Hotelogix Celebrates Golden Jubilee of CHTA
May 2, 2012
BANGALORE, India, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — It is a grandeur occasion for the Caribbean Hotel Tourism Association (CHTA) as it will mark its 50 glorious years in May 2012. The golden jubilee milestone in this region is being complimented by a extending a cloud based Hospitality Solution “Hotelogix” to CHTA members by HMS Infotech and Carbo TTC. They will be able to offer a “member to member” discount to the 700 + hotels, which are a member of CHTA to pave its way to the glorious 50. Carbo TTC is the business partner of Hotelogix in the Caribbean.
“On this golden occasion Hotelogix wants to extend CHTA its world class cloud based Hotel Platform. I believe this can significantly help CHTA members to see the positive impacts of cloud system in hospitality business. With this Hotelogix aims to help CHTA member hotels in fostering excellence in hotel operations, and at same time help hotels increase revenues by providing online connectivity and global exposure, Hotelogix has extended CHTA members a free full system trial for two weeks and a discounted subscription,” says Deepak Chauhan, Director Products, Hotelogix.
Hotelogix, is the leading cloud-based SAAS (Software as a Service) offering for the small and mid-sized hospitality industry, it is easy-to-adapt and very cost efficient solution.
Hotelogix is a solution to help manage their operations in a simplified way, giving world class services. Offering customers a unified approach for their business needs like Reservations, Front-desk Operations, Housekeeping, Restaurants etc., the system further offers modules that let you extend your global reach and generate higher revenues from the online channels and stay integrated with the external stakeholders of their hospitality business.
About Carbo TTC:
Carbo Trust Trade Consultancy Ltd. is a multidisciplinary and result oriented advisory service dealing with strategy, marketing, business organization, interim management, and change project management in the hospitality industry. Carbo TTC, represent Hotelogix in Caribbean region and till date has successfully implemented solution in many properties.
About Hotelogix:
HMS Infotech was incorporated in 2008, and is headquartered at New Delhi NCR, India. Hotelogix (Hotelogix.com), by HMS Infotech, is an end-to-end cloud solution for small and mid-size hotel properties worldwide.
For offer details, visit: (CarboTTC) http://www.hotelogix.com/lpage/carbos.html
Leading Global Sealing Products Manufacturer – Flexitallic ‘Announces Addition of Allied Distributor’ in Trinidad
May 1, 2012
HOUSTON, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The Flexitallic Group (Flexitallic), an international market leader of industrial static sealing products is pleased to announce that ESAU Oilfield has been accepted into Flexitallic’s Allied Distributor Program. Flexitallic specializes in the design, manufacturing and global distribution of high performance industrial sealing products for process industries including oil refineries, petrochemical, chemical and power generation.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/CL96062LOGO )
“ESAU Oilfield is based in Trinidad and has been a well respected distributor of Flexitallic since 2003,” says Keith Miller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Flexitallic. “We are pleased to promote ESAU Oilfield to the level of Allied Distributor for Flexitallic. ESAU Oilfield has done a tremendous job of aligning our technology with a high level of customer service and support to companies in Trinidad.”
Flexitallic’s Allied Distributor Program selects companies from around the world that consistently demonstrate Flexitallic’s philosophy for providing high quality products, technical expertise and customer service. ”ESAU Oilfield has successfully achieved the level of Allied Distributor,” says Steven Johnston, Sales Manager for Latin America, Caribbean & Mexico. “They are a great representative for Flexitallic in Trinidad. ESAU Oilfield has a local market and service capability that is important as an independent distributor and we want to continue to support their efforts.”
ESAU Oilfield is the 17th company selected globally as part of Flexitallic’s Allied Distributor Program that began in 2002. Adds Johnston, “Recognizing ESAU Oilfield as an Allied Distributor is just one more way we can reinforce our continued commitment to them as a valued partner. We look forward to building our business in Trinidad and continuing to provide world class static sealing solutions to our customers there and around the world.” For more information, visit www.flexitallic.com or www.EsauOilfield.com
About FlexitallicThe Flexitallic Group is an international market leader in the manufacture and global supplier of high quality, high value industrial static sealing products. Formed in 1912, Flexitallic maintains a major market position in sealing devices used throughout the world, most notably in the oil and gas industry’s upstream and downstream operations. Flexitallic has manufacturing locations in 15 countries and over 600 stocking distributors worldwide.
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Pinnacle Entertainment Sets New Standard For Casino Rewards Program; More Cars, More Trips, More Gifts
May 1, 2012
Distinctive my choice ® Program Offers Guests Unmatched Choice of Iconic Benefits: Atlantis, Paradise Island Joins Mercedes-Benz Automobiles, Wynn Las Vegas, Royal Caribbean Cruises as Premier Options for Players
LAS VEGAS, April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: PNK) today announced it is offering players a wealth of extraordinary benefits in its mychoice guest loyalty program. Just one year after enhancing the program, Pinnacle is now offering an innovative new benefit: annual trips to Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas. Atlantis joins an array of iconic brands already available to mychoice members such as the opportunity to earn an annual lease on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, cruises on Royal Caribbean International and stays at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.
To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55465-pinnacle-entertainment-mychoice-casino-rewards-program
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120430/MM96119 )
“Our steadfast focus remains on exceeding our guest’s expectations and truly rewarding their loyalty,” said Pinnacle Entertainment President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Sanfilippo. “One of the many features that make the mychoice program special is that our guests design it every time they choose their own custom gifts and inspiring experiences from an unprecedented roster of world-class brands. It really is their program and we show our appreciation by offering rewards tailor-made to them; it gives choice a whole new meaning.”
“Atlantis is excited to be partnering with Pinnacle Entertainment’s mychoice loyalty program,” said George Markantonis, President/Managing Director of Kerzner International Bahamas. “We are looking forward to welcoming their guests to the Atlantis family, offering unprecedented amenities including the largest casino in the Caribbean, beautiful white-sand beaches, world-class dining experiences and more.”
As a new Pinnacle partner for 2012, Atlantis Resort offers an unparalleled casino experience including the Caribbean’s largest casino with a variety of 750 slots and over 90 table games, outdoor gaming at Cain at The Cove as well as a high-energy Race and Sports Book.
Pinnacle’s most loyal guests earn a place in The Owner’s Club and may apply for membership in the Owner’s Club Stock Program. Accepted guests will receive an award of 100 shares of Pinnacle common stock. Existing Owner’s Club members may now also choose from a selection of luxury timepieces, a lease on a Mercedes-Benz sedan, SUV or convertible or an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime trip such as the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy or an adventurous cruise featuring exotic ports of call throughout Asia.
All mychoice members earn tier points based on the games they play, the duration they play and the average bet they make. To maximize the program’s value and flexibility, casino play earns more than points toward a specific tier; it also earns members mycash rewards, which can be used for the benefits that guests enjoy most – slot play, dining, shopping, hotel stays, cash back or a combination thereof.
In addition to the aforementioned rewards, the enhanced mychoice program features guaranteed monthly mycash multipliers, invitations to private VIP events, priority restaurant seating, VIP lounge access, personal casino hosting, preferred hotel booking and check-in and VIP seating for many high-demand entertainment events. A full description of the program is available at www.pinnaclemychoice.com.
About Pinnacle Entertainment
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates six casinos, located in Louisiana, Missouri, and Indiana, and a racetrack in Ohio. In addition, Pinnacle is developing L’Auberge Casino Hotel Baton Rouge, and holds a 26% ownership stake in Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd. (ACDL), an international development and real estate company currently developing Vietnam’s first large-scale integrated resort on the Ho Tram Strip.
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PNK. To learn more about Pinnacle Entertainment, please visit www.pnkinc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements included in this press release, other than historical information or statements of historical fact, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the mychoice program, the Owner’s Club and the Owners Club Stock Program, are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that could significantly affect future results. Accordingly, Pinnacle cautions that the forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such statements. For more information on the potential factors that could affect Pinnacle’s business and financial results, review Pinnacle’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including, but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) on Form S-3 (File No. 333-172884) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC Web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll-free 1-877-764-8750.
Anguilla Takes Another Step Toward Renewables
April 27, 2012
Nearly 100 Anguillan stakeholders gather at a Government of Anguilla Workshop to hear initial recommendations for the integration of Renewables into Anguilla’s Energy profile.
CaribPR Wire, The Valley, Anguilla, Fri. April 27, 2012: On Tuesday 24th of April, The Government of Anguilla’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities and Housing (MICUH) hosted the Anguilla Renewable Energy Integration Project (AREIP) Stakeholder Workshop at Paradise Cove Resort, Anguilla. Close to 100 local stakeholders gathered to listen and comment on the presentation of the initial report from the Project Consultants, Castalia Strategic Advisors. The AREIP is being funded by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) – a UK based development funding agency that aims to help decision-makers in developing countries design and deliver climate compatible development.
The specific purpose of the project is to support Anguilla’s efforts to implement key elements of its National Energy Policy and Climate Change Policies by amending current electricity legislation to provide a clear framework for the integration of both customer-sited and utility-scale renewable energy into the national electricity grid.
At the welcoming ceremony the Chief Minister, The Hon Hubert Hughes stressed how important this Project is to the Government and people of Anguilla. The Minister with responsibility for Energy, the Hon Evan Gumbs went on to tell the audience that the Integration of Renewables was his Ministry’s priority – in order that there will be a cheaper and more sustainable Energy Supply for Anguillans. Minister Gumbs thanked the stakeholders for coming and stated positively that “relief is not here yet, but it’s coming”.
The Presentation was led by Mr. Gianmarco Servetti, Castalia Principal and Project Director, with the assistance of two colleagues, Project Manager Ms. Laura Berman and Legal Consultant Ms. Barbara Vargas. The key assessments and recommendations can be briefly summarized as follows:
• Anguilla has economically viable renewable energy resources that can be used now.
• Anguilla’s viable renewable energy resources include solar hot water heating, solar electricity production on both a large, utility scale and a small home and business scale, and utility scale wind energy. There’s also a possibility that Anguilla could produce some limited utility scale waste to energy.
• All new buildings that require hot water should be mandated to use solar hot water heating.
• Anguilla’s Electricity Act should be amended to allow those people generating electricity at their home or business with solar or wind – referred to as Distributed Generators, to sell any excess power they produce back to the national grid under a contract agreement with the electric utility.
• Utility rules should be put in place to govern Distributed Generators’ eligibility for interconnection, technical compliance standards, contract term and payment rates under the agreement.
The three consultants then facilitated lively and informative breakout sessions on: Assessing the Potential and Viability of Renewable Energy Projects; Land Use, the Environment and Development of Renewable Energy Projects and Selling Electricity Generated by Renewable Energy Technologies.
The wrap up session saw many local stakeholders taking the floor and sharing their hopes and concerns – including Mr. Sutcliffe Hodge, who talked about the sustainability of Anguilla’s National Utility, ANGLEC, and its need to be ambitious and embrace renewables; Mr. David Gumbs, the CFO of ANGLEC who gave many examples of ANGLEC’S commitment to do so; and Mr. David Carty, Chairman of the Anguilla National Energy Committee (ANEC) who reminded the audience of the ‘big picture’ and posed that mitigating climate change is key, and the integration of renewables and the sustainable development of Anguilla can serve as a role model for other developing nations, and as such should attract international funding and exposure for Anguilla.
Mr. Servetti said, “It was a successful workshop. There proved to be lots of interest and buy-in for the regulatory changes in the short term and also support for broader reforms long term.” When asked if he thought the audience was engaged he went on to say, “More than normal – it seems everyone feels that they have a primary role. It was a very lively and engaging discussion – and productive too.” When asked when the recommendations could be acted on he added “some can be implemented immediately …some can happen now.”
Mr. Crefton A. Niles, Director of Public Utilities/Telecommunications Officer, Government of Anguilla, who is managing the project, said, “… an excellent workshop – lots of information was exchanged in both directions. Participants questioned the presenters and vice-versa. We all came together for the benefit of the country as a whole. I look forward to the final report from the consultants and thank CDKN & DFID for their overall sponsorship of the project.”
The Project Manager for CDKN, Ms. Patricia Leon, summed it up “It was inspiring to see the interest of different stakeholders in Renewable Energy and I look forward to seeing the recommendations being analyzed by the Government of Anguilla and implemented in projects that benefit the people of Anguilla.”
The Anguilla Renewable Energy Office (AREO) was instrumental in securing funds for the project from CDKN and continues to play a key role – working alongside the Government of Anguilla to raise awareness of and communicate the milestones and successes of the AREIP by regular communications with stakeholders.
For more information please contact Mr. Crefton Niles, Government Project Manager, at the Ministry of Energy at email crefton.niles@gov.ai, or at Tel: 264-497-2651 (W), or 264-476-0056 (M); or Beth Barry, Renewable Energy Coordinator at Tel: 1-264-235-8292 or email: beth@anguillareo.org
PLEASE NOTE: This document is an output from a project funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) for the benefit of developing countries. However, the views expressed and information contained in it are not necessarily those of or endorsed by DFID or the members of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network, which can accept no responsibility or liability for such views, completeness or accuracy of the information or for any reliance placed on them.
HBO Series Profugos and Mulher de Fases Nominated for Best Drama TV Series and Best Comedy TV Series at the Monte Carlo Television Festival
April 25, 2012
MONACO, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Profugos and Mulher de Fases, the successful productions of HBO Latin America, were nominated for the Golden Nymph at the Monte Carlo Television Festival in the Best Drama TV Series and Best Comedy TV Series categories.
“It is an honor for HBO Latin America to once again have two original productions like Profugos and Mulher de Fases be nominated for this award,” stated Luis Peraza, HBO LA’s executive vice president of Original Production. He also added, “This honor is a true recognition of HBO’s commitment to create the highest quality content in the region.”
Profugos is a dramatic series filmed entirely in Chile, which revolves around a failed drug trafficking operation that triggers a frantic pursuit by the mafia and by law enforcement for those responsible, causing them to desperately flee across the Chilean countryside. The series, which combines drama and action, has allowed HBO to have solid impact on its audience with the content of impeccable quality that is produced regionally.
Mulher de Fases was the first comedy by HBO Latin America Originals, and it was the channel’s first incursion into the genre. Mulher de Fases follows the adventures of Gracia (Elisa Volpatto) a real estate agent, who after her divorce, is searching for the ideal man to start her life over with. The fun begins when the protagonist transforms herself and changes her personality depending on the current suitor.
Mulher de Fases was also nominated for Outstanding International Producer and Outstanding Actress in a Comedy TV Series, while Profugos was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Drama TV Series and also for Outstanding International Producer.
For more information about Mulher de Fases and Profugos as well as other HBO Original Series, subscribe to HBOLAPRESS, HBO Latin America’s press room.
About HBO Latin America
HBO Latin America is the leader in paid, Premium television network broadcasting in the region, who as well as being recognized for the quality and diversity of its original programming, movies, and documentaries, delivers services of the highest technology in SD and HD formats in over 23 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through its channels HBO®, HBO2®, HBO® Signature, HBO® Plus, HBO® Family, HBO Caribbean®, Cinemax®, MAX®, MAX HD®, Max Prime (SM) and HBO OD.
Haiti Is First Nation to Become Member of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Consultative Group (CG) for a Second Term
April 25, 2012
History-making move gives Haiti more direct access to GFDRR and the World Bank, which are critical partners in the development of a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Agenda
WASHINGTON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Consultative Group (CG) has invited Haiti to become a Developing Country member delegate of this prestigious organization, making Haiti the first nation in the history of GFDRR to be invited into membership for a second term.
Thierry Mayard-Paul, Haiti’s Chief of Staff and Minister of the Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Defense, who led the Haitian delegation and served as its chief representative at this year’s GFDRR meeting, said, “this honor underscores the importance of the Martelly administration’s work in Disaster Reduction and Recovery Management (DRRM) throughout the country, in partnership with international organizations like the World Bank, the UNDP, USAID, SOUTHCOM and others.”
Mayard-Paul presented his government’s approach to Disaster Risk Management and shared Haiti’s proprietary, community development decentralization initiative, Katye Pam Poze (KPP), to a cadre of top-level experts from 38 nations.
Disaster risk reduction and management are intrinsically “embedded” within KPP, the cornerstone program for the Haitian government’s National Decentralization Agenda. In this way, capacity is built at the community level across the country, under an innovative “bottom up” or grassroots approach, but in complete alignment with the national strategy.
Haiti’s innovative approach to community-based decentralization, as well as its commitment to institute Disaster Risk and Recovery Management across all government entities, was well-received by GFDRR members and meeting participants. Zoubida Allaoua, GFDRR’s Chair and the World Bank’s Director of Finance, Economics & Urban Department, encouraged the development of innovative initiatives such as Haiti’s KPP, stating, “We should not use yesterday’s solutions to confront today’s problems. The GFDRR will work in partnership with the government of Haiti in its Disaster Risk Management efforts, so that they become a showcase project for other nations.”
As incoming GFDRR member, Haiti will have more direct access to the GFDRR and the World Bank, key partners in the development of a comprehensive DRRM program for Haiti. Recently, the World Bank committed US$ 60 million to fund a four-year Reconstruction and Disaster & Risk Management Program that will support decision-making and capacity building, the construction of an emergency telecommunications system, as well as road infrastructure and safety.
The minister stressed that the Government of Haiti seeks to make risk reduction an essential part of its reconstruction and recovery efforts, while developing strategies and a policy framework for long term disaster risk reduction and management into the new national development plan.
Other counties welcomed as new GFDRR members during the spring sessions were Solomon Islands and Togo. Each country will occupy a chair for two years. The three current developing country members, with one year remaining to serve, are Malawi, Bangladesh and Yemen.
“The GFDRR meetings were extremely helpful as they allowed us the opportunity to share –and learn– from other countries’ experience in this crucial area of disaster and risk reduction and management,” added Mayard-Paul. “With our designation as Developing Country members, we are looking forward to even greater exposure to best practices, as well as opportunities for support and collaboration from the GFDRR’s membership.”
MEI Healthcare Inc. Partners with Caribbean Countries To Build Multi-million-dollar Regional Oncology Facility
April 25, 2012
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – MEI Healthcare Inc., a leading provider of healthcare strategies and equipment solutions for medical facilities around the world, is partnering with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, the governments of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Global Health Partners, Ltd., to begin construction of The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean at Mount St. John Medical Centre in St. John, Antigua. Groundbreaking for the new $13.5 million (EC dollars) facility will take place Thursday, April 26.
“Our partnership will provide accessible, high-quality cancer care for a population that is underserved,” said Gordon Baltzer, CEO of MEI Healthcare Inc. Baltzer will be speaking at the groundbreaking. “Currently, patients need to be treated abroad, which is costly and incredibly difficult for patients and their families. As a result, many patients have gone without treatment.”
The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean will provide high-quality medical, radiation and surgical oncology services. The facility will include state-of-the-art technology capable of administering intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The centre will be used as the hub for consultation services being offered to the participating member countries.
“Nearly 1,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed each year in the OECS and, of those, approximately 400 will need radiotherapy at some time in their disease course,” said Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, The Hon. Baldwin Spencer in a prepared statement. “I recognize that currently there are no facilities in the Eastern Caribbean that are truly comprehensive and offer both surgery and radiation…(and) it’s important for us to develop the facilities necessary to provide support to patients who have cancer.”
The Hon. Arthur T. Porter, M.D., Chair of the Board of MEI and a key driver of this project, stated, “MEI insures that the Eastern Caribbean will have the technology platform to deliver modern day cancer therapy at a level commensurate with that of the USA, Canada or Europe.”
During a regional healthcare symposium in 2009, government officials expressed interest in developing a partnership with the private sector to equip a cancer center in Antigua with the latest oncology services and technical expertise. The “partnered care” model being used to create the facility is a cost-effective solution to bringing the latest technology to the region.
MEI provides business development, capital equipment funding strategies and growth consulting services to physicians, hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide.
About MEI Healthcare Inc.
Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., MEI is a comprehensive healthcare strategy firm that works with physician groups and medical centers to provide turnkey healthcare solutions. MEI and its subsidiaries, MEI Development Group, MEI Healthcare Capital, MEI Informatics, MEI Healthcare International and MEI Healthcare Foundation, offer its clients more than 40 years of healthcare business experience and the value-added benefits of its strategic alliances. For more information, visit http://www.mei.com.
Waste To Energy Can Help Caribbean, Panelist Tells “Going Green” Invest Caribbean Now Forum
April 23, 2012
L.R.: Ujjwal Bhattacharjee, Felicia Persaud, Loreto Duffy-Mayers and Tony Fiddy at the “Going Green” Invest Caribbean Now Forum on April 18, 2012 in Guyana. (CTO image)
CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, April 23, 2012: A panelist at the first green investment forum at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference believes waste to energy plants in the region could help solve the problems of high power cost.
Tony Fiddy, President of the Waste to Energy Division and Regional Vice President for Europe and Africa, Naanovo Energy Inc., says waste to energy plants could lower the power costs of many nations tremendously.
“In St. Kitts we will be building a plant and selling power for US.20 cents to the government there, resulting in a huge savings that will be passed along to the consumer,” said Fiddy, a panelist on the “Going Green” Invest Caribbean Now Forum, organized by Felicia Persaud’s Hard Beat Communications and the CTO, and held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Guyana International Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Guyana.
The forum also featured Loreto Duffy-Mayers, Project Manager for the Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action (CHENACT) Programme and Ujjwal Bhattacharjee, a specialist in renewable energy and energy efficiency with a focus on technology, investment and policy and a consultant on the CHENACT project.
The CHENACT Study found that green investments in the Caribbean hotel sector offers a sufficient critical mass to spur entrepreneurial activity and both Duffy-Mayers and Bhattacharjee expressed the hope that a Clean Energy Policy will be incorporated into the National Energy Policy of countries and replicated throughout the region
The forum was a partnership between the CTO and Invest Caribbean Now, the brand founded by Felicia Persaud, the Guyana-born CEO of the New York-based digital media company Hard Beat Communications.
Persaud, who co-convened and moderated the forum, urged the 100 delegates to remember that “investing in clean energy is not just environmentally responsible, but good business.”
“No region offers more long-term growth prospects for renewable energy than the Caribbean,” said Persaud.
Last year, according to the UN Environment Program, investors pumped a record two hundred and 11 billion US dollars into renewables globally and this is projected to grow to 1.7 trillion by 2020. Of the 211 billion, $72 billion was invested in developing countries vs. $70 billion in developed economies. South and Central America secured $13.1 billion of that amount. The Caribbean was not accounted for in this study.
“And so it is a challenge to the Caribbean region to position itself to take advantage of this new sector sustainably and with transparency. Our leaders must begin to think outside the box and be unafraid to move beyond the traditional sectors – for instance out of a dying sugar industry, to ethanol,” Persaud added. “We must tap investment into this sector to create new jobs and limit our dependence on the up and down prices of oil and grow our economies like our south American neighbors and really make a mark on this generation.”
The Caribbean Tourism Organization has been staging its Annual Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, otherwise known as the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), since 1997. The 2012 conference was presented by the CTO and hosted by the Government of Guyana from April 15-18, 2012.
Partners for the April 18th Green Investment forum included One Caribbean Television, CaribPR Wire and News Americas Now.
Haiti’s Disaster Risk Management and Recovery Experience Showcased at Prestigious Global Meeting in Washington, D.C.
April 18, 2012
Haiti’s Cornerstone Decentralization Program, Katye Pam Poze, gains wide reception as innovative “bottom-up” approach to disaster reduction & management based on community integration and sustainable development.
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Thierry Mayard-Paul, Haiti’s Chief of Staff and Minister of the Interior, Territorial Collectivities and National Defense, led the Haitian delegation that shared Haiti’s disaster risk management and recovery experience with a cadre of top-level experts from approximately 38 nations, at the highly-regarded Consultative Group meeting of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). Haiti was the only Western Hemispheric country invited to attend the event as a Developing Country, for the period 2012- 2013.
Mayard-Paul described the Martelly Administration’s vision for emergency preparedness and response, stating: “the 2010 earthquake demonstrated that development will never be successful if we don’t build risk reduction at our core. That is why the Martelly administration is committed to making disaster risk reduction and management, a critical priority across the government.”
Coming into Office, President Martelly’s new Government boosted preparedness and response capacity by strengthening the Civil Protection Directorate, as well as sub-national efforts. This work continues and will remain important as Haiti heads into the hurricane season. The Haitian delegation provided specific examples, for instance, of how the government has integrated risk reduction as a centerpiece of its recovery efforts within the 16/6 project. This is a US$78-million project seeking to rehabilitate 16 neighborhoods to relocate residents of six large camps in the metropolitan area, impacting 30,000 people.
Mayard-Paul gave many examples of fruitful collaborative efforts between donors, NGOs, and federal and local governments. “However, they are independent programs that are not fully integrated under one single, comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction & Management strategy.” As a result, the government –through the Ministry of the Interior– is developing a policy framework for longer term disaster risk reduction and management that will be integrated into the new national development plan.
“Development progress and risk reduction will only be successful if they are tied to local development,” added Mayard-Paul. “That is why we recently launched Katye Pam Poze, the cornerstone program for the government’s National Decentralization Agenda.” Disaster risk reduction and management are intrinsically embedded within KPP. This way, capacity is built at the community level across the country, under an innovative “bottom up” or grassroots approach, but in complete alignment with the national strategy.
Mayard-Paul encouraged potential partners present at the meeting to help Haiti make a significant impact in disaster risk reduction and management. “We know we can’t do this alone. We need long-term development partners to support the government’s identified priorities,” said Mayard-Paul. “That’s why organizations like GFDRR and the World Bank (WB) are critical, and why this meeting is so important to Haiti.”
The Minister cited eight key areas of potential support from international partners:
- Building institutional capacity at all levels– for example, supporting Katye Pam Poze’s emergency risk reduction and response modules.
- Contributing to build infrastructure and processes — from basic physical work space to the creation of a single national emergency warning system.
- Supporting knowledge and innovation – by financing university research to identify new ways to tackle risk whilst channeling efforts of the young.
- Funding research and assessments –information gathering and sharing is one of Haiti’s major challenges.
- IT/online infrastructure, software and training so that databases and critical information can be shared.
- Helping build comprehensive disaster risk reduction programs in priority cities and departments since reducing risk across the whole country at the same speed is impossible.
- Build national capacity to assess, monitor and reduce risks. In particular, build on the progress made on seismic risk reduction while also strengthening cyclone/hydro capacity.
- Supporting communications and public awareness campaigns.
“The Government of Haiti is charting a new course on disaster reduction and management, one based on resilience, best practices and community integration ensuring sustainable development,” concluded Mayard-Paul.
The Haitian delegation also included Elizabeth Landers, Adjunct Chief of Staff, Ministry of the Interior; Jean-Elie Germain, Project Manager for disaster risk reduction, OXFAM GB Haiti; Yolene Surena, Coordinator, IDA Project “Disaster Risk Management and Reconstruction”; and the staff members of the GFDRR: Gaetano Vivo, Disaster Risk Management Focal Point for Haiti and Jean-Baptiste Migraine, Disaster Risk Management Specialist at the World Bank.
GFDRR, (www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/12CG) is Co-Chaired by the World Bank and the Government of the Netherlands. The CG meeting serves as a focal point for the United Nations’ international efforts to mitigate and minimize disasters such as the January 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti.
HBO: Latin America: Game of Thrones Concludes Press Tour in Miami
April 18, 2012
MIAMI, April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The actors from Game of Thrones finished a promotional tour with an event in Miami, FL with press from Latin America and the Caribbean, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Jamaica and the Bahamas. This came after visits to Mexico, DF and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In this photo, Kit Harington, Richard Madden and Alfie Allen who are part of the leading cast of the hit series, which was recently confirmed for a third season.
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