Afreximbank remains committed to supporting increased intra-Caribbean and Africa-Caribbean trade by improving access to trade finance, investment capital and advisory support

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Island Run Delivery is revolutionizing how visitors and locals get what they need, when they need it. Using AI-driven logistics and real-time tracking, the platform delivers food, groceries, and transportation services across Jamaica.

ibex Celebrates Employee Growth & Career Advancement in Jamaica with Third iGrow with ibex Event

Nearly 90 team members promoted, reinforcing commitment to internal talent development and leadership pipeline

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Feb. 19, 2025: ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, recently hosted its third iGrow with ibex event in Jamaica, celebrating employee achievements and fostering career growth within the organization. The event, a cornerstone of ibex’s talent development strategy, recognized the 89 Jamaican team members who earned promotions over the past two quarters, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.

iGrow with ibex is a recognition program designed to empower employees, drive employee development and engagement, and build a robust leadership pipeline. The event provides employees with opportunities to connect with leaders, participate in career pathing discussions, and learn about future career opportunities within the company. This year’s event also celebrated two standout employees: the longest-tenured team member and the most promoted individual at ibex Jamaica, both of whom exemplify the company’s culture of career acceleration.

“At ibex, we believe that our people are our greatest asset,” said Phil Taylor, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for ibex Jamaica. “iGrow with ibex is a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. By investing in our employees’ development, we ensure that ibex remains a place where talent thrives and where future leaders are born.”

The event, led by ibex’s Talent Mobility team, reinforces the company’s focus on internal mobility as a key differentiator. Through initiatives like iGrow with ibex, ibex Jamaica continues to strengthen its foundation by identifying, developing, and elevating talent from within. This approach enhances employee engagement while supporting the company’s ability to scale effectively.

As ibex Jamaica looks to the future, programs like iGrow with ibex will remain central to its mission of creating a workplace where employees can grow, succeed, and achieve their career aspirations.

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 approximately 30 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 the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 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/09ad0cd0-143c-412d-af6f-a46d0766cc9a

]]> https://caribpr.com/ibex-celebrates-employee-growth-and-career-advancement-in-jamaica-with-third-igrow-with-ibex-event/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/ibex-names-phil-taylor-country-manager-for-jamaica/ https://caribpr.com/ibex-names-phil-taylor-country-manager-for-jamaica/#comments Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:01:03 +0000 caribpr https://caribpr.com/?p=15972 Industry veteran brings over 20 years of experience to lead operations and drive growth in Jamaica

ibex Names Phil Taylor Country Manager for Jamaica

BPO industry veteran to lead operations and drive growth in Jamaica

CARIBPR WIRE, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Feb. 12, 2025: — ibex (NASDAQ: IBEX), a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, today announced the appointment of Phil Taylor as Senior Vice President and Country Manager for Jamaica. In his new role, Phil will report directly to David Wilkerson, Executive Vice President of Global Operations, and will oversee the company’s operations and strategic initiatives in Jamaica.

Phil joined ibex two years ago as Vice President of Operations and has since become an integral part of the organization. With over 20 years of experience in the contact center industry, Phil has built a reputation for his people-first leadership style, commitment to excellence, and ability to develop high-performing, collaborative teams. Prior to joining ibex, he held leadership roles at TaskUs and Alorica.

“Phil is an exceptional leader with amazing energy and a passion for empowering teams to thrive,” said David Wilkerson. “We are thrilled to see him take on this expanded role and look forward to the continued success he will bring to our team, our clients, and our business. Phil’s deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to operational excellence make him the ideal leader to continue our growth trajectory and strengthen our position as one of the top BPOs in Jamaica.”

In his new role, Phil will focus on championing employee development, enhancing operations, fostering strategic partnerships, and fueling overall growth to deliver exceptional results for ibex and its growing roster of blue-chip clients.

“I am honored and excited to take on the country leader role in Jamaica,” said Phil Taylor. “ibex is an incredible organization, and I am proud to be part of a company that truly values and rewards its people, while delivering world-class innovation and service excellence to its clients. I look forward to leveraging my experience to build on the amazing agent-first culture we have at ibex and continue to drive growth in Jamaica.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Phil is a dedicated family man with a passion for sports, travel, and music. An accomplished musician, he frequently performs the U.S. national anthem at NBA and NFL games alongside fellow musicians.

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 approximately 30 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 the AI-powered ibex Wave iX solutions suite, to manage nearly 175 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/9eeb643e-9e3f-438f-abbd-015daeafe215

]]> https://caribpr.com/ibex-names-phil-taylor-country-manager-for-jamaica/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/grammy-nominated-jazz-maestro-dr-monty-alexander-to-bring-spirit-of-jamaica-music-to-honolulu-following-release-of-new-album-d-day/ https://caribpr.com/grammy-nominated-jazz-maestro-dr-monty-alexander-to-bring-spirit-of-jamaica-music-to-honolulu-following-release-of-new-album-d-day/#comments Fri, 03 May 2024 16:01:32 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15612 CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Friday May 3, 2024: Esteemed Jamaican-born jazz legend, Grammy-nominated, Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J., is set to bring the vibrant spirit of Jamaica’s music to the island of Honolulu just weeks before his 80th birthday, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, known as D-Day.

Following the release of his latest musical masterpiece, the album ‘D-Day,’ on March 29th under the prestigious French record label PeeWee, Alexander will grace the stage at prestigious Blue Note Hawaii. The venue, located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort at 2335 Kalakaua Ave., is renowned as Hawaii’s premier 326-seat live music destination.

The performance, scheduled for May 4th, promises an electrifying celebration of the album’s release ahead of Alexander’s milestone birthday. Joined by bassist Luke Sellick and drummer Jason Brown, two shows are scheduled at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

“I am very happy to celebrate my upcoming 80th in Hawaii at the Blue Note, where I will not only play selections from my brand new release, D-Day, but also play selections that reflect my beloved Jamaica where I was born, and where I have fond memories of participating in many recording sessions at Studio 1, as a music pioneer at the dawn of Ska when I was still a teenager,” commented Alexander. “Hope to see as many of my fans as possible – and of course, especially those who love the music of Jamaica.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $35-45, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of Alexander’s legendary jazz expertise.

Fans can get tickets here by logging on now to https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/shows/?eid=13603273

MONTY’S OTHER UPCOMING LIVE PERFORMANCES & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SHOWS

The release of ‘D-Day,’ will be accompanied by other tour dates to also mark Alexander’s birthday worldwide. They will include:

• The Puerto Rico Jazz Festival in San Juan on May 17^th.
• The Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland from May 21^st to May 26^th.
• Birdland, New York City from May 28^th to June 1^st for his D-Day and 80^th birthday celebration.
• Jazz Alley, Seattle from June 6-9^th.
• The San Francisco Jazz Festival on June 11^th.
• Blue’s Alley, Washington, D.C. from June 14-16^th.
• Ronnie Scott’s London from June 24-28^th.
• New Morning, Domaine de Fontblanche in France on July 3^rd and July 6^th, respectively; and.
• Victoria Hall, Switzerland on Nov. 25^th.

See all performances and book advance tickets now at https://bnds.us/b8c6pc.

D’DAY’S FULL TRACK

The full track of the new album is as follows:

01 – Intro [0:16]

02 – I’ll Never Smile Again (R. Lowe) [04:18]

03 – Aggression (M. Alexander) [06:03]

04 – Oh Why (M. Alexander) [06:37]

05 – Restoration (M. Alexander) [06:34]

06 – June 6 (M. Alexander) [06:14]

07 – River of Peace (M. Alexander) [05:49]

08 – Smile (C. Chaplin) [06:30]

09 – V.E. Swing (M. Alexander) [04:22]

10 – You Can See (M. Alexander) [05:33]

11 – D-Day Voices (M. Alexander/L. Alexander) [04:28]

12 – Day-O (Trad.) [02:52

ABOUT ALEXANDER

Renowned for his extensive discography and hailed as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander’s contributions to music have earned him prestigious honors, including the Commander in the Order of Distinction and the Order of Jamaica. His unwavering passion for music, coupled with his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage, continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 6, 1944, Alexander’s musical journey began at an early age. By 16, he was already proficient in various musical genres, including cha-cha, merengue, calypso, reggae, and ska. Moving to the United States at 17, he quickly gained recognition, accompanying jazz legends like Frank Sinatra, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, and others. Today, Alexander remains an iconic figure in American jazz, blues, and gospel, infusing his music with the vibrant rhythms of his Jamaican and Caribbean heritage.

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: An image for use with this release is available HERE

VMTS facilitates money transfer services globally to customers sending money to Jamaica from Europe, the UK, United States, Canada, the Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos. With this new agreement, VMTS now gains access to TerraPay’s robust online platform, enabling hassle-free cross-border transfers for customers sending and receiving money across approximately 31 markets globally.

CEO of VM Money Transfer Services Limited, Michael Howard, welcomes the boost that this partnership will bring to the agency’s operations. He shared, “Purposeful partnership is an integral part of VM Money Transfer’s mission as we seek to continuously improve service delivery to our clients. We are excited about this recent collaboration as, with TerraPay’s extensive network, we have the opportunity to significantly broaden our reach and potentially tap into new markets, all while keeping our clients supported and empowered with convenient and secure channels for their money transfer needs.”

The agreement was signed between the two entities in March 2024, and Juan Luis Hernandez, TerraPay’s Senior Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, who visited Jamaica for the occasion, shares the enthusiasm. Hernandez commented, “We are delighted to partner with VM Money Transfer Services to drive innovation and efficiency in cross-border remittances. Together, we aim to provide a superior remittance experience for Jamaicans worldwide, strengthening connections with their loved ones and contributing to the economic development of Jamaica.”

Along with the expanded service through TerraPay, VMTS customers can continue to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of having their funds deposited directly to their Jamaican bank account through VMTS’ Direct to Bank Service. Clients can also collect their remittances in Jamaica from VM Money Transfer’s over 70 sub-agents, 8 VM Money Express locations and 16 VM Building Society branches Islandwide.

For queries, please reach out to Juveria Samrin at juveria.n@terrapay.com

About TerraPay:

TerraPay simplifies global money movement – by providing a single connection to the most expansive cross-border payments network regulated in 31 global markets and enabling payments to 144 receive countries, 210+ send countries, 7.5Bn+ bank accounts and 2.1Bn+ mobile wallets. TerraPay is on a mission to connect a borderless financial world, making moving money everywhere instant, reliable, transparent and fully compliant. TerraPay pushes the boundaries for global businesses – ranging from banks, fintechs and money-transfer operators to travel businesses, creator economy platforms and e-commerce marketplaces – while driving financial inclusion in even the most inaccessible markets. Founded in 2014, TerraPay is headquartered in London, with global offices in Bangalore, Dubai, Miami, Bogota, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Hague, Dakar, Joburg, Nairobi, Milan, Singapore and is expanding rapidly, having received funding from leading investors, including the IFC (the World Bank), Prime Ventures, Partech Africa and Visa.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222771/TerraPay_Logo.jpg

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

Jamaica’s Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Attend Grand Opening Ceremony at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

CARIBPR WIRE, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: Blue Diamond Resorts celebrated a momentous occasion on December 13, 2023, marking the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its latest property, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, which opened its doors in mid-November in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The distinguished event was honored by the presence of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, and the Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, who graciously participated in the ceremony.

The day commenced with the Prime Minister’s arrival at Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, followed by a comprehensive walkthrough of the property, including visits to the property’s modern accommodations. The opening ceremony was presided over by the top executives of Blue Diamond Resorts, marking the most significant milestone for the company in the region since the opening of Royalton Negril in 2017.

Blue Diamond Resorts’ President, Jordi Pelfort, conveyed sentiments of gratitude and recognition for Jamaica’s pivotal role in the company’s journey. Pelfort emphasized that the island’s unique charm and vibrancy have played an integral part in Blue Diamond Resorts’ success. The president’s address underscored the commitment to the Jamaican people, extending beyond hospitality to encompass support and upliftment for the communities that have warmly embraced the resort.

Minister Edmund Bartlett echoed the sentiment with a speech affirming the importance of Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters in contributing to Jamaica’s tourism landscape. The Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the significance of such investments in boosting the local economy and fostering sustainable development.

The highlight of the ceremony was the official ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. The celebration continued with a cocktail reception at the resort’s lobby, and the day concluded with an exclusive private lunch at Dorado restaurant, providing a fitting conclusion to a momentous occasion.

Blue Diamond Resorts expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, and all distinguished guests for their participation in this landmark event, marking a significant milestone in the company’s enduring commitment to Jamaica and its people.

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 60 properties, exceeding 18,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, where Everyone is Family. Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™, and the Sports Event Guarantee™.  To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among their guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts, an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to revel in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary, offering their visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you´re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just have a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star™ with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e372a412-271e-46dd-9439-f9ab28e8845d

El Primer Ministro y Ministro de Turismo de Jamaica Asisten a la Ceremonia de Gran Apertura en Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only

El Primer Ministro y Ministro de Turismo de Jamaica Asisten a la Ceremonia de Gran Apertura rn Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters

CARIBPR WIRE, MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: Blue Diamond Resorts celebró una ocasión trascendental el 13 de diciembre de 2023, marcando la ceremonia oficial de corte de cinta para su última propiedad, Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only, que abrió sus puertas a mediados de noviembre en Montego Bay, Jamaica. El distinguido evento contó con la presencia del Primer Ministro de Jamaica, Andrew Holness, y el Ministro de Turismo, Edmund Bartlett, quienes participaron en la ceremonia.

El día comenzó con la llegada del Primer Ministro a Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, seguido de un recorrido completo por la propiedad, incluyendo visitas a las modernas instalaciones del resort. La ceremonia de apertura fue presidida por los altos ejecutivos de Blue Diamond Resorts, marcando el hito más significativo para la empresa en la región desde la apertura de Royalton Negril en 2017.

Jordi Pelfort, presidente de Blue Diamond Resorts, expresó su gratitud y reconocimiento por el papel fundamental de Jamaica en la trayectoria de la empresa. Pelfort enfatizó que el encanto único y la vitalidad de la isla han desempeñado un papel integral en el éxito de Blue Diamond Resorts. El discurso del presidente subrayó el compromiso con el pueblo jamaicano, extendiéndose más allá de la hospitalidad para abarcar el apoyo y el desarrollo de las comunidades que han acogido cálidamente el resort.

El Ministro Edmund Bartlett hizo eco del sentimiento con un discurso afirmando la importancia de Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters en la contribución al panorama turístico de Jamaica. El Primer Ministro, Andrew Holness, también compartió sus pensamientos, enfatizando la importancia de tales inversiones para impulsar la economía local y fomentar el desarrollo sostenible.

El momento más destacado de la ceremonia fue el corte oficial de la cinta, simbolizando el inicio de un nuevo capítulo para Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters. La celebración continuó con una recepción de cócteles en el lobby del resort, y el día concluyó con un almuerzo privado exclusivo en el restaurante Dorado, ofreciendo una conclusión apropiada para una ocasión trascendental.

Blue Diamond Resorts expresó su gratitud al Primer Ministro, al Ministro de Turismo y a todos los distinguidos invitados por su participación en este evento emblemático, marcando un hito significativo en el compromiso duradero de la empresa con Jamaica y su gente.

Acerca de Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts cuenta con un portafolio de más de 60 propiedades, que superan las 18,000 habitaciones en 8 países ubicados en los destinos vacacionales más populares del Caribe. Sus 9 marcas hoteleras líderes comprenden al galardonado All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts, donde Todos son Familia. Sin importar si son vacaciones entre amigos, padres e hijos, parejas, bodas, retiros corporativos o de incentivos o viajeros solos, todos son familia en estas propiedades que ofrecen servicios personalizados y amenidades exclusivas, tales como All-In Connectivity™, DreamBed™ y Sports Event Guarantee™. Para reenfocarse en relaciones y amistades valiosas, Hideaway at Royalton ofrece una experiencia sólo para adultos que incluye una exclusiva gastronomía y alojamiento preferencial para reforzar estar unido bajo el concepto Togetherness entre sus huéspedes. Disfrute a su manera en Royalton CHIC Resorts, una marca todo incluido que bajo su concepto “Party Your Way” brinda una vibrante y efervescente experiencia sólo para adultos para deleitarse con lo inesperado. A Millas de lo Ordinario, Mystique by Royalton ofrece a los viajeros la oportunidad de conectarse con su entorno en una moderna colección de resorts estilo boutique que muestran una vibrante belleza infinita. En Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril promete a huéspedes mayores de 21 años, unas vacaciones únicas Completamente al Natural con todo incluido y acceso a una costa exclusiva para máxima privacidad. Memories Resorts & Spa diseña las mejores experiencias para vacaciones familiares, reunión de amigos o simplemente para relajarse en pareja, mientras que Starfish Resorts ofrece un valor increíble, un entorno impresionante y una rica cultura y herencia. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invita a los huéspedes a vacacionar como las estrellas con Vacation Like a Star™, una experiencia atractiva e interactiva con elementos famosos de la cultura pop de películas, música y deportes icónicos, mientras Escape de los Paparazzi en Planet Hollywood Adult Scene donde sus vacaciones sólo para adultos serán el centro de la fascinación y la atención con glamour y exclusividad.

Para más información acerca de Blue Diamond Resorts, visite www.bluediamondresorts.com.

Una foto asociada con este comunicado de prensa está disponible en: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e372a412-271e-46dd-9439-f9ab28e8845d

CARIBPR WIRE, Tues. May 23, 2023: On April 25, 2023, the world bid farewell to Harry Belafonte, a true icon of music, cinema, and activism. I not only mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual, but also a dear friend.

Growing up in Jamaica, my home, Harry played a significant role in my life. In 1956, his album “Jump Up Calypso” emerged, validating the heritage music of Jamaica. The delightful songs sung by Harry, such as “Banana Boat” and “Island in the Sun,” brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Long before the rise of Bob Marley and the popularization of reggae, Harry was already putting Jamaica on the map with Calypso, or as we called it then, mento. He brought Caribbean rhythms and influences to the forefront of popular music, paving the way for generations of artists who followed in his footsteps.

Harry possessed both striking looks and a compelling voice. When he appeared in movies, his talent as an actor shone brilliantly. I recall watching him in the 1959 film “The World, The Flesh and The Devil,” and I distinctly remember my mother having a crush on him. In fact, Harry Belafonte was adored by many ladies of that era.

As I began my own journey in music, Harry became one of my influential figures. His attitude, grace, integrity, and warmth left a lasting impact on me. Our friendship flourished when I moved to the United States, as we shared a common Jamaican heritage. Despite being an American born in Harlem, his parents hailed from Jamaica, and he even attended high school there for a few years.

Harry always treated me with great kindness. Whenever he saw me, he would joyfully exclaim, “cousin!” Our bond grew stronger over time.

I also cherish the memory of Harry’s contributions to the civil rights movement in America. He leveraged his celebrity status and rallied his Hollywood friends, including Paul Newman, Tony Bennett, and his dear companion from The Bahamas, Sidney Poitier, to join Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in raising awareness for the cause before marching in Selma.

Harry’s activism extended beyond the borders of the United States. He utilized his fame and influence to shed light on human rights abuses in South Africa and other parts of the world. He embraced his platform as a performer to champion the issues closest to his heart, inspiring countless others to do the same. Harry Belafonte was not only an extraordinary entertainer but also an unwavering advocate for social justice and civil rights.

In recent years, I had the privilege of spending time with him on several occasions. Our last meeting occurred on December 16th, 2021, when Harry received the distinguished title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from the President of the Republic of France. I was honored to be among the select few non-family members present at the private ceremony held in his New York City home. Though time had passed, and Harry seemed quieter than usual, we shared a wonderful moment, exchanging smiles and embraces. During that special event, Mrs. Belafonte, Pamela Frank, took this lovely picture that I share with great honor and pride.

Losing him fills me with deep sadness. Harry, I will miss you and the tremendous difference you made as an activist for people of color and the less fortunate.

Harry’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music. His music brought joy and inspiration to millions around the world, while his activism fostered real and lasting change.

As we remember Harry, let us draw inspiration from his example and continue to utilize music and art as vehicles for promoting social justice and equality for all.

In closing, I would like to share a quote from Harry Belafonte that has always resonated with me: “The artist is the radical voice of society.” Let us all strive to be that radical voice, and to use our talents and platforms to make the world a better place.

Au Revoir Harry. God Bless, and Happy Journey Home.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D, is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning Jamaican-born, world renown musician who was recently awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for sterling contribution to the promotion of Jamaican music and the Jazz genre interpretations globally. Hear his version of Harry Belafonte’s ‘Island In The Sun’ at youtube.com/watch?v=XSf96gDBMco

GET PHOTO FOR USE WITH THIS ARTICLE HERE

CAPTION: Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., (l), with Harry Belafonte at his home in Manhattan, NY, in 2021. (Pamela Frank image)

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, March 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Travelers flying from Jamaica’s busiest airport, Sangster International in Montego Bay, can now explore the world of APPLETON ESTATE Jamaica Rum in a new high-tech, premium boutique just opened in the airport’s main duty-free store.

A world-first for the rum brand, the shop in shop takes shoppers on a self-guided, cane-to-cup journey into the heart of what makes APPLETON ESTATE such a unique Caribbean rum, seamlessly blending physical, multisensorial and digital elements. Customers navigate their way through the boutique via a series of interactive touchpoints that express the legend, craft and personality of the island’s iconic rum.

The latest APPLETON ESTATE release, Ruby Anniversary Edition, takes pride of place in the new Sangster store. Produced to celebrate Master Blender Joy Spence’s 40 years with the distillery, APPLETON ESTATE Ruby Anniversary Edition is a rich, complex blend of five rare rums, each aged for a minimum of 35 years, carefully chosen from Appleton Estate’s stock of over 200,000 sleeping barrels.

The distinctive insignia of APPLETON ESTATE, formed of five national symbols of Jamaica, is the central feature of the store’s physical experience. It has been brought to life as a stunning modernist 3D copper sculpture in the centre of the store; a magnet for shoppers to help them learn more about the brand’s origin and terroir.

The insignia is the starting point for the shopper’s digital journey within the boutique. Travelers can scan the front label of any bottle with their mobile device to discover a detailed description about the rum they have chosen, including individual tasting notes and a cane-to-cup explanation of the distillery’s production process narrated by APPLETON ESTATE Master Blender, Joy Spence, herself.

Highlights at the new APPLETON ESTATE Sangster store include:

• A vibrant tasting bar. Expert brand ambassadors show travelers how to make delicious APPLETON ESTATE cocktails and lead guided tastings of its award-winning rum family that includes APPLETON ESTATE Signature, APPLETON ESTATE 8 Year Old Reserve, APPLETON ESTATE 12 Year Old Rare Casks, APPLETON ESTATE 15 Year Old Black River Casks and APPLETON ESTATE 21 Year Old Nassau Valley Casks.
• Home cocktail-making ideas Travelers can use the personalized digital insignia guide on their phone or tablet to discover key APPLETON ESTATE serves and classic cocktails to make at home.
• Personalized gift shopping. The shop’s brand ambassadors can create a personalised digital message for the giftee which can be accessed via a QR-code-enabled neck hanger on the purchased bottle of Appleton Estate 15 Year Old or 21 Year Old.

“We are thrilled to open the APPLETON ESTATE experience at Montego Bay Airport, just 50 miles from where our incredible rums are lovingly crafted,” said Marco Cavagnera, Managing Director of Global Travel Retail at Campari Group. “It’s a perfect premium location to engage shoppers by showcasing every facet of APPLETON ESTATE its rich history, passion for natural ingredients, local provenance, the skill of our Master Blender Joy Spence and the versatility of the award-winning portfolio created under her guidance, ensuring there is an APPLETON ESTATE rum for any elevated occasion, from premium cocktail-making to sipping rums.”

A global leader in premium aged rum, APPLETON ESTATE Rum is located just 50 miles from Montego Bay in Jamaica’s lush Nassau Valley. Aged APPLETON ESTATE Rums carry a prominent minimum age statement and Jamaican GI rum classification which guarantees no additives, ageing solely in Jamaica, and the use of pure, filtered limestone water in the production process.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2018620/Appleton_Estate.jpg ]]> https://caribpr.com/from-cane-to-cup-%e2%80%93-world-first-appleton-estate-rum-boutique-opens-at-jamaicas-sangster-international-airport/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/exploring-time-and-color-with-bulby-york/ https://caribpr.com/exploring-time-and-color-with-bulby-york/#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2023 23:00:35 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15148

New Album Takes A Comprehensive Look At The Career Of Award-Winning Producer & Engineer

CARIBPR WIRE, Kingston, JA/New York, NY, Thurs. Feb. 23, 2023: - From learning about recording from the iconic King Tubby to being an engineer for the likes of Sly & Robbie and Winston Riley to working with pop icons like Rihanna and Britney Spears, Collin ‘Bulby’ York has been a central figure in Jamaican music for more than 30 years. With his latest album Time & Color, Bulby is drawing from his expansive career with a variety of Caribbean and Latin-American flavors and a roster of talent that spans decades.

Set for release on his birthday, February 24th, Time & Color is a reflection of the range and scope of work he has produced over the years with names ranging from Reggae legends Beres Hammond and Ali Campbell (of UB40) to Panamanian artist El Maleante and new vocalist Stacey Mirander.

“This album is a reflection of my career, in both time and what I call ‘color,’” explains Bulby. “It features timeless music with ageless artists like Beres, Ali, Bounty Killer, Tanya Stephens, Admiral Bailey, and Richie Spice.” Most people think color is what they see, but I am referring to sound. How music colors what we feel and how we see the world. The kind of music we listen to even colors our identity.”

Time & Color features 13 tracks colored with the sounds of Gospel, Reggae, Dancehall, and Latin music. The latest single “Good Time” by Richie Spice is a feel-good bass-heavy roots Reggae single that is currently streaming on all platforms. The album also features spiritually uplifting songs from

Jahvinci and Stacey Mirander, a smooth lovers rock single from Beres Hammond, and a remake of a pop music classic with Ali Campbell and Bounty Killer.

Previously released singles on the album include dancehall singles “Queen” with Tanya Stephens and Malica, “Ignorant” with Admiral Bailey and Christopher Martin, and “Race to Waste Your Life” with Spragga Benz, and the pop tinged “Want her Love” with Maxi Priest.

Bulby’s 30-plus-year journey in music began when he started following his uncle, George “Dusty” Miller of the famous Firehouse Crew band, to King Tubby’s studio in the Waterhouse area of Kingston. Bulby learned the art of recording and engineering from the master and even helped Tubby build his state-of-the-art studio, assisting with rewiring and soldering. Bulby eventually created the Fat Eyes label with Lynford ‘Fatta’ Marshall and produced classic hits like “Stop Live Inna Di Pass” (also known as

“Memories”) by Beenie Man, “Suspense” by Bounty Killer, “Down By the River” by Morgan Heritage, and “Want You Back” by Singing Melody. He has engineered tracks for No Doubt, Chaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper, Sinead O’Connor, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Sean Paul. He launched his own label Bulby York Music in 2016.

“To be honest, I can’t even remember all the albums I’ve worked on and all the people I’ve worked with,” Bulby chuckles. “I’ve been involved in music since I was very young. It’s been a long time and A LOT of

color!”

Time & Color is Bulby’s fourth studio album on the Bulby York Music imprint, following Epic & Ting (2016), Master Blaster (2018), and Heart Crafted (2020). Additionally, he has released juggling projects Padang Padang Riddim (2021) and Far East Riddim (2022).

Time & Color will be released on all platforms on Friday, February 24th.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Images for use with this release is available for use as follows:

Jamaican-entertainer-Collin ‘Bulby’ York’s Time & Color drops on his birthday, tomorrow Feb. 24th. (Rohjay Anderson image)

Collin ‘Bulby’ York.  (Rohjay Anderson Image)

Time & Color Album Cover