CaribPR Wire

CaribPR Wire, Miami, FL, Tues. April 19, 2011: Today RIM has made two important introductions for developers: the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK 2.0 for Tablet OS and Smartphones, and the final version of its BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR.

 The BlackBerry WebWorks SDK 2.0 for Tablet OS and Smartphones

 With this release, the following changes are introduced:

 * JavaScript APIs are now separated from the OS. This new architecture will allow developers to easily modify and enhance the existing APIs and package them with their BlackBerry WebWorks application. It will also simplify adding new APIs to applications.

 * The BlackBerry WebWorks framework and all of the APIs are open sourced and are available on GitHub! Developers can now contribute and participate in the evolution of the BlackBerry WebWorks project.

 These changes meet developers’ needs for ease of development, flexibility and choice. This important update positively impacts broad categories of developers including new and established developers. They can take advantage of the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK support for web standard technologies (HTML5, CSS3, Java Script) to build rich, well integrated standalone BlackBerry applications. Once developed, these apps can be fully integrated into the BlackBerry ecosystem, and distributed and monetized via BlackBerry App World. Furthermore, there is no need for developers to learn native programming languages to build mobile applications; they can simply use their existing web skills to build amazing BlackBerry apps.

 To streamline development work even further, RIM has aligned the versioning of the two platforms so that developers can easily create and deploy applications on the BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS and Smartphones – making the best of both worlds.

 BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR

 Today RIM has also introduced the final version of its BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR which includes the following changes:

 - Special APIs for the BlackBerry PlayBook Plugins for Adobe Flash Builder

- A BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Simulator

- A Getting Started Guide

 With this update of the BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR, RIM gives developers the opportunity to leverage a strong competitive advantage, the Adobe AIR technology’s capability to enable developers to share code across multiple platforms, thereby offering them the benefit of a wide choice of development environments.

 These landmark updates from RIM coincide with the BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet’s availability in stores in North America today and they further empower developers to create amazing applications on this device.

 To find out more about these updates and download the latest SDKs go to http://us.blackberry.com/developers/tablet/webworks.jsp for BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Tablet OS, http://us.blackberry.com/developers/browserdev/widgetsdk.jsp for BlackBerry WebWorks SDK for Smartphones and http://us.blackberry.com/developers/tablet/adobe.jsp for BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK for Adobe AIR.

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. Feb. 26, 2011: Get ready for News Americas, newamericasnow.com.

Executives of Hard Beat Communications have rebranded their CaribWorldNews wire to fit the company’s new goal of covering a larger demographic and capturing the emerging interest in the Americas, especially Latin America.

NewAmericasNow.com will replace CaribWorldNews.com, though readers will still be able to access the site through domains: CaribWorldNews.com, CaribbeanworldNews.com and Hardbeatnews.com.

The company’s new aim is to focus more on the top news, entertainment, business, sports and lifestyle and cuisine of the Americas and the content will be syndicated across over 50 sites and via EBSCO publishing.

The brand new website featuring web 3.0 technology will also allow for live feedback from readers who can view a live weather forecast, translate stories to suit their language need, listen to a Caribbean audio newscast right on the site and check out the preview of the latest bold move by HBC executives – a Caribbean entertainment newscast that will be presented weekly by a swimwear-clad anchor.

The video cast pioneers a new look and feel in the presentation of Caribbean news that is targeted specifically to the news service’s growing Internet followers globally.

Known for their spirit of innovation and originality, HBC CEO Felicia Persaud says 2011 is all about upping the ante – expanding into the Americas while still keeping the sexiness of the beach and the Caribbean’s beauties – with the video news of Caribbean-born celebrities.

The V-cast is being produced in collaboration with Mark Wright of Flatbush TV and will feature both male and female hosts. Wardrobe will be provided by popular Caribbean designers, including Guyana’s own, Roger Gary.

Persaud added that the company will, however, keep its weekly audio news cast focused on the Caribbean, given the BBC’s pull out from the region. The cast is aired across the U.S. on 13 radio stations and podcasted on 32 African-American and Caribbean websites.

For more log on to NewsAmericasNow.com.

Combines a Full Touch Screen Experience with an Easy-To-Use BlackBerry Keyboard; First to Feature New BlackBerry 6 with Rich WebKit Browser 

October 27, 2010 – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800 smartphone in the Caribbean region. Ideal for socially connected consumers and packed with the tools business customers love, it’s the world’s first smartphone to combine a BlackBerry® keyboard with a full touch screen experience and the first to feature the new BlackBerry® 6 operating system.

“We are proud to bring the new BlackBerry Torch smartphone with BlackBerry 6 to customers in the Caribbean. With its new user interface, rich browser and exceptional handset design, the BlackBerry Torch delivers powerful and highly integrated capabilities for socially connected consumers and business professionals alike,” said Rick Costanzo, Managing Director, Research In Motion.

The new BlackBerry Torch features an exciting combination of a large touch screen, optical trackpad and backlit slide-out BlackBerry keyboard. It offers support for high-speed 3G (UMTS/HSDPA) networks around the world, includes the latest generation in Wi-Fi® (b/g/n) connectivity and features built-in GPS for location-based applications and geo-tagging. Its 5 MP camera takes exceptional pictures with continuous auto focus, image stabilization, scene modes and zoom, and it also supports video recording.

The BlackBerry Torch is the first to launch with BlackBerry 6, a new operating system that delivers a fresh, approachable and engaging experience that’s powerful and easy to use. It has a new and rich WebKit-based browser that renders HTML web pages (as well as HTML email) quickly and beautifully for a great browsing experience. The new browser also includes tabs for accessing multiple sites simultaneously; pinch to zoom for easy navigation and a zoom feature that can intelligently wrap text in a column while maintaining the placement of a page’s key elements.

BlackBerry 6 features a redesigned interface and includes expanded messaging capabilities with intuitive features to simplify the management of social networking and RSS feeds (Social Feeds), and provides integrated access to BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), Facebook®, Twitter™, MySpace™ and various messaging applications on the BlackBerry Torch. Its enhanced multimedia experience rivals the best in the industry and includes a dedicated YouTube app as well as BlackBerry Podcasts, which allows customers to easily discover and manage a wide range of audio and video podcasts*. Universal search allows users to search through email, messages, contacts, music, videos and more on the smartphone, as well as extend searches to the Internet or to discover applications on BlackBerry App World™.

 Availability
The new BlackBerry Torch smartphone is expected to be available from carriers in the Caribbean beginning in November.

* Users can access audio and video content via Wi-Fi or using data plans. Data charges may apply for customers that have limited data plans.

About Research In Motion (RIM)
Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry® solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIM is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

# # #

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws.  When used herein, words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”,  “may”,  “will”, “should”, “intend,” “believe”, and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the circumstances.  Many factors could cause RIM’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of RIM’s Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov).  These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM’s forward-looking statements.  RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

MIAMI, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ — HBO Latin America announced that the new, highly anticipated drama series, Boardwalk Empire, will premiere in the Caribbean on Sunday, October 3, 2010. Created by the Emmy®-winning writer of “The Sopranos”, Terence Winter, and produced and directed by the widely acclaimed Martin Scorsese, this roaring ’20s drama takes place at the dawn of Prohibition, when the sale of alcohol became illegal throughout the United States. The plot follows a corrupt politician and his network of liquor smugglers, as they rise to undisputed leadership of the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk. 

“Once again, HBO offers the perfect combination of the best talent from film and television, as well as a storyline full of drama and action. Terence Winter, Martin Scorsese and producers like Mark Wahlberg, in collaboration with this outstanding cast, will make Boardwalk Empire one of the best series of all time and, without a doubt, a true favorite among our Caribbean subscribers,” said Gustavo Grossman, Vice President and General Manager of HBO Networks Latin America.

With the Great War over, it is a time of vast changes in America. On the beach in southern New Jersey sits Atlantic City, a spectacular resort known as “The World’s Playground” – a place where the rules do not apply. Its famous boardwalk, filled with luxurious hotels, nightclubs, amusement piers and entertainment rivaling that of Broadway, quickly emerges as the mecca for the illegal trafficking of alcoholic beverages. At the head of all backroom dealings and rum-running is the town’s treasurer, Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi). Corrupt, yet clever, Nucky effortlessly caries out a double life – one in which he reveals himself to be a respected politician, by day, and a feared gangster, by night.

Together with his brother Elias (Shea Whigham) – the town’s sheriff – and a crew of Ward Bosses and local thugs, Nucky heads smuggling operations, doing business with some of the most infamous names in mafia history: Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg), Big Jim Colosimo, (Frank Crudele), Lucky Luciano (Vincent Piazza) and Al Capone (Stephen Graham). As a result, Nucky positions himself as the primary contact for anyone wanting to obtain alcohol illegally.

The story takes a complicated turn when Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt), Nucky’s former protege and driver, returns from the war eager to get ahead and reclaim his rightful place in the political fixer’s organization. But when Jimmy feels things aren’t moving quickly enough, he takes matters into his own hands, forming a deadly alliance with some of Nucky’s associates, which promptly sets Federal Agent Nelson Van Alden (Michael Shannon) on his mentor’s tail.

Boardwalk Empire’s star cast features Michael Kenneth Williams as Chalky White, leader of the area’s African-American community; Gretchen Mol as the exotic dancer, Gillian, who shares a long and complicated history with Nucky; Dabney Coleman as Nucky’s mentor, Commodore Louis Kaestner; Paz de la Huerta as Nucky’s girlfriend, Lucy; Kelly Macdonald as Margaret Schroeder, a married woman that also becomes involved with Nucky; Paul Sparks as Mickey Doyle; Anthony Laciura as Eddie Kessler; and Aleksa Palladino as Angela, Jimmy Darmody’s Bohemian girlfriend and mother of their three-year-old son.

Inspired by Nelson Johnson’s book, BoardWalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City, Boardwalk Empire is directed by Martin Scorsese, Tim Van Patten, Jeremy Podeswa, Alan Taylor and Allen Coulter; executive-producers include Terence Winter, Martin Scorsese, Tim Van Patten, Stephen Levinson and Mark Wahlberg, with Gene Kelly as co-executive producer; produced by Rudd Simmons and Rick Yorn, with Howard Korder as supervising producer, and David Coatsworth as producer of the pilot.

Writers that collaborated with Terence Winter include Lawrence Konner, Howard Korder, Tim Van Patten, Paul Simms, Margaret Nagle, Steve Kornacki and Meg Jackson.

 About HBO Latin America

HBO Latin America is the leader in paid, Premium television network broadcasting in the region, which as well as being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, movies, and documentaries, delivers services of the highest technology in SD and HD formats to over 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO®, HBO2®, HBO® Plus, HBO® Family, HBO Caribbean®, Cinemax®, Max®, Max HD® and Max Prime(SM), and its SVOD service.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — If you want to showcase your destination, company or product to cruise executives, destination governments, tour operators, ship agents and all facets of the industry spanning the globe from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, then the 17th Annual FCCA Conference & Trade Show in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is the place you need to be from October 25-29, 2010.

 This is the event and opportunity you have been looking for, one that provides the chance to increase your cruise industry contact base with the dozens of cruise executives from the operations, purchasing, marketing and shore excursions sectors and the more than 1,000 industry partners from destinations’ ministries of tourism, tour operators, ports, ship agents and many more segments of the industry.

 These are the people you want to talk to if you are looking to gain insight on what the cruise lines are looking for in terms of shore excursions, products, services and port of call, along with displaying your products and services.

 This is where you can establish a clear vision that will map the road to success in your dealings with the cruise lines and the only event where the top decision makers from the 15 FCCA Member Cruise Lines come together for four entire days to share ideas, discuss industry trends and even have some fun. After all, providing events, functions and trips that will foster business and personal relationships between members and cruise executives is the FCCA’s specialty, along with offering crucial information about the industrial trends, and these events and resources are open to Platinum and Associate Members.

 So don’t miss this opportunity to meet with and develop business and personal relationships with some of the cruise industry’s top executives and most powerful players within the destinations.

 FCCA is a trade association composed of 15 Member Lines: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., Norwegian Cruise Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Seabourn Cruise Line. It was created in 1972 by the Member Lines operating more than 100 vessels in Florida, Caribbean and Latin American waters, in order to discuss and exchange views on issues relating to: legislation, tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.

 For more information on the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show, please contact Terri Cannici at (954) 441-8881 or [email protected].

CaribPR Wire, BROOKLYN, NY. Tues. Aug. 24, 2010: More than the usual national pride and bragging rights will be at stake this weekend Saturday August 28^th and Sunday August 29th, at the Lincoln Terrace Park on East New York and Buffalo Avenues in Brooklyn, NY when the final shrill of the umpire’s whistle is sounded and the curtain closes on the 13^th season of the LIME-sponsored Caribbean American Netball Association (CANA) tournament. 

“I am expecting full participation especially from the teams from the islands, as we present the LIME/CANA Caribbean Cup Netball Championship and closing ceremony on Sunday evening,” said Cheryl Howell, President of the League.

 Howell and her executive team are hoping that all eight eligible nations will take part in the championship, which will be played using the round robin, aggregate win system; meaning that teams will play against each other and the team with the most wins (points), will be declared the winner.

 Defending champions Jamaica and seven other teams will contest the Senior Cup. They are: Africa, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent & Grenadines (SVG), St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and the U.S.A.

 “I expect perennial winners Jamaica to get some competition this year from St. Vincent & The Grenadines,” said Howell, noting that the SVG team includes the talented Joleen Christopher (GA), of Flying Targets NC and captain of the CANA Senior squad.

 Jamaica will counter with the gutsy and versatile Petra ‘Nina’ Williams (GA, GS).

 And, if the volcanic Dawn Small gets going and is able to play her game, Barbados should not be counted out of the top spot, according to Howell, who thinks that this is CANA’s lucky year due in large measure to the corporate partnership struck with LIME (Cable & Wireless) and Western Union, among others.

 Sharing the closing weekend spotlight in the park will be a contest for the juniors as well. Five teams are expected to compete: U.S.A., Jamaica, Barbados, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Grenada.

 Other attractions on Sunday will include exhibition matches involving the CANA Under-21 team against a CANA Senior team and the Brooklyn Navigators (male team) Netball Club. Action in the Caribbean Cup Championship will tip off at 1 p.m., weather permitting.

 “We feel this is a nice way to end what has been a good netball season here in Brooklyn and I hope the community will come out in bigger numbers and support the girls and guys,” President Howell said.

 LIME is collaborating with CANA to make this another Brooklyn coming out party on the heels of the Labor Day holiday weekend celebrations and festivities. A number of senior executives from the company are expected to be in attendance.

 Patrons attending the season ending games will be treated to ‘goodies’ from the regional telecommunications company while players and teams will be presented with their trophies and other incentives for a successful season.

 On Saturday, the divisional finals for the knock-out competition will also be played, starting at 5 p.m. A total of four matches will be played to determine the winners of the Junior, Intermediate, Seniors2 and Seniors1 categories for 2010.  All the games including the big showdown at the Caribbean Cup on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. is free and open to the public.

ABOUT LIME

LIME, (formerly Cable & Wireless), is the Caribbean`s leading telecommunications company. LIME has kept the people of the Caribbean connected for more than 100 years. LIME is focused on providing products and services that improve the lives of Caribbean people every day whether they live in the region or are part of the Diaspora. LIME`s aim is to deliver the best communication services at the best value across the board–full stop. LIME–for living every day.

Photo Caption:

 Cheryl Howell, President of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Netball Association (CANA). (Photo courtesy of Sharon Bennett)

Upgraded Operations Support System to increase speed, accuracy of operations

 PISCATAWAY, N.J., June 15 /PRNewswire/ — With a focus on accelerating the rollout of new services, Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has awarded a contract to Telcordia (www.telcordia.com) for its next generation operations support systems.  Telcordia will provide TSTT with an automated fulfillment solution that incorporates improved visibility of its inventory of network assets, thus accelerating the order-to-cash cycle, improving customer experience, and lowering operations costs.

 ”The pace of innovation is accelerating and we need the operational accuracy and speed to harness and benefit from it,” said George Hill, Chief Technology Officer at TSTT.  “Telcordia is supporting our business needs and helping us bring high quality, advanced services to our customers, through highly efficient processes and cost-effective operations.”

 ”TSTT is clearly committed to providing Trinidad and Tobago with the communications infrastructure required to foster economic growth,” said Adan Pope, Chief Strategy Officer, Telcordia.  “Its investment in next generation service rollout will provide a platform to accelerate time-to-market for innovative services and Telcordia’s deep experience with sophisticated data services is a key element in this strategic initiative and in helping TSTT realize the full potential of the network and operations.”

 For more information about Telcordia Next Generation Operations Support System solutions visit http://www.telcordia.com/portfolios/next-generation-oss/index.html.  For more information about Telcordia visit www.telcordia.com.

 About TSTT

Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited is jointly owned by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (51%) and Cable & Wireless (49%) and is the country’s largest provider of communications solutions to the residential and commercial markets.  TSTT’s leading edge products are designed around its IP-based core infrastructure and marketed under its BLINK and Bmobile brands. In addition to fixed line and cellular communications, the company has an innovative line of BlackBerry Services; Broadband access including best-in-class Wi-Max and CDMA technology; Metro Ethernet; Video conferencing; subscription-based IPTV as well as business and home alarm monitoring services. TSTT is the industry leader deploying both wireless and fiber optic networks to deliver voice, data and multimedia capabilities making it also one of the most advanced solutions provider in the country. The company’s customers include key industry leaders in the finance, energy, government, manufacturing, education, healthcare and tourism sectors. Visit our website at www.tstt.co.tt for more information.”

 About Telcordia

Telcordia, a global leader in the development of fixed, mobile and broadband communications software and services, enables Communications Service Providers (CSPs), enterprises, suppliers and government entities to successfully deploy innovative and advanced services in the new era of services-dominated communications.  With its innovation, experience, and reach, Telcordia has the elements to deliver the communications software and services that help our clients realize operational efficiencies, drive revenue, and maintain a competitive edge.  Telcordia is headquartered in Piscataway, N.J, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Central and Latin America. (www.telcordia.com)

MIAMI, June 7 /PRNewswire/ — HBO Latin America Group announced that during the month of June enhancements in the Premium package will take place. Cinemax East will now be branded as MAX, targeting film lovers and visual art connoisseurs.

 ”Once again, HBO demonstrates its leadership in Premium television, providing subscribers with a daring, fresh and innovative offer. MAX will allow viewers to enjoy independent film productions from all over the world,” said Alexander Salas, general manager of MAX Networks Latin America.

 Offering the best of independent and international films and documentaries, MAX will transmit programming from different parts of the world that have also been awarded in different film festivals and that might have not been seen otherwise. MAX targets men and women between the ages of 18 and 45. Some of the movies that will be featured during June are: La Camara Oscura, Adoration, Cidade de Deus and Better Things. 

 The personality of this channel is independent, different, creative and fantastic; a unique channel for people with exceptional taste in films.

 MAX enhances the programming by maintaining the Premium channel profile in relation to its content, which distinguishes the HBO/MAX package.

 About HBO Latin America

HBO Latin America is the premium television network leader that, in addition to being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, films and documentaries, also provides services with the highest technology in SD and HD formats for more than 23 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean through its HBO®, HBO2®, HBO® Plus, HBO® Family, HBO Caribbean®, Cinemax®, Max®, Max HD® and Max Prime(SM), and SVOD service.

MIAMI, April 20 /PRNewswire/ — HBO Latin America announced the premiere of the new series Treme in the Caribbean on April 25th. The story chronologically follows the political and economic effects that arose after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans in 2005. 

“This new series illustrates how the residents of New Orleans lived after it was struck by one of largest natural disasters ever to hit the United States.  Musicians and other local artists participate in Treme along with a talented group of actors and creators. It presents the rich heritage of one of the most characteristic cities in this country,” said Gustavo Grossman, VP and General Manager of HBO Networks.

The story begins in the fall of 2005, three months after Hurricane Katrina, in one of the oldest and most traditional districts of New Orleans. The series tells the story of various residents and musicians like Antione Batiste (Wendell Pierce), a trombonist with great charisma who is trying to get ahead by any means he can, including playing at his friends’ and neighbors’ funerals, while his ex-wife LaDonna Batiste-Williams (Khandi Alexander) is divided between her business, the search for her brother, and Baton Rouge, where her new family has been relocated.

Treme, the historic neighborhood located lakeside of the French Quarter in New Orleans, also includes performances by Melissa Leo as Antoinette “Toni” Bernette; John Goodman as Creighton Bernette; Steve Zahn as Davis McAlary; Kim Dickens as Janette Desautel; Clarke Peters as Albert Lambreaux; Rob Brown as Delmond Lambreaux; Michiel Huisman as Sonny; and classical violinist Lucia Micarelli as Annie, among others.

Consisting of 10 episodes, Treme was created by David Simon and Eric Overmyer, under the executive production of David Simon, Nina K. Noble, Eric Overmyer and Carolyn Strauss.  The story is directed by Agnieszka Holland, Jim McKay, Ernest Dickerson, Anthony Hemingway, Christine Moore, Brad Anderson, Simon Cellan Jones, and Dan Attias.  The series was written by David Simon, Eric Overmyer, David Mills and George Pelecanos, in collaboration with native New Orleans writers Lolis Elie (author and local newspaper columnist) and Tom Piazza (renowned international novelist).

 About HBO Latin America

HBO Latin America is the leader in television network broadcasting which, besides being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, movies and documentaries, delivers services of the highest technology in SD and HD formats in over 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO®, HBO® Plus, HBO® Family, Cinemax® and Max Prime(SM), and its SVOD service.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 22, 2010: Caribbean nationals and Caribbean Americans across the U.S. are being reminded to ensure they write in their nationality on their 2010 Census forms this census.

The message was repeated many times over this past weekend as Carib ID founder, Felicia Persaud, took to the airwaves of Caribbean shows across the U.S. to drum home the write in message to Caribbean nationals.

Persaud kicked off her Saturday with a live radio interview into Atlanta at noon where she told Caribbean listeners of the Future Movement radio show with Pat Baccas on 1420AM WATB and 1430AM that the moment was now to not simply fill out and return the census forms but to write in their nationality under the some other race section of question 9 of the form while filling in their race.

Which means if you are Guyanese and black or Jamaican and White, then simply place an X next to that ethnic category on question 9 and another X near the Some Other Race Section and write in Guyanese or Jamaican or whatever your country of origin or roots are. This applies to any one from the Caribbean or Africa including those from Belize.

`This is the moment to truly stand up and count,` said Persaud, who repeated the message to Lady D on WOKB 1600 AM in Orlando, Florida.

`It`s not enough to simply be proud to be Caribbean,` said Persaud. `Now is the time to make history as we document this fact. In 2010, Caribbean nationals must be the new sought after bloc.`

At 1:25 p.m., she joined Irie Jam radio on WVIP 93.5 FM in New York to urge listeners on that station to wave their flags like they do in parties and fill out the Census form while writing in their nationality.

At 5 p.m. on Saturday, Persaud used the airwaves of WWRL 1600 AM`s `Caribbean Corner` show, which she appears on weekly, to link in with various Caribbean leaders in order to drive home the census message.

She was joined by attorney and radio personality, Marlon Hill, of South Florida, who at 4:15 pm Saturday completed his Census form live on the airwaves of WZAB radio with Eddy Edwards. Persaud also completed her form live on the WWRL show.

Hill for his part encouraged all listeners to take less than 10 minutes and return the forms for the future of the community and their children.

The message was reiterated by Haitian radio personality, Ricot Duprey who repeated the write in message in Kreyole for listeners even as U.S. Census, New York, representative, Irwine Clare, urged listeners to ensure they get the services they deserve in their communities and the representation by filling out and returning the form.

At 8:40 p.m. Persaud was live into Caribbeana show on WPFW 89.3FM with Von Martin in D.C. to repeat the write in message and stress the urgency. She wrapped up her day with an 11 p.m. interview into Miami, telling Hot 105 FM`s Tanto Irie and Lady English that the census is nothing to be afraid of but one that can help us all, not through social services, but in ensuring that the undocumented can use it as proof that they have been living in the U.S. to legalize their status once immigration reform occurs.

Carib ID was founded by Persaud in 2008 to get Caribbean nationals accurately counted in the Census.

She will appear on One Caribbean Radio this morning after completing similar interviews on Radio Soleil, the Haitian radio station in New York, the CaribZone with Ian Eliger and the BBC Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Jason Walker of WRFG 89.3 FM in Atlanta, will complete his own form live on March 26th while Lloyd Cummings of the award-winning Caribbean Rhythms on WURD 900 AM in Philadelphia will complete his form live on March 27th.

Walker, who is also part of CaribLifeCentral.com along with Sheldon Mundle, has actively been promoting the Caribbean write in message. CaribLifeCentral.com has launched its `I Am Caribbean` Census Awareness Campaign to encourage Caribbean-Americans to ensure they count in 2010.  As part of the `I Am Caribbean` awareness campaign CaribLifeCentral.com has produced a Web-based public service announcement available through YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIZMZGd91s0.

And new advocacy organization Caribbean One is timing its launch with the 2010 Census, as it joins the Carib ID push through a distribution of thousands of posters and information cards to Caribbean-American businesses across New York.

`Being Caribbean is not a race,` says Kendrick Ross, Caribbean One`s founder. `Caribbean Americans can be Black, White, Asian, Indian, or a combination of races, in addition to their Caribbean heritage. And that heritage means interests and concerns that are distinct from other groups.`

Carib ID, a historic initiative from Hard Beat Communications, is an endorsed effort by a number of media partners and key groups across the U.S. to secure an accurate count of Caribbean nationals. Among the partners of Carib ID are Ann Walters and Loughton Sargeant of the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Association, Chris Chaplin of the Philadelphia Caribbean Complete Count Committee, The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, the Bowling Green Association, Ecaroh Entertainment, the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey, Pastor Gil Montrose and the Brooklyn Center For Quality Life, the Caribbean Association of Mid West America, Caribbean One, The Caribbean American Center of New York, The Midwest Caribbean Network,  Students of Caribbean Ancestry, the Guyanese American Workers United, Jamaica Diaspora representative, Marlon Hill and Soca De Vote,  the D.C., Chicago, New York and Atlanta carnival associations, and a large number of media houses and media practitioners including the Caribbean American Journalists & Media Association, Inc., DJ Norrie, Power 105 FM; CBean.Tv,  the Caribbean International Network, Caribbean World News Network, Irie Jam Media, One Caribbean Radio, Carib Voice newspaper, South Florida Caribbean, Jamaicans.com, Zync TV and G-Arts Media, Whatz Up TV, Caribbean Vibes Radio, Deeraj TV, Carib Nation TV, CaribVoice Radio, Tropicalfete, Jason Walker, WFGG Atlanta, Eddy Edwards, Ken Webb, The West Indian newspaper, SMAC Productions and Caribbean Life Style TV  among others.

For more log on to www.caribid2010.com.

Congressman William Clay, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Al Green

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

and launch of Census Poster and Social Media Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

PHOTO CAPTION:

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

PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN THIERRY

MIAMI, March 2 /PRNewswire/ — HBO Latin America announced that next Sunday, March 7th it will broadcast Weapons of Self Destruction, the fifth HBO special from acclaimed actor, writer, comedian and Academy Award Winner Robin Williams, in the Caribbean.

 ”It is an honor for HBO to be able to bring its subscribers different, fun and high quality programming.  Weapons of Self Destruction is not only a comedy special, but is also a production that will get viewers to think about themselves in different ways and with very controversial themes,” declared Gustavo Grossman, VP and General Manager of HBO Networks.

 In Weapons of Self Destruction, Robin Williams shows off his acting ability and in a sincerely humorous and sometimes dark way, mocks the most dramatic events in his life.  During the special, he brings controversial themes to the table such as his past drug addictions, his use of Viagra and his recent heart surgery, which he says has converted him into a new Robin Williams, Version 2.0.

 In this 90 minute long monologue, Williams speaks about some well-known public figures such as President Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton and other world famous personalities. Throughout this performance, the entertainer also delights his audience with the vocal impressions and imitations that have become the trademark of his 20+ year long career.

 Among the many themes Williams touches on in his monologue, he speaks about marriage being like a tornado and like a bank account where you cannot make any transactions in other accounts.  He also speaks about how when he was younger people would tell him that drugs could kill him, but today, at 58 years old, his doctor tells him that he needs drugs to be able to live.

 Robin Williams, winner of three Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Grammy awards for his previous monologues, returns after a successful 26 U.S. city tour, with Weapons of Self Destruction, filmed live at Washington’s iconic DAR Constitution Hall.

 About HBO Latin America

HBO Latin America is the leader in television network broadcasting, which besides being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, movies and documentaries, delivers services of the highest technology in SD and HD formats in over 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO®, HBO® Plus, HBO® Family, Cinemax® and Max Prime(SM)   and its SVOD service.

CaribPR Wire, MIAMI, FL, Weds. Jan. 6, 2010: Jazz musician, Jon Saxx and his band, the Irresistible Journey, on Tuesday night walked away the winner of the 2010 South Florida Jamaica Jazz Fest Quest.

 Saxx and his group were last night declared the unanimous winner of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival amateur music contest before a packed house at the Ginger Bay Cafe in downtown Hollywood Florida.

 Jon Saxx and the Irresistible Journey beat out five other bands to win the annual talent search competition and the chance to be flown to Jamaica later this month to perform in the birth place of reggae legend Bob Marley.

 Judges Willie Stewart, an original drummer of the famed group, Third World;  Joy Schaaffe, of Air Jamaica; Karlene Shakes of the Jamaica Tourist Board;Noel Jones of Ginger Bay Café and Lukee Chung of Frame by Frame and Island Stylee.com agreed with the audience that Saxx and his band performed phenomenally.

 Jon Saxx and the Irresistible Journey will perform at the Caribbean’s best music festival, the 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Trelawny, Jamaica between January 24 and 30, 2010.

 Saxx was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, attended college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and graduated with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering.

He has been voted Best Local Jazz Artist in South Florida by Miami New Times in 2008 and has performed with Najee, Montell Jordan, Howard Hewitt and at the Monthly National Anthem Performances for the Miami Heat.

Other competitors of the Jamaica Jazz Fest Quest South Florida on January 6th included Saxx  Kehv, the prince of reggae soul; Soul Stank, The Kirk Green Project, Larry Dogg and Da band and Narda “Nadiva” Malcolm.

 Jamaica Jazz Fest Quest is part of the Art of Music segment pushed by Turnkey Productions, the producers of the annual Jamaica Jazz Festival, as a way to help spotlight up and coming musical talent and assist possibly in getting them their big break in the music industry.

 The annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival will be held from January 24-30, 2010 in Jamaica.

 The festival has become synonymous with the culture of Jamaica and will feature not just local performance but a slew of international acts including multiple award winners Gladys Knight, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Erykah Badu, Billy Ocean, Joe Roy Jackson, Kelly Price, Tamia, Deborah Cox, Hall and Oats, Jon Secada, Monty Alexander, Roy Ayers, Third World, Machel Montano HD, Marion Hall, and the Max Klezmer Band.

 Jamaica Jazz 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.

 This year the festival is again being presented by key title sponsor, the Jamaica Tourist Board. Other sponsors include Air Jamaica, Iberostar, Rose Hall Resort, CVM TV, Link Up Group, Jamrock Magazine and The Gleaner Company among others.

 Tickets and packages are available at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.

SOURCE: CaribPR Wire