CaribPR Wire

ATLANTA, Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Platinum selling Jamaican recording artist Jack Radics will take his Watershed Tour to South Florida for four performances only next month, on January 20, 21, 22 and 23,  2017.

The tour will kick off on Friday January 20 at Da Real Ting Café in Jacksonville, Saturday January 21 at the Ginger Bay Café in Hollywood before moving on to the Wynwood Yard Cultural Center in Miami Dade County on Sunday January 22. It will conclude on Monday January 23 at Boston’s on The Beach in Delray Beach.

The Tour will continue up the East Coast of the United States

Thursday February 9 at Club Euphoria in Richmond, VA , Friday February 10 at Milk River Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, Saturday February 11 at Off Key Tikki in Patchogue, NY, Sunday February 12 at The Shrine Music World in NY, NY and Thursday February 16 at  The Island Club in Athens, GA

The Watershed Tour is to promote the star’s latest album, The Watershed, which was released last month and which has already spawned its first hit single, Love Is.

The single has already landed in the Top 25 on the DRT ( Digital Radio Tracking) Independent Chart, within weeks of its release.

The Watershed Tour dates will mark Radics’ first live performances in Florida in nearly thirty years. Joining him on tour is the renowned Blak Diamond Band as well as acclaimed Jamaican solo artist Rica Newell, who has performed with many members of the world famous  Marley family for several years.

The Watershed album and the single Love Is have come in for high praise from critics and audiences across the United States and Europe, with many citing the album as Radics’ finest achievement to date in a career that has spanned nearly three decades.

At the Atlanta launch of the album held in November,  Guest of  Honor  Jewel Scott, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Georgia , heralded Radics as a “National treasure- one of Jamaica’s finest sons and one of our most distinguished cultural ambassadors, who has always created  music he can be proud of.”

Additional dates on The Watershed Tour will be released shortly.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/457575/Sound_Faculty_Jack_Radics_Live.jpg

Partnership Brings All Three Rental Brands to New Market

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ – Enterprise Holdings today announced that Jamaica’s leading automotive company, ATL Automotive – an affiliate of the family-operated Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Group – will serve as the franchisee for its Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands in Jamaica.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160729/394328

The agreement will bring all three Enterprise Holdings brands to tri-branded facilities throughout the island starting in late 2016. Locating all three brands in one facility will offer customers easy access to a wide range of rental options.

“Jamaica is an important market for our customers. These new locations enable us to serve both our leisure and corporate customers at one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean,” said Peter A. Smith, vice president of global franchising at Enterprise Holdings, the largest car rental company in the world.

“Culturally and operationally, ATL Automotive is a great match for us, given their strong growth profile, focus on customer service and dedication to philanthropy throughout the region,” Smith noted.

ATL Automotive was founded in 1997 and quickly rose to become Jamaica’s leading car dealer with some of the world’s top car brands.  SRI is the market leader in Caribbean tourism and operator of 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.

“As the franchisee bringing together the Enterprise, National and Alamo brands in Jamaica for the first time ever, we look forward to a successful partnership with Enterprise Holdings, and to bringing these brands to new customers in new locations as we grow throughout country,” said Adam Stewart, chief executive officer and deputy chairman of SRI and the ATL Group.

“Since our inception, our focus has always been to provide customers with the best experience possible – whether it’s at one of our resorts on the nine islands in which we operate or at one of our state-of-the-art automotive sales and service centers,” Stewart stated. “This matches well with Enterprise’s industry-leading legacy of customer service.”

Enterprise Holdings’ long-term expansion strategy is focused on building a global network that delivers value, choice and outstanding customer service to business and leisure travelers. Today, the company operates in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide.

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

About Enterprise Holdings

Enterprise Holdings – through its integrated global network of regional subsidiaries and independent franchises – operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands. The company 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. Combined, these businesses accounted for $19.4 billion in revenue, employed more than 93,000 and owned 1.7 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal year 2015.

Enterprise Holdings currently is ranked as one of America’s Largest Private Companies. Furthermore, if it were publicly traded, Enterprise Holdings would rank on Fortune’s list of the 500 largest American public companies. In addition, Enterprise Holdings not only accounts for the largest airport market share in the U.S., but its domestic rental fleet also is one of the newest in the industry. The company’s affiliate, Enterprise Fleet Management, provides full-service fleet management to companies and organizations with medium-sized fleets. 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.

This press release and car rental industry news are available in the Enterprise Holdings Press Room.

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 with 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-h

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160729/394329LOGO

- Clinical trials with over 3,000 treated patients demonstrate its efficacy.

- Studies demonstrated that at least two thirds of the patients obtained 75% improvement of Psoriasis Activity Severity Index.

- This treatment significantly improves the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

PANAMA CITY, Dec. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects around 140 million people worldwide.  It’s more frequent between the ages of 15 and 25, but may develop at any age and highly impacts the quality of life.

Several types of psoriasis exist, which range from mild to severe and disabling. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form and is known for producing inflammation and scaly patches of thickened skin called “plaques”. It is caused due to a problem in the immunologic system, where white blood cells that normally become activated to fight infections, are in this case activated against the healthy skin cells.  The cause of the disease is unknown. The immunologic system is activated and produces inflammatory mediators which are responsible for the skin lesions.

During this process, white blood cells release chemical products called “cytokines”, which produce inflammation, reddening of the skin and make the cutaneous cells move from deeper skin layer to surface at a higher speed than normal, (almost 5 times). These cells accumulate and generate the scaly patches. Psoriatic lesions show the aspect of scales, sometimes with a white silver color, while the skin below is red and if scratched it can bleed. Two specific cytokines are increased in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and produce the inflammatory process of the disease (Interleukin 12 and Interleukin 23).

Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that represents the first of a new class of psoriasis therapies that specifically and selectively targets IL-12/IL-23.

Ustekinumab is now available in the Caribbean, specifically in Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Curacao and Jamaica.^[i] Ustekinumab is commercialized under the brand Stelara™.

This therapeutic alternative is the latest generation of psoriasis treatment. With over 3,000 treated patients (in clinical trials) up to 5 years of treatment. The data obtained proves that the treatment is well tolerated and safe.

Clinical trials demonstrated that at least two thirds of the patients obtained a 75% improvement of the psoriasis, in accordance with the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index (PASI 75), after only two doses of Ustekinumab. This innovative treatment has a very convenient dosage regimen when compared with other biological therapies for psoriasis. After 5 years, approximately 80% of the patients treated with Ustekinumab maintain response.

Until recent years, psoriasis was considered a disease limited to the skin. Recent evidence, from important population studies in psoriatic patients, has demonstrated an increase in mortality and a decrease in life expectancy between 3 to 4 years in patients with psoriasis.

On the other hand, the impact of psoriasis notably influences the quality of life, and this is reflected in the increase of different social and psychoactive pathologies, and in the acquisition of unhealthy habits like tobacco and alcohol, favored by low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and the isolation which patients feel subjected to.^[ii]

“Ustekinumab significantly improves the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, as well as their physical and mental functions. After 12 weeks of treatment, patients treated with Ustekinumab present a significant improvement in their mental well-being and their physical condition”, affirmed Dr. Eduardo Franco; Janssen’s Medical Director for Central America and the Caribbean.

The itching and pain, the plaques in their hands and feet may hinder the performance of certain tasks or participation in some activities. Overtime, about 40% of psoriatic patients develop arthritis. “The most severe cases of psoriasis may even generate immobility of the patient. Some patients compare the reduction of their physical activities to the ones generated by other diseases as cancer or heart diseases”, pointed out Dr. Jose Antonio Herrera, Immunology Medical Manager for Janssen.

About Janssen

Janssen is a Company dedicated to the research of providing innovative products that help protect and improve the life of people, and face and solve the most important and unresolved medical needs of our times, in the areas of oncology, immunology, neurosciences and infectious, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Across the different companies of the Johnson & Johnson group, our people are united in the passionate pursuit of solutions through science, in benefit of the patients.

Present in over 50 countries, we share the commitment of the founders of the Company, of innovating in ideas, products and services for the patients of the whole world.

^{[i] Ustekinumab was approved by the following Health Authorities:
Aruba: Drug Registration Board,
Curacao; Drug Registration Board
Jamaica: Ministry of Health.
Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Bermuda are not regulated countries.}

^{[ii] 2009 Latin American Psoriasis Consensus, treatment guides, Latin American Psoriasis Society}

Fact Sheet Psoriasis

1. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects over 140 million people worldwide.
2. It presents itself more frequently between the ages of 15 and 25, but may develop at any age and highly impacts the quality of life.
3. The main cause for this disease is unknown. The immunologic system is activated and produces inflammatory mediators which stimulated white cells and infiltrate the skin layers. The deep layer cells move to the outer layer of the skin at least 5 time faster than usual, and this produces the characteristic plaque of the psoriasis.
4. There are several clinical forms of the disease, plaque psoriasis being the most common form. It is known for producing inflammation and scaly patches of thickened skin called “plaques”.
5. Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, notably influences the quality of life.  Severe cases of psoriasis may even generate immobility of the patient.
6. Some patients compare the reduction of their physical activities to the ones generated by other diseases such as cancer or heart disease.
7. Ustekinumab is now available in the Caribbean, specifically in Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Caiman Islands, Curacao and Jamaica.[i]  Ustekinumab is commercialized under the brand Stelara™.
8. Clinical trials with over 3,000 patients treated with Ustekinumab have demonstrated its efficacy. At least two thirds of the patients obtained a 75% improvement of the Psoriasis Activity Severity Index.
9. After 5 years, approximately 80% of the patients treated with Ustekinumab maintain response.

^{[i] Ustekinumab was approved by the following Health Authorities:
Aruba: Drug Registration Board,
Curacao; Drug Registration Board
Jamaica: Ministry of Health.
Cayman Islands, Bahamas and Bermuda are not regulated countries.}

CONTACT:  Janssen, JoanTownsend, (507) 64306252 or (507) 3989740, tojoa

Project with National Water Commission of Jamaica is designed to maximize efficiency of Kingston’s water system. Daily savings of more than 70 million liters of fresh water are expected within 5 years, enough to supply water to additional 500,000 people

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Miya, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arison Investments, signed a $42.5M contract  with the National Water Commission (NWC) of Jamaica to maximize the efficiency of its water systems in the KSA (Kingston & Saint Andrew) Area, it was announced today.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150709/234593

The 5-year co-management project focuses on improving KSA’s water distribution system and substantially reducing non-revenue water (NRW), currently estimated at 54%. Within five years, most of the current NRW in the KSA-area systems will be saved, estimated in daily savings of more than 70 million liters of fresh water.

Miya is already active in the Caribbean, running a mega 10-year project in the Bahamas. Starting in 2012, Miya returned the water system to its continuous supply within two years, and cut NRW by more than half. This culminates in savings of 16 million liters every day, enabling water production to be reduced by almost 20%.

Meir Wietchner, Miya’s Chairman: “This partnership sets an example for the entire region on how important it is to manage our water resources efficiently. A holistic solution, such as this, leads to sustainable change that mutually benefits the utility and the citizens it supplies.”

The NWC supplies drinking water to about 600,000 residents in KSA. One of the main targets of this unique co-management project is to build professional NRW capacity within NWC, while increasing the system efficiency. The project is fully funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and includes performance based fees, which will be paid only if contract targets are achieved.

David Arison, Miya’s Vice President of Global Business Relations: “We hope and believe that the Miya-NWC project will be the beginning of an extended partnership, and will serve as an exemplary project for all the Parishes in Jamaica. Getting to know NWC’s team, we are certain that together we will achieve the level of commitment and professionalism needed for a successful project. Executing this project is practicing sustainability in its purest form. The results of this project will benefit the environment, the financial position of NWC and most importantly the citizens of KSA.”

The project includes a comprehensive suite of water efficiency solutions, incorporating strategic and financial planning, based on efficiency audits of NRW. This will be followed by a water infrastructure improvement phase devised specifically for the area, including the monitoring of water pressure, locating leaks, repairing or replacing selective pipes, and ultimately (after 5 years) handing over responsibility to NWC staff, who will continue to maintain high levels of system efficiency for the long-run.

Amit Horman, Miya’s CEO: “Miya believes in the Caribbean market and continues to expand its operation in the territory. Our success in The Bahamas opens the eyes of other governments and water utilities in the region, with respect to the hidden value of water efficiency. We will keep striving for excellence in the planning and execution of such projects.”

In cooperation with the Jamaican government and NWC, Miya is planning to involve the local community in water conservation education programs, equipping people with tools such as a new Smartphone application that improves the connection between citizens and the water authority.

www.miya-water.com

CONTACT: Deborah Kohan, 212-593-5885, [email protected]

With new flights offer non-stop Port au Prince to Kingston and Santo Domingo Flights

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands, Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – interCaribbean Airways is pleased to announce the commencement of new non-stop services to and from Kingston, Jamaica and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Port au Prince, Haiti .

interCaribbean Airways begins scheduled services on December 13^th 2014, between Kingston Normal Manley International Airport and Port au Prince, Haiti, and also Port au Prince to Santo Domingo International Airport.  With high hopes for this service, the business and leisure traveler will be able to enjoy this new service in just an hour of travel time.

In concert with the mission of the Ministry of Tourism, and Minister Stephanie Villedrouin to increase flights and build Haiti as a leisure destination, these new services will extend the travel options for the visitors to neighboring islands as an easy means to travel to Haiti and extend their vacation stays.

ARR

FLIGHT No. FROM  TO   FREQUENCY

DEP

PLS

Wed Sun

01:25 PM

JY 217                                          02:35 PM

           PAP

PAP

SDQ

Thu Sat

11:25 AM

JY 623                                          01:20 PM

PAP*

KIN

Wed (*via PLS)

01:25 PM

JY 217/250                                      04:50 PM

KIN

03:20 PM

JY 624     PAP        Fri Sat                   04:40 PM

KIN

Sun (*via PLS)

01:25 PM

JY 217/250 PAP*                                 04:50 PM

Seats are on sale, and bookable immediately at interCaribbean.com or calling our call centers and visiting our airport locations.  Customers may also visit their preferred travel agency.

Said Trevor Sadler CEO of interCaribbean Airways, we are pleased to offer these new routes to give the more choices and more connectivity across the Caribbean and support Haiti as it grows its appeal to the vacation visitor, while facilitating new business opportunities.  We look forward to increasing the frequency and number of destinations we serve in the new year.

About InterCaribbean Airways

interCaribbean Airways is based in the Turks & Caicos Islands, operating for the last 23 years to connect you and the Caribbean.  Services are via EMB 120 and BE99 aircraft connecting the Turks & Caicos to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.  International services also connect Jamaica to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico.  Domestic flights are operated in The Turks & Caicos Islands and Jamaica. With new services planned to the Eastern Caribbean we look forward to connecting more of the Caribbean.

CONTACT: Media Relations: [email protected]

LANDOVER, Md., Oct. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – This week the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation launches a year-long project to restore mangroves in Jamaica called the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves In Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) project.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20141010/151469

The venture, joined with the University of the West Indies-Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory and the Caribbean Student Environmental Alliance, will work with teachers and students from the William Knibb High and Holland High Schools in Falmouth, Jamaica. The project will begin this week with a training session for teachers. This will provide them with information and materials to teach their students about the importance of mangroves for Jamaican marine ecosystems.

Mangrove forests are made of several species of trees and shrubs that grow in the intertidal zone. They provide important habitat for young fish and sea creatures, and help protect the coastline from storms.

Following the educational training sessions teachers and students will go on a mangrove walk to identify the different species of mangroves, observe the negative human impacts to the mangrove forest, and collect young mangrove seedlings called ‘propagules’ for future rehabilitation of a mangrove forest in West Falmouth. The students will plant the propagules in containers and track their growth over the coming school year while learning about mangrove survivability.

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory will continue running training sessions throughout the school year, and after several months will help students plant their young mangrove trees along the shoreline. The young trees will be planted in restoration sites monitored by the University of the West Indies.

About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (LOF), founded by Khaled bin Sultan, is conducting the world’s largest coral reef survey and high resolution mapping expedition, as part of its 5 year Global Reef Expedition. The Expedition is helping LOF realize its mission to provide science-based solutions to protect and restore ocean health. As part of its commitment to Science Without Borders®, Living Oceans provides its data and information to leading ocean-focused organizations, governments, scientists, and local communities so that they can use knowledge to work toward sustainable ocean protection. For more information visit www.livingoceansfoundation.org

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141010/151469

CONTACT: Alison Barrat, Director of Communications, Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, [email protected], 301 577 1288 x 204

Monty Alexander’s Seattle performance will comes on the heels of the release of his new album Harlem-Kingston Express 2-The River Rolls.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon July 21, 2014: With his new album riding high on the Jazz radio charts, Grammy-nominated international jazz pianist, Monty Alexander, will roll into The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle, Washington aboard the Harlem-Kingston Express this July 24th for a three-night performance.

The Jamaican-born musical virtuoso and his band will perform through July 27^th and will be treating fans to some of the latest tracks from his new album, ‘Harlem-Kingston Express Vol. 2: The River Rolls On,’ which was released on April 8^th on the Motéma Music label and has remained for seven weeks at number one the Jazz radio charts.

“We are bringing my birthday party to Seattle,” commented Alexander who turned 70 in June. “The band and I look forward to treating fans to some of the latest from the new album such as “Love Notes,” with my friends George Benson, Ramsey Lewis and Joe Sample; a live version of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” recorded live in 2005 with vocalist Wendel Ferraro; previously unreleased live recordings of the Jamaican folk song “Linstead Market;” “Regulator (Reggae-Later),” as well as  a mix of interpretations including “People Make the World Go Round,” “What’s Going On” (“Wa’a Gwan”) and Jimmy Cliff’s reggae landmark “The Harder They Come.”

Alexander will be joined for the Seattle performance by band members Hassan Shakur (acoustic bass), Dennis Mackrel (drums), Andy Bassford (guitar), Joshua Thomas (electric bass) and Karl Wright (drums/percussion).

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. on July 24^th through 26^th for two nightly performances – at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., respectively.  On Sunday July 27^th, Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express will only perform at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $26.50 per performance. To reserve your seat today, log on here or to http://www.jazzalley.com/www-home/artist.jsp?shownum=1403

Seattle’s Jazz Alley is a fixture of the Seattle live music and dining scene, family-owned and operated since 1979.

ALEXANDER’S 2014 TOUR SCHEDULE

August 1 – Telluride, CO, Telluride Jazz Festival w/ Harlem Kingston Express

August 2-3 – Denver, CO, Dazzle Jazz w/ Monty Alexander

August 7 – Vail, CO, Vail Jazz Festival w/ Monty Alexander Trio

August 8-9 – Aspen, CO, Aspen JazzSnowman w/ Harlem Kingston Express

August 10 – San Jose, CA, San Jose Jazz Festival w/ Harlem Kingston Express

August 30 – Easton, MD, 6th Annual Monty Alexander Jazz Festival

September 13 – Salt Lake City, UT, Capitol Theatre w/ Harlem Kingston Express

November 8 – Cape May, NJ, Jazz Festival w/ Harlem Kingston Express

ABOUT MONTY ALEXANDER

In a career spanning five decades and with 70 recordings under his belt, Alexander has built a reputation that bridged the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica to create his own musical brand.

His collaborations span multiple genres, styles, and generations and he has performed globally with renowned artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra, Ray Brown, Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett among numerous others.

In August 2000 the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador. And in 2012, ‘Harlem Kingston Express: Live!,’ was singled out by both the recording industry and fans and received a Grammy award nomination.

In the summer of 2012, Alexander was also awarded the prestigious German Jazz Trophy, “A Life for Jazz” while in November of the same year, he received the Caribbean American Heritage Luminary Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist 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 (phone)

[email protected](email)

Jamaican-Born Jazz Great, Monty Alexander. (Photo credit: A. Nahigian)

CaribPR, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 1, 2013: Birdland Jazz Club will be springing to life this May, as Grammy-nominated artist Monty Alexander and his Grammy-nominated band, The Harlem Kingston Express, returns with their foot-tapping, hip swinging Caribbean infused jazz.

The Jamaican-born, Caribbean-raised jazz great, who recently released his new album and entered his 51^st year as a musician, will play New York’s premier live music venue, Birdland, at 315 West 44th Street in New York City, from May 7^th to 11^th at 8:30 and 11 p.m. nightly.

The performance comes as Alexander’s new album release “Uplift 2” on the JLP label, sits at #4 on the Jazz charts. Tickets for Birdland are $30-40 and can be obtained by logging on here or to http://www.birdlandjazz.com/event/243141-monty-alexander-harlem-new-york/

“I look forward to having another opportunity to play with my ensemble, Harlem-Kingston Express, in one of the finest music venues in the world – Birdland – for my long time faithful friends, as well as new friends who may visit with us,” said Alexander. “I and my colleagues will be celebrating our One Love experience as well as the Joy of Life.”

The musician, whose 50^th anniversary album, “Harlem-Kingston Express: Live!” was nominated for a Reggae Grammy and won rave reviews from The Wall Street Journal, The London Evening Standard and Jazz Times among dozens of other media houses, is fresh from performances  at the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland and Boston’s legendary Scullers Jazz Club.

Jamaica’s Commander of Distinction and ‘Luminary Award’ 2012 recipient, will next head to the nature isle of Dominica for the first time, where he will headline the increasingly popular, Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival on May 19^th at the Cabrits National Park.

Following his Dominica debut, Alexander, will again join his Harlem Kingston Express to bring his brand of jiving jazz, to Washington, D.C.’s popular Blues Alley from June 20th to 23^rd and Pittsburgh, PA on June 28^th at the South Park Band Shell.

He and his band will wrap up the first half of 2013 in Rochester, NY with a scintillating performance at the Rochester International Jazz Festival on June 29th. For more see http://www.rochesterjazz.com/artist_lineup/?artist_id=934.

Monty’s Other 2013 Performance Dates:

Dominica, W.I. – Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival – May 19^th.

Washington, D.C. – Blues Alley – June 20^th to 23^rd.

Pittsburgh, PA – South Park Band Shell – June 28^th.

Rochester, NY – Rochester International Jazz Festival – June 29^th.

About Monty Alexander

Over his stellar career, Alexander, whose influence combines that of Oscar Peterson, Gene Harris and Nat “King” Cole, has performed with international stars including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

In fact, it was Sinatra and his best friend Jilly Rizzo who hired Alexander after he moved to the United States in 1961 at the age of 17.  And it was at Jilly’s famed New York City nightclub that this Jamaican teen caught the ears of Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Milt “Bags” Jackson.

Bags introduced him to the great bassist Ray Brown, and the rest as they say, is history, including Alexander’s 1976 Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival performance with drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton, which has become one of the most celebrated live recordings in contemporary jazz.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

The Bank teams up with SickKids to support telemedicine program

TORONTO, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Today, through Scotiabank’s global philanthropic program, Bright Future, the Bank announced a pledge of $1 million to support the Caribbean-SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Project. These funds will be used to support the project’s telemedicine programs in Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and The Bahamas.

The telemedicine element of the project will allow physicians in the Caribbean to connect directly with leading paediatric cancer and blood disorder experts at SickKids. As well, physicians specializing in areas other than cancer and blood diseases can also connect with both Caribbean and international colleagues, enhancing their ability to diagnose and care for Caribbean children. The goal of this project is to expand access to world-leading medical professionals allowing children to get the best care possible in their own country.

“The Caribbean is a big part of Scotiabank’s history and our future. This donation and our partnership with SickKids are directed at giving the next generation a better chance of growing up healthy and making their contribution to the Caribbean,” said Sabi Marwah, Scotiabank Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. “Supporting our communities through the Bright Future program is a big part of Scotiabank’s culture and our way of giving back to the network of 55 countries we call home.”

Through SickKids Foundation, Scotiabank also previously pledged $1 million to the International Patient Program.

“We are grateful for Scotiabank’s generous support of the telemedicine element of the project,” said Ted Garrard, President and CEO, SickKids Foundation. “Too often, children in the Caribbean succumb to cancer because the proper diagnostics and treatments are not available. This gift will help build capacity for these Caribbean countries to more effectively diagnose and treat children.”

In the Caribbean, there is often a combination of factors that negatively impact on the ability to deliver clinical care, including: a lack of medical professionals with specialized training in paediatric cancer care; limited technological resources which often prohibits proper diagnoses; few nurses and pharmacists able to provide specialized front-line health care; and limited data on the effectiveness of treatments and epidemiology of paediatric cancer. Working with local hospital partners in the Caribbean, the Caribbean-SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Project includes a five-year plan to address the region’s gaps in research, care and education in order to advance the diagnosis and management of paediatric cancer and blood disorders.

Elements of this five-year plan include using telemedicine, physician envoys, and the SickKids International Learner Programme to provide customized, hands-on training to local individuals, establishing and maintaining a patient registry to provide high-quality data and key outcomes, and increasing the knowledge of primary care practitioners and pharmacists in the region to improve cancer care access. Trainees will also travel from the Caribbean to SickKids on a regular basis for hands-on training and experience within the Garron Family Cancer Centre at SickKids.

For more information on the Caribbean-SickKids Paediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Project, please visit www.sickkidsfoundation.com/caribbean. To watch a video about the Project, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvntNAnvuSY.

About SickKids Foundation
Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada. Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids — one of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, SickKids Foundation made an investment of $61.3 million in children’s health, a direct result of community and corporate support. For more information, please visit www.sickkidsfoundation.com.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For media enquiries:

Scotiabank
Paula Cufre, Scotiabank Media Communications, 416-866-4833 or
[email protected]

SickKids Foundation
Janessa Bishop, Media Relations; 416-813-2944;
[email protected]

Send your first Xoom.com money transfer and receive a $25 Golden Krust Visa Prepaid Card

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Jan. 16, 2013: Xoom Corporation, a pioneer and leader in online consumer-to-consumer money transfer services to Jamaica, is giving back to its many customers in the Diaspora and their families and friends in Jamaica.

The company recently announced a blockbuster partnership with Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, the largest Caribbean-cuisine chain in the United States, that will allow first-time Xoom customers who send money to Jamaica thru March 1, 2013 from www.xoom.com/gk to receive a free $25 Golden Krust Visa Prepaid Card, which can be used in any of Golden Krust’s 120 locations in the United States.
“Golden Krust began as a family bakery in St. Andrew, Jamaica, and has become a global brand by offering terrific island cuisine coupled with warm and friendly hospitality,” said Julian King, Xoom’s Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development.

“We are very excited to partner with Golden Krust and offer customers this great incentive – to discover how convenient, safe and fast it is to send money home with Xoom.”
King said the new Xoom/Golden Krust special offer was inked, just as the Inter-American Dialogue (IAD) announced that for the second consecutive year, Xoom was ranked ‘best in class’ for money transfers to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Xoom tied with two other companies, out-performing 34 other leading U.S.-based money transfer companies. IAD is the premier U.S. center for analyzing remittance trends and services.

“We are very proud to have received this distinction and want to share it with our many customers. We are working hard so you keep using Xoom for your future money transfers” King reiterated.

Transfers sent from the Xoom.com website to Jamaica are available for pickup in minutes at 93 locations island-wide, including branches of Xoom’s partners – Victoria Mutual Building Society and Capital and Credit. Customers can also send money to most bank accounts in Jamaica.

Golden Krust is headquartered in Bronx, New York with franchises in nine US states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and Massachusetts. The company recently opened a restaurant at the Newark International Airport in Newark, NJ.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Xoom, a leader in online money transfers to Jamaica,” said Lowell Hawthorne, President and CEO of Golden Krust.

“Xoom and Golden Krust are committed to excellent customer service and we are happy to provide an incentive to reward our customers who send money to their friends and family in Jamaica for the first time with Xoom. The timing is perfect.”

About Xoom Corporation
Xoom is a global online money transfer provider, focused on helping consumers send money in a secure, fast and cost-effective way using their mobile phone, tablet or computer.  During the 12 months ended September 30, 2012, Xoom’s 700,000 active customers sent more than $2.9 billion to family and friends in 30 countries worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and can be found online at http://www.xoom.com/.

About Golden Krust Bakery & Grill Inc.
Golden KrustBakery & Grill, Inc., http://www.goldenkrustbakery.com/, is the nation’s largest Caribbean food chain. Founded in 1989 by the Hawthorne family, Golden Krust is headquartered in Bronx, NY and has over 120 stores in nine states.

CaribPR Wire, Kingston, Jamaica, Nov. 13, 2012: West Indies Aerial Survey, an innovative provider of aerial photos and 3D models, today announced the release of an online viewer with geo-referenced aerial data of Kingston, Jamaica. This data is of the highest resolution ever captured of the area.

The Kingston data-set is part of a unique Caribbean-wide acquisition project involving the use of high resolution digital cameras and a low flying aircraft. Both the resolution and the way in which the data is made available to the user are new to the region. The online product is available to private sector and government agencies. As a useful layer in GIS systems, this high resolution imagery is aiding organizations with urban planning, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, security, etc.

“We are excited about the launch of our Caribbean online viewer. We feel it is natural to take advantage of the latest technology and extend our service level, allowing customers easy access to data through an internet portal. The powerful combination of different data types such as geo-oblique, orthophoto, street view and 3D in an integrated viewer allows users to select the data view that best suits their application,” said Yoeri Slagboom, CEO of West Indies Aerial Survey.

 Key features of West Indies Aerial Survey viewer include:

- Flexible subscriber model allows several users simultaneous access 24/7.

- No software required, the viewer runs in any Java enabled Internet browser.

- Can be opened directly in popular CAD and GIS programs.

- High resolution vertical and oblique aerial views.

- 3D city models using real textures.

 About West Indies Aerial Survey

West Indies Aerial Survey, a company specialized in large scale aerial imagery, is the Caribbean branch of European operator Slagboom en Peeters. Since 1961 Slagboom en Peeters, with its fleet of camera equipped aircraft, has been processing aerial imagery into stereo photographs, orthomosaics and related products. The company’s extensive experience and detailed knowledge enables the delivery of accurate, high-quality data and its success at this has allowed it to expand to new markets. West Indies Aerial Survey shares this innovative mindset of anticipating new trends and meeting customers’ demands through active product development.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Balbour & Pino Realtors Ltd. officially launches operations as of May 1, 2012. Balbour & Pino Realtors Ltd., a closely held company specializing in brokerage, advisory, marketing, and relocation services, launched on the island of Jamaica.

Mr. Richard Pino, Chief Financial Officer and Real Estate Broker in New York City, saw an opportunity to extend his international client base by forming Balbour & Pino Realtors, Ltd., and assuming the role of Managing Director. Mr. Pino’s international client base emanates from Brazil, China, Croatia, Italy, New York, and Switzerland.

His commitment to ethics and customer service has always been the core of his business philosophy. With the formation of Balbour & Pino, Mr. Pino brings the same business professionalism to Jamaica.

Balbour & Pino Realtors currently has offices in Kingston and New York City.

Balbour & Pino Realtors, Ltd. is registered with the Real Estate Board of Jamaica and the Realtors Association of Jamaica.

About Balbour & Pino Realtors, Ltd.

Balbour & Pino Realtors, Ltd. is a full-service real estate firm providing brokerage, advisory, marketing, and relocation services on the island of Jamaica. Headquartered in Kingston, Balbour & Pino Realtors is a boutique firm with international reach. Balbour & Pino offers comprehensive real estate services to its clients across the island and from aboard for its international investors.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. May 18, 2012: The leader of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean will reveal the attractions of the region’s market at Invest Caribbean Now, set for this June 6^th at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.

The Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s breakfast power forum will spotlight on the Caribbean as a viable investment destination. The event will boast speakers from Jonathan Blue, chairman of Blue Equity, Jay Yeo, Solamon Energy Corp, Jean Arnell, of The Chamber of Commerce for French St. Martin, an official of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Agency, and Lisa Lake,  chief entrepreneurship officer, the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean, and will highlight the investment opportunities in the region and its Diaspora. 

The speakers will share their views on whether the Caribbean is the next hot emerging market that investors should be eyeing and explain how the region is developing new industries to balance the reliance on tourism that has powered many of the islands economies for years.

The Caribbean region, home to some 41 million people, has great tax benefits for investors, is politically stable, has a high literate work force, is open to free trade and has an established tourism market.  

Lake will be speaking of her plans to support the economic development of the region through supporting high potential entrepreneurs through the early stages of their business development. The Centre is supported by Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, and has been developed in partnership with Virgin Holidays and Virgin Unite, the group’s not-for-profit foundation.  Branson will be honored with the first Invest Caribbean Now Leadership Award on June 6^th.

“The Caribbean region is rich in entrepreneurial spirit and in opportunities to grow the economy. Tourism has sustained this region for many years. We now need to develop and add diversity to the market by investing in the skills of entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and to help them scale their businesses and employ people while to competing in a global market,”    Lake said.

The Invest Caribbean Now forum, the brainchild of Hard Beat Communications CEO, Felicia Persaud, will take place at the Marriott Marquis Times Square on June 6, 2012 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. during Caribbean Week in New York.

The June investment forum is a partnership between the Caribbean Tourism Organization and Hard Beat, a digital media company.

Cost to attend is $100 per person and registration can be done at www.investcaribbeannow.com or by email to [email protected].

About Invest Caribbean Now 2012

The Invest Caribbean Now series aims to connect investors with entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce and ministers of governments in the hot new emerging market that is the Caribbean and its Diaspora. Its sponsors to date include One Caribbean Television, La Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, (CCISM), the PR Newswire, WSEE TV, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Damoola Inc and The Affiliated Lawyers of the Americas (”ALTA”). For additional partnership opportunities log on to the sponsorship section of investcaribbeannow or call 646-820-5694.

About The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean

The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean, based in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was launched by Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, using funding from lead partner Virgin Holidays, the UK’s leading long haul holiday company last September. It is a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and aims to offer practical business skills, access to coaches to offer guidance, mentors to share their experiences and in the future plans to work with partners to develop financing opportunities to enable growth. It supports the development of small and growing businesses and job creation in the Caribbean with an emphasis on tourism related businesses with strong financial, social and environmental credentials. The first Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship was established in 2006 in Johannesburg, South Africa as a unique launch pad for bold and aspiring entrepreneurs to create successful businesses.

About Lisa Lake

Prior to joining The Branson Centre, Lake was Director of Operations for Brand Extensions at Sandals Resorts International. In this role, she had operational oversight of the Sandals Lifestyle Division and Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours.  Prior to joining Sandals, Lake worked with OTF Group – a consulting firm focused on issues of competitiveness in developing countries. She sits on the Economic Planning Committee of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica.

Carib PR Newswire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. August 19, 2011: Invest Caribbean will make its regional debut this Fall, descending on the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica on October 14^th for another innovative investment forum.

The October event is being presented by Hard Beat Communications, in collaboration with the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, and is set for the Rose Hall convention center as part of the Chamber’s 14^th annual expo that will be presented under the theme, ”Unleashing Innovations.”

The expo will be opened by Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, Ambassador Albert Ramdin and will include the Invest Caribbean forum as part of the opening day.

The high-powered trade exposition will unleash innovative marketing and promotion opportunities for exhibitors in ways that the MBCCI Expo has never been staged. The event has become a calendar event for the Chamber and western Jamaica and boasts a wide diversity of exhibitors in industry and commerce, displaying their goods and services. These include manufactured goods, services, technology, tourism, craft, agriculture, trade and investment. The MBCCI Expo is in its 14^th year and will be targeting some 115 exhibitors.

The three-hour Invest Caribbean forum will feature three U.S. investors, including Adam Borden, founder and managing director of Bradmer Foods, LLC. Each will present a five minute overview of their company and what they look for in investments, before engaging in a face-to-face match making session with registered entrepreneurs.
The Invest Caribbean series is the brainchild of Hard Beat Communications’ CEO Felicia Persaud who sees the opportunity as the perfect way to partner high end investors seeking new opportunities in the Caribbean, with entrepreneurs and ministers/chambers in the region.

Invest Caribbean recently concluded a successful forum with the Caribbean Tourism Organization during Caribbean Week in New York, June 9, 2011.

“The June 2011 Invest Caribbean event delivered on the objective of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. It gave our members the assurance that investors perceive the Caribbean as an attractive region in which to do business and presented a great opportunity to begin the dialogue,” said Sylma Brown Bramble, Director, CTO North America.

“The ‘Investing in Paradise’ breakfast forum was a highly worthwhile gathering for those seeking opportunities in the exciting Caribbean frontier markets. The organizers attracted an excellent mix of existing and potential investors in the region complimented by government ministers and tourism sector executives. The presenters at ‘Investing in Paradise’ made an excellent case for what distinguishes the Caribbean from other destinations in the fierce race for international capital,” added Harold E. Doley, III, Principal of The Lugano Group Incorporated.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities to the Jamaica October event, log on to http://investcaribbeannow.com/.

CaribPR Wire, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mon. May 2, 2011: The JN-IAAF International Invitational meet to be held at the National Stadium on May 7, 2011, is now of even greater importance on the calendars of sporting enthusiasts in Jamaica and internationally, says Earl Jarrett, General manager of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) speaking at the launch of the Invitational Meet at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel, Jamaica on April 14, 2011.

At the launch Howard Aris, President of Jamaica Amateurs Athletic Association (JAAA) indicated that the event would also be streamed on the JAAA’s website www.trackandfieldja.com/live  for a fee. What was described last year by one publication as a “Spectator’s Dream” will benefit this year from further worldwide exposure as the event will be broadcasted via the Internet to computers and mobile phones globally. “We are pleased to be partnering again with the JAAA on this prestigious event and assisting in the monetization of their assets on-line. Along with our team of highly experienced international partners and the best of breed systems that we bring to bear, we are confident that this partnership can only but help to position the JAAA to augur well from the export of the rich heritage of Jamaica’s athletics capabilities and ultimately facilitate the development our creative industries”, says Eugene Ffolkes, CEO of Telegens Inc. the local partner involved in providing the end-to-end on-line service.

The Invitational Meet started in 2004 as a regional competition and after last year’s event it was upgraded to World Challenge status, which is just below the Diamond League level in the International Amateur Athletic Foundation (IAAF) rankings.  Fans can expect to see some of the world’s finest athletic talent including Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Johann Blake, Wallace Spearman, Carmelita Jeter, Sanya Richards, Christine Ohuruogu and Debbie Ferguson to name just a few of the world champions lined up to perform.

On the day of the event, online visitors and mobile users will be treated to the “Live Stream” of the  pre-meet show and opening ceremony  for  free, and the International portion of the event as  a pay-per-view , for a fee of  U.S.$5.99 to view the meet from their PCs   via www.trackandfieldja.com/live  and  U.S.$2.99 from mobiles via www.jaaa.tv.  Post the event, all visitors who purchased tickets for the “Live Stream” will be able to view the “On Demand” version of the event anytime from their computer at www.trackandfieldja.com/live.  Individuals who did not purchase a ticket for the “LIVE STREAM”   will be charged a fee for “On Demand.”

CaribPR Wire, MIAMI, FL, Weds. April 6, 2011: BlackBerry® Travel™, an application that provides BlackBerry® smartphone users with an all-in-one integrated tool to plan, book, manage and share travel activities quickly and easily, is now available in the major markets of the Caribbean.

The new app was recently announced in February at MWC 2011 in Barcelona and is now ready for download for BlackBerry users in the following markets: Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Bahamas, Aruba, Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands.

The BlackBerry Travel app offers convenient push notifications and seamless integration of travel itineraries and flight status updates into the familiar BlackBerry Calendar.  When a new booking confirmation or itinerary arrives in the user’s email inbox, the BlackBerry Travel app is automatically updated with the relevant itinerary details, which makes travel planning and management easier than ever. With the BlackBerry push technology, the BlackBerry Travel app can keep users informed and in control of their itineraries by monitoring flight statuses and promptly providing notifications about changes to their flight information. The app can even identify potential omissions or scheduling concerns with their itineraries, such as missing accommodations or timing conflicts, and provide users with suggestions.

The BlackBerry Travel app also brings together tools that travelers need while planning on the go, including:

• Hotel booking
• Currency converters
• Weather forecasts
• Local search functionality

In addition, BlackBerry smartphone users can share their travel information with colleagues, friends and family over email or through LinkedIn®, directly from the BlackBerry Travel app. The LinkedIn integration allows users to search for people in their network who will be in the same city, send messages to contacts and update their status.

The BlackBerry Travel app also features a web component that allows users to book flights and car rentals, as well as edit and print itineraries, from their computer.

The BlackBerry Travel app was built in collaboration with WorldMate, a leader in mobile travel platforms.  WorldMate and RIM are working together with leaders in the travel industries such as Continental Airlines, Expedia Affiliate Network, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, United Airlines to provide BlackBerry Travel app users with an amazing mobile experience.

The BlackBerry Travel app will be available as of today from BlackBerry App World™ (www.blackberry.com/appworld). The app is free and works on select BlackBerry smartphones running the BlackBerry® 5 OS (Device Software) or higher.* For more information please visit www.blackberry.com/travel

* BlackBerry Travel is available at launch for the BlackBerry® Bold™, BlackBerry® Curve™, BlackBerry® Storm™ and BlackBerry® Torch™ series of smartphones.

Perla del Caribe Inc. of Miami, FL wants to get paid

 CORAL GABLES, Fla., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The problems of DYC Fishing Ltd. based in Kingston, Jamaica continue on several fronts.

The exporter of fish, lobster and conch is now battling with the Government of Martinique over the ownership of four containers of conch meat reportedly worth an excess of $1.2 million. These containers were seized in September by Martinique officials.

The company Krustafish, is now claiming that DYC Fishing Ltd and its alleged Marketing agent, Wasamaki Ltd, committed fraud by using the bar codes belonging to Krustafish to import products into Martinique. Pursuant to custom laws, this practice is illegal.  

Perla del Caribe, Inc., the Miami-based seafood distributor who obtained a jury verdict against DYC Fishing Ltd, for approximately $1.6 million dollars last November, is also attempting to seize the same containers in Martinique after recording the United States judgment in both Martinique and in Jamaica.

“Later this month, a Jamaican court will determine the enforceability of the U.S. judgment in Jamaica that has gone far enough in avoiding paying its debt to Perla del Caribe,” said Alfonso Perez of Rasco Klock Reininger Perez Esquenazi Vigil and Nieto attorney for Perla del Caribe. “That is not going to work and we will continue to expose their efforts to hide from their obligations.”

 About The Firm

 Founded in 1985, Rasco Klock Reininger Perez Esquenazi Vigil & Nieto has become one of South Florida’s premier law firms with 18 attorneys and 30 staff members, servicing the needs of domestic and international clients. The firm is minority owned and operated and has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to community and pro bono service.  The firm represents public and private companies, government entities, and high net-worth individuals in a wide range of practice areas, which include: real estate, international business, litigation, corporate formation and governance, aviation law, financial institutions, trust and estate planning and administration, arts and entertainment, and government/environmental land use practices. For more information on the Firm, call 305-476-7100 or visit www.rascoklock.com

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 8, 2010: Renowned Jamaican-born jazz pianist, Monty Alexander, still remembers when he first saw the legendary Nat King Cole and  met Frank Sinatra. Cole’s musical impact on the younger Monty and his later musical experiences with Sinatra will come in to focus this month when Alexander reflects on both icons of America’s great songbook at a New York City show.

Alexander, Jamaica’s acclaimed Commander of Distinction, will present his “King Cole and Mr. S” reflections from November 23-25th at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club, 315 West 44th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues in Manhattan. Show times for the three night shows will be at 8:30 and 11 p.m., respectively.

Accompanying Alexander will be his phenomenal group of Robert Thomas, Jr. on hand drums; Lorin Cohen on bass; Winard Harper on drums and Yotam Silberstein on guitar. The shows will be made even more special this fall season with the addition of a brilliant vocalist James De Frances, who is set to belt out favorites from both Cole and Sinatra to the accompaniment of Alexander and his ensemble.
Of course Alexander will also pay tribute to his roots by including some of his upbeat reggae-themed pieces for patrons attending the shows.

Alexander, who has the distinction of being named one of the greatest piano players in jazz, still remembers seeing Cole for the first time at age 12 at a theater in his native Jamaica, and being overtaken by the spirit of the singer and his music. 

It is that love, knowledge and dedication to the memory of Cole that would filter back to Cole’s daughter, Natalie, who invited him to assist her on the “Unforgettable” album.  The Sinatra connection was a lot more by chance. The largely self-taught pianist was playing in a Miami bar in his teens that was visited by Sinatra and his group of friends, including his right hand man, Jilly Rizzo. When Alexander ended his set he was approached by Rizzo and the legendary singer who invited him to play at the New York bistro, Jilly’s. Alexander moved to New York where he played on and off for several years, accompanying ‘Ole Blue Eyes’ on various occasions.

“The kid is a gas,” is how Sinatra, using the lingo at the time for “superb,” once described Alexander.

The Kingston-born musician has also performed with the likes of Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare and on the “Concrete Jungle, The Music of Bob Marley collection,” over his five decade-long career.

He has recorded over 60 albums to date and is set to mark his 50th year in the music industry with a new album next year.  His 1976 Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival performance with drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton has become one of the most celebrated live recordings in contemporary jazz. Alexander’s most recent albums on the Telarc label include trio sessions, such as “Impressions in Blue,” and the live concert recording “Goin’ Yard.” His release on Chesky is “Calypso Blues” is a tribute to his hero Nat Cole.

In August 2000, the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador. 

Tickets for Alexander’s shows on Tuesday-Thursday, November 23-25 at Birdland are $30 and $40, respectively and can be purchased by logging on to http://www.birdlandjazz.com/ or by calling (212) 581-3080.

For more on Jamaica’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit www.montyalexander.com.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. June 16, 2010: Renowned Jamaican jazz pianist and Jamaica’s acclaimed Commander of Distinction, Monty Alexander, is set to turn the heat up this summer in New York City with a five-day return to Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Alexander, who has the distinction of being named one of the greatest piano players in Jazz history, is set to bring his `Summer Celebration` to Dizzy’s Jazz Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center from Tuesday July 20^th to Sunday, July 25^th. 

The Kingston-born musician says that with his ensemble he looks forward to “bringing uplifting and positive Jamaican rhythms and vibrations in our current challenging times” to Lincoln Center next month and hopes that all jazz fans and Jamaicans will attend and experience his music in the incredible atmosphere at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.

Alexander, who has performed with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare and on the “Concrete Jungle, The Music of Bob Marley collection,” will perform two shows per night, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., respectively.   

In a career spanning five decades, Alexander, a largely self-taught musician, has built a reputation for exploring and bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression.

He has recorded over 60 albums to date.  His 1976 Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival performance with drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton has become one of the most celebrated live recordings in contemporary jazz. Alexander’s most recent albums on the Telarc label include trio sessions, such as Impressions in Blue, and the live concert recording Goin’ Yard.

In August 2000, the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador.  His latest release on Chesky is Calypso Blues, a tribute to his hero Nat Cole.

Alexander’s Jazz at Lincoln Center performance comes on the heels of performances in Aspen, the UK and France, where he performed at several festivals including Jazz a Juan-les-Pins, the Vienne Jazz Festival, the Wigan Jazz Festival and Jazz Aspen.

Tickets for Monty Alexander’s Jazz at Lincoln Center show are $30 and $35 and $15 for students with valid identification. Fans can book now at http://www.opentable.com/dizzys-club-coca-cola-reservations-new-york?rid=3683

For more on Jamaica’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit http://www.montyalexander.com.

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 12, 2010: One of the fifty greatest jazz piano players of all time, renowned Jamaican jazz pianist and Jamaica’s acclaimed Commander of Distinction, Monty Alexander, is set to thrill fans of the musical genre at a top New York City night club this Women’s History Month.

The Kingston-born musician, fresh from a performance in his homeland at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, is set to perform at the popular Birdland Jazz Club at 315 West 44^th Street, between 8^th and 9^th Avenues in New York City from March 2 to 6, 2010.

Alexander, who has performed with the likes of  Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare and on the `Concrete Jungle, The Music of Bob Marley collection,` will perform two shows per night, at 8:30 and 11 p.m., respectively.   

In a career spanning five decades, Alexander, a largely self-taught musician, has built a reputation for exploring and bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song and the music of his native Jamaica, finding in each a sincere spirit of musical expression.

He has recorded over 60 albums to date.  His 1976 Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival performance with drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton has become one of the most celebrated live recordings in contemporary jazz. Alexander’s most recent albums on the Telarc label include trio sessions, such as Impressions in Blue, and the live concert recording Goin’ Yard.

In August 2000, the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador.  His current release on Chesky is Calypso Blues, a tribute to his hero Nat Cole.

Tickets for Monty Alexander’s Birdland Jazz Club show are $30 for side-seating and $40 for center seating. Get tickets online now at http://www.instantseats.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.venue&VenueID=68 by choosing the Monty Alexander show and your date of choice.

And for more on Jamaica’s greatest jazz pianist and his music, visit http://www.montyalexander.com/