CaribPR Wire

CALGARY, AB, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Parkland Corporation (”Parkland”, “we”, the “Company”, or “our”) (TSX: PKI) today is pleased to announce that financial technology executive Mariame McIntosh Robinson will stand for election to its Board of Directors (the “Board”) at its Annual General Meeting (”AGM”) on March 28, 2024.

“Mariame is an accomplished executive with expertise in key markets that Parkland serves; the Caribbean and the United States,” said Steven Richardson, Chair of the Board. “Mariame’s diverse experience encompasses the digital economy, loyalty, and enterprise risk management and will be invaluable to Parkland as we advance our strategy to deliver long-term value to all our shareholders.”

Ms. McIntosh Robinson’s more than 20-year career in the global financial services industry encompasses several executive leadership roles, including her current position as President, Fintech with Qenta Inc., a global fintech company focused on digitizing assets and transactions. Previously Ms. McIntosh Robinson’s served as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Global Bank Ltd., a commercial bank operating in Jamaica.

Ms. McIntosh Robinson holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University, a Master of Economics from the University of Oxford, and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is also a Jamaica Rhodes Scholar.

With today’s announcement of Ms. McIntosh Robinson’s addition, Parkland has added four highly experienced directors to its Board over the past 14 months. Collaborating with two global search firms, Parkland is adhering to a prudent refreshment of its Board, blending continuity with fresh perspectives to ensure a governance structure that supports Parkland’s long-term objectives.

About Parkland Corporation
Parkland is an international fuel distributor, marketer, and convenience retailer with operations in 26 countries across the Americas. We serve over one million customers each day. Our vast retail network meets the fuel and convenience needs of everyday consumers. Our commercial operations provide businesses with industrial fuels so that they can better serve their customers. 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 renewable fuels sourcing, manufacturing and blending, carbon and renewables trading, solar power, and ultra-fast EV charging. 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.

Our strategy is focused on two pillars: our Customer Advantage and our Supply Advantage. Through our Customer Advantage, we aim to be the first choice of our customers, cultivating their loyalty through proprietary brands, differentiated offers, our extensive network, competitive pricing, reliable service, and our compelling loyalty program. Our Supply Advantage is based on achieving the lowest cost to serve among independent fuel marketers and distributors in the hard-to-serve markets in which we operate, through our well-positioned assets, significant scale, and deep supply and logistics capabilities. Our business is underpinned by our people and our values of safety, integrity, community and respect, which are deeply embedded across our organization.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. December 15, 2023: Renowned Jamaican-born Grammy-nominated jazz legend, Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, O.J, is set to once again infuse the holiday season with his soulful rhythms and positive vibes in New York and Washington, D.C.

Dr. Alexander will return to grace the stage at Birdland Jazz in NYC from December 21st to 25th for twice nightly shows that promise to uplift  the spirits of jazz fans everywhere in what has become an annual performance.

For show times and ticket reservations, visit HERE and at https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/monty-alexander-holiday-show-2/

Nestled at 315 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, Birdland has been an integral part of New York City’s musical heritage since 1949, hosting jazz legends like Tito Puente and showcasing iconic big bands including those led by Chico O’Farrill, Duke Ellington, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Maria Schneider.

To close out the year, Dr. Alexander will again enchant audiences at Blues Alley in Washington D.C., with performances from December 27th to 31st. These twice nightly shows at Blues Alley are once again bound to be unforgettable, and tickets can be secured HERE and at https://www.instantseats.com/?fuseaction=home.venue&artistID=2145&venueID=3 Located at 1073 REAR Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, Blues Alley has held its reputation as the nation’s premier jazz and supper club since 1965.

Dr. Alexander’s holiday repertoire will draw from a rich tapestry of musical experiences with American entertainment luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Quincy Jones. He will also pay homage to jazz giants like Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, and Ray Brown. Moreover, he will hark back to his pioneering role in Jamaican popular music during the late 1950s and his profound friendship with the late Jamaican American icon and freedom fighter, Dr. Harry Belafonte.

Joining Dr. Alexander on stage will be accomplished musicians Luke Sellick on bass and Jason Brown on drums, while the special feature guest for the nights of December 21/22 and 23 in NYC will be the celebrated hand drummer/percussionist extraordinaire, Bobby Thomas, Jr.

These performances follow the completion of his highly anticipated upcoming studio album, ‘D-DAY,’ which features Sellick on bass and Brown on drums.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, Dr. Alexander continues to mesmerize global audiences with his infectious energy and heartfelt messages during his worldwide tours. Currently in production, “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary filmed in Jamaica, the United States, and Europe, directed by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson, promises an insightful glimpse into Dr. Alexander’s artistic journey.

Since his move from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States almost six decades ago, Alexander has remained an iconic figure in American jazz. His captivating energy, boundless melodic creativity, effervescent rhythms, and sophisticated artistry span jazz, blues, gospel, calypso, reggae, and the American songbook.

Boasting an extensive discography of over 75 albums and recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander received the esteemed Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000. In 2022, the Jamaican government honored him with the national distinction of the Order of Jamaica for his outstanding contributions to Jamaican music and his remarkable interpretations of jazz on a global scale. Additionally, he holds an honorary doctorate (DLitt) from the University of The West Indies.

Alexander’s virtuosic piano skills and his unique fusion of jazz with Caribbean musical influences continue to captivate global audiences. His performances are marked by infectious energy, soulful improvisation, and an innate groove. Whether interpreting jazz classics, reimagining popular tunes, or showcasing his own compositions, Alexander’s expressive playing leaves an indelible mark on listeners.

Beyond his musical achievements, Dr. Alexander takes immense pride in representing Jamaican culture on a global stage, infusing the spirit and vibrancy of his homeland into his performances. As a respected figure in the jazz world, his music transcends borders, forging connections among people and leaving an enduring impact on all fortunate enough to witness his extraordinary talent.

For more information, visit his YouTube channel or his official website at https://montyalexander.com/. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or stay updated on his performances through his Twitter handle, @montyHKE.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo for use with this article is available HERE: Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Hollis King Image)

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BPO Veteran Bolsters Leadership Team to Help Drive Growth in the Region

ibex Names Nicola James as Vice President of Operations in Jamaica

Nicola James VP of Operations, ibex Jamaica press release graphic

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 16, 2023: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced that Nicola James has been appointed Vice President, Operations, of ibex in Jamaica.

As a highly accomplished and versatile BPO leader, Nicola brings to ibex Jamaica a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in management and customer service across diverse industries and multiple geographies. With over 18 years in the BPO sector, she has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in driving operational excellence and exceeding client objectives. She will report directly to Tamara Ricketts-Brown, Senior Vice President, Jamaica Country Manager at ibex.

“We are pleased to have Nicola as part of ibex Jamaica,” said Ricketts-Brown. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, fostering a culture of innovation, and adapting quickly to dynamic business environments. Her ability to motivate and inspire teams, leading them to achieve outstanding outcomes will make her a valuable addition to our organization.”

Prior to joining ibex, James was Director of Operations at Itel, and before that, a Senior Account Manager with Sutherland Global Services. Previously, James was an SBU manager at ACS, a Xerox company. James received her tertiary level qualifications from Montego Bay Community College and the University of Technology.

“I am delighted to be part of the ibex team and drive operations as we grow in Jamaica,” said James. “ibex is known for creating an employee experience that in turn enables many of the world’s leading brands to provide the best experience for their customers. I’m excited to take on this new opportunity and aim to deliver excellence in all that I do at ibex.”

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 31 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 HERE

ibex nombra a Nicola James vicepresidenta de operaciones en Jamaica

Líder experimentada de BPO fortalece el equipo de liderazgo para ayudar a impulsar el crecimiento en la región

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 16, 2023:  – ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), un proveedor líder mundial de outsourcing de procesos empresariales (BPO) y soluciones de tecnología de participación del cliente, anunció hoy que Nicola James fue nombrada vicepresidenta de operaciones de ibex en Jamaica.

Como líder de BPO altamente competente y versátil, Nicola trae a ibex Jamaica una trayectoria comprobada en obtener resultados excepcionales en gestión y servicio al cliente en diversos sectores y varias regiones geográficas. Con más de 18 años en el sector de BPO, Nicola acumuló una vasta experiencia y conocimientos para impulsar la excelencia operativa y superar los objetivos del cliente. Se reportará directamente a Tamara Ricketts-Brown, vicepresidenta sénior, gerente de país de Jamaica en ibex.

“Nos complace tener a Nicola como parte de ibex Jamaica”, dijo Ricketts-Brown. “Durante su carrera, demostró un fuerte compromiso con el liderazgo, fomentando una cultura de innovación y adaptándose rápidamente a entornos empresariales dinámicos. Su capacidad para motivar e inspirar a los equipos, llevándolos a lograr resultados sobresalientes, la convertirá en una valiosa adición para nuestra organización”.

Anteriormente de unirse a ibex, Nicola fue directora de operaciones en Itel y, antes de eso, gerente sénior de cuentas en Sutherland Global Services. Anteriormente, Nicola fue gerente de SBU en ACS, una empresa de Xerox. Nicola obtuvo sus calificaciones de nivel terciario de Montego Bay Community College y University of Technology.

“Estoy muy contenga de ser parte del equipo de ibex e impulsar las operaciones mientras crecemos en Jamaica”, dijo Nicola James. “ibex es conocida por crear una experiencia para los empleados que a su vez permite a muchas de las marcas líderes mundiales ofrecer la mejor experiencia a sus clientes. Estoy muy entusiasmada de emprender esta nueva oportunidad y aspiro ofrecer excelencia en todo lo que hago en ibex”.

Acerca de ibex
ibex ofrece servicios de outsourcing de procesos empresariales (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 en 31 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 conéctese con nosotros en LinkedIn.

Una foto asociada con este comunicado de prensa está disponible en https://bit.ly/3s4U3sf

Dynamic Leader Brings 20+ Years of Operations Experience to Award-Winning BPO

ibex Appoints Tamara Ricketts-Brown Jamaica Country Manager

Tamara Ricketts-Brown Jamaica Country Manager press release graphic

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 28, 2023: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer engagement technology solutions, today announced that Tamara Ricketts-Brown has been appointed Senior Vice President and Country Manager of ibex in Jamaica.

With more than 20 years of experience serving the Retail, Travel, Finance, and Insurance verticals and leading multiple departments, including HR, Recruiting, Facilities, Security, and Employee Engagement, Ricketts-Brown will lead ibex’s operations in Jamaica and report to David Wilkerson, EVP of Operations at ibex.

“We are delighted to welcome Tamara to the growing ibex family,” said David Afdahl, Chief Operations Officer at ibex. “A dynamic operations leader with deep CX experience and a proven track record of success in managing and developing large teams, Tamara is the ideal person to drive our continued growth and success in Jamaica.”

Prior to joining ibex, Tamara was with Sutherland Global Services for five years. Previously, she spent more than 13 years at Xerox in multiple senior-level roles, including Division Vice President. Tamara holds an MBA from the University of Sunderland.

“I am excited to join ibex and lead the company’s fast-growing operations in Jamaica,” said Ricketts-Brown. “ibex brings together the best talent, training, culture, and technology in Jamaica to deliver amazing customer experiences for many of the world’s leading brands. I look forward to applying my skills, expertise, and passion to build on ibex’s tremendous success by developing and implementing initiatives that create an even better experience for our employees and greater value for our clients.”

Since opening its first site in Jamaica in 2016, ibex has been recognized for its culture, employee experience and development, and service, having been selected as Best Place to Work for Women in Central America and the Caribbean by Great Place to Work, Nearshore Company of the Year by Nearshore Americas, and Central America and Caribbean Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan.

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, healthtech, 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/40f206fa-e9f1-4481-8151-f857c91697af

ibex nombra a Tamara Ricketts-Brown gerente de país en Jamaica

Líder dinámica aporta más de 20 años de experiencia en operaciones al galardonado BPO

ibex nombra a Tamara Ricketts-Brown, gerente de país en Jamaica

Comunicado de prensa gráfico de Tamara Ricketts-Brown, gerente de país en Jamaica

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 28, 2023: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), un proveedor líder mundial de outsourcing de procesos empresariales (BPO) y soluciones de tecnología de participación del cliente, anunció hoy que Tamara Ricketts-Brown fue nombrada vicepresidenta sénior y gerente de ibex en Jamaica.

Con más de 20 años de experiencia sirviendo a los sectores minorista, viajes, finanzas y seguros y liderando varios departamentos, incluyendo recursos humanos, reclutamiento, instalaciones, seguridad y participación de los empleados, Ricketts-Brown liderará las operaciones de ibex en Jamaica y se reportará a David Wilkerson, vicepresidente ejecutivo de operaciones de ibex.

“Estamos muy contentos de dar la bienvenida a Tamara a la cada vez más extensa familia ibex”, dijo David Afdahl, director de operaciones de ibex. “Una líder dinámica en operaciones con una profunda experiencia en CX (experiencia del cliente) y una trayectoria comprobada de éxito en gestión y desarrollo de grandes equipos, Tamara es la persona ideal para impulsar nuestro crecimiento y éxito continuos en Jamaica”.

Antes de unirse a ibex, Tamara trabajó en Sutherland Global Services durante cinco años. Anteriormente, permaneció más de 13 años en Xerox en varios roles de nivel ejecutivo, como vicepresidenta de división. Tamara cuenta con un MBA de University of Sunderland.

“Estoy muy emocionada de unirme a ibex y liderar las operaciones de rápido crecimiento de la empresa en Jamaica”, dijo Ricketts-Brown. “ibex reúne el mejor talento, capacitación, cultura y tecnología en Jamaica para ofrecer experiencias increíbles al cliente para muchas de las marcas líderes mundiales. Espero aplicar mis conocimientos, experiencia y pasión para continuar el extraordinario éxito de ibex con el desarrollo e implementación de iniciativas que crean una experiencia aún mejor para nuestros empleados y un mayor valor para nuestros clientes”.

Desde la apertura de su primer sitio en Jamaica en 2016, ibex fue reconocida por su cultura, experiencia, desarrollo del empleado y servicios y fue seleccionada como el Mejor lugar para trabajar para la mujer en Centroamérica y el Caribe por Great Place to Work, Empresa Nearshore del año por Nearshore Americas y Empresa del año en Centroamérica y el Caribe por Frost & Sullivan.

Acerca de ibex
ibex ofrece outsourcing de procesos empresariales (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, tecnología de salud, 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.

na foto asociada con este comunicado de prensa está disponible en https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/40f206fa-e9f1-4481-8151-f857c91697af/spa

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. June 7, 2022: One of the Caribbean’s premier artiste, Jamaican-born, Grammy-nominated international musician, Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, will mark National Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., this weekend with his 51^st annual performance at the famed Blues Alley Jazz Club.

Fresh from captivating audiences in France and Japan, Alexander returns to his loyal fan base in Washington, D.C. for a series of thrilling contemporary jazz performances at the iconic Blues Alley. The shows will kick off on Friday, June 9th and continue through Sunday, June 11th, with two shows per night at 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Blues Alley, founded in 1965, is a jazz nightclub in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Musicians who have performed at Blues Alley include Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, John Abercrombie, Tony Bennett, Taj Mahal, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Sarah Vaughan, Grover Washington Jr., Mary Wilson, Nancy Wilson and dozens more.

Dr. Alexander, whose jazz album ‘Love Notes,’ was released last year as his first recording featuring his vocals, will not only mesmerize the audience but also celebrate his recent Order of Jamaica award from the Jamaican government, recognizing his significant contributions to Caribbean American and Jamaican music.

The showtimes for the Blues Alley performances are scheduled at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST, respectively, from June 9th to June 11th. Tickets priced at US$42 can be reserved now by selecting the desired date and time on the Blues Alley website at https://www.bluesalley.com/events.

Reflecting on the upcoming performances, Dr. Alexander, the Caribbean musical genius, shared: “At this special time my desire is to also pay musical tribute to a man with whom I enjoyed a wonderful friendship, fellow Jamaican, Harry Belafonte.” He also expressed his excitement to bring his timeless jazz artistry to the stage once again in the nation’s capital.

After almost six decades since his move from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States, Alexander remains an iconic figure in American jazz, delighting audiences worldwide with his vibrant personality and soulful message. Renowned for his endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, and sophisticated voicings, his performances encompass a repertoire that spans jazz, blues, gospel, calypso, reggae, and the American songbook.

With over 75 recorded albums and being recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Monty Alexander received the Jamaican government’s esteemed Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000 and the national honor of the Order of Jamaica in 2022 for his exceptional contributions to Jamaican music and his global interpretations of the jazz genre. Furthermore, he was bestowed with an honorary doctorate (DLitt) from the University of The West Indies.

Monty Alexander’s virtuosic piano skills and unique blend of jazz and Caribbean musical influences continue to captivate global audiences. His performances are characterized by infectious energy, soulful improvisation, and an innate sense of groove. Whether interpreting jazz standards, reimagining popular tunes, or showcasing his own compositions, Alexander’s expressive playing leaves an indelible mark on listeners.

In addition to his musical achievements, Monty Alexander proudly represents Jamaican culture worldwide, incorporating the spirit and vibrancy of his homeland into his performances. As an esteemed figure in the jazz world, his music transcends borders and connects people, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the pleasure of experiencing his remarkable talent.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, the jazz maestro continues to tour the world, delighting audiences with his vibrant personality and soulful messages. His latest project, “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary showcasing his life and music, is currently in production in Jamaica, the U.S., and Europe, directed by Academy Award© winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson.

For more, 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.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please see pic for use with this article here:

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Hollis King Image)

MEDIA CONTACT:

Felicia J. Persaud

Hard Beat Communications

718-476-3616

[email protected]

CaribPR Wire, DENVER, March 20, 2019: Starbuds, one of the world’s largest cannabis retailers, is pleased to announce its expansion into Jamaica. With plans to open in late Spring of 2019, Starbuds will become one of only 4 dispensaries to open its doors in the Jamaican capital of Kingston.

Through this licensing agreement, Starbuds will partner with Jamaican native Jonathan Harris to bring its exceptional customer service, industry knowledge and cannabis education to what is often thought of as the mecca of cannabis.

“Jamaica has a reputation as the birthplace of cannabis. It only makes sense that the market will continue to expand through International partnerships with more established companies and Starbuds is proud to be among the first.” says Brian Ruden, founder of Starbuds. “Through our unique owner-operator model, we have been able to provide an unprecedented level of customer service and industry know how while catering to the local demographic of each individual location. We strive to continue this model in Jamaica by pairing our history of experience in the industry with Jonathan’s connection to the community and the island’s affinity for the plant.”

“In Jamaica, I’ve always been surrounded by cannabis,” says Jonathan Harris, Starbuds Jamaica owner operator.  “It wasn’t until I started understanding the medicinal benefits of the plant and what cannabis can actually do, that I fell in love with it. I wanted to share the knowledge with my home country.”

Starbuds Kingston represents Starbuds’ first of many International ventures. Following the opening of Starbuds Kingston, Starbuds and Harris plan to partner on a second licensing agreement, to bring an additional Starbuds location to the Northern Coast of the island.

About Starbuds

Starbuds is changing the way people think about cannabis. Founded in 2013, Starbuds was among the first retail outlets to receive licensing when Colorado legalized recreational cannabis. Starbuds intends to establish its footprint as one of the largest internationally-operating cannabis retail companies.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This communication contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and forecasts, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of Starbuds’ management, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict.  Many factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated, including: risks and uncertainties discussed in this communication. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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Grammy Nominated Legendary Jamaican Jazz Great Monty Alexander.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Jan. 10, 2017: Grammy-nominated, award-winning Jamaican jazz pianist and band leader, Monty Alexander, will begin the New Year in fine style as he returns to the Jazz Standard, one of NYC’s renowned jazz clubs, from Jan. 31st to Feb. 4, 2017 for ten shows under the theme: “Looking Back.”

Alexander kicks off a five-night series of shows on January 31^st by looking back on his career of pure jazz performances as he remembers and revisits his musical journey in jazz and jazz collaborations with some of the greatest giants of the genre between 1959 and 1977.

On Jan. 31^st and Feb. 1^st, Alexander, along with special guests Warren Wolf, (vibraphone), and Ron Blake, (tenor sax), will reprise songs from the Impulse! LP: ‘That’s The Way It Is,’ an outstanding album by the Milt Jackson Quintet – featuring Alexander, Ray Brown and Teddy Edwards that was recorded live in 1969 at Shelly Manne’s Manne–Hole in Los Angeles.

On Feb. 2, 2017, the jazz maestro, whose “right-hand lines ring out with the power of a great vocalist” according to NPR, will remember legends Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson and Norman Granz and Jazz at the Philharmonic/Montreux 1977.

The show wraps up on Friday, Feb. 3^rd and Saturday, Feb. 4^th with a special Jamaican fusion spotlight as Alexander, Jamaica’s Commander of Distinction, and his band, the Harlem-Kingston Express, bring the vibes of his beloved homeland to their fans, while remembering Clement Seymour “Sir Coxsone” Dodd, CD and Studio One, one of Jamaica’s most influential record producer whose record label and recording studio has been described as the ‘Motown of Jamaica.’

Show times are 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. nightly. Caribbean and other jazz fans who call New York City home can secure their tickets for the shows here or by logging on to the Jazz Standard website. Tickets are $35 for per show from Jan. 31^st to Feb. 2^nd and $40 per show from Feb. 3^rd – 4th.

For over a decade, the Jazz Standard, at 116 E 27th St, New York, NY, has been setting the standard for world-class jazz, warm hospitality, pitch-perfect sound and award-winning Southern cuisine and barbecue in an intimate and comfortable environment.

Alexander is an American classic. His performances have been called pure magic by many journalists and jazz fans around the world and his sets are undoubtedly “a refined concept of groove.” This extraordinary musician continues to tour the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. His energetic pieces, documented on more than 70 CDs, draws upon the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition “to build up the heat and kick up a storm,” as Alexander puts it.

In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expression – the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Like his “eternal inspiration” – Erroll Garner -  Alexander is cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing) and mentioned in Robert Doerschuk’s ‘88: The Giants of Jazz Piano.’

Alexander’s voluminous discography includes albums for many labels including MPS, Concord Music, Island Jazz, Telarc and Studio One. Two of his most fondly remembered professional associations was with legendary jazz entrepreneur and producer Norman Granz, who conceived of Jazz at the Philharmonic back in the late 40’s/50’s and “Sir Coxsone Dodd.” The pianist recorded “Monty and the Cyclones” between 1959-1961 for Studio One and released three LPs on Granz’s Pablo label in the 70’s – Jamento (1978), In Tokyo (1979), and Soul Fusion (1978) by Milt Jackson & The Monty Alexander Trio.

For more on Monty Alexander and his music visit him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performance on Twitter at @montyHKE.

Media Contact:

Felicia Persaud

Hard Beat Communications

718-476-3616

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TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In February 2017, a new and exclusive au-naturel all-suite experience for adults over the age of 21 will open on the beautiful shores of Negril, Jamaica.  Grand Lido Negril, a luxury boutique resort, will offer 26 premium suites with butler service and other exclusive amenities in addition to full-use of the facilities and services of the neighboring Royalton Negril and Hideaway at Royalton Negril.

“We’re delighted to offer a top-of-the-line luxurious clothing-optional vacation experience for adults,” said Jordi Pelfort, Managing Director of Blue Diamond Resorts. “We’re confident that fans of this legendary naturist beach brand will be impressed with the modern and stylish resort experience we’ve created.”

All 26 of the elegantly-styled suites at Grand Lido Negril include premium butler service, 24 hour room service, and amenities that include: dual-headed rain showers, a fully stocked mini-bar replenished daily, free high-speed Wi-Fi resort wide, in-room Bluetooth speakers, USB recharge stations, free calls to North America and most of Europe, and satellite television with specialty channels.  Guests will also have exclusive use of a secluded au-naturel pool and the Reggae Bar and Grill, in addition to preferred access to all services and facilities at neighboring Royalton Negril or the adults-only Hideaway at Royalton Negril.

“Guests who love au naturel vacation experiences don’t have to forego their preference for an elegant first-class resort,” said Enrico Pezzoli, General Manager, Jamaica. ”It’s a new offering for us in Jamaica, a unique experience fusing luxury accommodations and lavish amenities.”

For more information on Grand Lido Negril visit www.GrandLidoResorts.com or contact your travel agent.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Since inception in 2011, Blue Diamond Resorts has risen to become the Caribbean’s fastest growing resort company of 33 properties exceeding 13,500 rooms in seven countries. Taking an innovative approach to differentiating brands under each market’s demands, Blue Diamond Resorts’ ever-growing portfolio is more impressive than ever.  Award winning All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts offer signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, modern Sports Event Guarantee™, and in-suite wellness elements such as the exclusive handcrafted DreamBed™.   Royalton Luxury Resorts’ adults-only sub-brands include Hideaway at Royalton, an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations with access to the services and facilities at a nearby Royalton Luxury Resort, plus the stylish All Exclusive™ CHIC by Royalton,  a social vacation experience with luxury amenities around-the-clock. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril has been revived to provide those over 18 an upscale and elegant naturist vacation along an exclusive shore for the ultimate in privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa is an experience designed to impress the entire family featuring on-site splash parks, a popular kids club with famous themed characters Toopy & Binoo™, and an innovative teen’s lounge. Adult’s only concepts from Memories Resorts include, Sanctuary an 18+ section of Grand Memories Memories Caribe, a beachfront paradise in Cayo Coco.   Starfish Resorts are solely found in Cuba and offer amazing value for customers with convenient locations, comfortable accommodations.

Legendary Piano Master And Jamaica's Commander Of Distinction, Monty Alexander

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 14, 2016: Grammy-nominated, Jamaican jazz pianist and band leader, Monty Alexander, is coming to the legendary Chicago Jazz Showcase later this month.

Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express band, whose blend of music combines jazz seamlessly with the reggae genre of his homeland, will play the Chicago Jazz Showcase from November 24-27, 2016. Show times are 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. nightly.

The Jazz Showcase is the oldest historic jazz club in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1947 by Joe Segal and is now owned and operated by Wayne Segal, Joe Segal’s son.

Caribbean and other jazz fans who call Chicago home can see the award-winning Jamaican musician and his band by securing their tickets for the shows here or by logging on to the Chicago Jazz Showcase website. Tickets are $45 and $25, respectively, per show.

Alexander is an American classic. His performances have been called pure magic by many journalists and jazz fans around the world, and his sets are undoubtedly “a refined concept of groove.” This extraordinary musician continues to tour the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. His energetic pieces, documented on more than 70 CDs, draws upon the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition “to build up the heat and kick up a storm,” as Alexander puts it.

In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expression – the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Like his “eternal inspiration” – Erroll Garner -  Alexander is cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing) and mentioned in Robert Doerschuk’s ‘88: The Giants of Jazz Piano.’

For more on the Monty Alexander and his music visit him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performance on Twitter at @montyHKE.