“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.

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)

]]> https://caribpr.com/jamaican-jazz-icon-dr-monty-alexander-to-spread-holiday-cheer-with-nyc-and-d-c-performances/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/ibex-names-nicola-james-as-vice-president-of-operations-in-jamaica/ https://caribpr.com/ibex-names-nicola-james-as-vice-president-of-operations-in-jamaica/#comments Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:26:33 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15372 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

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

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

felicia@caribpr.com

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.

]]> https://caribpr.com/starbuds-one-of-the-world%e2%80%99s-largest-cannabis-retailers-continues-international-growth-with-expansion-into-jamaica/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/grammy-nominated-legendary-jamaican-jazz-great-monty-alexander-returns-to-nyc%e2%80%99s-jazz-standard/ https://caribpr.com/grammy-nominated-legendary-jamaican-jazz-great-monty-alexander-returns-to-nyc%e2%80%99s-jazz-standard/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2017 04:00:23 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=12962

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

felicia@caribpr.com

“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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Caricel, Jamaica’s only superfast LTE broadband network is pleased to announce its partnership with the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), an international non-profit organization focused on addressing systemic cyber risks through delivery of concrete, measurable solutions.

Risks to consumers – government, businesses and individuals – are on the rise. Threats such as phishing, malware, spyware and other threats continue to be of high concern. As part of its ongoing commitment to be the best telecommunications provider in Jamaica, Caricel is working to reduce risk to its customers.

“Our partnership with the Global Cyber Alliance is part of our commitment to provide our customers with the best internet experience in the country and create a positive impact on our community. Caricel seeks to provide quality service with the added peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to protect our customer from harm,” said Lowell Lawrence, Director and CEO of Caricel.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Caricel as a Global Cyber Alliance partner.  GCA applauds Caricel’s efforts to provide a more secure Internet experience for the citizens and businesses of Jamaica,” said Philip Reitinger, President and CEO of GCA. ”We look forward to working with Caricel and our other partners to enhance wireless security in the Caribbean, using GCA’s projects to help protect Caricel’s customers and Caricel’s capabilities and contributions to make the Internet safer for everyone.”

Caricel is a Jamaican owned telecommunications company providing mobile data services to businesses and residential customers in Jamaica. The company is among the first to provide 4G LTE service in Jamaica with mobile solutions and internet service on the go. Caricel has the distinction of being the only “Jamaican owned, facilities based telecommunications company” to survive the liberalization process since 2003 and enter the mobile telecommunications market.

The Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) is an international, cross-sector effort dedicated to confronting cyber risk and improving our connected world. It is a catalyst to bring communities of interest and affiliations together in an environment that sparks innovation with concrete, measureable achievements. While most efforts at addressing cyber risk have been industry, sector, or geographically specific, GCA partners across borders and sectors. GCA’s mantra “Do Something. Measure It.” is a direct reflection of its mission to eradicate systemic cyber risks. GCA, a 501(c)3, was founded in September 2015 by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the City of London Police and the Center for Internet Security. Learn more at www.globalcyberalliance.org. ]]> https://caribpr.com/caricel-joins-global-cyber-alliance/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/new-enterprise-national-and-alamo-car-rental-locations-now-operating-in-jamaica/ https://caribpr.com/new-enterprise-national-and-alamo-car-rental-locations-now-operating-in-jamaica/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2016 18:53:13 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=12938

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Enterprise Holdings Inc., the world’s largest car rental company, has opened two locations in Jamaica with its franchise partner, ATL Automotive, an affiliate of the family-operated Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Group.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161207/446603

Enterprise Holdings’ three brands – Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car – are now available at the Sangster International Airport as well as at a centrally-located neighborhood location on Queens Drive, Montego Bay. Customers are able to choose from a wide variety of vehicles, whether they are visiting Jamaica for business or vacationing with friends and family.

“Our franchise partnership with ATL Automotive reflects Enterprise’s vision to build an international car rental network that leads the way in providing a consistently superior customer experience,” said Peter A. Smith, Vice President of Global Franchising at Enterprise Holdings. “We look forward to continuing to grow in Jamaica with a partner whose values so closely align with our own.”

ATL Automotive was founded in 1997 and quickly rose to become Jamaica’s leading car dealer, offering some of the world’s top car brands. As a market leader in Caribbean tourism, SRI operates Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Island Routes Caribbean Adventures. SRI also operates the Sandals Foundation, which supports a wide range of Caribbean causes, with particular focus on community, education and the environment.

“We have hand-picked a seasoned team to provide Jamaica’s leisure and corporate customers with the highest level of service, in addition to Jamaica’s only all-new 2017 model lineup,” said Adam Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of SRI and the ATL Group.

“Opening our Montego Bay locations is an exciting milestone, but it’s just the beginning and we’re expecting to open our Kingston facilities in March 2017,” Stewart noted. “We’re deeply committed to the success of the Jamaican tourism industry and are working closely with our affiliate, Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, to present a full destination Jamaica offering that will encourage more and more visitors to explore this beautiful country.”

Travel Industry Leadership

Enterprise Holdings’ successful global expansion has helped position it near the top of the global travel industry overall, with the company’s annual revenues exceeding those generated by many airlines and most cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and online travel agencies.

As a result, Enterprise Holdings has also teamed up with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) as a category sponsor of the 2017 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The annual WTTC awards are among the highest accolades in the global travel industry and represent the gold standard in sustainable tourism.

For years, Enterprise’s footprint outside of North America was limited to several major markets in Western Europe, until the company’s 2007 acquisition of the National and Alamo brands, which included franchise markets in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2012, Enterprise Holdings acquired car rental operations in France and Spain, and made an investment in a leading car rental business in China. Later that same year, the company also announced it was franchising, for the first time in its history, its flagship Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand. The company then launched an aggressive globalization initiative and international franchising campaign.

Along the way, Enterprise Holdings has exported to its international franchisees the power of its renowned Service Quality index (SQi) – a measurement program through which hundreds of thousands of customers each month rate the service they have received. Each location earns a score based on the percentage of customers who say they are “completely satisfied” with their last rental experience.

Once franchises are established, they are evaluated via SQi, ensuring that customers receive a consistently excellent car rental experience, no matter where their travels take them. Enterprise rolled out the SQi measurement program to its European franchise partners in October 2015. The widespread adoption of SQi allows every country to benchmark its service against a companywide, global standard.

Today, the Enterprise, National and Alamo brands operate in more than 85 countries, including 29 in Latin America. Last summer, Enterprise Holdings hosted representatives for a global summit, where franchise partners came together to share best practices and learn more about the Enterprise way.

For more information about Enterprise Holdings, visit www.enterpriseholdings.com.

About Enterprise Holdings
Enterprise Holdings and its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management together offer a total transportation solution, including extensive car rental and car-sharing services, truck rental, corporate fleet management and retail car sales. Enterprise Fleet Management provides full-service fleet management to companies, government agencies and organizations operating medium-sized fleets of 20 or more vehicles, as well as those seeking an alternative to employee reimbursement programs. Other transportation services marketed under the Enterprise brand name include Enterprise CarShare, Enterprise Rideshare, Enterprise Car Sales, Enterprise Truck Rental, Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise, Zimride by Enterprise and Enterprise Flex-E-Rent.

In total, the annual revenues of Enterprise Holdings and Enterprise Fleet Management rank near the top of the travel industry, ahead of many airlines and most cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and online travel agencies. Enterprise Holdings currently is ranked as one of America’s Largest Private Companies. In addition, among all North American car rental companies, it has the lowest leverage ratio and is the only one with an investment-grade rating. Furthermore, if it were publicly traded, Enterprise Holdings would rank on Fortune’s list of the 500 largest American public companies.

About ATL Automotive
ATL Automotive was formed in 1997 and has served Jamaica for almost two decades, setting the benchmark for automobile sales and service in the island. ATL Automotive now encompasses several divisions exclusively distributing the world’s finest automobile brands, from state-of-the-art showrooms and service facilities in Kingston and Montego Bay, strengthening its undisputed position as the country’s foremost automotive group and changing the face of motoring in Jamaica forever.

About Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury-Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 15 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados and Grenada, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest suites for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the English Guild of Professional Butlers; Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and WeddingMoons®, for dream destination weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit www.sandals.com.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130730/MM55552LOGO-a ]]> https://caribpr.com/new-enterprise-national-and-alamo-car-rental-locations-now-operating-in-jamaica/feed/ 0