CaribPR Wire

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Mar. 24, 2014: The Caribbean region can boost its bottom line by developing a medical tourism product that takes advantage of its brand as a great vacation destination, its proximity to North America as well as its tourism facilities, beaches and of course, the year-round warm weather of the region.

That’s according to Dr. Paul Angelchik, founder of American World Clinics, and Collin Childress, CEO of Global MedChoices. Their comments come as both prepare to discuss the potential of medical tourism for the Caribbean in-depth at a panel at Invest Caribbean Now 2014.

ICN, the biggest global investment summit on the Caribbean outside of the region, is set for the Harvard Club in New York City from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. this June 4^th under the patronage of Hollywood Actor Malik Yoba.

“The opportunity for the Caribbean in general is that it carries a positive connotation in the view of many for having friendly people, natural beauty and a reputation as an enjoyable, upscale destination with great visitor amenities in many locations,” commented Dr. Angelchik. “I have no doubt that the Caribbean can be a major region for MT activities if there is follow through on the initial buzz of enthusiasm that has defined the industry to date.”

“Creating the opportunity for economic diversification through introducing a sustainable development and growth industry, such as medical tourism, to the Caribbean can help soften the impact of cyclical North American economic downturns in tourism on the Caribbean market and leverage the supply and demand issues that are driving patient flow offshore from Canada and the US,” added CEO Childress.

In 2011, the total impact of the medical tourism industry contributed 9 percent of global GDP (over $6 trillion USD) and accounted for 255 million jobs in the world. In the next decade, medical tourism is expected to grow by an average yearly of 4 percent, contributing up to 10 percent of future global GDP ($10 trillion). Eventually, by 2022, it is estimated that 328 million jobs will be created in the medical tourism industry: equal to 10 percent of jobs in the world.

WHO’S WHO FOR ICN

Invest Caribbean Now, the brainchild of Hard Beat Communications CEO Felicia Persaud is committed to advancing wealth in the Caribbean. ICN matches investors with projects in the Caribbean while bringing investors to the region and introducing them to sustainable investment opportunities there.

This year’s summit will feature top delegates including a delegation of Chinese investors from China, Caribbean government dignitaries from across the region, including Premier of Nevis, Vance Amory; New York City elected officials; chairman of over two dozen companies throughout the Caribbean, North America, Russia, China, Africa and Great Britain, including Sandals Resorts Chairman, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart; Qahir Dhanani, World Bank Group; Ambassador Richard Bernal, Executive Director, Caribbean, Inter-American Development Bank; Leigh Moran, representing the  US State Department/USAID ‘IdEA; ‘ Sergio Millian, President of the Russian American Chamber of Commerce; Anthony A. L. Adjasse of the Allied African Nations  Chamber Of Commerce; Jamaica’s Ambassador to the UN, Courtney Rattray; Hollywood fashion designer, Woody Wilson and  numerous global professional investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.

Special partnership and co-branding opportunities for this prestigious event are available by contacting [email protected] or logging on to ICN’s brand new website at Investcaribbeannow.com.

Limited early bird tickets to the summit are available by booking here or at investcaribbeannow.com/earlybird

An exclusive Diamond Dinner has been added to this year’s summit for only 20 people who will include Malik Yoba, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and Woody Wilson among other top Chinese, Caribbean and Russian delegates. Tickets are available on an invitation only basis by contacting Joe Bernstein at [email protected].

ICN PARTNERS

Partners for ICN 2014 include: Hard Beat Communications, The Caribbean Tourism Organization, One Caribbean Television, The Woody Wilson Collection of Beverly Hills, The PR Newswire, the Caribbean Commerce Magazine, Blinglets, The Caribbean Council for Economic Development, the Chinese Business Development Center, Woody Wilson Fine Clothing, CaribPR Wire and News Americas Now.

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SOURCE: Invest Caribbean Now

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kathy Bronson

Communications Coordinator

Invest Caribbean Now

[email protected]

Xiaoguang Liu is consul in charge of economic & commercial affairs of the Consulate General of China in New York addressing delegates at Invest Caribbean Now 2013. (Hayden Roger Celestin image/ICN)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. March 2, 2014: The biggest investment summit on the Caribbean held outside the region annually, returns with a bang this Caribbean American Heritage Month to the U.S. Diaspora.

Global investors, business leaders and dignitaries from China, Russia, Africa, Dubai, the United States and the Caribbean will come together for Invest Caribbean Now 2014, (ICN) summit during Caribbean Week in New York this June 4, 2014 at the prestigious Harvard Club of New York City from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ICN returns with a revamped agenda and a focus on advancing wealth in the Caribbean region. The summit will kick-off with a panel on Global Investment Trends & The Caribbean with representatives from China, Russia, Africa, the U.S. and Dubai.

Also on the agenda this year will be a focus on medical tourism as an economic earner for Caribbean nations with CEO of Global Med Choices, Colin Childress, and Dr. Paul Angelchik, founder of American World Clinics. ICN will also spotlight on the Emerging Relationship Of Chinese Tourism & Investments In The Caribbean;  IT and Clean Energy in the Caribbean and The Caribbean Diaspora: A Real Source For Investment?  with the World Bank Group’s Qahir Dhanani, the US State Department’s IdEA’s Leigh Moran and Irwine Clare, advisory board member of the Jamaica Diaspora USA, North East.

Harvard, Princeton and Colombia graduate and Caribbean-born scholar, Dr. Isaac Newton, will deliver the keynote address on the issue of economic development and investment outreach while bridging the wealth gap to the people of the Diaspora and the Caribbean while this year’s project focus will be on the Caribbean Market Village, a brilliant, new innovative $30 million resort project/theme park set to be built in Dunnery, St. Lucia.

The summit will wrap up with the launch of the Woody Wilson Tropical Collection for the Caribbean. Woody Wilson is a renowned designer to stars like Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Terrance Howard among others.

Immediately following the Summit, ICN will present its 2014 networking awards and cocktail reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Harvard Club’s Cambridge Room, where a Hollywood celebrity will join delegates and honorees who will include the 2014 Leadership Awardee, Gordon, Butch Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resort.

A special addition to the ICN Summit of 2014 is the Diamond Dinner event for 20 individuals to network and do business privately. Attendance is by invitation only  from Joe Bernstein at [email protected].

ICN Founder and Chairman Felicia Persaud, CMO of communications consultancy, Hard Beat Communications, says the 2014 Summit will be the best and biggest in the event’s four-year history because of the new team and board that’s been put in place to run the event and to market the Caribbean to the world.

ABOUT ICN

Invest Caribbean Now has as its main focus wealth creation for the region by capitalizing on global trends and indigenous creativity while managing scarce resources intelligently and building sound economics, investment in human development, and a strong alliance with nature.  In the past three years alone, over 600 investment bankers, private equity investors, Chinese and U.S. government officials, Caribbean ministers of governments and premiers, hotel developers, architects, real estate developers, financial advisors, entrepreneurs and the media have attended the event.  Past ICN honourees have included billionaire Sir Richard Branson and billion-dollar company, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

PARTNERSHIP

For special partnership and co-branding opportunities for this prestigious event, contact [email protected] or log on to ICN’s brand new summit page at Investcaribbeannow.com.

TICKETS

Early bird tickets are going fast but a few limited seats for the June 4th summit are still available at investcaribbeannow.com/earlybird.

ICN PARTNERS

Partners for ICN 2014 include: Hard Beat Communications, The Caribbean Tourism Organization, One Caribbean Television, The PR Newswire, the Caribbean Commerce Magazine, Blinglets, The Caribbean Council for Economic Development, the Chinese Business Development Center, CaribPR Wire and News Americas Now.

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SOURCE: Invest Caribbean Now

CaribPR Wire, PORSTMOUTH, Dominica , Tues. Feb. 25, 2014: Dominica hotelier, Gregor Nassief, is urging St. Vincent & the Grenadines Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, to step aside as chairman of the shareholder’s committee of regional airline LIAT, in a fourth open letter to the shareholders. Nassief insists that since Gonsalves believes LIAT can never be profitable, then the airline urgently needs a new chairman and ‘general’ who can find a new approach for taking LIAT and the Caribbean aviation industry forward without a perpetual and unfair burden on the treasuries of St. Vincent, Antigua, Barbados and Dominica. The open letter follows.

February 25, 2014

Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Dear Prime Minister Gonsalves:

Re:  Run it like a business before it goes out of business

On the televised program Time to Face the Facts on Sunday, February 23^rd, I appealed to you to step aside as Chairman of the Shareholder’s committee of LIAT.  As mentioned on the program, given the respect and admiration I have for you, particularly on your stance and leadership on issues such as reparations and the cholera outbreak in Haiti, it was personally difficult for me to do this.  But it is necessary.

LIAT has moved from an operational meltdown in the Summer of 2013 to a financial meltdown a mere 7 months later.  LIAT drains our treasuries, operates inefficiently and stifles competition.  The source of LIAT’s problem is its financial unsustainability and as with everything else at LIAT, no one is accountable.  As Chairman of the Shareholder’s committee, the buck stops with you.

LIAT needs to fight the battle of its life to transform itself to be financially viable and sustainable.  But you believe, and have stated so publicly, that LIAT can never be profitable.  This battle, therefore, needs a different general.

Unsustainability

LIAT has lost ec$120m in the last four years.  Last month, LIAT could not pay both the lease on its aircraft as well as its payroll.  So it chose one and delayed the other.  A leased ATR gives 36% more seat capacity than its closest Dash 8 equivalent but is double the (lease) expense.  In 2015, repayments will begin on LIAT’s recent loan of us$65m to purchase new aircraft.   So monthly cash outflows go up even more.

And the new inflows to cover this?  Inter-island tourism is down 60% in 7 years and LIAT’s load factor is running at about 55%.  The fantasy (aka “business plan”) is that the load factor will go up to 75%.  The fantasy is also that LIAT will fly its way out of losses by expanding to new destinations – Jamaica, Haiti, Aruba, Panama, and eventually to cities in North and South America.

LIAT employs 850+ people, flies 22 destinations, operates between 10 and 12 aircraft from 2 hubs (3 if you count Trinidad) to move 800,000+ passengers a year to generate massive losses.

So it’s bail out time again.  Call on shareholders, and call on other good neighbors so that we can continue to drain our treasuries, operate inefficiently and stifle competition.  And for you this is acceptable because LIAT should not be run like a business and can never make a profit.

Our fragile economies can no longer support perpetual bailouts.  If we do not take the bull by the horns LIAT will go out of business – it will employ no one, fly nowhere, operate no aircraft and use no hubs.  But alas, it will generate no losses and competitive players will fill the gaps because LIAT, the airline unfairly propped up by perpetual subsidies, will not be there to run them out of business.

LIAT must therefore immediately begin a journey towards financial sustainability to save itself.  But if the leader does not believe in the journey, then the journey will never begin.  It is on this basis, with full respect and admiration, that I ask you to step aside as Chairman of the Shareholder’s committee, so that a new mandate to make LIAT financially sustainable can be ushered in.

Sustainability

The new chairman of the Shareholder’s committee needs to believe that the battle can be won.  And what needs to be done is not rocket science.

Appoint a Chairman and a Board capable of turning around the financial fortunes of the company and running a top-notch airline.  Give them the authority and autonomy to do what needs to be done.  Allow them to appoint a CEO and restructure the management team as necessary.   Allow LIAT to become a real business free from political interference tasked with a perfect safety record, high employee satisfaction, great customer service and solid financial performance.  A fierce focus on the company’s finances with adjustments made to yield (including renegotiation of government/airport taxes), network efficiency and operating costs will be required.  The resulting operation will have fewer employees, fewer destinations and fewer aircraft.  It will be profitable, dependable and it will deliver great service.  Like any airline, unprofitable routes will continue only with guarantees from the interested party/government.  But at least then, the taxpayers will know what they are paying for, and can make that decision.  And other/smaller airlines will take up the slack.  Competition will flourish, as will LIAT, and the Caribbean will finally get the airlift network it needs.

With a restructured board and executive, confidence in the airline’s financial performance will be established and other Caribbean governments may even want to invest.

At the right time, joint venture the company while maintaining a minimum 50% shares among shareholder governments.  The two best run airlines in the world (Singapore Airlines and Air Malaysia) are run like a business and are profitable and remain owned 50% or more by the State and 50% or less by private interests.  Like LIAT, they were bleeding losses and their shareholder governments could no longer manage the bailouts.  So they took the tough decisions, appointed the right board and executive team, and turned the airlines around to the benefit of all stakeholders.

Yes, it will be painful, but it is necessary.  And most importantly it will pull LIAT back from the financial cliff and put it on a course to long term financial sustainability.

Please consider that I am a hotelier from an island that is almost 80% dependent on LIAT for airlift.  Cut one route to Dominica, and we/Dominica will suffer.  But if my option is (a) to continue to have all the LIAT routes we have today with an airline that is prone to poor service, ad hoc cancellations, occasional and irrational pilot strikes and constantly at the edge of a financial precipice due to insurmountable financial losses – OR – (b) an airline with fewer routes but with good service, dependable schedules and solid financial performance, then my choice is definitely the latter.  And other airlines, once permitted, will take up the slack.

In Summary

Thomas Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”  And then finally, he invented the electric light bulb.

We have lived through and exhausted the many ways that LIAT won’t work.  It is time to try the way that will.

I appeal to you, Prime Minister Gonsalves, as well as the other Shareholder Prime Ministers, to mandate a new approach for taking LIAT and the Caribbean aviation industry forward without this perpetual and unfair burden on our treasuries.

It is time to run it like a business before it goes out of business.

Respectfully Yours,

Gregor Nassief

Owner/Director – Secret Bay

Executive Chairman – Fort Young Hotel

cc:        Honourable Dr. Baldwin Spencer of Antigua and Barbuda

Honourable Freundel Stuart of Barbados

Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica

p.s.       As we again desperately seek additional funds for yet another bailout, make it the last please.  Don’t put the money into the black hole of an unsustainable business model.  Instead, use it to restructure the airline, rationalize its operations and place it on a solid long term footing.  In other words, make it the last bailout!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mr. Nassief’s full letter is also available at http://www.scribd.com/doc/209141390/Letter-to-LIAT-Chairman-of-LIAT-s-Shareholders-Committee-February-25-2014-from-Dominica-Hotelier-Gregor-Nassief

22 per cent more seats to the Caribbean than last summer

More flights from Montreal to Cancun, Port-au-Prince and Punta Cana

MONTREAL, Jan. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – Air Canada today announced that its leisure carrier subsidiary, Air Canada rouge^TM, is expanding its choice of more Caribbean destinations this summer. Routes previously operated by Air Canada from Toronto and Montreal to Cuba, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Cancun and Tampa, FL, will be converted beginning this spring to Air Canada rouge service. Together with its previously announced 2014 summer schedule to Europe, Air Canada rouge plans to operate a total of 44 routes serving 28 popular vacation destinations, including continuation of its summer routes – Athens, Edinburgh and Venice – and new service to Barcelona, Dublin, Lisbon, Manchester, Nice and Rome.

The conversion of additional Caribbean vacation destinations to Air Canada rouge service represents an increase of 22 per cent more seats on these routes to the Caribbean this summer than last. The increase is greatest from Montreal where there will be in an increase of 36 per cent more seats on these routes and 20 per cent more flights than last summer with the introduction of additional flights to Cancun, Port-au-Prince and Punta Cana.

“Customer response to Air Canada rouge for vacation travel has been very positive since it started flying just last summer,” said Ben Smith, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “The addition of more year-round Caribbean destinations to Air Canada rouge’s network is the next logical step as our leisure carrier enables us to compete on a more cost effective basis on these routes while leveraging the strength of Air Canada Vacations. Air Canada rouge’s Caribbean services complement this summer’s significant expansion to new European vacation destinations including Nice, Lisbon and Manchester, in addition to new service to Milan served year-round by the mainline carrier. The growth of Air Canada rouge, in tandem with Air Canada’s mainline fleet renewal and international network expansion, continues to be a key element of Air Canada’s strategy for sustainable, profitable growth.”

By the end of March 2014, Air Canada rouge’s fleet will include four Boeing 767-300ER aircraft and 13 Airbus A319 aircraft transferred from Air Canada. Air Canada’s mainline fleet renewal is ongoing with the introduction of new aircraft. Air Canada is scheduled to take delivery in February 2014 of the last of five new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to enter its mainline fleet since June 2013, and the first three of 37 Boeing 787 aircraft by the summer of 2014. Air Canada is scheduled to take delivery of a total of six 787 aircraft in 2014 and the remaining 31 between 2015 and 2019.

For its 2014 summer schedule, Air Canada rouge will operate flights to the following popular vacation destinations available with optional Air Canada Vacations packages. Flights and vacation packages are now available for purchase at aircanada.com and through travel agents:

Europe: Flights from Toronto to: Athens, Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, Manchester and Venice. Flights from Montreal to: Athens, Barcelona, Rome and Nice.

Mexico: Flights from Toronto to Cancun, and Montreal to Cancun*.

United States: Flights from Toronto and Montreal to: Orlando and Las Vegas, and from Toronto to Tampa*.

Caribbean and Central America: Flights from Toronto to: Barbados*, Jamaica (Kingston, Montego Bay); Grenada; Nassau*, Bahamas; the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana); Cuba (Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguin and Santa Clara) and Costa Rica (San Jose and Liberia).
Flights from Montreal to: Cuba (Cayo Coco*, Holguin* and Santa Clara*); Haiti (Port-au-Prince*) and Dominican Republic (Punta Cana*).

New Air Canada rouge services indicated by an asterisk (*), previously operated by Air Canada’s mainline carrier, will be converted to Air Canada rouge service on a phased-in basis beginning March through May 2014 as additional aircraft are released by the mainline airline for operation by its leisure carrier.

Air Canada rouge operates a fleet consisting of Boeing 767-300ER and Airbus A319 aircraft. The carrier’s aircraft feature three customer comfort options: rouge^TM, rouge Plus^TM with preferred seating with additional legroom, and Premium rouge^TM with additional space and enhanced service on the Boeing 767-300ER and on select Airbus A319 routes. Air Canada rouge offers a unique brand of customer service designed to make every flight a memorable start and end to a wonderful vacation. Aircraft are equipped with player, a next generation in-flight entertainment system that wirelessly streams entertainment to customers’ personal electronic devices. Flights provide stylish and modern cabin interiors with innovative new seats, and the ability to earn and redeem Aeroplan miles. For more information and bookings, visit: http://www.aircanada.com/en/about/rouge.html

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 175 destinations on five continents. Canada’s flag carrier is the 15th largest commercial airline in the world and in 2013 served more than 35 million customers. Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 60 Canadian cities, 49 destinations in the United States and 67 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,328 destinations in 195 countries. Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax that ranked Air Canada in a worldwide survey of more than 18 million airline passengers as Best Airline in North America in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com.

About Air Canada rouge

Air Canada rouge is Air Canada’s new leisure airline, part of the Air Canada Leisure Group, along with Air Canada Vacations. Together with Air Canada Vacations, Air Canada rouge offers competitively-priced travel to exciting leisure destinations in Europe and the Caribbean, Mexico and the U.S.: Edinburgh, Venice, Athens, Lisbon, Dublin, Nice, Barcelona, Rome and Manchester and multiple destinations in Mexico, the U.S. and the Caribbean such as Cuba, Costa Rica, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Air Canada rouge began operating July 1, 2013 with a start-up fleet of two Airbus A319 aircraft and two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The fleet grew to ten aircraft by the end of 2013 with the addition of six Airbus A319 aircraft and Air Canada rouge plans to add another five Airbus A319 aircraft and two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft by end of March 2014, for a total of 17 aircraft.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary, Air Canada rouge is backed by Air Canada’s 75-year reputation for safety and reliability and Air Canada Vacations’ 30-plus year history of vacation travel excellence. Learn more at www.aircanada.com/rouge or www.facebook.com/aircanadarouge

About Air Canada Vacations

Air Canada Vacations is a leading Canadian tour operator offering a wide assortment of leisure travel packages, cruises, and flights to destinations around the world. A repeat recipient of the Consumer’s Choice Award for Best Travel Wholesaler, Air Canada Vacations services over 100 destinations in the Caribbean, Central & South America, Asia, Europe, and in the U.S. And now, Air Canada Vacations will feature Air Canada rouge on several of its top vacation routes. For more information, visit www.aircanadavacations.com

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Air Canada’s public communications may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are based on assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing external events and general uncertainties of the business. Actual results may differ materially from results indicated in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including without limitation, industry, market, credit and economic conditions, the ability to reduce operating costs and secure financing, pension issues, energy prices, employee and labour relations, currency exchange and interest rates, competition, war, terrorist acts, epidemic diseases, environmental factors (including weather systems and other natural phenomena and factors arising from man-made sources), insurance issues and costs, changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the business, supply issues, changes in laws, regulatory developments or proceedings, pending and future litigation and actions by third parties as well as the factors identified throughout Air Canada’s public disclosure file available at www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Air Canada’s expectations as of date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. However, Air Canada disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

For further information:

Contacts :
Isabelle Arthur (Montréal) 514 422-5788
Peter Fitzpatrick (Toronto) 416 263-5576
Angela Mah (Vancouver) 604 270-5741

Internet : aircanada.com

New Routes From Eastern US To Warm-Weather Hot Spots Including The Bahamas, Anguilla and Turks & Caicos

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – JetSuite, the nation’s fastest growing private jet charter company, has expanded service to include non-stop flights to popular locations in the Caribbean just in time for the holiday travel season.  Passengers can now fly non-stop from the east coast to St. Maarten (TNCM), Anguilla (AXA), Turks and Caicos (MBPV), as well as Nassau (MYNN) and Eleuthera (MYEH) in The Bahamas on the JetSuite Edition Citation CJ3. These six-passenger aircraft can fly up to 2,000 miles, and offer free onboard WiFi, increased interior comfort and speeds up to 480 miles per hour.

“Our mission revolves around making private air travel accessible to more people than ever before, and offering an unprecedented level of transparency,” explains JetSuite CEO Alex Wilcox. “Expanding our service to the Caribbean solidifies our position in New York, the busiest jet charter market in the world.”

The first private aviation company in history to guarantee an online quote, JetSuite is also introducing enhancements to its JetSuite.com website that will make booking holiday travel even easier:

• New Mobile Site – JetSuite passengers can now easily run a guaranteed quote on their mobile device while either on the go or while reclining in a JetSuite Embraer Phenom 100 or Citation Edition CJ3, all fully WiFi-equipped
• Find Nearest Airport – Click on the “?” in the Instant Quote box on JetSuite’s homepage to search for the closest airport within 25-200 miles of your desired zip code origin or destination. Hovering over the results will reveal the airport fees for each airport, so you can determine whether you’d like to select your airport based upon location OR price

And for those travelers hoping to snag a last-minute escape, JetSuite continues to offer its popular SuiteDeals on its Facebook page. Select destinations and one-way flights for the following day are offered at prices as low as $536. Keep in mind this price is not person; it’s for the entire jet!

For more information, visit www.jetsuite.com or www.facebook.com/JetSuiteAir

About JetSuite
JetSuite’s vision to provide the freedom and exhilaration of private air travel to more people than ever is realized through transparent pricing, efficient operations, acute attention to detail, acclaimed customer service, and industry-leading safety practices. Offering a WiFi-equipped fleet of the industry’s most fuel efficient jets, the company continues to redefine private aviation.  Under the leadership of CEO Alex Wilcox, a JetBlue founding executive, JetSuite is rated Platinum by ARG/US, the highest possible safety rating in the private jet industry.  In 2013, the FAA’s 2012 Diamond Award of Excellence and National Air Transportation Association’s Five Star Award were both bestowed upon JetSuite for the achievements of the company’s highly regarded maintenance department.

Cloud Capital Group partners with AirWatch, and brings the largest Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) provider to the Caribbean

CaribPR Wire, Tues. October 22, 2013: Cloud Capital Group (CCG), the Caribbean’s trusted advisor and a leading provider of mobility solutions, today announced its partnership with AirWatch®, the global leader and innovator in mobile security and the largest Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) provider.

As an essential part of conducting business, the mobile, “on-the-go” office is a part of every professional’s day. Although this increases productivity and efficiency of a workforce, it poses myriad concerns for management – most notably, business security. When implementing a mobile device policy, organizations leave themselves vulnerable to potential security threats.

“AirWatch and Cloud Capital Group share a common goal of providing simple and robust mobile device management solutions,” said Cesar Berenguer, Director of Business Development for Latam at AirWatch. “With Cloud Capital Group’s wide-range of solutions and their experience in the region, we are excited about the future of this partnership and the benefits it will bring to Caribbean businesses.”

AirWatch enables businesses and organizations to manage mobile device deployments of all sizes. With AirWatch from CCG, organizations have the ability to quickly merge devices into their environment, configure and update device settings over-the-air, enforce security policies and compliance, secure mobile access to corporate resources, and remotely lock and wipe managed devices. There is no need to worry about a specific device platform. AirWatch supports a diverse fleet of Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Mac OS X, Symbian, and Windows devices from a single management console, making it the perfect solution for any mobile environment.

Most importantly, with Cloud Capital Group, businesses are able to take advantage of AirWatch’s Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) solution in a hosted or on-premise deployment that’s backed by 24/7/365 support, along with a dedicated team with proven expertise in mobility. Cloud Capital Group’s in-depth understanding of the latest products, technologies and innovations provides peace of mind to organizations seeking to manage their devices, applications and content.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer AirWatch, and we are confident our customers will feel the same way” said Bryan Sklar, COO of Cloud Capital Group. “The growth of mobility in the region is continually on the rise and there is a need for mobility management solutions. We believe in the product and look forward to providing a solution to the region’s businesses and organizations that can secure mobile environments in a simplified manner.”

Contact Cloud Capital Group directly today to learn how to enroll in a 30-day free trial of AirWatch.

About AirWatch

AirWatch is the world’s largest mobile security and enterprise mobility management provider with more than 8,000 customers and more than 1,500 global associates. The largest customer base, combined with the largest research and development team in the industry, allows AirWatch to provide the broadest functionality at the lowest cost. The AirWatch platform, featuring industry-leading mobile device management and application management, also incorporates the most secure content management solution, Secure Content Locker™. These solutions can be used stand-alone for unique BYOD requirements or as a comprehensive, highly scalable enterprise-grade mobility platform.

About Cloud Capital Group

Cloud Capital Group (CCG) is a global business technology company providing white-label cloud services for resale, support, maintenance, that also provides infrastructure build consulting, training and marketing for global telecommunications carriers, technology resellers, and managed service providers. CCG bridges the gap for these organizations by providing turnkey solutions to allow quick access to a wide array of applications and solutions running on our own infrastructure. Cloud Capital Group (CCG) prides itself on being more than just a cloud technology company. CCG works hand-in-hand with our customers, and shares the rewards of a successful partnership.

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Felicia Persaud, the Caribbean-born executive of Hard Beat Communications, rallies for immigration reform on Oct. 5, 2013. (NAN Image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. Oct. 6, 2013:  Caribbean-born, New York-based media entrepreneur and columnist, Felicia J. Persaud, was among tens of thousands in the United States joining the march nationally for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, (CIR), on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

The Hard Beat Communications executive, along with Guyanese Valence Williams and Menes De Griot were the lone Caribbean nationals joining the New York Immigration Coalition organized rally in Brooklyn, NY, as they put the spotlight on the voiceless Caribbeans who are undocumented and desperate for immigration reform yet remain in the shadows.

Carrying a sign that read simply: “Caribbeans Too Need Immigration Reform,” Persaud, founder of CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now and Invest Caribbean Now, who has penned her 46^th open letter to President Obama in her weekly column in the New York Amsterdam News calling for immigration reform now, got the thumbs up from Chirlane McCray, the wife of New York City mayoral front-runner, Bill de Blasio, whose roots extend to the Caribbean, as she proudly carried her sign around Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn, NY.

Then along with De Griot on the drum and Williams on the cowbells, Persaud marched over the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday afternoon along with thousands of mainly Latino advocates to send a message to President Obama and the U.S. Congress that passage of comprehensive reform reform was an issue  just as important as the debt ceiling and the re-opening of the government.

“The fact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and consuls worldwide are largely open because of immigrants fees and the government shutdown has not affected them tells why the Congress needs to pass CIR now,” Persaud said.

Though they were only three, the small Caribbean contingent stole the show with their rhythm and sent a clear message that the Caribbean was in the house and also needed immigration reform.

Valence Williams, l., and Menes De Griot marching over the Brooklyn bridge. (NAN Image)

Carrying a sign that read simply, “Caribbeans Too Need Immigration Reform,” Persaud, founder of CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now and Invest Caribbean Now, who has penned her 46^th open letter to President Obama in her weekly column in the New York Amsterdam News calling for immigration reform now, got the thumbs up from Chirlane McCray, the wife of New York City mayoral front-runner, Bill de Blasio, whose roots extend to the Caribbean, as she proudly carried her sign around Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn, NY.

Then along with De Griot on the drum and Williams on the cowbells, Persaud marched over the Brooklyn Bridge Saturday afternoon along with thousands of mainly Latino advocates to send a message to President Obama and the U.S. Congress that passage of comprehensive reform reform was an issue was just as important as the debt ceiling and the re-opening of the government.

“The fact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and consuls worldwide are largely open because of immigrants fees and the government shutdown has not affected them tells why the Congress needs to pass CIR now,” Persaud said.

Though they were only three, the small Caribbean contingent stole the show with their rhythm and sent a clear message that the Caribbean was in the house and also needed immigration reform.

“It’s beyond incomprehensible that some three million Caribbean people can party each year down Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York but only three of us can show up to make our voices heard for something that is important to thousands in our community,” said Persaud.

The march by tens of thousands nationally took place on the 100^th day anniversary since the passage of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act in the Senate. The Republican controlled House has refused to bring the measure to a vote, insisting they will address the hot button issue through smaller bills only but has yet to bring any bills to the House floor.

The rally was held under the theme, “National Day of Immigrant Dignity and Respect,” and came just days after House Democrats introduced their own immigration bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, calling too for immigration reform and a path to citizenship for 11 plus million undocumented immigrants in the United States.

-        The agreement includes the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadalupe and the French Guiana

-        The NAAP´s Asset Management portfolio enables telecommunications companies to optimize and reduce their operational costs.

CaribPR Wire, Martinique, September 5, 2013.- Digicel has selected the NAAP Software(c) platform for their operation in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana,. This Program is multi-modular asset lifecycle software that helps telecom operators to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

The NAAP Software(c) is one component of a complete array of services branded as NAAP Solution [TM], which provides as well 3D laser scanning of Telecommunication Sites and barcoding and network asset Inventory.

With the techniques of NAAP Global Solutions, Digicel will maximize the tracking and management of 350 telecom sites, drastically reducing operating expenses. Under the agreement, this solution will also include conducting a detailed inventory of over 50,000 installed telecommunications assets, barcoding and high definition 3D laser scanning.

Donato Van Splunteren, Vice President of Sales of NAAP Global Solutions, commented: “In Digicel we identified a real need and we positioned NAAP as the unified solution that will give them visibility and control over their assets.  Upon project completion, Digicel will have an operational tool that will enable the company to have a consolidated view of assets that are deployed in distant geographical territories, simplifying and empowering the decision making process.  Furthermore, NAAP offers flexibility: customers have the choice between two business models of NAAP (Purchase Licenses or Software as a Service). The implementation is modular and it offers professional services in order to assist the organization in its own implementation, and the ability to customize and develop customer-specific solutions. Once we are done with the implementation, Digicel will have all asset related information readily available to be useful to them from day one.”

ABOUT NAAP GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

Based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, NAAP has been able to establish itself as a leading company in telecommunications asset managing in the region, with operators tracking assets through the NAAP Software platform in over 15 countries.

The innovative program NAAP Global Solutions enables operators to address the growing need for Telecom operational support systems (OSS) and expense management (TEM).

For more information about the company, visit: http://www.naapsolution.com

ABOUT DIGICEL

Digicel Group Limited is a leading global communications provider with operations in 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 12 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$4.5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

Digicel runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams and individuals including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt and Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel also sponsors the West Indies cricket team.  Since 2012, Digicel has been the title sponsor of the Myanmar Football Federation and the Myanmar Special Olympics Federation.

Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

Digicel sélectionne NAAP Global Solutions pour fournir le logiciel spécialisé de gestion des actifs de telecom dans les Caraïbes

-        L’accord inclut les îles des Caraïbes suivantes : la Martinique, la Guadeloupe et la Guyane française

-        La gestion du portefeuille des actifs de NAAP permet aux entreprises de télécommunications d’optimiser et de réduire leurs coûts d’exploitation.

CaribPR Wire, Martinique, septembre 05, 2013.- Digicel a sélectionné la plate-forme du logiciel(c) NAAP pour leur activité en Martinique, Guadeloupe et Guyane française. Ce programme est un logiciel multi-modulaire du cycle de vie des actifs qui aide les opérateurs de télécoms à améliorer l’efficacité opérationnelle et de réduire les coûts.

Le Logiciel(c) NAAP est un élément d’un éventail trés complet des services de la marque de NAAP Solution [TM], qui fournit aussi le balayage au laser 3D des Sites de télécommunications, codages à barres et l’inventaire du réseau des actifs.

Avec les techniques de NAAP Global Solutions, Digicel maximisera le suivi et la gestion des 350 sites de télécom, réduisant drastiquement les dépenses d’exploitation. En vertu de l’accord, cette solution comprendra également la réalisation d’un inventaire détaillé de plus de 50 000 actifs de télécommunications installés, du codage a barres et du balayage en 3D de haute définition

Donato Van Splunteren, vice-président des ventes de NAAP Global Solutions, a commenté : « A Digicel, nous avons identifié un besoin réel et nous avons positionné NAAP comme étant la solution unifiée qui leur donnera une visibilité et un contrôle sur leurs actifs. À la fin du projet, Digicel aura un outil opérationnel qui permettra à l’entreprise d’avoir une vue consolidée des actifs qui sont déployées dans les territoires géographiques éloignés, simplifiant et en valorisant le processus de la prise de décision  En outre, NAAP offre de la flexibilité : les clients ont le choix entre deux modèles d’affaires de NAAP (acheter des licences ou des logiciels comme service). L’éxecution est modulaire et offre des services professionnels afin d’aider l’organisation de sa propre mise en œuvre et la possibilité de personnaliser et de développer des solutions spécifiques au client. Dans le cas de Digicel, une fois que nous avons terminé la mise en œuvre, ils auront toutes les informations associés aux actifs immédiatement disponibles afin de leur être utile dès le premier jour. »

A PROPOS DE NAAP GLOBAL SOLUTIONS

Basé à Tortola, îles Vierges britanniques, NAAP a su s’imposer comme une entreprise leader dans la gestion des actifs de télécommunications de la région.

Le programme novateur NAAP Global Solutions permet aux opérateurs de répondre aux besoins croissant des systèmes d’assistance opérationnels des télécom (Operational support system OSS) et de la gestion des dépenses (TEM).

Pour plus d’informations sur l’entreprise, visitez : http://www.naapsolution.com

A PROPOS DE DIGICEL

Digicel Group Limited est l’un des principaux fournisseurs de communications dans le monde avec des activités sur 31 marchés dans les Caraïbes, l’Amérique centrale et l’Asie Pacifique. Après 12 années d’exploitation, l’investissement total à ce jour s’élève à plus 4,5 milliards US$ dans le monde entier. L’entreprise est renommée pour fournir le meilleur rapport qualité/prix, le meilleur service et le meilleur réseau.

Digicel gère une grande quantité d’initiatives communautaires dans ses marchés et a mis en place les fondations Digicel en Jamaïque, Haïti, Papouasie, Nouvelle-Guinée et Trinidad et Tobago qui mettent l’accent sur les programmes de développement éducatif, culturel et social.

Digicel est le principal sponsor d’équipe de sport collectif et individuelle des Caraïbes, d’Amérique centrale et Pacifique dont l’homme le plus rapide du monde, Usain Bolt et d’équipes olympiques spéciaux d’un bout à l’autre de ces régions. Digicel parraine également l’équipe de cricket des Antilles.  Depuis 2012, Digicel est le sponsor de titre de la fédération du football de Myanmar et de la fédération de Jeux Olympiques spéciaux de Myanmar.

Visitez www.digicelgroup.compour plus d’informations.

- Ask Caribbean locals to keep their eyes open

OSLO, Norway, Aug. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – The story of the high-tech 30 feet long message-in-a-bottle, which uploaded pictures while crossing the Atlantic, has gained attention world wide, but last Sunday the bottle lost its satellite connection. Now the bottle is in the proximity of the Caribbean islands and the company behind the project is asking people in the area to keep a look out.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130814/634061-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130814/634061-b )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130814/634061-c )

The giant bottle was released to the ocean currents outside of Tenerife on March 15th. Besides its own twitter account (@solosoftdrink) it comes with state-of-the-art tracking equipment allowing fans to follow its progress across a world map online, along with a 360 degree camera taking photos every eight hours. But after last week’s heavy sun storms, the satellite connection is down and the company is for the moment not able to get updates on the bottle’s whereabouts.

“We are asking for people in the area to keep a lookout and notify us with any information,” says Joakim Sande, CEO of Solo, the Norwegian soft drink that is behind the project.

“As soon as the bottle drifts ashore and the finder gives us a call, we will come right down and throw him or her a celebration party,” says Sande.

Safety precautions

All kinds of security measures have been taken to ensure that the bottle will not be of danger to others at sea. It has AIS, navigation lights and is built in radar reflecting material that cannot sink.

“We believe Solo is the best soda in the world, but unfortunately not enough people outside of Norway have had the chance to taste it yet. Deciding who should be the lucky ones to get a taste was too heartbreaking, that is why we decided to leave it to the ocean currents in the first place. With the satellite connection lost, it has become an even more authentic message-in-a-bottle and it will definitely be interesting to see where it comes ashore,” says Joakim Sande.

On Solo.no/en people can guess where the bottle ends up. The winner receives a bottle of Solo per nautical mile the bottle drifts, which at the moment of disappearance was a whopping 3539 bottles.

Lost contact

If you have any relevant info about the bottle’s whereabouts please call +47 22069480 or notify Solo on their Facebook page.

“It has been one week since the last position relay. Now we hope to hear back from passing ships or someone spotting it from the air – or indeed if someone should find a big yellow bottle on their local beach,” says Sande.

The world’s largest message-in-a-bottle was launched five months ago and was consequently voted the world’s best PR-stunt by adsoftheworld.com in April. It was expected to cross the Atlantic in about 70 days, but has taken its time – more than 150 days have passed so far.

For more information, contact Joakim Sande, CEO of Solo: [email protected] // (+47)95-43-92-87.

Free video and photos can be downloaded here: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58710-solo-worlds-largest-message-in-a-bottle

Global safety leader introduces driving course for countries that drive on the left side of the road

ITASCA, Ill., Aug. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – The National Safety Council, a global leader in driver safety training for almost 50 years, has launched the NSC Defensive Driving Course – Left Side of the Road for the Caribbean nations. This course is designed specifically for motorists who drive in countries with road systems that pass oncoming traffic on the left side.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130530/MM23334-b)

“Driving safety is a major global issue,” said Roger Marks, President, International Safety Council (a division of the National Safety Council). “Recognizing that about 30% of the world drives on the left side of the road, the Council felt the need to create this program to better keep people safe in more places around the globe.”

The Council operates in over 100 countries and has certified DDC training centers in 28 countries around the world. DDC-LSR is modeled after the same defensive driving principles that shape the world-renowned NSC DDC 8/6 Hour (9^th Edition) program. Participants of the course will learn:

• Practical knowledge and techniques to avoid collisions and violations
• Sensible advice for choosing safe and responsible driving behaviors and habits
• The importance of occupant safety devices and how to use them correctly
• Guidance for dealing with difficult driving conditions, distractions and fatigue
• Skills to recognize how attitude can help prevent accidents and improve decision making

To learn more about the DDC-LSR program, or how to become a certified training center in your area, please visit nsc.org/lsr.

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

Connect with NSC:
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The Chinese panel at the 2013 Avalon Invest Caribbean Now forum on June 5 in NYC. (Hayden Roger Celestin image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 12, 2013: Caribbean governments and top private sector executives in the tourism and investment sectors are being urged to participate in a 10-day trade mission to four top cities in China, set for this September 14^th-23^rd.

The trip comes on the heels of the June 5^th Avalon Invest Caribbean Now Forum in New York City and is being planned by Peter Zhang and Li Li of the Chinese American Business Development Center, in collaboration with Hard Beat Communications’ CMO, Felicia Persaud.

CABC has been leading trade missions for U.S. companies to China for the past 10 years while Hard Beat’s Invest Caribbean Now forum is in its third year.

The planned trip to Beijing, Shannxi , Zhejiang and Guangdong comes on the heels of Chinese President’s Xi Jinping first visit to the Caribbean island of Trinidad on May 31^st and his pledge of more than $3 billion in loans to 10 Caribbean nations and Costa Rica on June 2^nd.

The 2013 Caribbean/China Trade Mission is designed to help Caribbean premiers, ministers of governments, investment agencies and C-level private sector business leaders, meet with top Chinese officials from varied ministries, such as tourism and finance as well as  C-level company execs  including from the China Import Export Bank, to: promote  direct in country investment opportunities and company products and services; establish strategic connections, strengthen existing relations, explore opportunities for joint ventures, source potential suppliers and extend friendships and create relationships for return visits to the  Caribbean region.

The Mission will provide Caribbean governments and business leaders’ new access and close-up insight into the dynamic Chinese market— including its scale, diversity and potential.

Consequently,  the Chinese ministry and private sector executives will  be able to enhance  and expand business and investments to the Caribbean in their quest to  compete effectively in today’s global marketplace.

China’s 1.3 billion people are rapidly gaining purchasing power. In fact, by 2020, China will surpass the U.S. in middle class consumption. And as quickly as China is emerging as a new market for Caribbean real estate and products like tourism.

For event details and participation in the trip contact Felicia Persaud at [email protected].

Caribbean governments congratulate Royal Caribbean International for its 2013 award along with ICN Founder Felicia Persaud and Dr. Grace Lappin, managing director of Avalon Partners and this year's marquee sponsor. (Hayden Roger Celestin image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 7, 2013: Avalon Invest Caribbean Now concluded with a bang Wednesday, June 5^th, with delegates, sponsors and speakers alike buzzing over the event’s presentation and program line-up that included a representative from the U.S. State Department and a Chinese delegation.

“Incredible,” “informative” and “superb,” were just some of the phrases used to describe the ICN 2013 forum that kicked-off with the VIP reception on Tuesday evening, June 4^th and wrapped up at noon on Wednesday at the Radisson Martinique Hotel in New York City.

Over twelve dozen delegates attended the Avalon Invest Caribbean Now Forum and reception, including Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, Dr. Rufus Ewing and his Minister of Finance C. Washington Misick; Minister of Tourism & International Transport, International Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs St. Kitts, Ricky Skerritt; Minister for Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, St. Lucia, Lorne Theophilus; Minister of Tourism Nevis, Mark Brantley; Minister of Tourism of Antigua & Barbuda, John Maginley; Minister of Tourism, Sports & Culture, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Cecil McKie; Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary, Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago; Nicolaas Sneek, Commissioner, St. Eustacius; Minister of Tourism of The Bahamas, Obie Wilchcombe and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and Commissioner of the United States Virgin Islands, Beverly Nicholson Doty.

ICN founder, Felicia Persaud, opened the forum with a passionate speech on the relevancy of the Caribbean while Anthony Eterno, of the Office of Caribbean Affairs in the Western Hemisphere Division in the U.S. State Department, discussed key issues regarding American investment in the Caribbean.

Alan Loewenstein delivered the keynote address and insisted the Caribbean is ripe for investments.

This was followed by a panel on “Development, Tourism & Beyond,” by Heather Flossiac of Belle Vue Properties of St. Lucia; E. Jay Saunders, CEO of Digicel TCI; Brian Lilly, founder of One Caribbean Television and Ganesh Ramanathan, creative director at Hard Beat Communications. The panel was moderated by Dr. Grace Lappin of Avalon Partners, Inc.

Xiaoguang Liu, consul in charge of economic & commercial affairs at the Consulate of China in New York; Johnny Liu of the American Chinese Commerce Development Association, (ACCDA); and Li Li, managing director of the Chinese American Business Development Center, (CABDC), were part of a well received panel on China and the Caribbean that was moderated by Arthur Piccolo of the Bowling Green Association.

The panel was presented by the Sino-American Friendship Association, (SAFA) and supported by ACCDA and the CABDC.

Additionally, US-based; Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd; the “ICN 2013 Corporate Leadership Award” winner, discussed its US$200 million in investments in the Caribbean region over the past ten years.

The event was the most promoted of the Caribbean Week activities with media placements in over one thousand media outlets, including CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal.

Invest Caribbean Now is organized annually by The Caribbean Tourism Organization and digital media solutions company, Hard Beat Communications, during Caribbean Week in New York. The event is the brain child of Persaud and is now in its third year.

Kara Coleman, news anchor of One Caribbean Television emceed the forum which was sponsored by Avalon Partners; The Turks & Caicos Islands Investment Agency; Royal Caribbean Cruise, Ltd; One Caribbean Television, The Chinese American Business Development Center, the American Chinese Commerce Development Association and No-Jet-Lag.

2013 media partners included the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, WINN FM of St. Kitts, South Florida Caribbean, Caribseek, Antigua Tribune, Bahamas Spectator, Barbados Gazette, British Caribbean News, Caribbean ET Roundup, Caribbean Financials, Cuba Chronicle, Dominica Gazette, Dominican Republic Post, Dutch Caribbean News, French Caribbean News, Grenada Chronicle, Guyana Inquirer, Haiti Gazette, Jamaica Inquirer, Puerto Rico Tribune, St. Kitts Gazette, St. Lucia Chronicle, St. Vincent Tribune, Trinidad Tribune, the Bajan Reporter, The Bahamas Weekly and Bahamas Local.

For more including additional photos and videos of the speeches and presentations stay logged on to InvestCaribbeanNow.com.

Mr. Alan Loewenstein, managing partner of Wedgewood Investment Group delivered the keynote address at the 2013 Avalon Invest Caribbean Now forum in New York city on June 5, 2013. (Hayden Roger Celestin image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 7, 2013: “The ‘Caribbean is ripe for significant investments to spur the region in sustained economic and human growth.”

That’s the consensus of 30-year investment veteran, Alan Loewenstein, managing partner of Wedgewood Investment Group. In delivering the keynote speech at the 2013 Avalon Invest Caribbean Now forum in New York City on Wednesday, June 5^th, Loewenstein said “the government that can lure the most investment will be the long term winner because these investments will spur the local economy.”

He said the Caribbean is a safer bet for investors compared to Africa and Latin America since growth in the LATAM has much more political risk than the Caribbean while investments in Africa is “still too early stage with unstable governments that cause the potential for tremendous risk.”

“Investments now will be on the ground level of a growth and a building boom that will spur more growth in the future,” predicted Lowenstein, adding that the time to buy is when valuations are cheap.

But he said governments must do their part to attract the baby boomers and new millionaires and billionaires who are growing globally including in China and Russia.

“These people are accustomed to the modern conveniences of society,” said Loewenstein, so to entice them to come, all the technology needs to be in place, the marina has to be built, the service industry has to be trained and all the comforts of home need to be transported and this requires significant investment.”

For the full speech from Mr. Loewenstein log on here or to http://investcaribbeannow.com/presentations/

Other speakers and presenters at the Avalon ICN 2013 included Anthony Eterno of the Caribbean Affairs Office of the Western Hemisphere Division of the U.S. State Department; Dr. Rufus Ewing, Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands; C. Washington Misick, finance minister of the Turks & Caicos Islands; Felicia Persaud, founder of Invest Caribbean Now and CMO at Hard Beat Communications; Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Commissioner of tourism of the USVI, Beverly Nicholson Doty; Miguel Reyna, director, Port Business Development and Asset Management, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.; Heather Flossiac of Belle Vue Properties of St. Lucia; E. Jay Saunders, CEO of Digicel TCI; Brian Lilly, founder of One Caribbean Television and Ganesh Ramanathan, creative director at Hard Beat Communications; Dr. Grace Lappin of Avalon Partners, Inc. and Arthur Piccolo of the Bowling Green Association.

Private sector attendees included representatives from JP Morgan Chase, Nomura, Aegis Capital, Merrill Lynch, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd, Frontier Markets Capital, Ltd.; Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd.; RBC Merchant Bank Caribbbean; efm Hospitality; CIBC World Markets; RBC Royal Bank and Ibis Investments among others. 

Over twelve dozen delegates attended the Avalon Invest Caribbean Now Forum at the Radisson Martinique Hotel in mid-town, Manhattan, including Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, Dr. Rufus Ewing and his Minister of Finance C. Washington Misick; Minister of Tourism & International Transport, International Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs St. Kitts, Ricky Skerritt; Minister for Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, St. Lucia, Lorne Theophilus; Minister of Tourism Nevis, Mark Brantley; Minister of Tourism of Antigua & Barbuda, John Maginley; Minister of Tourism, Sports & Culture, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Cecil McKie; Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary, Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago; Nicolaas Sneek, Commissioner, St. Eustacius; Minister of Tourism of The Bahamas, Obie Wilchcombe and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and Commissioner of the United States Virgin Islands, Beverly Nicholson Doty.; Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism of Anguilla, Haydn Hughes; Juliana Johan-Boodram, Permanent Secretary of Trinidad & Tobago’s Ministry of Tourism; and Russell Harrigan, chairman of the Board of Directors of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International copped the prestigious “ICN Corporate Leadership Award” for 2013 for it’s over $200,000,000 investments in the Caribbean region in the past 10 years.

Invest Caribbean Now is the brain child of Felicia Persaud and is now in its third year.

Kara Coleman, news anchor of One Caribbean Television emceed the forum which was sponsored by Avalon Partners; The Turks & Caicos Islands Investment Agency; Royal Caribbean Cruise, Ltd; One Caribbean Television, the American Chinese Commerce Development Association  and The Chinese American Business Development Center.

For 2013 presentations log on here or http://investcaribbeannow.com/presentations/

For more including additional photos and videos of the speeches and presentations stay logged on to InvestCaribbeanNow.com.

Among the corporate, governmental and economic heavyweights participating in the 2013 Invest Caribbean Now Forum were (l. to r.) Li Li, managing director of the Chinese American Business Development Center; Kara Coleman, news anchor of One Caribbean Television and ICN 2013 emcee; Peter Zhang, president of the Sino-American Friendship Society; Mike Ronan, vice president of government relations for the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; ICN founder Felicia Persaud; Miguel Reyna, director, Port Business Development and Asset Management; Johnny Liu of the American Chinese Commerce Development Association; and Xiaoguang Liu, consul in charge of economic and commercial affairs of the Consulate of China in New York. (Hayden Roger Celestin image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. June 6, 2013: Caribbean governments were on Wednesday, June 5th, urged to participate in a business development and investment promotions trip to China this Fall as the curtains came down on the Avalon Invest Caribbean Now Forum in New York City.

The invitation was extended by Li Li, managing Director of the Chinese American Business Development Center and seconded by the Consul in charge of economic & commercial affairs of the Consulate General of China in New York, Xiaoguang Liu; and Johnny Liu of the American Chinese Commerce Development Association.  The three were part of a panel on ‘China and the Caribbean’ at ICN 2013, which came on the heels of Chinese President’s Xi Jinping first visit to the Caribbean island of Trinidad on May 31^st and his pledge of more than $3 billion in loans to 10 Caribbean nations and Costa Rica on June 2^nd.

“The Chinese private sectors are seeking opportunities in the Caribbean such as hospitality, real estate, healthcare and education industry because they are easy to operate, are transparent and create jobs,”  Li told the packed room at the Radisson Martinique Hotel Wednesday.

She said the Caribbean, located in the center of the Americas, provides the advantage of easy access to markets in the North, South and Central America and serves as a bridge to the markets in Europe.

Citing statistics that said up to 100 million Chinese will be traveling abroad by 2015, Li said the time was right for the Caribbean to target this key demographic, especially since the Chinese consumer works hard and has spending power and “the Caribbean has garnered critical acclaim as a Mecca for tourism with significant investments in that and related sectors.”

Li also pointed to figures that showed the Chinese outbound travel market will be $590 billion by 2020.

The panel was presented by the Sino-American Friendship Association, (SAFA) and supported by The Chinese American Business Development Center, (CABDC) and the American Chinese Commerce Development Association, (ACCDA).Arthur Piccolo of the New Sports Group moderated the forum.

Meanwhile, Anthony Eterno, of the Caribbean Affairs Office of the Western Hemisphere Division in the US State Department, in his speech on the “US’ views on Investing In The Caribbean,” insisted that the U.S. Obama administration remains committed to an economic partnership with the region that stimulates growth.

And in opening remarks, ICN Founder and CMO of Hard Beat Communications, Felicia Persaud, urged Caribbean governments to  do more to “tell and sell” the diverse Caribbean investment story to the right people because the region “is relevant” despite what the naysayers may claim.

“We are relevant when 11 Caribbean nations are in the top 100 when it comes to ease of doing business but only seven for Latin America and eight for Africa,” said Persaud. “We are relevant when eight nations in the Caribbean are ranked in the top 100 fastest growing economies globally compared to 10 for Latin America as of 2012 … a difference of two … and we are relevant when the world’s richest man invests Caribbean.”

Over twelve dozen delegates attended the Avalon Invest Caribbean Now Forum at the Radisson Martinique Hotel in mid-town, Manhattan, including Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, Dr. Rufus Ewing and his Minister of Finance C. Washington Misick; Minister of Tourism & International Transport, International Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs St. Kitts, Ricky Skerritt; Minister for Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, St. Lucia, Lorne Theophilus; Minister of Tourism Nevis, Mark Brantley; Minister of Tourism of Antigua & Barbuda, John Maginley; Minister of Tourism, Sports & Culture, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Cecil McKie; Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary, Division of Tourism and Transportation, Tobago; Nicolaas Sneek, Commissioner, St. Eustacius; Minister of Tourism of The Bahamas, Obie Wilchcombe and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and Commissioner of the United States Virgin Islands, Beverly Nicholson Doty.

Speakers and presenters included Miguel Reyna, director, Port Business Development and Asset Management, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.; Heather Flossiac of Belle Vue Properties of St. Lucia; E. Jay Saunders, CEO of Digicel TCI; Brian Lilly, founder of One Caribbean Television and Ganesh Ramanathan, creative director at Hard Beat Communications; Dr. Grace Lappin of Avalon Partners, Inc. And Arthur Piccolo of the Bowling Green Association.

The “ICN 2013 Corporate Leadership Award” was presented to Royal Caribbean International,

In brief remarks, Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of RCCL, said “The Caribbean has been the heart and soul of who we are and where we go for over 40 years, and we are honored to receive the 2013 ‘Invest Caribbean Now Corporate Leadership Award” as our goal is to continue to work closely with the Caribbean so that their ability to retain and attract cruise ships remains as strong and robust as ever and we look forward to being a leader and working to help recognize the region’s value.”

Mike Ronan, vice president of government relations for the Caribbean, Latin America & Asia at RCCL, represented Golstein at the event and accepted the prestigious award that is given to one individual or corporation each year for their above par investments in the region.

Invest Caribbean Now is organized annually by The Caribbean Tourism Organization and digital media solutions company, Hard Beat Communications, during Caribbean Week in New York. The event is the brain child of Persaud and is now in its third year.

Kara Coleman, news anchor of One Caribbean Television emceed the forum which was sponsored by Avalon Partners; The Turks & Caicos Islands Investment Agency; Royal Caribbean Cruise, Ltd; One Caribbean Television, The Chinese American Business Development Center, the American Chinese Commerce Development Association and No-Jet-Lag.

2013 media partners included the PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, WINN FM of St. Kitts, South Florida Caribbean, Caribseek, Antigua Tribune, Bahamas Spectator, Barbados Gazette, British Caribbean News, Caribbean ET Roundup, Caribbean Financials, Cuba Chronicle, Dominica Gazette, Dominican Republic Post, Dutch Caribbean News, French Caribbean News, Grenada Chronicle, Guyana Inquirer, Haiti Gazette, Jamaica Inquirer, Puerto Rico Tribune, St. Kitts Gazette, St. Lucia Chronicle, St. Vincent Tribune, Trinidad Tribune, the Bajan Reporter, The Bahamas Weekly and Bahamas Local.

For more including additional photos and videos of the speeches and presentations stay tuned for continuous updates on to InvestCaribbeanNow.com.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 3, 2013: The deadline for exhibitors and advertisers to sign up for the Avalon Invest Caribbean Now 2013 forum is drawing to a close and so is the opportunity to reach and do business with almost a dozen Caribbean governments, investors and high net worth delegates.

Invest Caribbean Now, (ICN), which is presented annually by The Caribbean Tourism Organization, (CTO), and digital media solutions company, Hard Beat Communications during Caribbean Week in New York and Caribbean American Heritage Month in the United States, is set for June 5^th from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Radisson Martinique Hotel, 49 West 32 Street in New York City. An invitation only VIP reception at The Yale Club, presented by The Government of The Turks & Caicos Islands, will precede the event on June 4th.

The definitive Caribbean investment forum, will feature a United Nations-type “general assembly” of ministers from about a dozen nations from the Caribbean, including a delegation from the Turks & Caicos Islands led by Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing Finance Minister and Washington Misick; Minister of Tourism & International Transport, International Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs St. Kitts, Ricky Skerritt; Chief Minister of Anguilla, Hubert Hughes; Minister for Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, St. Lucia, Lorne Theophilus; Chairman of the CTO and Commissioner of Tourism for the USVI, Beverly Nicholson Doty and Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary, Division of Tourism and Transportation of Tobago, among others.

Only six exhibitor table spots are available and four ad spots remain in the 2013 Program Directory. Interested companies can email Joe Bernstein at [email protected] before May 7^th to sign up or get more information at http://investcaribbeannow.com/partnership-options/

Speakers will include Alan Loewenstein of Wedgewood Capital; Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing and Minister Washington Misick of the Turks & Caicos Islands; Sun Guoxiang, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in New York City; Chair of the CTO, Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Brian Lilly, CEO of Lilly Broadcasting and One Caribbean Television, Ganesh Ramanathan of Hard Beat Communications, and Grace Lappin of Avalon Partners.

Tickets for the June 5th forum are now $185 and only a few remain at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=7phqhyn6&oeidk=a07e6oz57kp0f880fbe

Invest Caribbean Now is the most promoted event on the Caribbean Week in New York calendar, with over 200 media placements to date in the US, Caribbean and Latin American media and advertising via 30 media partners – on television, on radio and the web.

ICN 2013 is made possible with sponsorship dollars from marquee sponsor Avalon Partners, gold and reception sponsor, The Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands; and bronze sponsor, One Caribbean Television.

Delegates at ICN 2012. (Sharon Bennett image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. April 26, 2013: Invest Caribbean Now officials are urging all Caribbean nationals and friends of the Caribbean to assist those who suffered from the Boston terror bombing on April 15th.

Felicia Persaud, the organizer of Invest Caribbean Now, said everyone should put the victims of the attack and Boston first. Invest Caribbean Now, while still seeking support for its next event, took time to make a donation to the Boston Fund. Persaud urges everyone involved to do the same.  ”If we can set an example in our own small way we hope that is worth something,” she said.

Boston is made up of some 27 percent of Caribbean immigrants.“Caribbean nationals have lived in the United States since during slavery and continue to build this country up not tear it down,” said ICN officials. “So it is important for us to show our love and support in a tangible way for this our adopted homeland. We hope all Caribbean nationals and friends of ICN will support the people of Boston in this tragedy.”

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino have announced the creation of “The One Fund Boston,” which will raise money to help those affected by the tragic events that unfolded during the Marathon.

Invest Caribbean Now is being presented this year by Avalon Partners in conjunction with The Caribbean Tourism Organization; digital media solutions company, Hard Beat Communications and One Caribbean Television, during Caribbean Week in New York.

Attendees this year will get the chance to learn about investment opportunities in the Turks & Caicos from its premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing and the country’s Minister of Finance C. Washington Misick while also getting a chance to meet ministers of government from several other territories.

Additionally, there will be panels of development, tourism and beyond as well as a discussion on China’s growing involvement in the Caribbean and the special presentation to this year’s corporate leadership award winner.

Early bird tickets for ICN 2013 will be available only through April 30^th at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=7phqhyn6&oeidk=a07e6oz57kp0f880fbe. Persons seeking tables of 10 are also urged to book before April 30^th at http://investcaribbeannow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Tablesponsor.pdf

A US$500 journal ad offer is available through April 30^th at http://investcaribbeannow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ProgramJournal.pdf for companies who would like to target the high end audience but cannot be present. The half-page color ad will be published in the event’s journal and stay archived on the website, InvestCaribbeanNow.com for year-round exposure.

Partners for ICN 2013 are: Avalon Partners, One Caribbean Television, The PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Caribbean Lifestyle Communications of Trinidad, WINN FM of St. Kitts, South Florida Caribbean, Caribseek, The Bahamas Weekly, the Bajan Reporter , Antigua Tribune, Bahamas Spectator, Barbados Gazette, British Caribbean News, Caribbean ET Roundup, Caribbean Financials, Cuba Chronicle, Dominica Gazette, Dominican Republic Post, Dutch Caribbean News, French Caribbean News, Grenada Chronicle, Guyana Inquirer, Haiti Gazette, Jamaica Inquirer, Puerto Rico Tribune, St. Kitts Gazette, St. Lucia Chronicle, St. Vincent Tribune, Trinidad Tribune, and Bahamas Local.

The Cayman Islands cable operator leads the way for the island

MIAMI, April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — HBO Latin America Group and LIME, the Caribbean brand of Cable & Wireless Communications, announced an agreement today for the transmission of the HBO channels in the Cayman Islands on its new pay TV service, which will launch later this month.

Under the agreement, LIME will broadcast the HBO/MAX premium package developed specifically for the Caribbean, which includes 9 channels: HBO Caribbean, HBO (East), HBO2, HBO Plus (East & Pan Regional), HBO Family (East), HBO Signature, MAX, Max Prime (East & Pan Regional) and Max HD. Viewers will be able to select and subscribe to their favorite HBO and MAX channels via LIME’s HBO MAX movie package to enjoy over 300 new releases and series per month, offering the most award-winning and nominated series made exclusively for HBO, along with hit Hollywood movies, thought-provoking documentaries, concerts, comedy specials, original HBO Films and critically acclaimed programming, all with no commercial breaks.

“HBO Latin America is very pleased to announce this agreement for a new and long-lasting partnership with LIME and its subscribers. LIME is now able to provide its customers the option of enjoying premium programming, just in time for them to tune in to new seasons of original series like Game of Thrones, True Blood, Veep and The Newsroom,” said Javier Figueras, Corporate Vice President of Sales for HBO Latin America. “We both have an aligned goal of delivering the highest quality in entertainment with the best technology available to the market.”

In addition to the paid channels above, LIME will also add the following HBO channels to their basic line-up to enhance their channel offerings: Cinemax, Warner Channel, Sony Entertainment Television, AXN, Sony Spin and E! Entertainment Television.

“We are delighted not only on the long awaited launch of LIME TV in Cayman but we’re also excited to offer Caymanians quality programming that’s always on.  The launch of HBO/MAX adds a new, unique and compelling dimension of choice and value to our premium movie channel platform,” said Dianne Bissoon, VP Television & Entertainment.  “This further strengthens our partnership with HBO in other LIME TV islands such as Barbados and St. Lucia and we look forward to enhancing our partnership in years to come.”

This agreement makes LIME the first cable operator in the Cayman Islands to legally offer its subscribers quality programming from HBO. Joining several cable partners throughout the Caribbean who have already established agreements with HBO, LIME is positioned to provide the best entertainment value for its subscribers now and in the future.

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 in more than 24 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO, HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Plus, HBO Family, HBO Caribbean, HBO On Demand, HBO GO, Cinemax, MAX and MaxPrime.

About LIME

LIME has a proud history in the Caribbean region and is always working to improve life in the region.

We deliver the very best telecommunication services to governments, businesses and families in 13 Caribbean countries with one unifying promise – building, connecting and serving communities.

Our four key values are:

• Respect – we treat our customers and each other as we want to be treated;
• Deliver – we keep our word. We do what we say we’re going to do;
• Win – Caribbean people are winners. We win by helping our customers and communities to win;
• Innovate – We always find a way to help our customers and communities and love coming up with new ways to do it.

For more information, please visit:  http://www.lime.com

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Tues April 2, 2013: Following an announcement cancelling the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference, (CHTIC), Invest Caribbean Now 2013, (ICN 2013), officials reiterated this week that ICN 2013 is going strong and on for June 4 and 5th in New York City.  ICN 2013 is now the only investment forum on the Caribbean region confirmed for 2013.

Grace Lappin, managing director of Avalon Partners and the marquee sponsor of Invest Caribbean Now 2013, said ICN is the definitive investment forum which has brought together over 600 high powered investors and Caribbean government officials in the past two years. This year it is returning in an expanded form, with a June 4th pre-forum VIP cocktail reception at The Yale Club and the major event the following morning at the Radisson Martinique Hotel.

Lappin said ICN 2013 is saddened to hear of the cancellation of CHIC, but insisted that the ICN 2013 forum is more than ready to fill the void by providing a platform to connect overseas businesses and investors with investment opportunities in the Caribbean. This year’s expanded format will ensure organizers reach their goal of boosting foreign direct investment in the region through ICN’s exclusive match-making platform.

“The event will begin on June 4th from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Yale Club with a private VIP cocktail reception while the June 5th forum will see ICN2013 focus on real investment opportunities in this emerging market from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Radisson Martinique hotel in NYC.  Targeted discussions and panel presentations will include a spotlight on the Turks & Caicos Islands; attention to the Jamaica Stock Exchange as well as an exploration of opportunities across the region,” said Lappin. “Real estate and marina development options will also be shared while our major corporate awardee will be announced.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Joe Bernstein at [email protected] or logging on to ICN’s brand new website at Investcaribbeannow.com.

Limited tickets for the June 5th forum are available. Register today at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=7phqhyn6&oeidk=a07e6oz57kp0f880fbe

Media partners for ICN 2013 are: One Caribbean Television, The PR Newswire, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Caribbean Lifestyle Communications of Trinidad, WINN FM of St. Kitts, South Florida Caribbean, Caribseek, Antigua Tribune, Bahamas Spectator, Barbados Gazette, British Caribbean News, Caribbean ET Roundup, Caribbean Financials, Cuba Chronicle, Dominica Gazette, Dominican Republic Post, Dutch Caribbean News, French Caribbean News, Grenada Chronicle, Guyana Inquirer, Haiti Gazette, Jamaica Inquirer, Puerto Rico Tribune, St. Kitts Gazette, St. Lucia Chronicle, St. Vincent Tribune, Trinidad Tribune, the Bajan Reporter and The Bahamas Weekly.

Supplementary information on the event can be found on the event’s pages on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/invest.caribbean and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/InvestingCarib

Master pianist, Monty Alexander, in performance mode.

 

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 12, 2012: Monty Alexander and the Harlem Kingston Express is bringing a celebration to Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in New York City next month, as the party to mark Jamaica’s 50^th year of independence and the Grammy Award nominee’s 50^th year in music, continues.

"Monty Alexander – Harlem Kingston Express – Continuing The Celebration Of Jamaica’s 50th Year Of Independence And Monty’s 50th Year In Music," returns to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s at Broadway and 60th Street in New York City for five nights of musical festivity from November 20th-25^th.

Concerts, featuring the Jamaican-born Commander of Distinction’s Caribbean musical roots combined with his American jazz influence, will be held at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. each night. The Thanksgiving Day show will be marked by a special treat with a top Caribbean number from Alexander so after feasting on turkey and other delicacies, fans can dance it off with Alexander and the Harlem Kingston Express.

“I’m inviting all my fans to come one last time to celebrate my 50^th and Jamaica’s 50^th before we bid adieu to 2012,” said Alexander.

Tickets for the Thursday, Friday and Sunday night shows are $35 each while Saturday night tickets are $45 per person. Students with valid identification will be able to enjoy the show for $15 per ticket.

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, one of the three main performance venues located in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home, Frederick P. Rose Hall, produces world-class jazz performances nightly.  The intimate 140-seat jazz club is set against a glittering backdrop with spectacular views of Central Park.

To make your reservations, book now at http://jalc.org/events/event/av-124809#.UIW4jVHhc2k or call 212-721-6500 between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 11am-1 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.

Alexander has been dubbed “a masterly pianist who delights audiences everywhere” by the London Evening Standard since the release of his two collections – ‘Uplift,’ a trio album on JLP Records, and ‘Harlem-Kingston Express’ on Motema Music – last year.  Between ‘Uplift’ and ‘Harlem-Kingston Express,’ Monty Alexander has officially dominated the US Radio Charts with three number 1 spots, all in the summer of 2011. ‘Harlem-Kingston Express’ was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category this past February.

Last July Alexander performed at the Stuttgart Jazz Festival in Germany where he received the "German Jazz Trophy – A Life In Jazz."  He then traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa for two concerts at the Johannesburg Joy of Jazz Festival and performed at the 4th edition of the Monty Alexander Jazz Festival in Easton, MD. 

And only 2 weeks ago he played a solo piano concert in South Korea for an open air audience of 6,000 people.  Alexander will travel to Washington, D.C. on November 16th to receive the Caribbean Heritage Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies and travel from Washington to Miami where he is slated to play as the headliner for the first Miami Jazz Fest on November 18th.

Following his five night performance at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola he will perform at a major concert with international special guests set for December 16th in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

See Monty in performances here or visit www.montyalexander.com to stay abreast of his upcoming scheduled performances and latest news.

LANCASTER, Pa., Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation (OTE Corporation) today announced the appointment of former Acting Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Roy Bernardi to its advisory board. "Our Company is indeed fortunate to have someone of Secretary Bernardi’s stature and talent as a member of our team," said Jeremy P. Feakins, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at OTE Corporation. "Roy Bernardi’s life-long commitment to public service and community progress is a perfect match for OTE Corporation’s goals of bringing clean energy, fresh drinking water, and economic development to millions of people around the world."

Secretary Bernardi was nominated by President George W. Bush as Deputy Secretary of HUD and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 21, 2004. During his tenure, he was charged with managing HUD’s day-to-day operations, a $38 billion annual budget, and the agency’s 8,500 employees. In 2008, Secretary Bernardi was appointed as Acting HUD Secretary under President Bush. As Deputy Secretary, he led the Department’s efforts to improve the standing of HUD with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Under Secretary Bernardi’s management, two HUD programs were removed from the GAO high-risk watch list, marking the first time since 1994 that no HUD programs had been on the list. His leadership also enabled HUD to eliminate more than $2 billion in fraudulent payments in the Department’s rental assistance housing program.

Secretary Bernardi also served in President Bush’s Administration from 2001-2004 after his appointment by the President and confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary of Community Planning and Development (CPD). His vision and decisive leadership at CPD was instrumental in developing thriving communities by promoting integrated solutions to the challenges facing the nation’s cities, urban counties and rural regions. Secretary Bernardi’s understanding of the need for such integrated community solutions fuels his enthusiasm for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and its ancillary products as enormous tools for bringing clean energy, fresh water, sustainable food production, and economic development to many tropical communities across the globe. "I am tremendously excited to be advising and supporting Ocean Thermal Energy Corporation and its core mission to bring OTEC’s benefits to the world," said the Secretary. "This is truly a game-changing technology whose time has now come."