CaribPR Wire

ATLANTA, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — PDSI, a premier third-party development company for the hotel industry, is pleased to announce the opening of their 6^th office location in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Adding to their existing five national locations, PDSI has strategically positioned itself to address client needs as growth of the hospitality industry continues to accelerate. The San Juan office complements PDSI’s existing 5 locations in Seattle, Phoenix, Orlando, Baltimore, and Atlanta.  PDSI’s presence in San Juan strengthens its reach in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, offering its clients unparalleled support.

PDSI and its staff have been managing projects in the Caribbean for more than 30 years and have completed over $5 billion in asset management and placement.  Among other projects in the Caribbean, PDSI is managing the hurricane recovery renovation of the El San Juan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, the renovations of the InterContinental San Juan, and the Caribe Hilton. PDSI has an experienced and talented Puerto Rico based team leading these efforts.

“PDSI has a long history of working in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and we are thrilled to reinforce our commitment to this area with a permanent physical presence,” says Ralph C. Engelberger, President of PDSI. “Our team takes great pride in this newest addition to our portfolio and our continuing relationship with clients managing asset placement in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”

About PDSI

PDSI is a privately-held, client-focused hotel project management firm that assists its clients in the development and renovation of hospitality projects worldwide. Since our September 2001 inception, PDSI has managed all types and scales of projects: limited service to luxury, minor renovations to large scale, ground-up developments. Our team of dedicated professionals have been entrusted with managing over $4 Billion of hospitality projects, for a wide range of clients including hotel companies, REITs, financial institutions, private equity funds, management companies, and individual owners. Our work has encompassed most hotel brand owners as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, and InterContinental.

ERIE, PA, Mon. Oct. 30, 2017: Lilly Broadcasting and The CW Network are partnering to help provide an OTT signal to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.  Lilly is offering The CW Network’s programming to any mobile company in the Puerto Rico market, allowing customers to watch live on their mobile phones and tablets.

Puerto Rico’s power grid and communications infrastructure has been decimated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.  Most of Puerto Rico has been without power for almost a month.  Puerto Rico residents have had limited access to news, weather, or other information for over a month.  Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico is building an emergency Wi-Fi hot spot network for individuals and local small businesses, so they can communicate with loved ones, work, or study.

Lilly Broadcasting and The CW Network felt during this time of need, anything they could do to help provide news and weather information to the residents of Puerto Rico, to help keep them informed and safe, is a priority.  If we can also provide entertainment, hopefully this could provide an escape at a difficult time for the people of Puerto Rico.

Lilly Broadcasting is The CW’s affiliate for Puerto Rico, providing local news, weather, syndication programming, and CW Network primetime programming.

For more information or details, you can contact:

John Christianson

Lilly Broadcasting

Chief Operating Officer

814-454-5201 ext 884

[email protected]

CaribPR Wire, ERIE, PA, Mon. Oct. 30, 2017: Puerto Rico’s power grid and communication infrastructure has been decimated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.  Most of Puerto Rico has been without power for almost a month. Puerto Rico residents have had limited access to news, weather, or any information for over a month.  Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico, is building an emergency Wi-Fi Hot spot network for individuals and local small businesses, so they can communicate with loved ones, to work, or study.  Although electricity is limited, people can still use their phones and other personal devices.

Lilly Broadcasting felt that during this time of need, anything they could do to help provide news and weather information to the residents of Puerto Rico, to keep them informed and safe is a priority.  If we also provide entertainment to Puerto Rico, hopefully this could provide an escape and a time to heal for the all the residents.

Lilly Broadcasting distributes One Caribbean Television in Puerto Rico, the USVI, throughout the Caribbean and North America. One Caribbean Television offers local news, weather, syndicated programming, and hyper local Caribbean content.

For more information or details, contact:

John Christianson

Lilly Broadcasting

Chief Operating Officer

814-454-5201 ext. 884

[email protected]

Source: Lilly Broadcasting

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Recently, hurricane Irma made landfall in Puerto Rico and the consequences were devastating. According to the island’s Emergency Management Agency, almost one million people ran out of electricity and there are more than 50,000 without water; 14 hospitals used generators due to loss of power, and some roads were obstructed by fallen trees and poles. The director of the agency warned that some areas could be without power for up to 6 months due to the deterioration of infrastructure.

It´s an earthquake, it’s an earthquake!

Recently Mexico City suffered one of the most damaging earthquakes since ‘85. An earthquake of 7.1 shook the cities of Puebla, Mexico City and Morelos, causing fallen buildings, destroyed homes, homeless people, offices and evacuated companies for inspection of buildings’ infrastructure to see whether or not they can continue their activities.

In response to this incident, there was damage to the infrastructure of 93 telecommunications service sites in CDMX, which resulted in the loss of voice services. In the State of Mexico, the damages reached the infrastructure of 44 places and 7 in Morelos.

“Facing natural disasters with the force of an earthquake or hurricane, a culture of prevention is necessary, which means that we have the right tools for our day-to-day continuity. For this reason, it is important to always be prepared and have backup energy systems that allow for coping with the worst natural phenomenon or a failure in the supply of the public network”, said Samara Salgado, Marketing Director for Latin America of Generac.

Back-up units or a power generation system to prevent a power outage from putting the operation at risk in a home, businesses, schools and even large enterprises with critical applications are key equipment, which from Generac’s point of view must be considered in any continuity theme.

According to Samara, “In this context, electric power backup systems are no longer just a system for critical loads; nowadays they’ve become the system of systems, the backbone and a strategic tool for companies, either because the business is considered mission critical or just because it pretends to achieve a competitive advantage, while for the public sector, servicing and guiding the citizenry is not optional. The idea is to consider it as strategic within the business continuity and emergency service plan.”

http://www.infosol.com.mx/proyectos/generac/Hurricanes-earthquakes-electrical-storms-How-to-continue-with-your-life-and-your-business.html

http://www.infosol.com.mx/proyectos/generac/Hurricanes-earthquakes-electrical-storms-How-to-continue-with-your-life-and-your-business.docx

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Seaborne Airlines and the Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority (PRIFA) have entered into an agreement to install Seaborne’ s corporate logo on the 23^rd floor of the exterior frontal façade of the World Plaza Building in Hato Rey. Seaborne’ s headquarter offices are located in the World Plaza, one of the tallest and most emblematic commercial buildings in the business zone. The government of Puerto Rico made a strategic investment in Seaborne, closing in early 2014. Since that time, Seaborne and Puerto Rico have worked together to allow Seaborne to ’spread its wings’ to 17 airports throughout the Caribbean. Seaborne operates as a codeshare partner to American Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Air Europa with interline connecting agreements with Delta Airlines, United Airlines and many other carriers.

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/330461/seaborneeng.jpg?p=distribution&token=br5thZC+thT6sglYug5/0YJPYLDM2m+jsWGdJkAWxdpR4rW942BW6lBG7xPHHqsa2ROx54rqtpT5g6yPjTVzMANQq7eOza+ieJQToVZVlgIN
Constructed in 1972, the architectural design of the World Plaza remains one of the most striking views in the skyline of The Golden Mile. It also holds an important place in the business history of Puerto Rico, having shared another legendary name, Banco de Ponce, exactly where Seaborne will proudly display its brand.

Very soon, Seaborne’s brand will rise up in the busy Golden Mile District. Seaborne Airlines, the largest regional operator at the Caribbean’s largest connecting hub at San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport has exemplified itself with high standards of customer service, operating all flights from San Juan with two pilots and a flight attendant on the comfortable 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft.

“We saw the potential of the deal with Seaborne for Puerto Rico, and Seaborne saw the big opportunities that Puerto Rico has to offer as a business destination. It is another example of how we are reenergizing our anchor industries while fostering a services, exportation and knowledge oriented economy” said Alberto Bacó Bagué, Secretary of Economic Development for Puerto Rico. “Now everyone will be able to see that Seaborne’s headquarters are here in Puerto Rico, that they believe in us and that they are part of Puerto Rico’s economic transformation”, said Bacó.

“We are pleased of our joint efforts with Seaborne Airlines to make possible their operations in Puerto Rico, choosing the World Plaza as its headquarters. The property, owned by PRIFA, provides the airline a strategic location in Puerto Rico’s Golden Mile to run its business as one of the largest airlines of the Caribbean. It also secures the airline’s growth as part of Puerto Rico’s aerospace ecosystem”, said Grace Santana, executive director of PRIFA.

Seaborne, a Part 121 US Flag Carrier, is the only commercial airline operating with the Puerto Rican flag on its fuselage. “No one flies the flag higher,” said Gary D. Foss, CEO and President of Seaborne. “This is just another step forward as we continue to build upon the success Seaborne is experiencing in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean”, added Foss.

“We would like to extend a special thanks to Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, Grace M. Santana, Chief of Staff to the Governor as well as PRIFA Executive Director and Cesar R. Perez, PRIFA Deputy Director, for their support to Seaborne Airlines in this project. We would be remiss to not thank Ingrid R. Rivera Rocafort, Executive Director of The Tourism Company of Puerto Rico and Mr. Joey Cancel Planas, President of the Economic Development Bank of Puerto Rico and their staffs. Without their support and the support of the people of Puerto Rico, Seaborne would not be where it is today”, said Foss.

About Seaborne Airlines

Seaborne Airlines has been operating in the Caribbean for over 23 years, carrying approximately 3 million customers safely. With over 2,200 peak monthly departures to 17 airports, Seaborne serves San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, St. Thomas airport and Seaplane base, St. Croix airport and Seaplane base, Anguilla, Antigua, Tortola, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, La Romana, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo. All flights operate with two pilots and two engines under Federal Air Regulation Part 121, the strictest code of the US Federal Air Regulation governing air travel.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160207/330461

CONTACT: Sandra Colon, [email protected]

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ – Gary Foss, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaborne Airlines, announced the appointment of airline industry veteran Hector “Tato” Montanez as the regional carrier’s new Director of Marketing and Sales. In his new position, Montanez will be in charge of overseeing the airline’s marketing and sales initiatives in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Montanez brings with him more than 25 years of experience working for American Airlines, where he oversaw sales and marketing, operations, e-commerce and distribution, new product development, key account management and customer service for Puerto Rico.

“Seaborne has a great story and a great future in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and throughout the Caribbean. I am honored to be part of Seaborne Airlines’ evolution and look forward to helping in the development of the airline’s regional strategy,” Montanez said. “With service to 18 airports, we hope to make Seaborne a household name throughout the Caribbean.”

“Seaborne is honored to have someone of the caliber of Hector join the team, after so many outstanding years working in sales and marketing for American. The expert team of professionals that we have been assembling in recent months will undoubtedly fuel our company’s growth plans for the region, where we are already the fastest-growing airline in the Caribbean,” said Foss.

Montanez, who will be based at Seaborne’s San Juan Headquarters, also brings with him experience with working with other airlines gained during his tenure with an airport handling company that provided ground services to various carriers, such as Aeropostal Airlines, AirFrance, British Airways, LACSA and VIASA.

Montanez has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Inter American University, Metro Campus. He lives in San Juan with his wife Wendy and children Bianca and Jan Luis.

About Seaborne Airlines

Seaborne Airlines has been operating in the Caribbean for over 20 years, carrying over two million customers safely. Seaborne operates over 2,100 monthly departures throughout the Caribbean to San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Vieques, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, La Romana, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Santiago, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis.

CONTACT: Press Contact: Sandra Colon Perez, [email protected]

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Seaborne Airlines, the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean, has announced it is making travel even cheaper and easier!  We are offering $1,200 of travel for each $1,000 for the next three weeks when customers add funds to their Seaborne accounts.  There is no limit to the amount you can add to a travel account, so the more money added to an account, the more money you will save!  Seaborne will provide you with a $200 gift certificate for each $1,000 added to your account.  The gift certificates can be used for travel through December 31, 2014 with no restrictions or blackout dates.

 Amount Added to Travel Account         Value of Seaborne Gift Certificates

 ------------------------------         -----------------------------------

                                 $1,000                                       $200

                                 $2,000                                       $400

                                 $3,000                                       $600

                                 $4,000                                       $800

                                 $5,000                                     $1,000

                                $10,000                                     $2,000

Unlike “coupon books” offered by other airlines, Seaborne travel accounts, and the gift certificates, can be used to book travel to any city served by Seaborne through an online account.  The coupon books offered by other airlines also don’t come with the 20% discount Seaborne is offering.

With service to 18 airports throughout the Caribbean; connecting service to American, JetBlue and Delta at San Juan, Puerto Rico; two pilots on every flight; a flight attendant on our new Saab 340 aircraft and the outstanding dependability Seaborne is becoming known for, the Seaborne Travel Account offers the greatest value in air service in the Caribbean.

Seaborne travel accounts have been especially popular with travelers in the Virgin Islands where Seaborne operates up to 30 flights a day between St. Thomas and St. Croix – three times as many flights between the islands as the next largest airline.

Existing Seaborne Travel Account customers can add funds to their accounts by contacting Seaborne toll-free at 866-359-8784 or by sending an email to [email protected] and new customers can create an account by calling Seaborne toll-free at 866-359-8784.

About Seaborne Airlines

Seaborne Airlines has been operating in the Caribbean for over 20 years, carrying over two million customers safely.  Seaborne operates over 2,100 monthly departures throughout the Caribbean to San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Vieques, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, La Romana, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Santiago, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis.

CONTACT: Michael Ritzi, [email protected]

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dec. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Seaborne Airlines announced today that it has reached agreement with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to relocate corporate headquarters from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of a multi-faceted arrangement. Under the agreement, Puerto Rico will take an equity position in the airline and have two seats on the Board of Directors of the parent company of Seaborne, Coastal International Airways. Seaborne Airlines has committed to the creation of 400 jobs in Puerto Rico. 150 of the 400 positions will be added in Puerto Rico in the first quarter of 2014. This will bring total Seaborne employment in Puerto Rico to 250 people. The move is contemplated to be complete by March, 2014.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131218/MX35758)

Seaborne will also add a number of routes important to Puerto Rico’s tourism and export growth. On December 12, the carrier started service from San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport to La Romana in the Dominican Republic. On January 15, the carrier will add service from San Juan to St. Kitts and Nevis. On February 14, Seaborne plans to begin service from San Juan to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. On March 1, new service from San Juan to St. Maarten, Seaborne’s 16th airport will launch. These San Juan routes are being serviced by four additional Saab 340B, 34-seat aircraft. Seaborne anticipates having a fleet of 16 Saabs based in Puerto Rico.

No change to existing routes, or Seaplane operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is planned as a result of this agreement.

The agreement also calls for rebranding of Seaborne’s San Juan-based operations.

“There is little that is more important to economic development than global air access” said Gary Foss, president and chief executive officer of Seaborne Airlines. “This agreement will strengthen Puerto Rico’s ties with the rest of the Caribbean and position Seaborne as being Puerto Rico’s favorite airline, for connecting customers from our partner carriers, or for customers traveling to or from Puerto Rico to neighboring islands”. Seaborne operates as an American codeshare partner in select markets at San Juan and has interline connecting agreements with JetBlue Airways and coming soon with Delta Air Lines.

“Seaborne’s thanks go out to the leaders of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico who have made this day a reality”, said Foss.

“We happily welcome Seaborne Airlines relocation to Puerto Rico, with their new hub of operations in San Juan, and our new partnership with Coastal International Airways. This partnership is important for reconnecting Puerto Rico to the Caribbean islands and also is an investment in jobs, commerce, new business opportunities and economic development. We have, in a year, recuperated routes that were discontinued during recent years in the Caribbean and now we are strengthening our position as the main hub in the region and connection to the United States”, said Governor Alejandro Garcia-Padilla.

About Seaborne Airlines Seaborne Airlines is giving the Caribbean the service they deserve with 98% of all scheduled flights operating. Seaborne has been operating in the Caribbean for over 20 years, carrying over two million customers safely. With over 2,600 monthly departures to sixteen airports planned by March, 2014. Seaborne serves San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Vieques, St. Thomas airport and seaplane bases, St. Croix airport and seaplane bases, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe and La Romana, Dominican Republic. St. Kitts, Nevis, Punta Cana and St Maarten are planned for the 1Q 2014. All flights operate with two pilots and twin engines under Federal Air Regulation Part 121, the strictest code of the US Federal Air Regulation governing air travel.

Service between St. Croix and Vieques returns on July 1, 2012

HYANNIS, Mass., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Cape Air’s Caribbean presence has expanded with the start of service between St. Croix, USVI and Vieques, Puerto Rico. Cape Air will operate daily service between the destinations. Fares for flights start at $70 each way.

Schedule Effective July 1, 2012

Dep. STX Arr. VQS Freq. Dep. VQS Arr. STX Frequency
——– ——– —– ——– ——– ———
9:40 am  10:03 am Daily 10:25 am 10:48 am           Daily
——-  ——– —– ——– ——–           —–
Originally, the service, which ran from December 11, 2011 through May 7, 2012, was slated to be seasonal only. The decision to connect these two islands with daily flight service on a year-round basis was made after consideration of customer feedback, as well as requests from government and tourism leaders on St. Croix and Vieques. Cape Air’s Vice President of Planning, Andrew Bonney, said, “As both Vieques and St. Croix continue to grow as not only tourist destinations, but also commerce centers, we realized that providing inter-island service would benefit travelers and locals alike. It is important for us to be able to listen to the suggestions of our passengers, and respond quickly to meet those needs.”

Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen, a Member of the 29th Legislature of the US Virgin Islands, was instrumental by offering encouragement for the return of the daily service. Senator Hansen adds, “Cape Air showed their respect for the people of the Virgin Islands and Vieques with their quick response to my request to continue flights between St. Croix and Vieques.  We are proud to have Cape Air as a good corporate partner to the Virgin Islands Government and the people of the Virgin Islands.”

About Cape Air:

Now in its 23rd year, Cape Air is one of the largest independent regional airlines in the United States annually flying over 650,000 passengers to destinations around the world including New England, New York, the Caribbean, Florida, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest and Micronesia. With a fleet of seventy Cessna 402s and two ATR-42s, the employee-owned company operates up to 600 flights per day. Based in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Cape Air also operates flights under the Nantucket Airlines brand.  Cape Air is a codeshare partner with United Airlines in the Caribbean and American Airlines in the Midwest.  In Micronesia Cape Air operates as United Express.  In addition, Cape Air has ticket and baggage agreements with most major airlines.  Cape Air’s unique brand of customer service, MOCHA HAGoTDI,* has earned the airline accolades as ‘Best Airline’ on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and in the United States Virgin Islands. The airline has been recognized for outstanding philanthropy in the communities it serves and Cape Air Founder and CEO Dan Wolf was recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year™ Award.

* Make our Customers Happy and Have a Good Time Doing It

Reservations for travel between St. Croix and Vieques can be made by calling:
866-CAPE-AIR or by booking online at www.capeair.com .

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Ivonne Chirino-Klevans, program director for Walden University’s Center for International Programs, will speak at the opening of The Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS) Consortium Second Annual Best Practices Showcase, Feb. 16–17, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Chirino-Klevans will join Dr. Jose Rivera, president of Universidad del Sagrado Corazon, and Reggie Smith III, chair emeritus of the United States Distance Learning Association, to discuss attracting and retaining Hispanic students in online higher education.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/MM71012-b )

In her position at Walden, Dr. Chirino-Klevans works to develop tools, activities and improvements that enhance and support the international student experience at the online university. She also explores new partnerships in Latin America, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico to expand online higher education access in the region.

Dr. Chirino-Klevans is a member of the HETS board of directors as well as the chief editor of HETS Online Journal. She has written extensively about the specific needs and concerns that Hispanic students have as online learners. Her articles appear in The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine, HispanicBusiness.com, Poder 360 Magazine, Diversity Executive and Hispanic Executive.

Prior to joining Walden in 2005 as a professor of organizational psychology, she worked with Fortune 500 companies designing training and development programs and serving as program director for Duke Corporate Education. Dr. Chirino-Klevans received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana. She also holds an M.B.A. from the Universidad de las Americas and a master’s degree in psychology from Georgia College.

The HETS Consortium annual conference celebrates innovative technology strategies in higher education. Conference presentations will highlight best practices for access, retention and assessment strategies as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for Hispanics. 

As a member of HETS Consortium, Walden partners with the organization’s 27 other members to focus on making a positive impact on the Hispanic student population by improving college retention, completion and successful learning outcomes. For more information about Walden University, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 48,500 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 55 campus-based and online universities in 28 countries.

Walden offers more than 65 degree programs with more than 330 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

About HETS

The Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS) is the first bilingual consortium dedicated to serving the higher education needs of the fast-growing Hispanic communities. Starting in 1993 as a group of institutions interested in sharing courses at a distance, the HETS Consortium has evolved from the use of telecommunications into the asynchronous modes of anywhere-anytime learning, to the use of technology to reach greater collaboration among and within educational institutions. For more information, go to www.hets.org.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Groom Law Group, Chartered, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm that focuses exclusively on employee benefits law, announced today that Juan Luis Alonso – a widely respected attorney with broad-based expertise in Puerto Rico employee benefits matters, has joined the Firm.

Before joining Groom Law Group, Alonso spent over a decade at McConnell Valdes LLC in Puerto Rico, most recently serving as Chair of the Employee Benefits team.  He has an extensive background in the design and qualification of Puerto Rico and U.S. qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, ERISA litigation support, and Puerto Rico, U.S. tax code and ERISA compliance, including fiduciary issues.  Alonso, who is also a CPA, worked for a Big 4 accounting firm for three years as a tax consultant before joining McConnell Valdes.

“Adding Juan Luis to our Plan Design and Taxation Group fits the firm’s strategic expansion plans – consistent with our goal to provide clients with ‘one-stop benefit services’ from a single location in the nation’s capital,” explains the Firm’s managing partner, John McGuiness.

McGuiness notes that many of the firm’s Fortune 500 clients maintain pension and savings plans for their Puerto Rico workers, and many other firm clients invest the funds of Puerto Rico plans.  Groom has advised clients on plan qualification, distribution taxation, and ERISA issues on Puerto Rico plan matters for many years.  Most recently, Groom has spearheaded efforts to persuade IRS and Treasury policymakers to provide relief for Puerto Rico plans to invest alongside their U.S. counterparts.  Alonso’s expertise will greatly enhance Groom’s ability to meet client needs in this important area.

Extensive 2011 changes in the Puerto Rico tax code have further harmonized the plan qualification rules in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.  McGuiness adds, “Juan Luis’ knowledge of Puerto Rico law – and of Hacienda’s policies and procedures – will complement and add substantial value to Groom’s practice in this area, benefitting firm clients.”  Alonso will continue to be actively involved with Puerto Rico legislative and regulatory officials when working from the firm’s D.C. office.

Groom’s Plan Design and Taxation Group has a national reputation for its expertise in the design and operation of all forms of employee benefit programs.  The firm provides services to Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, government entities, tax-exempt organizations, churches, and financial institutions – working with them to create and maintain a wide variety of employee benefit programs that adhere to the highest regulatory standards.

About Groom Law Group

Groom Law Group, Chartered (www.groom.com) is the premier employee benefits law firm in the United States with 55 attorneys dedicated to this dynamic and complex area of law. Groom provides clients with cost-effective, creative, and practical solutions to sophisticated benefits and tax law challenges.

MIAMI, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association (AH&TA) have signed an agreement with Regatta Travel Solutions to launch BookAntiguaNow.com.  Regatta has launched similar projects in Puerto Rico, Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica, and is preparing to announce several more projects in the region.

“We expect to have nine destinations in the Caribbean using Regatta by April,” said Ashwin Kamlani, President of Regatta Travel Solutions.  “Once these projects are all fully operational we will have much more inventory in the Caribbean than any major Online Travel Agency.  This will open the door for Regatta to get involved in more high level projects which focus on the Caribbean as a whole.”

“Many have tried to do for years what Regatta has accomplished here in the Caribbean over the last twelve months,” said Neil Forrester, General Manager of the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association.  “Their technology and services provide the hotels, bed and breakfasts, villas and activity providers a new and powerful way to attract bookings.  We look forward to working with them to replicate the success they have seen in other destinations here in Antigua, and are excited to be a part of their future endeavors in the Caribbean region.”

www.bookantiguanow.com was recently launched, and the accommodations providers are now in the process of getting their properties online.

About the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association

The Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association is a non-government organisation and the representative voice of the local tourism private sector with a membership which comprises hotels, airlines and nearly 50 other tourism-related entities.  Visit antiguahotels.org for more details.

About Regatta Travel Solutions Inc.

Founded by Ashwin Kamlani, Regatta Travel Solutions provides specialized online booking technology and marketing tactics for DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations).  DMOs that use Regatta to book travel on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership and participation for their organizations. Visit www.regattatravelsolutions.com for more details.

– Puerto Rico’s largest carrier will add to its 27 daily departures from San Juan this summer by launching an eighth non-stop destination this fall –

 NEW YORK, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU), the largest carrier in Puerto Rico in terms of capacity, is making it even easier to travel between San Juan and neighboring Caribbean islands with the announcement of plans to launch nonstop daily service to St. Maarten (SXM), subject to receipt of government approval. This new route will be the value airline’s eighth non-stop destination out of San Juan and its third out of St. Maarten.

 (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110404/NY76997LOGO )

 Flights between San Juan and St. Maarten will go on sale at www.jetblue.com soon, with service to begin November 17. The new service will be JetBlue’s second intra-Caribbean route, with existing service between San Juan and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

 ”We are thrilled to announce further growth to our San Juan focus city,” said Robin Hayes, Chief Commercial Officer for JetBlue. “The support of the Puerto Rican community has been remarkable and we look forward to continuing to provide them more options for travel throughout the Caribbean region.”

 ”Increasing air access to Puerto Rico is essential for our tourism industry, commercial development, and homeport cruise market,” added the Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico, Jose R. Perez-Riera. “We are grateful for the support that great airline partners like JetBlue have given to our market. This new service strengthens our position as a hub of the Caribbean and is the result of a successful working relationship that we have maintained with our partner airlines.”

 This summer, JetBlue will have 27 daily departures from San Juan and 34 daily departures from Puerto Rico, including Aguadilla and Ponce. This new route will provide convenient connections to St. Maarten from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK), Boston’s Logan (BOS), Orlando International (MCO), and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International (FLL) airports. The new service follows the recent addition of flights from San Juan to both Tampa and Jacksonville.

 ”It is of high importance to improve regional air access in the Caribbean for the benefit of all the economies of the region,” said Jaime A. Lopez-Diaz, Chief Development Officer of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico. “This new JetBlue service is a perfect example of how working together, the region can increase the supply of air traffic.”

 ”The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is enthusiastic about JetBlue’s new service from Puerto Rico to St. Maarten, as it provides essential access to and from the Dutch/French Caribbean, one our top ten markets in the region,” said Mario Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “Visitors from St. Maarten/St. Martin visit Puerto Rico for diverse reasons like shopping, medical, and sports and cultural events, among others. This market generated an average of 1,900 room nights in calendar year 2010, principally in small and medium hotels. This new service strengthens Puerto Rico’s position as the main connecting point to numerous destinations within the region.”

 ”I am pleased to learn of JetBlue’s decision to begin servicing the SJU - SXM route,” said the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs and Transportation of St. Maarten, Honorable Franklin Meyers. “Following our recent discussions in New York, JetBlue has proven to be a valuable partner since its initial entry into St. Maarten in 2008, providing daily service from New York as well as servicing St. Maarten from Boston. I am confident that together we will grow the San Juan – SXM route. This new service will open up the possibility for potential visitors from key source markets besides Puerto Rico, namely, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Boston, to come to the destination.”

 ”The JetBlue, St. Maarten partnership has changed the landscape of tourism in St. Maarten,” said Director of Tourism of St. Maarten, Regina LaBega. “The airfares from key source markets, for example, have become more affordable, therefore resulting in a larger volume of visitors to the destination as well as a higher visitor expenditure on island. The new SJU-SXM service by JetBlue, using the famous Embraer aircraft will certainly boost traffic in both directions, consequently contributing positively to our economy.”

 Service to St. Maarten will be operated by JetBlue’s Embraer E190 aircraft, offering two-by-two, comfortable all-leather seating. The airline’s customers also enjoy a first-checked bag free (a), award-winning customer service and unlimited, complimentary snacks and drinks.

 About JetBlue Airways

New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. In 2010, the carrier ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Low-Cost Carriers in North America” by J.D. Power and Associates, a customer satisfaction recognition received for the sixth year in a row. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (based on average fleet-wide seat pitch) and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue is also America’s first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue’s control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue serves 64 cities with more than 700 daily flights. Later this year JetBlue plans to introduce service to Anchorage, Alaska, and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information call +1 800 538 2583 from the U.S.A., TTY/TDD +1 800 336 5530, or visit www.jetblue.com.

 (a) Baggage weight and size limits apply

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.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Delegates from all over the world and every facet within the private and public sectors, along with roughly 100 cruise executives, began to gather in Santo Domingo on Monday, October 25th for the FCCA Conference & Trade Show.

 The start of the Conference was marked by the FCCA Golf Classic, which brought together some of the key players of the cruise industry and its destination partners in teams of four to discuss the latest trends and gather business advice over a friendly game of golf. The day also allowed for the attendees to situate themselves and for the Trade Show participants to prepare their booths for the crowd composed of nearly 1,000, while the FCCA Platinum Members had a chance to start their one-on-one meetings.

 Tuesday was the official grand opening for the Trade Show, with the audience gathered to see some of the best offerings from the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and more. It also marked the beginning of the one-on-one meetings and workshops that continue all the way through the Conference’s close. It also officially commenced the event with the Conference Opening Ceremony, which sparked enough interest in the Dominican Republic to reach its president, Leonel Fernandez, who was able to listen to the speeches of the Honorable Francisco Javier Garcia, minister of tourism; Michele Paige, president of the FCCA; Kevin Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line and chairman of the FCCA; Richard Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises; and the winners of the FCCA Foundation’s Essay Contest. The ceremony also commemorated the Dominican Republic’s culture with song and dance from Carnival and a welcome party at the Museo de las Casa Reales.

 Wednesday brought together the CEOs, presidents and ministers for private meetings to foster further communication and relationships between the cruise lines and the destinations’ governments, while continuing with the one-on-one meetings, workshops and Trade Show. The day culminated at the decadent Dominican Republic Night Extravaganza at the Sans Souci Cruise Terminal.

 Thursday was another successful day, as the attendees concluded their meetings and workshops and began to make plans to pursue the relationships formed throughout the event and possibly to attend next year’s event in San Juan, Puerto Rico, taking place from October 3-7, 2011. The night closed with a cocktail reception and a closing party to make the participants completely comfortable as they finalized this year’s discussions and prepared for the times ahead.

 www.f-cca.com

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ — New Music Track ‘Danca Loca’ by Sao Benitez Available to buy Online Today

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100222/378135 )

BACARDI, the world’s most awarded rum, is pleased to announce the eagerly-awaited digital release of the music from its new TV commercial ‘Island’.

The track, called ‘Danca Loca’, was created especially for BACARDI by legendary producer Sao Benitez under the Mr. Bongo record label. It’s the perfect collaboration for BACARDI, a long-time supporter of musical innovators. Harnessing the talents of a select group of artists, Sao Benitez has successfully captured in his music the warmth, passion and Latin spirit of BACARDI Rum.

It’s these qualities which are celebrated in the new commercial, part of the ‘Spirit of BACARDI’ global advertising campaign, created by Young & Rubicam Advertising. In the new ‘Island’ spot, a group of friends demonstrate their optimism, creativity and passion as they come together to create their very own, temporary island in an urban space. Accompanied by the sounds of ‘Danca Loca’ they celebrate their distinctive attitude to life – an innate desire to invite, share and enjoy with as many others as possible.

BACARDI Rum has a reputation for being an innovator. Its founder Don Facundo Bacardí revolutionised the world of spirits when he created BACARDI Rum nearly 150 years ago. As the ultimate mixing spirit, BACARDI went on to become the original rum used to create legendary cocktails like the Mojito, the Cuba Libre and the Daiquiri.

The track, ‘Danca Loca’ by Sao Benitez, will be available to buy on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic and other digital retailers.

About BACARDI Rum – The World’s Most Awarded Rum

In 1862, in Santiago de Cuba, founder Don Facundo Bacardi Masso revolutionized the spirits industry when he created the world’s first premium white rum – BACARDI. The unique taste of BACARDI Rum inspired cocktail pioneers to invent some of the world’s most famous drinks including the Mojito (1862), the Daiquiri (1898) and the Cuba Libre (1900). Today, BACARDI Rum is made in Puerto Rico and Mexico where it is crafted to ensure that the taste remains the same today as it did when it was first blended in 1862.

About Sao Benitez

Sao Benitez is DJ, producer and musician Ben Mitchell. His DJ sets are legendary for their uplifting blend of Latin, batucadas and funky soulful vibes that reflect his own productions. Sao Benitez’ music is for anyone who likes to have fun and dance! The positivity of the music has a truly global appeal, drawing influences from the US, Brazil, Japan and European club cultures. He has collaborated with many international performers and played all over the world with his 10-piece band. Sao Benitez’ second album ‘Feeling High’ will be released later this year.

About Mr Bongo

Mr Bongo is Europe’s foremost specialist in quality Latin American music.  The Mr Bongo record label is responsible for bringing the classic sounds of Latin legends across the Atlantic and recording the wonderful sounds of many Latin luminaries in South America. As well as capturing these legends, Mr Bongo has also kept its finger on the pulse of fresh contemporary talent and the new wave of underground Brazilian party music known as ‘Baile Funk’. Mr Bongo is proud to be celebrating its 20th year, whilst still maintaining a dedicated following and impressive reputation.

Please Enjoy BACARDI Rum Responsibly.

To view ‘Island’, please visit http://www.bacardi.com.