CaribPR Wire

CARIBPR Wire, Castries, Saint Lucia, Dec. 08, 2022: The head of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Unit, Mc Claude Emmanuel, was in the United States of America recently for the 7^th Annual Private Wealth Florida Forum.

The invitation-only event is attended by private wealth and institutional investors, including wealth managers, corporate pensions, public pensions, insurance funds, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, health care organizations and private bankers. The event aims to bring together the investment management community for peer driven thought leadership experiences that provide a platform for education, business development and networking.

Emmanuel was speaking to wealth managers on why Saint Lucia should form part of their basket of offshore investment options.

As one of the youngest citizenship by investment offerings on the market, Saint Lucia certainly competes with the best in terms of what it has to offer investors.

There are currently four main ways investors can gain a coveted Saint Lucia citizenship, with the main one being through the National Economic Fund. This Fund was established to drive foreign direct investment to nation building projects such as increasing and improving infrastructure in country. Through this Fund, highways, bridges, schools and hospitals have been upgraded and built.

For a minimum investment of US$100 000.00 for a single applicant, US investors can become part of the Caribbeans biggest success stories.

“Saint Lucia has a strong economy and our currency, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, is pegged against the United States Dollar – at a rate of US$1.00 being the equivalent of EC$2.70 – and has been so for the last 70 years,” stated Emmanuel.

According to Moody’s Analytics, the island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries. Tourism is Saint Lucia’s main source of jobs and income – accounting for 65 percent of GDP – and the island’s main source of foreign exchange earnings. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area.

In this context, the Eastern Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia has emerged as a new favourite for investors. This is due to its growing economy, stable business environment and tax regime which supports the growth and development of its businesses, investors, and citizens.

“We have a strong tourism product, being rated the number one honeymoon destination in world for the last 10 years. Saint Lucia is also home to major hospitality brands like Hilton and Marriott and our shores attract over one million tourists from the USA, Canada and Europe every year,” added Emmanuel.

Saint Lucia’s colourful heritage is ingrained in the culture of the island and celebrated by locals and visitors alike. With a history spanning hundreds of years and including stories of pirates, colonies, and battles, it’s enough to pique anyone’s interest.

Each part of the island has distinct features to be experienced and enjoyed. The island’s volcanic origin is the reason for its lush vegetation, soothing mud pools and iconic Sulphur Springs.

When asked why Saint Lucia should be favourable to asset managers and applicants, Emmanuel responded that country has a favourable tax regime, stable economy and its policies make it easy for entrepreneurs to do business, not to mention the favourable Caribbean weather conditions.

Saint Lucia is also very well-connected to the rest of the world with international flights to the United States, Canada, and Europe. The low cost of living coupled with the high quality of life makes it the ideal place to live. The Caribbean way of life has a universal appeal that simply cannot be matched.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we had a surge of applications from north Americans who want to be able to work from anywhere – we commonly see people with their laptops on the beach, in hotel lobbies and villas – that’s one of the strong selling points for US citizens looking to invest in Saint Lucia.”

Those looking to get away from the pressures and humdrum of city life will be well suited to invest in the country.

The country also has a favourable tax regime, American investors do not need to pay inheritance tax, worldwide income tax, or capital gains tax – making it an ideal destination for wealth planning.

Looking at which nationalities have favoured getting second citizenship from Saint Lucia, Emmanuel said “In terms of applicants, China continues to be number one and as of 2021, US applicants have taken the second spot – particularly applicants from the states of New York, Philadelphia, Florida and a small number from Las Vegas. In Canada, a lot of applicants come from Toronto.”

Emmanuel also added that the two major reasons for Americans looking to gain second citizenship from Saint Lucia are safety and tax planning.

“Many US citizens are looking for safety. Americans travel extensively and their passport can be seen as a target due to ongoing geopolitical conflict, especially in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe. What they do when travelling to these regions is use our passport and keep their American passport in their back pocket. The second major reason for investing in our citizenship by investment programme is to tap into our favourable tax system, which continues to be a drawcard. Saint Lucia offers a lot of offshore financial solutions.”

This fraud alert and public safety warning is issued in relation to Paulette Kimura-Shimabukuro – a Las Vegas resident cited by victims and witnesses throughout the U.S. and globe for acts of fraud and attempted fraudulent schemes across a range of industry sectors.

Citing numerous business entities associated with Shimabukuro and her known accomplices – including DNA Distro, LLC; DNA Companies INC; and DNA Global Entities, LLC – reported schemes target investors and businesses in real estate investment, PPE trading and COVID-19 vaccine procurement, international commodities trading, and consumer product distribution.

CARIBPR WIRE, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 11, 2022: Following repeated reports from investors, business owners, and organizations across the U.S. and globe – the Lerman Law Firm (Cathy Jackson Lerman, P.A.) has issued a fraud alert and public safety warning regarding numerous allegations of fraud against Paulette Kim Kimura-Shimabukuro.

Members of the public are urged to notify law enforcement when solicited to engage with known business entities connected to Shimabukuro and reported for acts of fraud, specifically, through the entities: DNA Distro, LLC; DNA Companies INC; and DNA Global Entities, LLC.

Paulette Kim Kimura-Shimabukuro is a 58-year-old female currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shimabukuro (a/k/a Paulette Shimabukuro, Paulette Kimura, and Paulette Kim) has a long history of complaints.

Numerous victims and witnesses located throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia accuse Shimabukuro of fraudulent schemes that span several industry sectors over the past decade:

• In a 2010 federal lawsuit (US District Court of Nevada, Case no. 10-cv-01889) – citing breach of contract, breach of personal guarantee, fraudulent misrepresentation, misappropriation, self-dealing, and civil violations of the RICO Act – Shimabukuro is accused by Plaintiffs of conducting a real estate Ponzi Scheme that defrauded investors out of $678,000.
• In a 2011 lawsuit in San Diego, California (CHANNOINE COSMETICS, LLC VS. JAIMEE YOSHIZAWA, INC // Case No. 37-2011-00059853-CU-BC-NC) – Shimabukuro was ordered by the court to pay $365,518 to former business partners for breach of contract.

• Beginning in 2020, numerous victims and witnesses across the globe began reporting Shimabukuro for her role in soliciting, organizing and conducting fraudulent transactions for personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shimabukuro, in the State of Florida, Division of Corporations records, has been reported to be a business partner of notorious South Florida fraudster David Coriaty (AKA David Columbo) through the entities DNA Distro, LLC; DNA Companies INC; and DNA Global Entities, LLC.
• Beginning in 2021, victims and witnesses also cite Shimabukuro and her partner David Coriaty (AKA David Columbo) for targeting businesses within the U.S. and globe and defrauding them out of funds in exchange for fake distribution services of consumer goods.

Victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers with knowledge of fraudulent acts and/or acts of attempted fraud by Paulette Kim Kimura-Shimabukuro – as well as her known associates or affiliated entities – are urged to immediately report all related information to their local law enforcement agency as this is a matter of public health and an ongoing fraudulent scheme.

Victims, witnesses and whistleblowers seeking assistance may contact Florida attorney, Cathy Lerman, Esq., principal of The Lerman Law Firm at 954-332-1143 or via email at [email protected].

ALERTA DE FRAUDE INTERNACIONAL: Paulette Kimura Shimabukuro, residente de Las Vegas, y entidades relacionadas citadas por varios reportes de fraude y esquemas fraudulentos

Esta alerta de fraude y advertencia de seguridad pública se emite en relación con Paulette Kimura-Shimabukuro, residente de Las Vegas citada por víctimas y testigos en todo Estados Unidos y el mundo por actos de fraude e intentos de esquemas fraudulentos en diversos sectores de la industria.

Citando numerosas entidades comerciales asociadas con Shimabukuro y sus cómplices conocidos, incluyendo, DNA Distro, LLC; DNA Companies INC; y DNA Global Entities, LLC, los esquemas reportados tienen como objetivo inversores y empresas en inversiones inmobiliarias, transacciones de equipos de protección personal (EPP) y adquisición de vacunas COVID-19, transacciones internacionales de mercancías y distribución de productos de consumo.

CARIBPR WIRE, FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, July 11, 2022: Después de repetidos reportes de inversores, propietarios de negocios y organizaciones en todo Estados Unidos y el mundo, Lerman Law Firm (Cathy Jackson Lerman, P.A.) emitió una alerta de fraude y advertencia de seguridad pública con respecto a numerosas acusaciones de fraude en contra de Paulette Kim Kimura-Shimabukuro.

Se exhorta a los miembros del público a notificar a las autoridades competentes en caso de que se les solicite participar con entidades comerciales conocidas relacionadas con Shimabukuro y denunciadas por actos de fraude, específicamente, a través de las entidades: DNA Distro, LLC; DNA Companies INC; y DNA Global Entities, LLC.

Paulette Kim Kimura-Shimabukuro es una mujer de 58 años que actualmente reside en Las Vegas, Nevada. Shimabukuro (alias; Paulette Shimabukuro, Paulette Kimura y Paulette Kim) tiene un largo historial de acusaciones.

Numerosas víctimas y testigos localizados en Estados Unidos, Canadá, Sudamérica, Europa, África y Asia acusan a Shimabukuro de planes fraudulentos que abarcan varios sectores de la industria en la última década:

• En una demanda federal de 2010 el (Tribunal de Distrito de Nevada, Caso No. 10-cv-01889) – citando incumplimiento de contrato, incumplimiento de garantía personal, representación engañosa fraudulenta, malversación, autocontratación y violaciones civiles de la Ley RICO – Shimabukuro es acusada por los demandantes de conducir un Esquema Ponzi de bienes raíces que estafó a inversores en $ 678.000.
• En una demanda de 2011 en San Diego, California (CHANNOINE COSMETICS, LLC VS. JAIMEE YOSHIZAWA, INC // Caso No. 37-2011-00059853-CU-BC-NC) – Shimabukuro recibió una orden judicial para pagar $ 365.518 a sus ex socios de negocios por incumplimiento de contrato.
• Comenzando en 2020, numerosas víctimas y testigos en todo el mundo empezaron a denunciar a Shimabukuro por su rol en la solicitud, organización y conducción de transacciones fraudulentas de equipos de protección personal (EPP) durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Shimabukuro, en los registros de la División de Corporaciones del Estado de Florida, fue reportada como socia de negocios del estafador de mala reputación en el Sur de Florida, David Coriaty (alias, David Columbo) a través de las entidades, DNA Distro, LLC; DNA Companies INC; y DNA Global Entities, LLC.
• Comenzando en 2021, las víctimas y testigos también citan a Shimabukuro y su socio David Coriaty (alias, David Columbo) por apuntar a empresas dentro de Estados Unidos y el mundo y estafarlas su capital a cambio de servicios de distribución falsos de bienes de consumo.

Se exhorta a las víctimas, testigos y denunciantes con conocimiento de actos fraudulentos y/o actos de intento de fraude por parte de Paulette Kimura-Shimabukuro, así como de sus asociados conocidos o entidades afiliadas, a reportar de forma inmediata toda información relacionada a las autoridades competentes locales, debido a que se trata de una cuestión de salud pública y un esquema fraudulento continuo.

Las víctimas, testigos y denunciantes que buscan asistencia pueden comunicarse con la abogada de Florida, Cathy Lerman, Esq., directora de The Lerman Law Firm al 954-332-1143 o correo electrónico [email protected].

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Parkland Corporation (”Parkland”, “we”, “our”, or “the Company”) (TSX: PKI) is pleased to announce that through its wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries (collectively, “Parkland USA”), it has entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Urbieta Oil Co. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Urbieta”). This acquisition complements Parkland’s existing Florida commercial business by establishing a large retail and convenience growth platform with high quality real estate in Miami.

“This acquisition advances our growth strategy to increase our convenience retail presence in a region where we have had success with fuel supply and commercial operations,” said Doug Haugh, President of Parkland USA. “Adding the Urbieta stores nearly doubles our U.S. retail business, provides immediate scale in a resilient, fast-growing market, and creates opportunity to meet customers’ needs through our ON the RUN convenience brand”.

Family owned and operated since 1974, Urbieta is a well-established retail, convenience, and fuel distribution business with 2020 annual fuel sales of approximately 465 million litres. Urbieta’s operations are concentrated in the Miami market. The transaction includes 94 retail locations including the real estate purchase of 54 strategic sites.

“In addition to adding an exceptional team, this acquisition provides a springboard for growth in the Southern Florida market with close proximity to our Caribbean business,” added Haugh. “The fragmented U.S. market presents a long runway of consolidation opportunities for Parkland to build scale, and better serve our customers. We will remain disciplined in our appraisal of the opportunities we see in front of us.”

The valuation metrics of this transaction reflect Urbieta’s scale, significant retail weighting and the purchase of strategic real estate. Gross profit from the acquired assets is split approximately 85 percent retail and 15 percent commercial and wholesale operations. 90 percent of the transaction consideration will be funded out of existing credit facility capacity, and the remaining 10 percent with Parkland common shares issued from treasury. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information and statements (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). When used in this news release the words “expect”, “will”, “could”, “would”, “believe”, “continue”, “pursue” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, the successful completion of the acquisition of Urbieta and the timing thereof; expected benefits of the acquisition, increasing retail and convenience presence in the market, Parkland’s ability to add value to the acquired network through its expanded ON the RUN brand, consolidation opportunities for Parkland, the expected gross profit split amongst the segments of the business, and the anticipated funding of the acquisition.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Parkland does not undertake any obligations to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as may be required by securities law. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, failure to complete this acquisition; failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the acquisition, including approval by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice; failure to realize all or any of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition; general economic, market and business conditions; competitive action by other companies; refining and marketing margins; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; actions by governmental authorities and other regulators including but not limited to increases in taxes or restricted access to markets; changes and developments in environmental and other regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Parkland. See also the risks and uncertainties described in “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” included in Parkland’s Annual Information Form dated March 5, 2021, and “Forward-Looking Information” and “Risk Factors” included in the Q3 2021 MD&A dated November 2, 2021 and the Q4 2020 MD&A dated March 4, 2021, each filed on SEDAR and available on the Parkland website at www.parkland.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About Parkland

Parkland is a leading convenience store operator and independent supplier and marketer of fuel and petroleum products. 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.

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MIAMI, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, part of Baptist Health and the region’s largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular facility, has named Joseph T. McGinn, Jr., M.D., chief of Cardiac Surgery. Dr. McGinn specializes in the assessment and surgical treatment of patients with coronary artery, aortic and vascular disease.  A pioneer in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, he developed the minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting method known internationally as the “McGinn Technique.”

Dr. McGinn comes to Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute from Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, part of Atrium HealthCare in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he served as endowed chair of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Prior to that appointment, he was a leading cardiac surgeon in New York City and served as medical director of the Heart Institute at Staten Island University Hospital for 16 years.

“Dr. McGinn is an expert physician and surgeon and an exceptional leader who has demonstrated excellence in patient care, innovation and team building,” said Barry T. Katzen, M.D., founder and chief medical executive of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. “He will complement our team of highly skilled experts, who are committed to achieving the same goals.”

Jack A. Ziffer, Ph.D., M.D., executive vice president and chief clinical officer of Baptist Health South Florida, added, “We are pleased to have Dr. McGinn join Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute in this leadership capacity to continue his groundbreaking work and further advance the Institute’s worldwide leadership position in the delivery of cardiovascular care.”

An accomplished educator, Dr. McGinn has trained hundreds of surgeons from around the world in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgical techniques. His clinical and research efforts have generated hundreds of presentations at scientific symposiums and publications in peer-reviewed medical journals and books. He has been recognized by the American Heart Association for excellence in medicine and received the Samuel L. Koontz Award for Clinical Excellence. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Surgeons and a member of numerous professional societies.

Dr. McGinn earned his medical degree at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency in general surgery at SUNY Downstate, serving as chief resident. He also served as chief resident during a cardiothoracic surgery residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, Surgical Critical Care.

Dr. McGinn enjoys boating with his family and is an avid football fan. He has performed 1,500 MICS CABG cases.

About Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute
Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is the largest and most comprehensive cardiovascular facility in the region. The team of multilingual, multidisciplinary specialists pioneered the development of minimally invasive techniques used to treat aneurysms, blockages in veins and arteries and holes in the heart. The Institute leverages the power of Baptist Health’s combined resources of experts, pioneering research, compassionate caregivers and leading-edge treatments and technology.

Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, more than 23,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Dr. Monty Alexander, CD. (Hollis King Image)

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 6, 2020: Jamaica’s world-renowned, Grammy-nominated international musician, Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, is kicking off his exciting new season of performances this decade in sunny South Florida.

Dr. Alexander, whose new jazz album ‘Wareika Hill RastaMonk Vibrations,’ was number 1 spot on US Jazz and NACC radio weeks after its release as a tribute to his roots, will begin the New Year on January 18, 2020 at Bailey Hall at Broward College, 3501 Davie Road, Building 4, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314.

Show time is 8:00 p.m. Tickets are US$50, $45, $40 and $10 students under 25 with valid I.D. Get tickets here.

Dr. Alexander returns to Bailey Hall by popular demand and will perform along with JJ Shakur and Jason Brown. The Caribbean musical genius says he is excited to return to South Florida, home to many Caribbean immigrants, and looks forward to seeing many in the audience.

Born Montgomery Bernard Alexander on D-Day in Kingston, Jamaica in 1944, the musical virtuoso has five decades of performances and over 70 CDs under his belt.  Alexander began his musical career at age four by playing Christmas carols by ear. He is now most widely known as an upper echelon master of the swinging piano trio function as he has demonstrated with several top-shelf groups, including iconic units with bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, and with the legendary bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis.

Alexander also performs frequently with Harlem-Kingston Express, a double trio in which he coalesces his love for hard-swinging jazz with musical flavors that reflect his Jamaican heritage, shifting between an acoustic trio and master Jamaican practitioners of electric bass and drums.

At 75, the jazz maestro continues to tour the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful messages as he has done on ‘Wareika Hill RastaMonk Vibrations.’

For a sample from Dr. Alexander’s latest album or to hear the backstory, visit  him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performances on Twitter at @montyHKE.