Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President & CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As nearly every country in the world prepares to meet in Geneva next month for the Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world’s largest tobacco companies are actively targeting Caribbean nations to weaken global health commitments that have saved millions of lives.

At COP11, 183 Parties to the FCTC will come together to strengthen efforts to reduce tobacco use and protect public health. For 20 years, the FCTC has successfully guided countries in adopting proven measures like smoke-free laws, picture warning labels on tobacco products, higher tobacco taxes and prohibitions on tobacco marketing. The result of these polices has been millions of lives saved around the world.

But as governments prepare for COP11, the tobacco industry is stepping up efforts to undermine the treaty’s progress on public health. Saint Kitts and Nevis, along with Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are being actively targeted by tobacco companies seeking to influence Caribbean governments to weaken global public health commitments. Similar tactics are being deployed around the world as part of the industry’s coordinated global playbook.

At COP10 in Panama, positions taken by Saint Kitts and Nevis raised serious alarm among public health advocates for closely mirroring tobacco industry talking points – a pattern that has continued in the leadup to COP11.

Leading health organizations including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control, and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition have sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The letter expresses concern about the need to safeguard public health policymaking from the influence of the tobacco industry. It notes that the tobacco industry prioritizes profit over people’s lives, especially by marketing addictive products like e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products to young people.

As COP11 approaches, governments must remember one truth: The tobacco industry is the architect of the global tobacco epidemic which kills more than 8 million people each year. Big Tobacco’s presence is toxic to rational, evidence-based policymaking. Governments must shut the door on tobacco industry interference and stand united to protect kids from a lifetime of addiction.

As the world prepares for COP11 discussions, governments should be focused on renewing commitments to tackling tobacco use and nicotine addiction – because millions of lives depend on governments using their power to protect public health.

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]]> https://caribpr.com/big-tobacco-targets-caribbean-nations-ahead-of-global-treaty-talks-%e2%80%93-governments-must-shut-down-industry-interference-2/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/sovereign-pacific-capital-and-uma-shanker-mishra-expand-their-reach-with-spc-bank-a-global-financial-institution-spanning-europe-asia-and-the-caribbean-region/ https://caribpr.com/sovereign-pacific-capital-and-uma-shanker-mishra-expand-their-reach-with-spc-bank-a-global-financial-institution-spanning-europe-asia-and-the-caribbean-region/#comments Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:26:44 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15442

NEVIS, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sovereign Pacific Capital (SPC Group),www.spcgroup.org, led by Uma Shanker Mishra, celebrates a significant milestone with the licensing of SPC Bank, a private, international bank, wholly owned by SPC Group, located in Nevis, within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Technology behemoth Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has associated with SPC Bank to develop the core banking solutions and the digital security architecture, notably TCS is the fastest growing technology company with a market capitalization of USD $146.58 Billion, In addition, several leading European banks are also in touch with the SPC Bank for corresponding bank relationships. This strategic move aims to take advantage of opportunities in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

Under Mishra’s  leadership, SPC Bank, not only acts as a financial institution but also as a catalyst for global impact. Recently, SPC Group unveiled a series of innovative investment portfolios, signalling a commitment to growth, innovation, and regional advancement. This calculated move is set to redefine SPC Group’s global role in the coming years. While details are undisclosed, SPC Group has hinted at launching several philanthropic projects aligned with its commercial initiatives across its operations in 2024, focusing on people, climate resilience, and social sustainability.

In a related development, Uma Shanker Mishra, Chairman of SPC Group and SPC Bank, has been appointed as a Special Advisor to Dr. Denzil L Douglas, Minister of Economic Development and Investment, in the Federal Government of St.Kitts and Nevis, demonstrating his dedication to supporting the Federation’s  Sustainable Development Goals. In line with this commitment, SPC Group has successfully negotiated a series of impactful projects in the Federation and Caribbean, contributing to economic growth and regional advancement. These initiatives include the establishment of the SPC Bank Complex, which will serve as the bank’s  headquarters and house an International Financial Services Centre. Adding to this, the Suncastle Marina Beach Resort, a five star luxury property, is poised to enhance the Federation’s economic landscape. As part of its pioneering approach, the financial conglomerate will lead the creation of an International Centre of Excellence for Regenerative Medical Research and Clinical Treatments in collaboration with renowned Institutions.

In a rapidly changing world influenced by conflicts, the focus of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) is shifting towards reliability, safety, convenience, flexibility and responsiveness. Recognizing this shift, SPC Bank, www.spcbank.ch, strategically focuses on the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics. This positioning establishes SPC Bank as a key player in shaping the future of finance in Commonwealth countries. As SPC Bank navigates global uncertainties, it invites key Investors to join the financial institution dedicated to resilience, technology-driven foresight, with a commitment to create positive impact.

For more log in to www.spcbank.ch

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276524/SPC_Group_Ltd_Sovereign_Pacific_Capital_and_Uma_Shanker_Mishra_E.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276525/SPC_Group_Ltd_Sovereign_Pacific_Capital_and_Uma_Shanker_Mishra_E.jpg

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

felicia@caribpr.com

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

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 prensa@comscore.com.

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, prensa@comscore.com

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

kmarsh@ipsaintl.com

MEDIA                                   INVESTOR RELATIONS

 root9B Technologies                     root9B Technologies

 Andrew Hoffman                          Mark Elliott

 (908) 655-6798                          Chief Administrative Officer

 andrew@zitopartners.com                 (704) 521-8077

                                        melliott@root9BTechnologies.com

IPSA International

Julie Malone                            The Equity Group Inc. (Investors)

Brand Marketing Manager                 Devin Sullivan

(602) 889-1137                          Senior Vice President

jmalone@ipsaintl.com                    (212) 836-9608

                                      dsullivan@equityny.com

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

“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, scolon@nlppr.com, +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

kbronson@investcaribbeannow.com

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.