CaribPR Wire

20 May 2024

by caribpr

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2254894/George_Thomas_CEO_Sagicor_Bank_Barbados.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586598/PaySett_Corporation_Logo.jpg

#oilandgasnews, #Wärtsilä, Caribbeanbusiness, Curacao

PaySett Corporation expands its regional payments partnership with Sagicor

The real time payments (RTP) solution PayExpedite^® will further expand the financial institution’s payment capabilities in Barbados under the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform.

ATLANTA and BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – PaySett Corporation a global provider of payment solutions and Sagicor Bank (Barbados) announced today the launch of the bank’s new real time payments service based on the ISO 20022 messaging standard running under the AWS platform.

George Thomas, CEO Sagicor Bank Barbados

George Thomas, CEO of Sagicor Bank (Barbados) stated, “As the region’s first digital bank, we are duty bound to work with our partners to ensure that their technology posture is robust, modern, and forward-thinking. We partnered with PaySett to future proof their solution and as such we worked with them to certify their platform in the cloud. This is a mutually beneficial and monumental achievement which is the first of its kind in the anglophone Caribbean.”

Jesus Garcia VP of Business Development at PaySett Corporation added, “The Sagicor Bank real time payments implementation with our market proven PayExpedite^® solution demonstrates the product’s flexibility to adapt to different operating environments of our customers while at the same time providing seamless integration with Sagicor Bank’s core banking system and origination channels, as well as the local clearing house. Our research indicates that over the coming years regional financial institutions will be looking to move some of their infrastructure to cloud platforms such as AWS in order to streamline operations and reduce costs. We are delighted to support these efforts. Additionally Sagicor Bank’s future electronic payment offerings will be backed by a world class payments engine that will complement the bank’s future strategy and is capable of supporting different types of payment services including P2P, digital wallets, eCommerce, and others for consumers, businesses, and government institutions.”

About PaySett Corporation

Atlanta Georgia based PaySett Corporation is a global provider of payment software solutions. PaySett provides products/services that allow global financial institutions to effectively manage the way money moves throughout their organizations and for their customers. PaySett’s two decades of experience moving payments through national and international payment networks has allowed for the development of advance payment software for assisting global institutions with the capability to enhance their regional and global payment network processing capabilities. Twelve of the top twenty global financial institutions process payments through PaySett software.

About Sagicor Bank (Barbados)

Sagicor Bank (Barbados) is a dynamic digital financial institution offering commercial banking services to personal and business clients. We provide unmatched benefits and convenience to clients in our portfolio supported by a diversely skilled team located in Barbados. We are leading the digital banking revolution by boldly presenting banking options that are easy-to-get, simple-to-use, safe and secure and rewarding. Find out more by visiting www.sagicor.bank, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.

Sagicor Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sagicor Financial Company. Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. (TSX: SFC) is a leading financial services provider in the Caribbean, with over 180 years of history, and has a growing presence as a provider of life insurance products in the United States. Sagicor offers a wide range of products and services, including life, health, and general insurance, banking, pensions, annuities, and real estate. Sagicor’s registered office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda, with its principal office located at Cecil F De Caires Building, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados. Additional information about Sagicor can be obtained by visiting www.sagicor.com

Banking/Financial Services, Business

24 Oct 2023

by caribpr

#BankingNews, #barbadosnews, #Businessnews, #PaySettCorporation, Caribbeanbusiness

Parkland Announces Date of 2023 Third Quarter Results

CALGARY, AB, Oct. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– Parkland Corporation (”Parkland”, “we”, the “Company”, or “our”) (TSX: PKI) expects to announce its 2023 third quarter results after markets close on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. A conference call and webcast will then be held at 6:30 a.m. MDT (8:30 a.m. EDT) on Thursday, November 2, 2023, to discuss the results.

To listen to the live webcast and watch the presentation, please use the following link: https://app.webinar.net/39A5XB5PMgZ

Analysts and investors interested in participating in the question and answer session of the conference call may do so by calling 1-888-390-0546 (toll-free) (Conference ID: 19474746). International participants may call 1-800-389-0704 (toll free) (Conference ID: 19474746).

Please connect and log in approximately 10 minutes before the beginning of the call. The webcast will be available for replay two hours after the conference call ends at the link above. It will remain available for one year and will also be posted to www.parkland.ca.

Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis will be posted to www.parkland.ca and www.sedar.com after the results are released.

About Parkland Corporation

Parkland is an international fuel distributor and retailer with operations in twenty-five countries. Our purpose is to Power Journeys and Energize Communities, and every day, we provide over one million customers with the essential fuels, convenience items and quality foods on which they depend.

With approximately 4,000 retail and commercial locations across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean region, we have developed supply, distribution, and trading capabilities to accelerate growth and business performance. In addition to meeting our customers’ needs for essential fuels, we provide a range of choices to help them lower their environmental impact. These include carbon and renewables trading, solar power, renewables manufacturing and ultrafast Electric Vehicle charging.

Our proven business model is centred around organic growth, our supply advantage, driven by scale and our integrated refinery and supply infrastructure, acquiring prudently, and integrating successfully. Our strategy is focused on developing our existing business in resilient markets, growing our food, convenience, and renewable energy businesses, and helping customers to decarbonize. Our business is underpinned by our people, and our values; safety, integrity, community, and respect, which are deeply embedded across our organization.

18 Oct 2023

by caribpr

energy

#Businessnews, #earningsnews, #EnergyNews, #oilandgasnews, Caribbeanbusiness, Parkland

2022 China-Central and North America and Caribbean International Trade Digital Expo Opens Online

BEIJING, Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On November 9, China-Central and North America and Caribbean International Trade Digital Expo, hosted by the CCPIT-China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and jointly hosted by China Chamber of International Commerce, (CCOIC), and ZhongZhan Information Cooperation Data Service Company, opened online on the “CCPIT cloud exhibition platform.”

This exhibition takes Chinese enterprises as the main body, takes the needs of buyers in Central and North America and Caribbean region as the core, and uses the digital exhibition platform to provide enterprises with online negotiation opportunities and accurate matching services. It is expected that more than 10,000 buyers will visit and connect online. The exhibits cover Textile, Clothing and Xinjiang cotton products, Medical devices, Building materials and Hardware, Gifts and office supplies, Home appliances and Furniture, Consumer electronics and other fields. The exhibition also set up 14 exhibition areas, among which the “Chinese Brand” exhibition area highlights Chinese brand enterprises, products and services, and establishes a good image of Chinese Brands; In the “Service Trade” exhibition area, service trade enterprises are preferred, and efforts are made to promote “Chinese services” to go global and deeply integrate into the global industrial chain, value chain and logistics chain.

At present, the digital mode combining online and offline is becoming the new normal of the exhibition industry. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) actively plans to continue to help Chinese enterprises “maintain orders” and “stabilize foreign trade” by relying on the accumulated experience in organizing digital exhibitions, and make full use of the platform advantages of the “CCPIT cloud Exhibition” to display China’s development achievements, the economic and trade cooperation between China and Central and North America and Caribbean region, while introducing the business environment in Central and North America and Caribbean, interpreting the relevant free trade agreements and the global economic and trade friction index and other important information. During the exhibition, six industry matchmaking meetings will be held, with the theme of textile clothing and Xinjiang cotton products, auto parts, hardware and building materials, consumer goods, household appliances and household appliances, and consumer electronics, to help Chinese enterprises further communicate online with politicians and businessmen in Central and North America and the Caribbean region. The exhibition period of this expo is 10 days and will end on November 18, 2022.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1934954/WechatIMG38.jpg

#businessnewstoday, #caribbeantechnews, #China-Central #NorthAmericaandCaribbeanInternationalTradeDigitalExpo, #chinanews, #conference, #Exponews, #latinamericabusinessnews, Caribbeanbusiness

9 Nov 2022

by caribpr

Conferences

ACTIF 2022 opens new trade and investment path between the Caribbean and Africa

CARIBPR WIRE, LONDON, Sept. 16, 2022: CS Global Partners, one of the world’s leading government advisory agencies, is the official representative of the governments of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis all of whom took part in the first-ever Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2022), which took place in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 1 to 3 September 2022. The forum opened a new chapter for the relations between the Caribbean and Africa. Held under the theme, ‘One People, One Destiny, Uniting and Reimagining Our Future’, the forum set in motion various initiatives to further deepen and build new trade and investment relationships between Africa and the Caribbean.

The three-day forum was convened by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Government of Barbados in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Africa Business Council, the Caribbean Community Secretariat, and the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

The Prime Minister of Barbados – Mia Amor Mottley, expressed pleasure at being selected as the host country for ACTIF 2022. She asserted that Africa and the Caribbean share common roots and need to work and act together in various sectors. Participants committed to building a commercial bridge between the two regions for their prosperous future.

ACTIF 2022 was the first forum of its kind between the two regions and aimed to provide an opportunity for the Caribbean and African business communities, as well as governments, to establish new commercial and strategic relationships with the goal of expanding trade and investment between both the regions. The high-level support between the two regions is intended to boost bilateral cooperation and engagement in trade, investment, technology transfer, innovation, tourism, culture and other sectors. The forum also opened doors to effective business matchmaking between the two regions.

The three-day conference featured various panel discussions on several topics, which were based on business-to-business engagements. The delegates discussed topics such as: developing special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial parks; boosting industrialisation and manufacturing; improving infrastructure, financing and trade logistics, including regional integration, promoting trade and tourism, creating the environment to accelerate private sector investment, improving agricultural productivity and increasing agribusiness opportunities and food security.

Along with this, the forum also witnessed the signing ceremony of two partnership agreements, 10 MoUs and three finance facilities. The star document of the forum, which signified the success of the summit, was the partnership agreement between seven members of the Caribbean Community and Afreximbank to promote and finance South-South trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean. Its ultimate goal is to promote and provide insurance and guarantee services covering commercial and non-commercial risks associated with African and Caribbean exports.

Caribbean countries such as Barbados, the Republic of Suriname, the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines signed the agreement with African Export-Import Bank.

The agreement will help to boost knowledge sharing between Africa and the Caribbean region with technical cooperation, research and several joint events. It also has the potential to accelerate the membership of CARICOM nations in Afreximbank as it will enable the bank to operate in the region and deliver on the new vision.

Over and above this, in order to mobilise trade and investment between the two regions, Afreximbank also signed a US$250 million Trade and Investment Agreement with the Central Bank of Barbados.

Further, Afreximbank outlined their aim to establish the export-import as they signed a MoU with the Caribbean Association of Banks. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of hundreds of delegates comprising African and Caribbean business leaders and government officials discussing how to improve trade and investment between the two regions. It was signed by the Chief Executive Officer, CAB, Wendy Delmar, and the Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, Denys Denya.

To sustain these efforts, Africa-Caribbean Business Council, CARICOM Private Sector Organisation and Afreximbank also signed another MoU. The rest of the memos included Ghana Export Promotion Authority and Barbados Investment and Development Corporation signed by BIDC’s Hill and GEPA’s Dr Afua Asare, and BIDC, GUTA’s Dr Joseph Obeng and BCCI’s Anthony Branker, Ghana Union of Trade Association and Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed by Hill.

Various senior government representatives, business leaders, representatives of business associations, prospective investors and buyers, project promoters, development agencies, multilateral finance institutions, think tanks and research institutions from Africa and the Caribbean were in attendance at ACTIF 2022 with more than 1,500 delegates representing 93 countries (comprising 48 African countries, 12 Caribbean countries, and 33 other countries).

The specific objectives of ACTIF2022 were:

Promotion of inter-bank relationships, which includes financial flow and fostering payment.
Development of cultural and creative engagements between two regions that can be commercially viable.
Creation of a business case for a potential AfriCaribbean Free Trade Area.
Creating a suitable platform which helps to disseminate trade and investment information and other products and initiatives of the bank, which will support trade between Africa and Africans in the diaspora.
Help in the reduction of the counterpart risk perception among African and Caribbean businesses in dealing among themselves.
Promotion of trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean as the forum served as the platform for market identification, building business partnerships, exchange of trade and market information, and co-investments.
The forum also facilitates Afri-Caribbean investments by fostering and bolstering cross-regional business and investment linkages.

16 Sep 2022

by caribpr

#ACTIF, #afcfta, #afreximbank, #CSGlobalpartners, Barbados, Caribbean, Caribbeanbusiness

Saint Lucia Citizenship Investment Programme makes top three in the 2022 CBI Index

CARIBPR WIRE, Castries, Aug. 26, 2022: St Lucia took third place in this year’s instalment of the CBI Index – which ranked 13 countries with operational citizenship by investment programmes.

Seen as an industry voice and reliable source for those looking to vet CBI programmes around the world, the CBI Index is published annually by the Private Wealth Management magazine, a publication of the Financial Times, and in partnership with CS Global Partners.

This year, St Lucia was ranked alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, St Kitts and Nevis, Turkey, and Vanuatu.

The CBI Index ranked these jurisdictions across nine pillars including Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product.

Having recently welcomed Mc Claude Emmanuel to the position of Chief Executive Officer of its CBI unit, St Lucia was recognised its affordable minimum investment outlay, reasonable mandatory travel or residence requirements and ease of application processing.

“This recognition means a lot to us. The CBI Index is a globally recognised report that has been assessing CBI programmes for the last six years and not only will investors gain insight into our programme but it also gives us an opportunity to improve aspects of our programme to increase our scores next year,” said notes Mc Claude Emmanuel, CEO of St Lucia’s CPI Unit.

Investors can become a citizen of St Lucia in as little as 90 days by investing only a minimum of US$100,000 through its National Economic Fund, and busy entrepreneurs are not required to stay in the country for prescribed periods of time.

There weren’t many significant changes in the minimum investment outlays since the 2021 CBI Index, this was reflected in no change in the order of the final scores.

There were also no changes from the 2021 CBI Index to scores under the Mandatory Travel or Residence Pillar – Caribbean nations continue to rank highly in this area.

The country scored 87% overall.

St Lucia scored 9 out of ten for Due Diligence, Citizenship Timeline, and Family.

A very important aspect of any CBI programme is its ability to vet applicants and ensure that only honest individuals who can account for how they make a living are accepted into the programmes.

“We are on an ongoing drive to continuously enhance the due diligence processes of our programme as we are very keen to protect its integrity and value,” noted Mc Claude Emmanuel.

With ongoing geopolitical tensions, special attention is now being given to jurisdictions that offer CBI programmes. The international community is concerned that these programmes may offer boltholes for suspect characters looking to evade the law.

International respect is vital for any CBI programme to thrive, and a layer of ongoing monitoring is becoming a key pillar of reputable CBI Units such as that of St Lucia. Caribbean nations are setting global best practices when it comes to advancements in due diligence processes.

The Citizenship Timeline Pillar looks at the average time taken for citizenship to be secured by the applicant. One of the key merits of CBI programmes is their ability to provide a rapid route to second citizenship; St Lucia was awarded top points for its short turnaround times, which takes three months for citizenship to be granted from the date the Authorised Agent is notified that the application has been accepted for processing.

The CBI Index recognises that the rise of increasingly complex family relationships is driving investors to seek programmes that allow for a more diverse range of family members to be included under a primary application.

As an additional layer of nuance to its scoring system, this year’s CBI Index also draws a distinction between family members who are allowed to apply with and obtain citizenship at the same time as the main applicant and those who can apply at a later stage and because of the main applicant has already received citizenship.

Multiple family member categories were considered, with points being awarded for adult children, parents, grandparents and even siblings. Additional merit was also given to programmes with provisions for family members of the main applicant’s spouse. Additionally, the degree of flexibility within each of these categories can differ radically from programme to programme.

St Lucia scored 8 out of 10 in the Certainty of Product pillar. This pillar encompasses a range of factors that measure a programme’s certainty across five different dimensions: longevity, popularity and renown, stability, reputation, and adaptability.

Longevity measures the age of a given programme while Popularity and renown evaluate the number of applications and naturalisations under each programme per year, as well as a programme’s eminence in the industry.

The reputation of a programme was determined by the amount of negative press or the number of scandals it has been linked to, affecting investors’ broader perceptions of the countries in which they invest. Just as important, however, is evidence that programme funds are being utilised for social good. Points were awarded for a jurisdiction’s transparent use of CBI funds, for example for the development of domestic healthcare, education, tourism and other infrastructure. One of the main ways that investors can become citizens of St Lucia is through its Economic Fund which Mc Claude Emmanuel has said will “benefit all St Lucians by investing in social interventions and assisting the country to be food secure as assistance will be given to local farmers.”

Lastly, adaptability reflects a programme’s ability to rapidly respond to, and sometimes even predict, the needs of applicants and the industry.

St Lucia continues to offer a popular programme with consistently high application volumes, stability with no caps on the number of applications or specific calls to end the programme, and adaptability both in respect of changes to keep the programme functioning during Covid-19 and its swift response to the Russian invasion.

St Lucia, along with Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis scored seven out of 10 in the Freedom of Movement pillar. St Lucia has access to 15 of the 20 key business hubs assessed in the 2022 CBI Index.

Lastly, St Lucia scored six out of 10 for its decent freedom, GDP growth and GNI scores.

Download the full CBI Index here, to get further insights into the CBI industry and a full evaluation of the CBI programmes of the 12 other jurisdictions in the rankings.

26 Aug 2022

by caribpr

#Businessnews, #caribbeancitizenshipbyinvestment, #CBIindex, #citizenshipbyinvestment, #saintlucia, #stlucia, Caribbeanbusiness

CBI Index 2022 offers a glimpse into the future of the citizenship by investment industry: CS Global Partners

CariibPR Wire, London, Aug. 22, 2022: The world’s most definitive guide on citizenship by investment, the CBI Index, was published today by PWM Magazine, a publication from the Financial Times in collaboration with CS Global Partners and offers readers a view of an industry in metamorphosis.

Released amid a year that has, again, been marked by heightened uncertainty, increased security risk, political instability and intensifying calls to act on the global warming threat, the CBI Index comes at a time when most individuals are reassessing the base they call home and are looking for more stable environments that not only offer security but business, health and education opportunities for generations to come.

Despite a tumultuous global environment and an investment industry harrowed by scrutiny from the EU and USA, this year’s CBI Index hints at opportunity amidst the chaos – opportunity for the CBI industry to evolve and perhaps be the answer to those who look to it to harness the world’s offerings.

Often thought of as a Plan B, the CBI Index infers that in a post-pandemic reset, there has been a shift in trust away from government as individuals obtain second, or multiple citizenships, and take control of their destinies. The new global citizen will look to invest in ‘Plan A’ and a more positive future for people and planet.

While the CBI Index is a rating system designed to measure the performance and appeal of global citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes across a diverse range of indicators, it is also a voice for the industry and a forward-looking manual that offers readers a glimpse of what the industry could be provided that industry players come together and shape its regulatory environment to benefit not only host countries, but citizens around the world who have realised that home need not be their place of birth, but where opportunities lie.

This Index is intended as a practical tool, both for those who wish to compare CBI programmes as a whole and for those who wish to compare specific aspects of each programme.

Its purpose is to provide a rigorous and systematic mechanism for appraising programmes, to facilitate the decision-making process for individuals considering them, and to bring value to the CBI industry.

The CBI Index assesses all countries with operational CBI programmes, which, in 2022, include Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Cambodia, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Jordan, Malta, Montenegro, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Turkey and Vanuatu.

The CBI Index rates CBI programmes according to these nine pillars: Freedom of Movement, Standard of Living, Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence, Citizenship Timeline, Ease of Processing, Due Diligence, Family and Certainty of Product.

Freedom of Movement measures the relative strength of each country’s citizenship based on three equally weighted factors: the number of destinations to which a country’s passport allows travel without restriction, the number of prime business hubs to which it provides access, and the degree to which a given citizenship provides settlement rights in other nations.

The Standard of Living pillar is a measure of the quality of life offered by the 13 CBI jurisdictions under assessment and this pillar is vital to those who yearn to relocate and secure a prosperous and fulfilling lifestyle. Similarly, it is key to those wanting to take advantage of local business opportunities or needing to transfer and safeguard their assets.

The Minimum Investment Outlay pillar measures one of the most practical and foremost considerations of CBI – how much capital is required for the investor to become an eligible applicant for the programme of their choosing. The cost of applying for CBI increases with the number of dependants — or qualifying family members — included in an application. In some jurisdictions this increase is proportional, while in others the cost only increases following the inclusion of multiple dependants.

Mandatory Travel or Residence examines the travel or residence conditions imposed on applicants both before and after the granting of citizenship.

The Citizenship Timeline pillar looks at the average time taken for citizenship to be secured by the applicant.

The Ease of Processing pillar measures the end-to-end complexity of the CBI application process. In some jurisdictions, the application process can be a labour-intensive and painstaking task that is time-consuming for the applicant; in others, it is streamlined, and the applicant receives clear directives on how to proceed. The overall effortlessness of the application process is a particularly important component, and the promise of a smooth, hassle-free process can generate readiness to engage with a programme.

The Due Diligence pillar focuses on each nation’s commitment to ensuring that their programme remains transparent and effective at evaluating potential candidates for citizenship. It is therefore a measure of each programme’s integrity.

The Family pillar measures the extent to which investors can obtain citizenship for their immediate and extended family. The CBI Index recognises that the rise of increasingly complex family relationships is driving investors to seek programmes that allow for a more diverse range of family members to be included under a primary application.

Lastly, Certainty of Product encompasses a range of factors that measure a programme’s certainty across five different dimensions: longevity, popularity and renown, stability, reputation and adaptability. Additionally, it assesses a programme’s responsiveness to major global events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine that have had a significant impact on global mobility and due diligence requirements.

As the CBI industry undergoes its own challenges and metamorphosis, the CBI Index gives worldly investors a reliable analysis of reputable programmes that will enable them to choose second citizenship in destinations that will fulfil their needs.

Download the full report here to see which of the thirteen countries took top spot and gain further insight into the CBI industry.

22 Aug 2022

by caribpr

#cbi, #CBIindex, Caribbean, Caribbeanbusiness, Investment

Flex Seal Expands Retailers in the Caribbean

WESTON, Fla., May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – The global Flex Seal® Family of Products is filling gaps, cracks and holes across the Caribbean. And many of their products are now available at a variety of retailers in Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.

Available products include Flex Seal, Flex Tape®, Flex Glue®, Flex Seal Liquid®, Flex Shot® and the Flex Seal Mini® products, each in a variety of their respective colors. These products are available at over 30 locations in-store and on some websites.

“The whole Flex Seal Family joins me in the excitement of this new opportunity and growth for our company,” said Phil Swift, CEO, Inventor and Spokesperson. “We are proud to partner with these new retailers and expand our offering of products to more countries globally.”

It’s important to protect your home and property during the storm season, and The Flex Seal Family of Products is there for you. Each product is useful for a variety of fixes and weatherizing around the home.

About The Flex Seal Family of Products
Swift Response, LLC is the distributor and marketer of The Flex Seal® Family of Products. Founded in 2011, the company provides a variety of DIY home repair and maintenance products specializing in waterproofing, adhesive, bonding and sealing.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1158617/Flex_Seal_Logo.jpg

3 May 2022

by caribpr

# FlexSeal, #Businessnews, #Caribbeannews, #FlexSealcaribbean, Caribbean, Caribbeanbusiness

ibex Cares: Jamaica Team Raises $1 million JMD to Help Coworker

CaribPR Wire, PORTMORE, Jamaica, April 27, 2022: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced its team in Jamaica raised $1 million JMD to help pay for new prosthetic legs for teammate Charmonique Willis. Willis lost her legs when she was two years old and needs new prosthetics.

“I would like to thank ibex and all my co-workers for this wonderful gift,” said Willis. “This company treats you like family. I love and appreciate ibex for all they have done.”

In addition to raising funds to help Willis, ibex is committed to the fight against breast cancer and plans to make a donation to the Jamaica Cancer Society later this year. The company also supports local children’s homes across the island and has donated educational tablets to various schools.

“We are all so proud of our team here in Jamaica for their overwhelming compassion and generosity for our dear friend and colleague, Charmonique,” said Jaime Vergara, SVP and Country Manager, ibex. “ibex cares about our people and has a long history of giving to help support the communities where they live and work.”

ibex is the leading BPO in Jamaica with six facilities, including Ocho Rios, Portmore and Kingston, and is growing across multiple vertical markets, such as travel and hospitality, insurance, finance, retail, and others. This growth is helping to further reinforce Jamaica’s position as a global shared services hub that is digitally transforming our clients’ customer experience.

ibex recently celebrated the 5^th anniversary of ibex Cares, its philanthropic program that supports local communities where the company operates. This year, the program will be responsible for giving more than $250,000 in donations to local charities and causes.

About ibex
ibex delivers innovative business process outsourcing (BPO), smart digital marketing, online acquisition technology, and end-to-end customer engagement solutions to help companies acquire, engage, and retain valuable customers. Today, ibex operates a global CX delivery center model consisting of 34 operations facilities around the world, while deploying next-generation technology to drive superior customer experiences for many of the world’s leading companies across retail, e-commerce, healthcare, fintech, utilities and logistics.

ibex leverages its diverse global team of over 30,000 employees together with industry-leading technology, including its Wave X platform, to manage nearly 200 million critical customer interactions, adding over $2.2B in lifetime customer revenue each year and driving a truly differentiated customer experience. To learn more, visit our website at ibex.co and connect with us on LinkedIn.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ea21bb9-516e-4f09-9b21-bd51850514a8

ibex Cares: Equipo de Jamaica recauda $ 1 millón de JMD para ayudar a compañera de trabajo

CaribPR Wire, PORTMORE, Jamaica, April 27, 2022: – ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), un proveedor líder mundial de externalización de procesos de negocios (BPO) y soluciones de tecnología de participación del cliente, anunció hoy que su equipo en Jamaica recaudó $ 1 millón de dólares jamaiquinos (JMD) para ayudar a pagar las nuevas prótesis de piernas para su compañera de equipo, Charmonique Willis. Charmonique perdió las piernas cuando tenía dos años y necesita nuevas prótesis.

“Me gustaría agradecer a ibex y a todos mis compañeros de trabajo por este maravilloso regalo”, dijo Charmonique. “Esta empresa te trata como familia. Quiero y aprecio a ibex por todo lo que han hecho”.

Además de recaudar fondos para ayudar a Willis, ibex mantiene su compromiso con la lucha contra el cáncer de mama y planea hacer una donación a la Jamaica Cancer Society a finales de este año. La empresa también apoya hogares infantiles locales en toda la isla y donó tabletas educativas a varias escuelas.

“Todos estamos muy orgullosos de nuestro equipo aquí en Jamaica por su abrumadora compasión y generosidad para nuestra querida amiga y colega, Charmonique”, dijo Jaime Vergara, vicepresidente sénior y gerente de país de ibex. “ibex se preocupa por nuestra gente y tiene una larga historia de donaciones para ayudar a apoyar a las comunidades donde viven y trabajan”.

ibex es el BPO líder en Jamaica con seis instalaciones, incluyendo Ocho Ríos, Portmore y Kingston, y está creciendo en varios mercados verticales, como viajes y hospitalidad, seguros, finanzas, minorista y otros. Este crecimiento ayuda a reforzar aún más la posición de Jamaica como un centro global de servicios compartidos que está transformando de forma digital la experiencia de consumo de nuestros clientes.

ibex recientemente celebró el quinto aniversario de ibex Cares, su programa filantrópico que apoya a las comunidades locales donde opera la empresa. Este año, el programa se encargará de entregar más de $ 250,000 en donaciones a organizaciones benéficas y causas locales.

Acerca de ibex
ibex ofrece externalización de procesos de negocios (BPO) innovadores, marketing digital inteligente, tecnología de adquisición en línea y soluciones de participación del cliente de extremo a extremo para ayudar a las empresas en la adquisición, participación y retención de clientes valiosos. Hoy, ibex opera un modelo de centro de entrega de experiencia del cliente (CX) global que consiste de 34 instalaciones de operaciones en todo el mundo, al mismo tiempo que implementa tecnología de última generación para promover experiencias superiores para el cliente para muchas de las empresas líderes mundiales en los sectores minorista, comercio electrónico, atención médica, tecnología financiera (fintech), servicios públicos y logística.

ibex aprovecha su diverso equipo global de más de 30.000 empleados junto con tecnología líder en el sector, incluyendo su plataforma Wave X, para la gestión de cerca de 200 millones de interacciones críticas con clientes, añadiendo más de $2.2 mil millones en ingresos vitalicios de clientes cada año e impulsando una experiencia de cliente verdaderamente diferenciada. Para más información, visite nuestro sitio web ibex.co y comuníquese con nosotros en LinkedIn.

Una foto adjunta a este comunicado de prensa está disponible en https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ea21bb9-516e-4f09-9b21-bd51850514a8

27 Apr 2022

by caribpr

#Caribbeannews, #ibex, #ibexcares, #jamaicabusinessnews, #jamaicacancersociety, #jamaicanews, #nonprofitnews, #portmorejamaica, Caribbeanbusiness

Caribbean Employment Services Enhances its Recruitment Advertising Solutions to Help Employers Find Top Talent

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, March 10, 2022 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Since its launch two years ago, Barbados-based Caribbean Employment Services has been helping employers recruit for positions in the Caribbean through their cost-effective online job board.

Caribbean Employment Services’ forward-thinking approach to advertising vacancies has seen it quickly become one of the market-leading recruitment advertising specialists in the Caribbean.

Combining its specialist experience with a proactive and responsive approach to recruitment advertising, the company has introduced two new recruitment advertising solutions.

Developed to help HR Directors, Managers and Recruitment Agencies attract the best talent to the Caribbean-based roles in their businesses, Optimal Recruitment Advertising Campaigns and Recruitment Partner Programmes are customised campaigns to meet monthly or annual recruitment needs.

Optimal Recruitment Advertising Campaigns use from the latest, cutting-edge search technology and proven marketing activities to attract the best candidates to your roles, including social media marketing through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Caribbean Employment Services’ team of experts works with clients on their Recruitment Partner Programmes to develop trackable campaigns that include Cost per Click, Cost per Applicant and PR campaigns through news channels, including press release distribution, ensuring that employers stand out amongst other businesses.

Employers on the Recruitment Partner Programme benefit from publication in Caribbean Employment Services’ widely distributed and popular news articles, as well as press releases written and distributed through their PR team, ensuring even wider exposure for their recruitment campaigns.

Joseph Boll, CEO at Caribbean Employment Services, said “We’re delighted to be in a position to offer two new recruitment advertising solutions, developed specifically for our clients who need to find the very best talent for their roles in the Caribbean quickly and efficiently.”

Contact Details:
Caribbean Employment Services
Phone:            (1 246) 537-0395
Email:             [email protected]
Website:         https://caribbeanemployment.com/

Notes to Editors:

Further information and images are available on request.
Caribbean Employment Services is one of the market-leading and most cost-effective recruitment advertising specialists in the Caribbean.
It offers a range of proven recruitment advertising solutions for clients with Caribbean-based roles, including an Online Job Board, Optimal Recruitment Advertising Campaigns and Recruitment Partner Programmes.
For further information on Caribbean Employment Services, please visit https://caribbeanemployment.com/

10 Mar 2022

by caribpr

#barbadosnews, #CaribbeanEmploymentServices, #Caribbeannews, #employment, #HRnews, Caribbeanbusiness

Mastercard And GCS International Strengthen Their Alliance To Build Financial Inclusion In Jamaica

CARIBPR Wire, Kingston, Jamaica, Mon. February 7, 2022: Mastercard and GCS International, a leading regional fintech based in the Dominican Republic, today extended their partnership to develop and deliver digital payments solutions to underserved consumers across the Caribbean. This partnership builds on the collaborative work already underway in the Dominican Republic and expands to include solutions in Jamaica.

The partnership will strengthen the economic growth potential in the Caribbean, providing the underserved population with a simple and secure real-time payment solution. Financial institutions will be provided with a white label mobile wallet solution, including Mastercard prepaid cards for international use, providing end users with innovative and enhanced payment options in line with market trends. The initiative demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to accelerate financial inclusion and give people more control, better banking experiences, and a wider range of payment choices.

During the signing of the agreement, Carlo Enrico, president of Mastercard’s Latin America and Caribbean region, highlighted: “Mastercard is committed to delivering a digital economy that works for all. As the fintech landscape evolves at an unprecedented speed, Mastercard provides the infrastructure and assets to help fintechs grow and attract more people to the digital economy. We look forward to collaborating with the GCS International team through this next stage of growth and provide the solutions that will drive financial inclusion at scale.”

At the same time, Brian Paniagua, CEO of GCS International expressed: “Our company has provided friction-less PFM (personal finance management) tools and solutions to consumers creating value for individuals and their societies in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, and in the near future, Jamaica. This strategic alliance with Mastercard is a natural evolution in the industry goal towards achieving the financial inclusion of more countries in the Caribbean and capitalizes on GCS’ proven track record ability to apply leading technology to the financial industry in benefit of those who need it most. We look forward to expand this alliance in a near future to other countries in Central America as well.”

GCS International is a leading fintech in the Dominican Republic specialized in cutting-edge technology within the payments industry, focused on the development of mobile solutions key to people’s needs such as transfers between accounts, payment of basic services, loan payments, among others.

Mastercard will continue to advance equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world through a broad range of efforts. Last year, the company announced the expansion of its worldwide commitment to financial inclusion by pledging to bring a total of 1 billion people and 50 million micro and small businesses into the digital economy by 2025.

###

About Mastercard (NYSE:MA)

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all. www.mastercard.com.

About GCS International

GCS International is a FinTech committed to promoting digital transformation in Latin America and the adoption of new alternative channels, promoting greater access to financial services through innovative digital technologies. They believe in generating a positive social impact that meets high social, environmental and community standards by providing new platforms for inclusion and prosperity.

www.gcs-international.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: ACCESS PHOTO FOR USE WITH THIS ARTICLE HERE

CAPTION: L – r: Brian Paniagua, CEO of GCS International; Carlo Enrico, president of Mastercard for Latin America and the Caribbean; Marcelo Tangioni, Caribbean Division President, Mastercard.

7 Feb 2022

by caribpr

#Businessnews, #CaribbeantechnologyNews, #dominicanrepublic, #FintechNews, #GCSInternational, #jamaicabusinessnews, #jamaicanews, Caribbeanbusiness, MasterCard

Parkland appoints Angela John and Richard Hookway to its Board of Directors

CaribPR Wire, CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 05, 2021: Parkland Corporation (”Parkland”, “we”, the “Company”, or “our”) (TSX:PKI) today announced the appointment of Angela John and Richard Hookway to Parkland’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective today.

“We are delighted to welcome Angela and Richard to our Board of Directors,” said Jim Pantelidis, Chairman of the Board. “Collectively, they bring extensive global experience in supply, low carbon technologies and in creating value across the entire downstream value chain. We expect our Board and Parkland’s shareholders will benefit greatly from their contributions.”

Angela John currently serves as Director, New Energy Ventures with Williams where she develops and implements clean energy strategies for renewables, emerging technologies, and carbon markets. Previously, Angela spent 27 years with BP including 19 years in the global supply and trading organization focusing on renewable fuels and energy markets. She held a variety of leadership roles, including Senior Vice President Marketing and Origination and Vice President Marketing and Supply. Angela has a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston.

Richard Hookway is a highly experienced executive and Board Director who is currently a non-executive member of the Supervisory Board at Royal Vopak N.V. Previously, Richard was Chief Executive Officer of the global business division of Centrica plc, and an executive member of the Centrica plc Board. In addition, Richard spent 35 years with BP in a variety of global leadership roles including Chief Executive Officer of their Natural Gas Liquids and Commercial and Industrial businesses, and Chief Financial Officer for their Downstream and Petrochemical businesses. Richard has a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Manchester.

About Parkland Corporation
Parkland is an independent supplier and marketer of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience store operator. Parkland services customers across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean region and the Americas through three channels: Retail, Commercial and Wholesale. Parkland optimizes its fuel supply across these three channels by operating and leveraging a growing portfolio of supply relationships and storage infrastructure. Parkland provides trusted and locally relevant fuel brands and convenience store offerings in the communities it serves.

Parkland creates value for shareholders by focusing on its proven strategy of growing organically, realizing a supply advantage and acquiring prudently and integrating successfully. At the core of our strategy are our people, as well as our values of safety, integrity, community and respect, which are embraced across our organization.

5 Aug 2021

by caribpr

energy

#boardappointments, #Businessnews, #EnergyNews, #oilandgasnews, Caribbeanbusiness, Parkland

Regus opens its first location in the Cayman Islands

ZUG, Switzerland, July 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Global leader in flexible workspace solutions, International Workplace Group has opened its first property in the Cayman Islands.

Located in the capital George Town just five minutes from George Town Cruise port, the Regus centre opened to an event attended by the territory’s premier Wayne Panton, tourism minister Kenneth Bryan as well as members of senior government, the Chamber of Commerce, and business leaders from around the region.

Designed to serve local enterprises and entrepreneurs, Regus provides flexible workspace solutions for modern-day businesses, which, in tandem with government initiatives such as the Global Citizen Concierge Programme – a campaign to attract digital nomads to the territory – provide a springboard for growth and business development.

“The appetite for flexible, co-working spaces was growing in Cayman pre-COVID and the pandemic has only increased demand now that work habits have changed significantly. There is also a clear international demand from those who wish to take advantage of the Regus network and the Government’s Global Citizen Concierge Program, and we’ve been delighted to welcome several new members who seek a professional and flexible workspace under this initiative,” says Sophia List, Client Relationship Officer of the Regus Cayman location.

IWG has been at the fore of global workspace solutions for more than 30 years, with 2021 serving as a record year for the company, which added half a million users to its network in just the first quarter. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the way people work, with companies of all sizes indicating that hybrid work is here for the long term.

The addition of the Regus centre in George Town demonstrates the workplace provider’s investment in Grand Cayman’s capital, a move that will promote the brand’s expansion throughout the Caribbean, adding to locations in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago.

About Regus

Regus is the world’s largest provider of flexible workspaces with an unrivaled network of offices, co-working, and meeting spaces that companies can use around the world. It is an infrastructure that supports all business opportunities – a global infrastructure built for businesses. The Regus network of workspaces allows companies to operate anywhere, with no set-up costs or capital investment. It offers customers immediate cost benefits and the ability to fully outsource their real estate portfolio.

1 Jul 2021

by caribpr

#Businessnews, #caymanislands, #caymannews, #regusnews, #virtualoffices, Caribbeanbusiness

Channel Capital Cayman adds new Director to its Governance Team

SYDNEY and GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, June 23, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Channel Capital Cayman, a subsidiary company of Channel Capital Group (Channel), today announced the expansion of its Cayman team with the appointment of Carl Brenton as Director.

Carl Brenton, Director, Channel Capital Cayman

Channel Capital Cayman provides a high quality governance framework service to investment funds domiciled in the United States, Cayman Islands and other offshore financial centres. The business was established to leverage the deep and specialised experience of its team, and to provide ongoing compliance with regulatory obligations through a trusted and highly personalised independent director service.

As an experienced independent director, Carl has been providing fund governance and related services to a variety of offshore investment funds since 2016. Prior to joining Channel Capital Cayman, Carl served as the Head of Fund Services at both Catalyst Fund Administration and Intertrust Corporate Services where he oversaw the groups’ fund administration business in the Cayman Islands. Carl was a senior manager at Citco Fund Services (Cayman Islands) from 2005 to 2016 after working as a financial controller and public accountant since 1996.

The Cayman Islands is a world leader in the establishment of offshore funds due to its tax-neutrality, stable economy, sophisticated banking sector and professional financial service industry. Approximately 70% of non-US domiciled alternative investment funds managed by US SEC-registered advisors are domiciled in the Cayman Islands.

“We are pleased to have Carl join the business” said Mark Cook, Executive Director, Channel Capital Cayman. “Carl is very experienced in the alternative funds environment. He will add depth to our governance platform and will work closely with our clients to help them navigate the ever-changing and complex regulatory environment.”

Director at Channel Capital Cayman, Carl Brenton, said: “I am very pleased to be joining Mark and the rest of the Channel team. Mark and I previously worked together from 2005-2008 and it’s great to have the opportunity to join forces again. We are looking forward to leveraging off the strengths of the broader Channel Capital team to grow the business here in Cayman.”

-End-

About Channel Capital

Established in 2013, the Channel Capital Group has 32 employees across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, New York and Grand Cayman, and currently partners with ten investment management firms. Channel provides incubation, distribution, operational and responsible entity services to a select group of global investment management firms. The Group comprises subsidiary companies; Channel Investment Management Limited, Channel Capital Cayman, and Eolas Capital LLC. Channel Capital is supported by financial partner, Kudu Investment Management LLC. https://www.channel.capital

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1549419/IMAGE_1.jpg

23 Jun 2021

by caribpr

#Businessnews, #carlbrenton, #caymanislands, #ChannelCapitalCayman, Caribbeanbusiness

Hamilton Reserve Bank, Hometown Bank of Alexander Hamilton, Exclusively Sponsors Nevis Kite Flying Competition on Good Friday

JESSUPS ESTATE, Nevis, March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HAMILTON RESERVE BANK (www.hrbank.com), the hometown bank of Alexander Hamilton, announces exclusive sponsorship of the annual Nevis Kite flying competition in the Covid-free Nevis, organized by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) government.

Hamilton Reserve Bank lends its support to the local community as part of the Bank’s longstanding Diversity and Community Enrichment program.

The Nevis Kite Flying event will take place on Good Friday, April 2^nd. Historically, many residents and families participate in the annual event. During the Covid pandemic, St. Kitts & Nevis has maintained Covid-free due to prudent government policies.

Hamilton Reserve Bank combines powerful modern banking with the cherished values of Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father of America. As the largest global bank in the entire region with worldwide customers, Hamilton Reserve Bank has a “fortress” balance sheet, pristine regulatory history, and a rapidly expanding customer base from more than 150 countries, delivering efficient services in 10 different currencies to clients that include large institutions, individuals, businesses, and ultra-high-net-worth family offices seeking reliable banking and investment solutions.

About HAMILTON RESERVE BANK

HAMILTON RESERVE BANK (www.hrbank.com) is a fully regulated global bank (SWIFT: NIBTKNNE) with a deep British heritage. Powered by advanced modern banking technology, the Bank offers personal banking, business banking, and investment solutions in 10 different currencies across 150+ countries, serving a large, rapidly expanding worldwide clientele. The Bank has a “fortress” balance sheet, zero customer loan exposure, pristine compliance history, an exceptional CET1 capital ratio, strong customer privacy protection, speedy client onboarding, and 24/7 mobile banking. The Bank’s independent asset management affiliate is regulated by the U.S. SEC, which advises the Morningstar 5-Star rated, New York Stock Exchange listed Volshares Large Cap ETF (NYSE stock symbol: VSL), a top 1% performer three years in a row. Hamilton Reserve Bank engages in four areas: Banking, Trust & Escrow, Capital Markets, and Asset Management. Headquartered on a large bank compound at the Hamilton Reserve Bank Plaza in St. Kitts & Nevis, Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace and a thriving British Commonwealth nation, Hamilton Reserve Bank is the largest global bank in the region, maintaining worldwide offices and global customer support.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459419/HAMILTON_RESERVE_BANK_Logo.jpg

30 Mar 2021

by caribpr

#alexanderhamilton, #caribbeaneaster, #easterstkitts, #HamiltonReserveBank, #stkittsnews, 3kiteflyingstkitts, Caribbeanbusiness

Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, SKELEC and Leclanché Commence Construction of Caribbean’s Largest Solar Generation and Storage System

- Innovative, fully integrated solar photovoltaic generation and lithium-ion battery energy storage system, will displace 30-35% of the islands’ diesel-generated baseload power

- Sustainable microgrid system to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 740,000 metric tons over 20 years

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis and YVERDON-LES-BAINS, Switzerland, Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, the state-owned St. Kitts Electric Company (SKELEC) and Leclanché SA (SIX: LECN) today broke ground on a landmark solar generation and storage project that will provide between 30-35% of St. Kitts baseload energy needs for the next 20-25 years while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 740,000 metric tons.

The $70 million microgrid project is being built by Leclanché, one of the world’s leading energy storage companies, which will serve as the prime engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. Leclanché will provide a turnkey solar plus storage solution together with its main subcontractor Grupotec, headquartered in Valencia, Spain, an experienced engineering and construction firm and leader in the photovoltaic energy sector. Leclanché will own and operate the facility under its strategic build, own and operate model through its SOLEC Power Ltd subsidiary with partner Solrid Ltd.

Construction and start-up will take approximately 18 months. The project consists of a fully integrated 35.7 MW solar photovoltaic system (solar field) and a 14.8 MW / 45.7 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) utilizing Leclanché’s proprietary energy management system software. Upon completion, the St. Kitts project will be the largest solar generation and energy storage system in the Caribbean and a model for other island nations worldwide. In its first year of operation, the system will generate approximately 61,300 MWh of electricity with a 41,500 metric ton reduction of CO₂ emissions.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks a significant milestone for our citizens, tourist economy, our broader business community and indeed the entire Caribbean region, despite the delays caused by COVID-19,” said Dr. Honorable Timothy Harris, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister.“This visionary project will help secure our energy independence, provide long-term price stability and reduce our reliance on diesel fuel.”

“The amount of carbon dioxide emissions we will reduce – nearly three quarters of a million metric tons over 20 years – is a significant demonstration of our strong policy for clean, renewable energy. We invite our Caribbean neighbors – and island communities around the world – to consider joining us in a commitment to a sustainable energy future for our children and generations to come,” said Harris.

Very Beneficial Use of Government-owned Land:
The project is being built in St. Kitts’ Basseterre Valley on a 102-acre plot of government-owned land adjacent to the current SKELEC power station and next to the thriving capital city of Basseterre, the heart of the country’s economic region.

The land, which was once used for sugar cane production but has been idle for years, was leased to Leclanché by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis under a 20-year agreement with an automatic five-year renewal. Environmental Impact Assessment and geotechnical analysis were successfully completed in 2019, demonstrating the renewable energy project will bring a positive impact to the Basseterre Valley.

Novel “No Capital Outlay” Arrangement with St. Kitts
“SKELEC has been working closely with Leclanché for nearly two years now developing a state-of-the-art and highly sustainable energy production and storage system to serve our citizens,” said Honorable Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister Public Infrastructure, Post and Urban Development. “St. Kitts residents will enjoy energy price stability for a generation while benefitting from cleaner air and water.”

“We set out to create a model solar energy production and storage system here for SKELEC that generates long-term financial and environmental benefits for the utility and its customers without SKELEC having to make a costly up-front investment,” said Anil Srivastava, CEO, Leclanché. “Together, we have designed a system whose construction and ongoing energy production will be paid for over time from the sale of clean and reliable solar energy. We are pleased to have accomplished both objectives while developing a project financeable by well-established institutional investors.”

Clean, renewable energy produced from the solar + storage project will be sold to SKELEC under a 20-year power purchase agreement at flat rate over that entire period which is designed to provide a significant long-term savings to the projected diesel generation costs.

How the Solar Generation and Storage System Works
Currently, tankers deliver diesel fuel to St. Kitts on a weekly basis, and the fuel is then burned in generators to produce all the nation’s electricity. This expensive process contributes to local pollution and global warming (each gallon of diesel generates 22 pounds of CO₂ when burned). The solar and storage project should reduce diesel use by 30-35%, saving money and the environment.

Leclanché’s fully integrated system consists of three core components: the solar field, battery storage system and energy management system software.

The solar panels collect sunlight that is converted into electricity. The solar project on St. Kitts will be oversized, allowing a portion of that electricity to meet current electric demand on the island, and the remainder to charge the large-scale battery storage system to meet island demand after the sun sets. The battery system will also improve grid stability and serve as a back-up in case one of the diesel generators fails.

The batteries will be housed in 14 custom-designed enclosures near the main SKELEC power station and adjacent to the solar field. Additional equipment such as inverters, transformers and protection devices will ensure that the electricity from the new project is reliable and safe.

Leclanché’s energy management system software integrates all the different components of the system and coordinates the delivery of electricity to the grid according to SKELEC’s requirements. Once completed in the first half of 2022, the solar and storage system will replace over four million gallons of diesel per year, and the battery system will enable the remaining diesel generators to operate more efficiently.

For more information, write to [email protected] or visit www.leclanche.com.

About Leclanché
Headquartered in Switzerland, Leclanché SA is a leading provider of high-quality energy storage solutions designed to accelerate our progress towards a clean energy future. Leclanché’s history and heritage is rooted in over 100 years of battery and energy storage innovation and the Company is a trusted provider of energy storage solutions globally. This coupled with the Company’s culture of German engineering and Swiss precision and quality, continues to make Leclanché the partner of choice for both disruptors, established companies and governments who are pioneering positive changes in how energy is produced, distributed and consumed around the world. The energy transition is being driven primarily by changes in the management of our electricity networks and the electrification of transport, and these two end markets form the backbone of our strategy and business model. Leclanché is at the heart of the convergence of the electrification of transport and the changes in the distribution network. Leclanché is the only listed pure play energy storage company in the world, organised along three business units: stationary storage solutions, e-Transport solutions and specialty batteries systems. Leclanché is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX: LECN).

SIX Swiss Exchange: ticker symbol LECN | ISIN CH 011 030 311 9

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to Leclanché’s business, which can be identified by terminology such as “strategic”, “proposes”, “to introduce”, “will”, “planned”, “expected”, “commitment”, “expects”, “set”, “preparing”, “plans”, “estimates”, “aims”, “would”, “potential”, “awaiting”, “estimated”, “proposal”, or similar expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up of Leclanché’s production capacity, potential applications for existing products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché’s products will achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular financial results.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/711940/Leclanche_Logo.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1345026/Possibility_Group_Ltd__Sovereign_Pacific_s_USD__500M_Fund_for_Th.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1345025/Possibility_Group_Ltd__Sovereign_Pacific_s_USD__500M_Fund_for_Th.jpg

10 Dec 2020

by caribpr

energy

#Businessnews, #caribbeanenergynews, #EnergyNews, #SKELEC, #StKittsandNevis, Caribbeanbusiness, Leclanché

Sovereign Pacific’s USD $500M Fund for The Caribbean Region

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Sovereign Pacific Capital, an Asia wealth and asset management organization establishes a USD $500M Sovereign Pacific Fund, in partnership with Possibility Group, for sustainable investments in St. Kitts & Nevis and the Caribbean region.

Sovereign Pacific Capital Ltd., www.sovereignpacific.co, a Singapore based wealth and asset management organization, partners with Possibility Group Ltd., a Caribbean value creation organization, to establish a USD $500M Sovereign Pacific Fund for sustainable investments in St. Kitts & Nevis and the Caribbean region. Sovereign Pacific Fund will be administered and managed by Possibility Capital Inc., www.possibility.capital, a Caribbean wealth and asset management organization.

Sovereign Pacific Capital’s focus includes Financial Services, Real Estate, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, Hotels & Resorts, Manufacturing and Agriculture.

Sovereign Pacific Capital’s Chairman, Umashanker Mishra, is an Indian Canadian, Philanthropist, Attorney and Solicitor and Investment Banker. He is the Founder & Chairman of Global Human Care Foundation, which is a private Canadian entity focused on charitable projects in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean region.

Possibility Group, www.possibility.capital, is a leading value creation organization in Asia, Caribbean and North America. Possibility creates, develops and manages sustainable business for stakeholders based on a life cycle engineered, performance driven, partnerships = possibilities system.

Possibility’s Caribbean business includes Real Estate Development, Renewable Energy, Asset Management, Possibility Capital, Investment Management, Sustainable Manufacturing, Proprietary Agriculture and Medical Healthcare.

Possibility Group’s President & CEO, Leslie Thomas, P. Eng., is a Caribbean Canadian, born in St. Kitts & Nevis, with a personal motivation to “give back” to Tabernacle, St. Kitts & Nevis and the Caribbean and to contribute in a “unique and lasting” way to the region through Possibility Group, Possibility Capital and Global Human Care Foundation.

“We are very excited about our partnership with Sovereign Pacific Capital; Chairman, Umashanker Mishra and Sovereign Pacific’s USD $500M Fund, which will help to address a significant Barrier to Growth (access to Financing) in the Caribbean Region”.

“Sustainable manufacturing in the Caribbean region and the production of high quality Caribbean steel rebar and also environmentally friendly Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), will help property owners, developers, resorts, hotels, governments, institutions and asset managers to reduce capital cost, energy cost and construction time, and significantly increase buildings strength (hurricane proof). Further benefits include developing new skills, trades, occupations, employment for Women in the construction industry and our Suncastle Resorts, Condos & Commercial buildings will be constructed primarily by Caribbean Women (to the highest industry standards and without compromise in quality, safety, strength or finish), which will be innovative, revolutionary, unique and life changing”, said Mr. Thomas.

1 Dec 2020

by caribpr

# PossibilityCapital, #Businessnews, #fundingnews, #SovereignPacific, Caribbeanbusiness

RBC opens registration for first global, virtual running event in its charitable Race for the Kids series

Participants are encouraged to run or walk their ‘virtual race’ independently to support 36 participating charity partners from 16 countries

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, RBC opened registration for its first global and virtual charitable running event, as part of its signature Race for the Kids series. Fundraising from the event will benefit youth and children’s causes around the globe, with 36 charity partners that participants can elect to support. Facing the significant disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the youth-focused services provided by these charity partners are needed now more than ever.

Instead of a standard running event format, participants will enjoy an innovative virtual experience through the event’s online registration and fundraising website:

Registering for the event is free and open to all, regardless of geography, age, or running ability.
Participants can elect to support any of the participating 36 charity partners, regardless of where they are physically located.
Participants will be able to select their personal race distance and route in their local community (with no pre-determined race course).
Participants are encouraged to complete their run or walk independently or with family members (while observing local public health advice and government guidelines) over the October 17-18 weekend.
The event website integrates with many running apps, allowing participants to record and map their virtual run or walk.
Runner bibs, event posters, and completion certificates will be available for download through the event website.
Participants will also receive digital medals and recognition which can be shared on social media.

RBC’s goal for the event is to create ‘the world’s largest virtual family fun run,’ with all RBC employees, their family/friends, charity partner supporters, and members of the public invited to take part.

“The global pandemic has disrupted several aspects of our lives. For many young people, the crisis has negatively impacted their mental health and well-being, access to education, and employment opportunities,” said Dave McKay, President and Chief Executive Officer, RBC. “That’s why we’re taking our RBC Race for the Kids to a virtual format this year – to ensure we can continue to address these needs, supporting young people and their families facing these challenges. I want to thank our 36 charity partners for their ongoing dedication to youth in this critical year and am looking forward to Race weekend.”

Prior to 2020, RBC Race for the Kids events took place in 17 physical locations, including: Bahamas, Barbados, Calgary, Chicago, Hong Kong, Jersey, Kuala Lumpur, London, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, St. Paul, Sydney, Toronto, Trinidad & Tobago, and Vancouver. Since its inception in 2009, the series has attracted more than 260,000 participants and raised over $57 million for youth and children’s causes around the world.

In addition to hosting this virtual event, RBC has committed $10.5 million to date towards food security, mental health, and strategic preparedness in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, RBC donated $130 million to nearly 5,000 charitable organizations, globally.

To learn more about RBC Race for the Kids, its charity partners, or register for the virtual event, visit: www.rbcraceforthekids.com.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 86,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.

14 Sep 2020

by caribpr

#Businessnews, #financenews, #RBC, #RBCRacefortheKids, Caribbeanbusiness

Caribbean’s First Peer-to-Peer Car Rental Platform, Rent Yuh Ride™, Launched

Black Women Led; 22+ Million Travelers; Strong Market Growth Projected

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Feb. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The emerging peer-to-peer car rental sector is projected to grow at 10% annually, but despite the Caribbean being one of the world’s most attractive travel destinations; it has yet to be touched by this sector – until now. The Caribbean’s first peer-to-peer car rental platform, Rent Yuh Ride^™ (RYR), launched this week and will connect thousands of travelers to private car owners to facilitate car renting in a way that “is efficient, affordable and safe.” RYR promises a platform that will enable seamless transactions while also rewarding users with travel credits and incentivized bonuses.

Uniquely led by a team of black women, RYR’s operations will be out of Kingston, Jamaica. Eventually, operations will expand across the Caribbean – frequented by over 22M travelers annually. Further boosting its new platform, RYR will partner with the Insurance Company of The West Indies (ICWI), a leader in motor insurance across the Caribbean to provide private rental insurance to car owners at a discounted rate. In addition, RYR will use Jumio, a leader in online identity verification, to definitively authenticate users on the platform.

Rent Yuh Ride ^™ : The What

The Rent Yuh Ride^™ platform will be accessible online from anywhere, at any time. It’s a marketplace where car owners can sign up, upload their vehicle info (and documents) to be approved and listed on the site for free. Simultaneously, travelers can sign up, search through available vehicles in their desired destination, choose a pickup location, then book.

Once the vehicle has been picked up, the owner gets paid electronically. When it is returned, this will complete the transaction, and both parties are then able to leave each other a review. Everything is done online safely, affordably, efficiently.

Rent Yuh Ride ^™ : The Why

Problems with Current Car Renting Process:

Car owner reputation is unknown; current web listings have very limited information — only thing you see is the car you’re renting.
58% of cars in Jamaica are uninsured — lack of protection creates lack of trust.
Traditional car renting is costly; advanced booking doesn’t minimize wait time at pickup — “The deposit fees are astronomical.”

The Ideal Solution is a “Win-Win Situation”:

Traveler Benefits: 20%-50% cheaper than traditional renting; know the owner right away; book on-demand; pickup when & where you want; more variety of vehicles to choose from.
Car Owner Benefits: earn money hosting; free to list and no monthly fees; list once, market to many travelers.

“Travelers deserve a better way to rent cars, they need options and what’s available just doesn’t cut it,” explains RYR Founder & CEO Cherie Williams. “With the Rent Yuh Ride^™ platform, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles that fit your style, a wide range of prices that fit your budget, and there’s absolutely no negotiating back and forth. Moreover, car owners have underutilized vehicles for months at a time and Rent Yuh Ride^™ will provide new opportunities for them to earn additional income,” says a frequent traveler to the island.

“It’s a win-win situation on both sides: one person will make money and the other person will save money.”

Funding
Investment opportunity available on Series One platform.

About Rent Yuh Ride ^™
Rent Yuh Ride^™ is the first peer-to-peer digital car rental platform in Jamaica with future expansion across the Caribbean. RYR will directly connect thousands of travelers to private car owners across the islands to facilitate car renting, in a way that’s efficient, affordable and safe.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1095519/Rent_Yuh_Ride_Launched.jpg

www.eccb-centralbank.org/

27 Feb 2020

by caribpr

Travel

#Caribbeannews, #Caribbeantravel, #rentyuhride, #TravelNews, Caribbeanbusiness

ECCB and Toronto Centre Lead Workshop on “Coping with Climate Change and Other Environmental Risks”

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and Toronto Centre lead workshop for supervisors and regulators of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union to help identify climate and other environmental risks to financial institutions, economies, and consumers

CaribPR Wire, BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dec. 02, 2019: At the request of, and in partnership with, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Toronto Centre is holding its first five-day cross-cutting climate risk workshop. The workshop is aimed at helping financial sector supervisors and regulators identify the risks that climate change and other environmental factors pose to financial institutions, economies, consumers and vulnerable groups. Participants will learn how to develop action plans to deal with climate change and other environmental risks, and how to identify and communicate effectively with key stakeholders to achieve results.

The IMF’s Global Financial Stability Report, 2019 prominently highlights climate risk as a risk to financial stability. In addition to examining the nature of these risks and their potential effects, the program identifies steps that supervisors and financial institutions can take to deal with these risks. Product design, investment, lending, and strengthening risk management and stress testing are areas that supervisors and financial institutions can explore. The workshop additionally highlights steps that could be taken to manage risks to consumers, such as improving financial literacy and inclusion.

Timothy N.J. Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) said: “As the custodians of the payment system, our Central Bank is advocating for and facilitating disaster and climate resilience strategies inclusive of investment in physical and digital infrastructure, early warning systems, and fiscal resilience. ECCB is pleased to host this inaugural workshop on coping with climate change and other environmental risks and key actions that can be taken by supervisors and those they supervise to deal with these risks. Toronto Centre’s capacity building efforts are essential as financial sector supervisors and regulators in our region tackle these risks.”

Babak Abbaszadeh, CEO and President, Toronto Centre said: “Climate risk is an emerging risk for financial policy makers, standard setters, and supervisors. Toronto Centre applauds the ECCB’s initiative and leadership to be an early mover in building their capacity to deal with climate risk.”

LEARN MORE

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) was established in October 1983. It is the monetary authority for a group of eight small country economies namely – Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Agreement establishing the ECCB as the monetary authority for the eight ECCB participating governments was signed on 5 July 1983 in Trinidad and Tobago. The ECCB was officially commissioned on 1 October 1983, replacing the Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA) which was established in March 1965.

The primary objective of the ECCB is to maintain the stability of the Eastern Caribbean Currency and the integrity of the banking system.

LEARN MORE

www.torontocentre.org

Established in 1998, Toronto Centre for Global Leadership in Financial Supervision (Toronto Centre) is an independent not-for-profit organization that promotes financial stability and access to financial services globally. Our mission is to provide high quality capacity building programs for financial supervisors and regulators, primarily in emerging markets and developing countries. We believe that for countries to thrive, their financial systems must be stable and inclusive. Our mission supports sustainable growth and job creation and helps to reduce poverty by helping to build these economic foundations. In turn, stable, sustainable economic growth is a vital enabler of infrastructure investments, strengthening international trade and reducing poverty as confirmed by the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, Financing for Development. Our mission is aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. Since our inception, we have trained more than 12,000 supervisors and regulators from over 190 jurisdictions. Toronto Centre is supported by Global Affairs Canada, the International Monetary Fund, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Comic Relief, Jersey Overseas Aid, and other valuable international partners.

El Banco Central del Caribe Oriental (ECCB) y Toronto Centre dirigen un taller sobre “Cómo enfrentar el cambio climático y otros riesgos ambientales”

El Banco Central del Caribe Oriental y Toronto Centre dirigen un taller para supervisores y reguladores de la Unión Monetaria del Caribe Oriental para poder identificar riesgos climáticos y otros riesgos ambientales para instituciones financieras, economías y consumidores

CaribPR Wire, BASSETERRE, San Cristóbal y Nieves, Dec. 02, 2019: A pedido del Banco Central del Caribe Oriental, y en asociación con este, Toronto Centre llevará a cabo su primer taller transversal de cinco días. El taller tiene por objeto ayudar a los supervisores y reguladores del sector financiero a identificar los riesgos que el cambio climático y otros factores ambientales plantean para las instituciones financieras, las economías, los consumidores y los grupos vulnerables. Los participantes aprenderán cómo desarrollar planes de acción para enfrentar el cambio climático y otros riesgos ambientales y a cómo identificar y comunicar en forma eficaz a las partes interesadas clave para lograr resultados.

El Informe sobre la estabilidad financiera mundial de 2019 del FMI destaca claramente al riesgo climático como un riesgo para la estabilidad financiera. Además de analizar la naturaleza de estos riesgos y sus posibles efectos, el programa identifica los pasos que los supervisores y las instituciones financieras pueden tomar para enfrentarlos. El diseño del producto, la inversión, el préstamo y el fortalecimiento de la gestión de riesgos y las pruebas de resistencia son áreas que pueden examinar los supervisores y las instituciones financieras. Asimismo, el taller destaca los pasos que podrían tomarse para manejar los riesgos para los consumidores, como mejorar la educación y la inclusión financiera.

Timothy N.J. Antoine, Gobernador del Banco Central del Caribe Oriental (ECCB) afirmó: “Como custodios del sistema de pagos, nuestro Banco Central defiende y facilita las estrategias para la resistencia ante el clima y los desastres, que incluyen la inversión en infraestructura física y digital, sistemas de advertencia temprana y resistencia fiscal. ECCB se complace en organizar este taller inaugural sobre cambio climático y otros riesgos ambientales, y las medidas clave que pueden tomar los supervisores y aquellos a quienes supervisan para enfrentar estos riesgos. Las medidas de desarrollo de capacidades de Toronto Centre son esenciales, dado que los supervisores y reguladores del sector financiero en nuestra región enfrentan estos riesgos”.

Babak Abbaszadeh, Director ejecutivo (CEO) y Presidente de Toronto Centre, sostuvo lo siguiente: “El riesgo climático es un riesgo emergente para las autoridades responsables de políticas financieras, las personas que establecen estándares y los supervisores. Toronto Centre aclama la iniciativa y el liderazgo del ECCB por ser uno de los pioneros en promover el desarrollo de su capacidad para enfrentar el riesgo climático.”

MÁS INFORMACIÓN

www.eccb-centralbank.org/

El Banco Central del Caribe Oriental (ECCB) se fundó en octubre de 1983. Es la autoridad monetaria de un grupo de economías de ocho pequeños países, a saber, Anguila, Antigua y Barbuda, Dominica, Granada, Montserrat, San Cristóbal y Nieves, Santa Lucía y San Vicente y las Granadinas.

El Acuerdo que estableció al ECCB como la autoridad monetaria para los ochos gobiernos que participan del ECCB se suscribió el 5 de julio de 1983 en Trinidad y Tobago. El ECCB recibió la autorización oficial el 1.º de octubre de 1983, en reemplazo de la Autoridad Monetaria del Caribe Oriental (ECCA), que se fundó en marzo de 1965.

El objetivo principal del ECCB es mantener la estabilidad de la moneda del Caribe Oriental y la integridad del sistema bancario.

MÁS INFORMACIÓN

www.torontocentre.org

Fundado en 1998, el Toronto Centre for Global Leadership in Financial Supervision (Toronto Centre) es una organización independiente sin fines de lucro que promueve la estabilidad financiera y el acceso a los servicios financieros en todo el mundo. Nuestra misión es proporcionar programas de capacitación de alta calidad para supervisores y reguladores financieros, principalmente en mercados emergentes y países en desarrollo. Creemos que para que los países prosperen, sus sistemas financieros deben ser estables e inclusivos. Nuestra misión apoya el crecimiento sostenible y la creación de empleo y ayuda a reducir la pobreza ayudando a construir estas bases económicas. A su vez, un crecimiento económico estable y sostenible es un factor vital para facilitar las inversiones en infraestructuras, reforzar el comercio internacional y reducir la pobreza, como confirman los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de las Naciones Unidas para 2030 y la Financiación para el Desarrollo (Agenda de Acción de Addis Abeba) Nuestra misión concuerda con la Política de Asistencia Internacional Feminista de Canadá. Desde nuestros inicios, hemos capacitado a más de 12.000 supervisores y reguladores de más de 190 jurisdicciones. Toronto Centre cuenta con el apoyo de Global Affairs Canada, el Fondo Monetario Internacional, la Agencia Sueca de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (ASDI), la organización Comic Relief, la organización Jersey Overseas Aid y otros valiosos socios internacionales.

2 Dec 2019

by caribpr