facing.  In doing so, he will outline the steps Haiti is taking now to strengthen the nation’s disaster response and recovery. The invitation to speak before other world leaders at this prestigious global meeting underscores the effectiveness of the disaster mitigation programs now underway in Haiti and indicates the efforts our government is doing can serve as a model for other developing countries to replicate.

The Minister, who has worked tirelessly in his effort to build a stronger civil defense network throughout the country, will update meeting delegates on where Haiti is heading through the vision and strategy of President Martelly’s administration.  This includes the administration’s decentralization strategy and its plans for building infrastructure and institutional capacity nationwide.  The strategic platform is based on establishing a network of community safety across Haiti as reflected in Katye Pam Poze which Mr. Mayard-Paul is implementing.  This initiative forms the cornerstone of President Martelly’s National Decentralization Agenda and the minister is actively hosting dialogues across Haiti to determine the most pressing needs of local communities.

According to Minister Mayard-Paul, Katye Pam Poze has as its core, a plan to mobilize local governments for disaster risk prevention and emergency response. Building a more resilient Haiti is a top priority for the Minister and the Martelly administration.  “The steps we are taking in Haiti are aligned with the vision of the United Nation’s Development Program which states that in a national emergency, the priority in the first few hours is to make sure that people get immediate help from within their own communities,” said Mr. Mayard-Paul.  “Knowing who is injured, where people are, making sure that there is an organized plan to identify people’s location is critical during the first few hours of an emergency.  Haiti will have well prepared communities.  Everyone will know how to react and lives will be saved.”

The minister also reiterated the importance of the precedent-setting “seismic risk reduction plan for northern Haiti”, a flagship project for UNDP and its national partners.  “This is one of the first times a developing country has taken advance measures to reduce the vulnerability of the population and its economy to future earthquakes,” said the minister. “We can take pride in establishing this model, and setting an example for the world.”

GFDRR, (www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/12CG) is Co-Chaired by the World Bank and the Government of the Netherlands.

Interview with Dr. Max Essex at Harvard School of Public Health (Nov. 2011)

CaribPR Wire, BROOKLYN, NY, Fri. Dec. 2, 2011: On December 1^st 2012, we commemorated World AIDS Day. Sadly, Haitians continue to be unfairly implicated in the origin of the virus 30 years later.

In the early1980s there was a new cluster of ailments sometimes referred to as “the 4H disease” a syndrome named for four groups thought to be at high risk of developing the strange illness– homosexuals, hemophiliacs, heroin users, and Haitians.  However, even after the disease was named Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), persons of Haitian descent remained stigmatized, marginalized and even blamed for bringing the virus to North America. As a result unjust public health policies were enforced prohibiting Haitians from donating blood in the USA due to their national origin, a supposed risk factor for AIDS.

This historical event underlines the racial stereotypes and cultural ignorance at play in risk assignment—which simultaneously marked Haitians as risky ‘others’. However, a recent study conceptualized by the National Haitian-American Health Alliance dispels the myth that Haitians have a higher AIDS rate than other groups.

In 2007 the origins of HIV were linked to Haiti by scientists stating that the HIV-1 Subtype B virus likely moved from Africa to Haiti in or around 1966, and then on to the United States  (Authors: M. Thomas Gilbert and colleagues, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 2007, 104, 18566-18570). 

More recently a New York Times book review of “The Origins of AIDS” published by Cambridge University Press (2011) describes that:

‘…a virus,  against all odds, appears to have made it from one ape in the central African jungle to one Haitian bureaucrat leaving Zaire for home and then to a few dozen men in California gay bars before it was even noticed…’

However, other scientific evidence suggests that HIV-1 Subtype B is not known to exist in Zaire. So why after 30 years are Haitians inexplicably still being linked to the origins of the AIDS epidemic, asks Yanick Sanon Eveillard, the Co-Chair of the National Haitian American Health-Alliance (NHAHA)?  

To help shed light on this question NHAHA contacted Dr. Max Essex, Chairman of the Harvard AIDS Initiative at the Harvard School of Public Health.  Essex is one of the first scientists to link animal and human retroviruses to immunosuppressive disease, to suspect that a retrovirus was the cause of AIDS.  He is also a pioneer who helped to determine that HIV could be transmitted through blood and blood products to hemophiliacs and recipients of blood transfusions; and with others he provided the first evidence that HIV could be transmitted by heterosexual intercourse.

Essex recently met with a NHAHA Board member in his office.

NHAHA:         We are interested in your perspective on claims that HIV-1 Subtype B likely moved from Africa to Haiti in or around 1966, then to North America. 

Essex:              In Africa HIV-1 Subtype B is predominantly found in South Africa amongst Caucasian men who have sex with men.  Haitians were known to be in Africa in the 1960s and 70s however Subtype B has never been shown to be in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) to my knowledge.    Subtype B is the dominant form in Europe, the Americas, Japan, Thailand, and Australia.  To my knowledge there had also been a series of scientific papers reporting on patients with tuberculosis in the 1950s who may have had subtype B or D (subtype D is the closest relative of subtype B).  Nevertheless,  Subtype D is known to exist in Eastern Africa (e.g., Uganda, Kenya).  To my knowledge subtype B is not known to exist in Zaire.

NHAHA:         Then how was Subtype B introduced to Haiti if it did not exist in the Congo where Haitians had migrated to in the 1960s?

Essex:              I think it’s well known that in the 1970s and 80s men who have sex with men (MSM) traveled to Haiti.

NHAHA:         Is it plausible that the Subtype B virus was introduced to Haiti by MSMs from other countries, including North America, which explains the Haiti-North America link?

Essex:              I honestly don’t think we will ever know because there is no evidence of where Subtype B exists in sub-Saharan Africa other than in Caucasian men who have sex with men, living in South Africa.  Amongst heterosexual couples in Africa, Subtype C is prevalent.

NHAHA:         This brings me to my next question regarding the myth that Haitians have a higher rate of AIDS than other groups.   NHAHA conceptualized a study in collaboration with researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and with an Haitian-American researcher at Harvard, to examine 22 years of national AIDS surveillance data to compare rates across all ethnic groups (Authors: Linda Marc and colleagues, AIDS, 2010, 4(13): p. 2089-2097).

 Essex:              What were the findings?

NHAHA:         Findings show that the AIDS rate amongst Haitian immigrants is similar to trends in the African-American population, which dispels the myth that Haitians have a higher rate of AIDS than other groups. 

In the NHAHA study the CDC reported that Haitian-born immigrants made up 1.2 percent of AIDS cases in the US, but they accounted for only 0.18 percent of the US population. That amounts to a seven-fold overrepresentation of AIDS among Haitian immigrants compared to the US population as a whole. But when higher population figures from Haitian consulates in US cities were used (double the population estimates from Census), that over-representation of AIDS cases fell to four-fold, which is about the same level as among African-Americans.  In fact, the Census Bureau acknowledges the foreign-born persons are hard to count especially if they are undocumented.  In contrast, Consulates may have higher population estimates based on the number of passports, birth certificates, and other services they provide to documented and undocumented Haitian immigrants. This may be where the discrepancy in population estimates exists.

NHAHA:         Many Haitian-American scientists would like to be more involved conducting research with in-country Haitian scientists and established American scientists.

 Essex:              Yes, this is always a dilemma even with African Diaspora regarding collaborative efforts. 

NHAHA:         Yes.  NHAHA has been particularly impressed with the model used by Dr. David Bangsberg, the Director of the International AIDS Program at the Harvard Center for AIDS Research.  Bangsberg has an active Global Scholars Program focused on training the next generation of African scientists.  Since 2009 the program has brought early-career researchers from Uganda to train and mentor them at Harvard on how to conduct HIV research, with the goal to return home becoming future public health leaders.

Essex:              Certainly, this is an excellent program with a model that might benefit Haiti’s future.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Emera Inc. (TSX: EMA): Chris Huskilson, President and CEO of Emera Inc., and Andrew Gittens, Chairman of The Barbados Light & Power Company, announced today the appointments of Mark King as Managing Director of The Barbados Light and Power (BL&P) and Bob Hanf as Executive Chairman of Light and Power Holding (LPH) and Director of BL&P, effective November 1, 2011.

Mark King, presently Chief Operating Officer will assume the role of Managing Director of BL&P with overall responsibility for the management and operations of the utility.  In his 35 years with BL&P Mr. King has held several senior level positions and has led many initiatives including the introduction of the first Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system in 1984, and the Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (HSEQ) which under his leadership obtained ISO9001 certification in 2008.

“I am pleased to be provided this opportunity and truly humbled by the vote of confidence the Board of Directors has shown in me.  I look forward to working with the management team and appreciate their continued commitment and dedication to our Company,” stated Mr. King.

Bob Hanf becomes Executive Chairman of LPH and a Director of BL&P. In his current role as Chief Legal Officer of Emera Inc., Bob has been working with BL&P and LPH as they become part of the Emera family of energy companies.

Mr. Hanf joined Emera in 2002 as General Counsel for Emera and its affiliates.  He became Chief Executive Officer of Emera affiliate Bangor Hydro in 2007 and returned to Emera Inc. in 2011 as Chief Legal Officer.  Prior to joining Emera Mr. Hanf was a partner with the law firm McCarthy Tétrault LLP.

Barbados is an important part of Emera’s business and as such we felt it crucial to provide a direct Emera connection to the island,” said Mr. Huskilson of the new role. “Bob is a senior leader in our Company with a vast array of experiences in utility management, stakeholder engagement, business development and law and will play a crucial strategic role in our Barbados business.”

“I am honoured to be taking on this new role within the Emera group of companies,” stated Mr. Hanf. “We see great opportunity for these Companies and for the country of Barbados and I look forward to working with the team and members of the community to realize this potential.”

Outgoing Managing Director of BL&P, Peter Williams, who was appointed as Managing Director of Light & Power Holdings in July of 2010, will continue in this role, reporting to LPH’s Board of Directors.  Wayne Crawley, President and CEO Emera Caribbean Limited will continue as a Director of Both LPH and BLP.

About Emera

Emera Inc. is an energy and services company with $6.6 billion in assets and 2010 revenues of $1.6 billion. The company invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, as well as gas transmission and utility energy services. Emera’s strategy is focused on the transformation of the electricity industry to cleaner generation and the delivery of that clean energy to market. Emera operates throughout northeastern North America, in three Caribbean countries and in California. More than 80% of the company’s earnings come from regulated investments. Emera common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade respectively under the symbol EMA and EMA.PR.A. Additional information can be accessed at www.emera.com, www.sedar.com, or on www.sec.gov.

About Light & Power Holdings

Light & Power Holdings Ltd. is an investment company with electricity being its core business. The Company has a wholly owned regulated electric utility, The Barbados Light & Power Company Ltd., which has been serving electricity customers in Barbados since 1911. Electricity service is available to the entire island community.

About Barbados Light and Power

The Barbados Light & Power Company supplies electricity to over 122,000 customers in Barbados and has established itself as one of the leading electrical utilities in the Caribbean. The Company is committed to providing an efficient, safe and reliable electricity service to its customers. This year the Company celebrates 100 years of centralized electricity service to Barbados. Additional information can be accessed at www.blpc.com

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, June 1, 2011:  On Wednesday, May 25, 2011, Barbadian singing sensation Shontelle gave a live in-studio performance to a number of her fans on New York City’s 92.3 FM NOW radio station. The Barbados Tourism Authority partnered with 92.3 NOW to provide Barbados fanfare with backdrop banners and gift bags for two lucky fans during her performance. Shontelle sang three acoustic numbers including “T-Shirt”, Platinum selling record “Impossible” and her latest single, “Say Hello to Goodbye.”

 Shontelle thanked the Barbados Tourism Authority throughout her appearance and in the spirit of Barbados, sang a verse from Rihanna’s “Man Down” single which Shontelle co-wrote highlighting some of the traditional Soca rhythms of the island.

 In an interview after her performance, she declared that Oistins in Barbados has “the best prepared fresh fish in the world” and that the island’s people, natural beauty, and music, make Barbados the most alluring Caribbean destination to visit.

 For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — (TSX: EMA) and (TSX: NSI.PR.D) James D. (Jim) Eisenhauer, FCA, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of Nova Scotia Power. Mr. Eisenhauer succeeds George A Caines, Q.C., who has served as Chair since 2009 and as a director since 1995.

 Mr. Eisenhauer has been a Director of Nova Scotia Power Inc. since 2008. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of ABCO Group Limited, which has holdings in manufacturing and distribution activities. He is a Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia. Mr. Eisenhauer has been a member of the Board of Nova Scotia Business Inc. since 2005, and Chair since November, 2010. He is also a member of the Board of Composites Atlantic and Atlantic Industries Limited and chairs its Audit Committee.

 ”Jim is a businessman who understands Nova Scotia, but also has experience running a business that competes in global markets,” said Chris Huskilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emera Inc. “We benefit greatly from his decades of experience as a business leader and as a leader in the community.”

 ”I also want to thank George Caines for his leadership and guidance on both the Emera and Nova Scotia Power Boards,” continued Mr. Huskilson. “His contributions to our company over the last 16 years have been invaluable.”

 Mr. Caines, a partner with the Atlantic Canada law firm Stewart McKelvey and past President of the Neptune Theatre Foundation has completed his terms on the Emera and Nova Scotia Power boards.

 ”I want to pay tribute to the leadership of George Caines, whose service on our board – and as Chair – has helped shape the cleaner energy and customer service transformation under way at Nova Scotia Power,” said Mr. Eisenhauer.

 In addition to Mr. Eisenhauer, the Nova Scotia Power Board includes:

• Wesley Armour, President and Chief Executive Officer of Armour  Transportation Systems of Moncton, N.B.
• Lee Bragg, Chief Executive Officer of Eastlink, a Nova Scotia-based cable and communication company.
• Irene d’Entremont, C.M., President of ITG Information Management Inc. of Yarmouth, N.S.
• John McLennan, Chair of the Board of Emera Inc., and former Chair of the Board of Nova Scotia Power.
• Marie Rounding, Counsel to Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Gas Association.
• Elaine Sibson, Chair of the Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board.
• Chris Huskilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Emera Inc.
• Rob Bennett, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Scotia Power.

 Mr. Eisenhauer will stand as a nominee to Emera’s Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting on May 4, 2011.

 About Emera

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

 About Nova Scotia Power

 Nova Scotia Power has provided electricity to Nova Scotians for more than 80 years. The company provides electricity generation, transmission and distribution services to almost 490,000 customers in the province. Nova Scotia Power is transforming its generation to reduce its carbon footprint and enable new economic activity by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. The company has $4.0 billion in assets and approximately 2,000 employees who are dedicated to safe work, enhanced customer service, system reliability and serving their communities. Nova Scotia Power is the largest wholly-owned subsidiary of Halifax-based Emera Inc.

 (EMA.)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — WIN Group, the Haitian conglomerate that owns and operates Terminal Varreux in Port-au-Prince, situated just five miles from the epicenter of the January 12 earthquake, and SEACOR Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CKH) (SEACOR) have launched an emergency response project to enable the crucial marine terminal to resume receiving bulk fuel and containerized cargoes thereby replenishing the stricken country’s rapidly dwindling supplies of gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oil, propane gas and edible oils used for cooking. 

 Terminal Varreux receives and stores in excess of 70% of Haiti’s fuel oil used for power plants, gasoline and diesel used for land-based fueling stations, propane used for multiple applications and edible oils used for cooking. Terminal Varreux has a minimum of 18 large storage tanks with a total capacity of approximately 45 million gallons.

 Terminal Varreux has been unable to unload any tankers since the January 12 earthquake destroyed the marine docking facilities and damaged a complex network of steel pipe connecting the marine operation to the tank storage area.

 ”SEACOR has agreed to provide the emergency support we need to return Terminal Varreux to operation in order to help us keep Haiti supplied with critically needed fuel. Their assistance in getting our marine operation stabilized and back to work, constructing a new temporary section of piping to connect Terminal Varreux’s mooring facilities and the usable storage tanks and insuring the safe return of our storage tank operations is invaluable,” said Youri Mevs, managing partner of WIN Group.

 ”Haiti needs to receive fuel supplies rapidly in order to avoid a shortage that would create panic and hamper the ongoing relief effort. The Haitian government is asking us to secure repairs of the facility as rapidly as possible in order to enable Terminal Varreux to receive supplies and equipment urgently needed in Haiti. While supplies and equipment are crucial, at the end of the day this is about saving lives first, and taking care of business later,” Mevs concluded. 

Under an agreement for their emergency response venture executed late Thursday, and effective immediately, WIN Group and SEACOR Holdings have begun to utilize a combination of SEACOR’s diverse maritime, aviation and emergency response resources to support the restoration of the marine operations, repair and construction of the new temporary 200 yard-long section of the piping and the resumption of the storage tank operations.

 Earthquake-damaged structures and debris will be removed from the dock area; debris will be removed from vessel traffic areas; collapsed mooring infrastructure will be replaced with temporary capability; a new series of piping will bypass and temporarily replace an equal length of the piping from the dock area to the tank farm; collapsed walls in the tank farm area will be removed from critical piping and the piping repaired; critically damaged tanks will be inspected and shifted from service; and the overall terminal operation will be restored in time to accept marine fuel transfers before Terminal Varreux and the country run out of fuel.

 The estimated cost of the emergency project has not been disclosed.

 ”We are pleased to collaborate with the WIN Group and are confident that with SEACOR’s diverse capabilities Terminal Varreux will return to operation promptly,” said Eric Fabrikant, vice president of SEACOR Holdings. 

 SEACOR already has an emergency advance team in Haiti from its O’Brien’s Response Management group, part of the Company’s environmental services business unit, which includes global emergency response personnel, equipment and technology companies.  SEACOR’s work over the years has included close support of the U.S. Coast Guard throughout its response to Hurricane Katrina and responding to and managing numerous major oil spills, including the cleanup of oil fields in the aftermath of both Gulf wars.

 In addition, SEACOR dispatched a vessel from one of its environmental services companies, National Response Corporation. The NRC Perseverance, a 110-foot, specially fitted command vessel used to protect the environment and shipping channels against oil spills around the HOVENSA, LLC refinery in St. Croix, arrived in Cap-Haitien last week and is expected to arrive at Terminal Varreux early this week.

 NRC Perseverance has a spill response capability and will initially support the emergency project and the SEACOR team at Terminal Varreux.  The vessel is also laden with 10 tons of pure water, medicines, crutches, food, diapers and other personal hygiene products which were donated by local organizations including Hispanos Unidos and the St. Croix Rotary Club. The donations were coordinated, collected and loaded onto the vessel for transport by several HOVENSA personnel.  More than 60 volunteers assisted in the effort.   

In other special projects responding to the Haitian disaster, SEACOR has coordinated a supply of donated medical supplies and food relief from Food for the Poor, which departed from Port Everglades, Florida and arrived in Haiti this past weekend. 

 SEACOR also dispatched a twin engine S-76A++ helicopter, which has the capability to carry up to 12 passengers and cargo, from its aviation services business unit, Era Helicopters (Era), from Lake Charles, Louisiana to Haiti last week for use in a month-long humanitarian effort supporting the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). An additional S-76A++ helicopter arrived over the weekend from Houma, Louisiana to support aid workers moving from Santo Domingo to Haiti.

SEACOR will be working with Priority 1 Air Rescue to perform Advanced Life Support Air Ambulance services and will be sending two National Registry certified flight paramedics for Medevac missions in Haiti. Priority 1 Air Rescue has a teaming agreement with Era to provide FAA-approved full-service helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) and Emergency Medical Services capabilities worldwide.

 About WIN Group

The Haiti-based, Mevs family-held WIN Group is one of the Caribbean’s largest conglomerates with stakes in diverse industries such as warehousing and storage, port operations and ethanol processing. WIN’s holdings include SHODECOSA, the largest privately-owned industrial and commercial park in Haiti; Terminal Varreux, the largest privately-owned general cargo shipping terminal that is capable of  loading in general, non-specialized stowage areas or standard shipping containers; e.g., boxes, barrels, bales, crates, packages, bundles, and pallets; WINECO, the largest liquid bulk storage facility and, now, the under-construction West Indies Free Zone, a $45 million, 1.2 million square feet manufacturing park in northern Port-au-Prince, among other enterprises.  The fourth generation family has always had a significant impact on the country through its social service-based endeavors, and actively supports numerous organizations providing both immediate relief, and long-term infrastructure development. 

 About SEACOR

SEACOR Holdings is a global provider of equipment and services primarily supporting the offshore oil and gas and marine transportation industries. SEACOR offers customers a diversified suite of services including offshore marine, marine transportation, inland river, aviation, environmental, commodity trading and offshore and harbor towing. SEACOR is focused on providing highly responsive local service combined with the highest safety standards, innovative technology, modern, efficient equipment and dedicated, professional employees. The Company’s website is located at: www.seacorholdings.com.

CARIBPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Nov. 25, 2009: Multiple award winning singer and actress, Jennifer Kate Hudson, is set to make the transition from a White House performance to the stage of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival from January 24-30, 2010.

 

TurnKey Production President and festival producer, Walter Elmore, said while he is thrilled for Hudson at her White House performance on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 at the first state dinner of President and Mrs. Obama, he is thrilled that Hudson will be in Montego Bay, Jamaica in a matter of weeks.

 

`Jennifer has a magic that surrounds her and the Jamaican audience loves her.    We feel she is an excellent addition to the line up,` said Elmore.

Hudson   came to prominence in 2004 as one of the finalists on the   third season   of the   Fox   reality television series    American Idol   . She made her film debut in the 2006 film    Dreamgirls    and won an   Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress   for her performance, as well as a   Golden Globe Award  , a   BAFTA Award   and a   Screen Actors Guild Award  , among many others.

She won a     Grammy Award     for her eponymous debut album,    Jennifer Hudson   , which was released in 2008 on     Arista Records     and soon certified gold by the     RIAA     for more than 500,000 shipped copies, spawning the hit single “    Spotlight     .”

Also on the bill for the Jamaica 2010 jazz and blues festival will be Billy Ocean, Joe Roy Jackson, Kelly Price, Tamia, Deborah Cox, Hall and Oats, Jon Secada, Monty Alexander, Roy Ayers, Third    World, BMarion Hall, and the Max Klezmer Band, a polish Jazz band which the Government of Poland has kindly arranged for the event.

The festival, which since its introduction in 1996 was known as the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, has attracted thousands of patrons from the USA, Europe, the Caribbean and Jamaica. International artistes that have performed at the festival include Alicia Keys, Kenny Rogers, Julio Iglesias, Nancy Wilson, Earth Wind and Fire, Kenny G., Gladys Knight, Kool & the Gang, Brian McKnight, George Benson, Erykah Badu, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, and many more.  

This year the festival is again being presented by key title sponsor, the Jamaica Tourist Board.

For more information on the festival and the Jazz Quest, interested persons can visit the official website at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.

 

Agreement further extends PR Newswire’s industry leading global distribution services

NEW YORK, July 28 /PRNewswire/ — PR Newswire today announced a distribution agreement with CaribPR Wire that enhances PR Newswire’s exposure to the Caribbean region while providing a gateway for businesses and organizations in the Caribbean to communicate with audiences throughout the world.

“”PR Newswire’s partnership with CaribPR Wire ensures that our clients will have access to the most comprehensive and targeted news distribution option in the Caribbean region,”" said Joaquin Burgos, president, PR Newswire Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. “”As the leader in global news distribution, PR Newswire continuously seeks alliances with organizations such as CaribPR Wire to expand and enhance our distribution capabilities. We look forward to working with CaribPR Wire to provide our clients with greater access to Caribbean audiences and to introduce Caribbean companies to PR Newswire’s full suite of communications tools.”"

The partnership with CaribPR Wire bolsters PR Newswire’s reach into the Caribbean market by delivering access to more than 300 Caribbean-focused media outlets and journalists in the U.S. and the Caribbean region. For CaribPR Wire customers, the distribution agreement offers an opportunity to leverage PR Newswire’s industry-leading distribution network.

Christopher Chaplin, director, CaribPR Wire, said, “”We are excited to partner with PR Newswire, the preeminent provider of news distribution and communications services worldwide. This relationship will provide Caribbean companies with the ability to reach a global audience in multiple languages, via print, radio, television and new media platforms via PR Newswire’s global network. In addition, they will gain access to PR Newswire’s industry-leading distribution lines to U.S. Hispanic, Native American, Asian American and African American audiences.”"

About CaribPR Wire

CaribPR Wire is the first and only press release newswire of the Caribbean, established in 2005 by journalist Felicia Persaud to serve the Caribbean niche market in the U.S./UK, Canada and the Caribbean region. CaribPR Wire offers over three dozen guaranteed placements for clients seeking to reach the media in this niche and also a full service comprehensive PR campaign arm in the Caribbean American marketplace. CaribPR wire is owned by Hard Beat Communications, the minority-certified news, PR and Advertising agency serving the Caribbean markets.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the global leader in innovative communications and marketing services, enabling organizations to connect and engage with their target audiences worldwide.

Through its multi-channel distribution network, audience intelligence, targeting, and measurement services, PR Newswire helps corporations and organizations conduct rich, timely and dynamic dialogues with the media, consumers, policymakers, investors and the general public, in support of building brands, generating awareness, impacting public policy, driving sales, and raising capital.

Pioneering the commercial news distribution industry 55 years ago, PR Newswire connects customers with audiences in more than 170 countries and in over 40 languages through an unparalleled network of offices in 16 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and via unique affiliations with the leading news agencies across the globe. PR Newswire is a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited (UBM.L), a leading global business media company that serves professional commercial communities around the world. For more information, go to www.UBM.com .

CONTACT: Rachel Meranus, Vice President, Public Relations, PR Newswire, +1-201-360-6776 or [email protected] .