Leading Puerto Rico Benefits Attorney, Juan Luis Alonso, Joins Groom Law Group, Chartered in Washington, D.C.
January 30, 2012
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.
Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference To Focus On Sustaining Natural Resources
January 25, 2012
News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Weds. Jan. 25, 2012: Caribbean tourism planners, policymakers and stakeholders will receive valuable guidance on how to sustain the region’s resources in the context of climate change, at the Caribbean’s premier sustainable tourism gathering in April.
The 13th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism (STC-13), set for Guyana from 15 to 18 April – will focus on effective ways to monitor and manage the use of the region’s natural resources to limit depletion while maximizing the socio-economic benefits of tourism.
Conference organizer, The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), has chosen as its theme, Keeping the Right Balance: Sustaining our Resources. The CTO explains that because the natural environment – including coastal areas, coral reefs, wetlands, mountains, volcanoes, terrestrial and marine biodiversity, as well as the national and marine parks – serves as a major tourism pull, it’s imperative that action is taken to sustain these resources.
“The theme of STC-13 will therefore highlight best practices in how this requirement can be fulfilled in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts within the Caribbean and beyond. It will also provide valuable guidance on investing in, developing and marketing sustainable tourism products that can assist in sustaining our resources,” said Gail Henry, the CTO’s sustainable tourism product specialist.
The conference, which will be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, is being organized in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority.
The CTO, along with the GTA and industry partners, is finalizing the conference program, which will include a mix of panel discussions and workshops with presentations from leading local, regional and international tourism experts and practitioners. Informative and exciting study tours to attraction-packed sites, including the majestic Kaieteur Falls, will expose delegates to the rich history, local culture and scenic beauty of Guyana.
For more information on STC-13, visit www.caribbeanstc.com.
HBO Latin America Presents its New Channel, HBO Signature
January 22, 2012
MIAMI, Jan. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — HBO Latin America enriches its premium television offering with the launch of a new HBO channel, HBO Signature. This new channel, which can only be enjoyed by those who subscribe to HBO’s premium package, arrives to further enhance the originality and exclusivity of the brand’s original programming by offering the market’s most premium and acclaimed content.
HBO Signature will be the destination of the most award-winning material from pay-tv, and will reinforce the importance and excellence of the material produced exclusively by and for HBO. The new service, which will be available as of Feb. 1, will allow viewers to enjoy shows, miniseries, exclusive films made for TV and documentaries that have set milestones in the industry not only for their production value, but for the talent found both in front of and behind the camera.
As part of its programming schedule, HBO Signature will offer impactful and exclusive shows such as The Sopranos, Six Feet Under and Entourage; successful miniseries such as Band of Brothers, The Pacific and Mildred Pierce; Premium television films such Too Big to Fail, Grey Gardens and You Don’t Know Jack; and also documentaries, all with HBO’s seal of exclusivity and vanguard.
“With this announcement, HBO continues demonstrating its commitment to the continent’s premium television and its consumers and clients, by offering unique and stand-out content all consolidated into one channel, HBO Signature. These innovative productions are what define this one-of-a-kind television experience, adding value to HBO’s Premium package,” stated Gustavo Grossmann, the channel’s vice-president and general manager.
HBO Signature will begin transmission in all of Latin America and Brazil as of Feb. 1. For more information, visit www.hbomax.tv
About HBO Latin America Group
HBO Latin America Group is a group of affiliated businesses belonging to Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. and Ole Communications Group. HBO Latin America Group’s companies operate, direct, and are proprietors of the leading cable and satellite service providers in Latin America, Brazil and the Caribbean, including the signals of HBO, HBO2, HBO Plus, HBO Family, HBO Caribbean, HBO HD, HBO On Demand, MAX, MAX HD, Max Prime, Cinemax, A&E, A&E HD, AXN, AXN HD, The Biography Channel, E! Entertainment Television, The History Channel, The History Channel HD, Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Entertainment Television HD, Sony Spin, Warner Channel and Warner Channel HD.
Haiti Minister of the Interior & OAS Discuss Potential Areas of Cooperation
January 20, 2012
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Jan. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Haiti’s Minister of the Interior Thierry Mayard-Paul accompanied by Prime Minister Garry Conille at a meeting with Ambassador Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General for the Organization of American States, discussed potential cooperation in the areas of civil registry, security and disaster relief.
Topics addressed included a potential contribution from the OAS to strengthen security and disaster relief capacity building, as well as preparedness. “We had a very productive meeting and are encouraged by the OAS’ intent to support and contribute to the reinforcement of our institutional capacity, particularly in areas that the Ministry has outlined in its strategic action plan,” said Minister Mayard-Paul. “Our goal is to strengthen our institutional capabilities across the country, as a key element within our decentralization strategy.”
The delegations agreed to meet again in February to discuss specifics.
The meeting was also attended by Francois Bolduc, OAS Representative in Haiti, Shelly Dass, Counselor to Ambassador Ramdin, General Guy Thibault, IACD, Lieutenant Dennis Lepes, IACD and Catherine Pognat, OAS’ Senior Officer.
Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic Among Blacks Says New Book
January 19, 2012
CaribPR Wire, Brooklyn, New York, January 19, 2012. Chronic vitamin D deficiency is a silent epidemic that is taking the lives of countless blacks worldwide. Correcting the Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic: Strategies to Fight Diseases and Prolong Life for Black People (ISBN 978-0-912444-49-9), is the first book to comprehensively address the under-examined issue of critical vitamin D deficiency among blacks, a major contributor to the health disparities present in Black communities.
The author, Mrs. Emily Allison-Francis, is a nutritionist, librarian, and educator.
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among dark-skinned people because high concentrations of melanin in dark skin block the production of vitamin D from the sun, the most natural and abundant source of vitamin D. More than 90 percent of Blacks have critically low vitamin D levels and Blacks also suffer disproportionate illness and mortality rates from major chronic diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency.
Correcting the Vitamin D Deficiency Epidemic: Strategies to Fight Diseases and Prolong Life for Black People explores the connection between vitamin D deficiency and the high illness and mortality rates among Blacks. It also provides practical steps that dark-skinned people worldwide can take to improve their vitamin D status as well as useful, natural health strategies to help prevent and fight chronic diseases. Leading scientists in the field of vitamin D research have commented on the book including:
• Dr. Cedric Garland, professor at the School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, who urges “all society, and concerned people of all ethnicities to act upon” the information provided in the book.
• Dr. William B. Grant, director of The Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center, who advises that the book “should be required reading for every black family in the United States; white and brown Americans could learn much from it as well.”
• Dr. Bruce Hollis, director of pediatric nutritional sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, who implores “patients and physicians [to] heed [the book's] advice.”
• And Dr. Vin Tangpricha, associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, who notes: “This book covers the link between vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D status in African Americans and the diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency.”
Copies of the book may be purchased from amazon.com and outlets posted at the website below.
Contact www.healthieryounutrition.com, info@healthieryounutrition.com or 718.916.8974 for more information.
Irwine G. Clare Elected To Serve on Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board
January 16, 2012
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Jan. 17, 2012: The Diaspora U.S. North East Advisory Board has announced the election of Irwine G. Clare, Sr. to serve in the capacity of Advisory Board Member. He will replace Patrick Beckford who will remain as N.E. Board Chairman until the regional conference to be held later this year.
Clare will assume office on Jan 24th 2012 at the first Advisory Board Meeting since Conference 2011.
Clare is the first N.E. Advisory Board Member elected in the USA, prior to that both of his predecessors were elected at conferences held in Jamaica. As Advisory Board member, Clare will serve as the voice of the N.E. Diaspora Community and its newly created 501© (3) organization, US NE Jam Diaspora Organization.
“Irwine is well known in the entire U.S. N.E. community through his advocacy and charitable work most notably with Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB). He is a great replacement for me,” said Beckford. “We are great friends and work well together. As partners for the Diaspora we will be collaborating and uniting our efforts on behalf of the Diaspora and by extension Jamaica.”
Beckford pointed out that the by-laws have been completed and that the new 501© (3) status provides for autonomy from government control and direction.
As head of the Caribbean Immigrant Services (CIS) since 1995, Clare has had a ‘bird’s eye view’ of issues at the heart of to the Diaspora. He has served as in advocacy, policymaking, public service, and media. He was the Senior Partnership Specialist and Team Leader for Brooklyn and the Caribbean Community for the 2010 Census. His leadership service and experience include roles of president of the Jamaica Progressive League; vice president of the National Association of Jamaican & Supportive Organizations (NAJASO); and Board member of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA). His civic service reflects membership in the Association of Caribbean Elected Officials & Community Leaders, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and several immigration policy groups.
As CEO and Founder of Team Jamaica Bickle, he has for the 17 plus years of the organization’s existence, helped to strengthen the connection between Jamaica’s citizens in the homeland and Diaspora.
“Team Jamaica Bickle allows us especially in the N.E. U.S. to operate from a position of care for our young people who travel to the Penn Relays as Ambassadors for our nation,” said Clare.
“The network of care we want to institute between our beloved homeland and Diaspora resides in those kinds of efforts, strengthened only by the creation of opportunities which drive excellence and achievement for all Jamaicans. The Diaspora Advisory Board is a great engine to fulfill that mandate. And one which I am happy to be a part of.”
Fashion Icon Donna Karan, Explores Investment Opportunities in Haiti’s Heartland
January 16, 2012
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Internationally-acclaimed fashion designer Donna Karan accompanied Haitian Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul, as he visited the cities of Jeremiah and Jacmel during his “listening campaign.”
The visits, a continuation of the Minister’s tour of Haiti’s heartland, are aimed at advancing the government’s goals for building a sustainable economy through investments that support decentralization and drive job creation across all sectors, and throughout all the communities of Haiti.
Minister Mayard Paul and Ms. Karan met with Jacmel’s Tourism Minister Ms. Stephanie B. Villedrouin and visited several hotels and tourist sites damaged by the January 2010 earthquake, including the Hotel Florita, the Jacmelienne Hotel and other severely damaged structures along the coast of the Southeast.
According to the Minister, these structures hold investment opportunities for the region. “Prior to the earthquake, Jacmel was one of Haiti’s wealthiest cities, with considerable tourist assets,” said Mayard-Paul. “With its favorable location, it holds great potential for development and job creation for this region.”
In visiting the city of Jeremiah, Mayard-Paul solicited the needs of residents, and vowed to deliver on their requests for jobs through the ongoing efforts of the Martelly government to make Haiti a country favorable to business for national and international investors. To that end, the Minister of the Interior escorted Ms. Karan to an exhibition of local art and handicrafts on Jeremiah’s city square. In viewing the work of Haitian painters, sculptors and craft persons, Ms. Karan reiterated her passion for Haiti as a nation where “each person is creative” and promised to assist Haitian artisans in promoting their works. “Creativity can be manifested into jobs,” Ms. Karan said, an ardent supporter of Haiti through her company Urban Zen. “The craftwork of Haiti is a model for job creation and education in Haiti. The best investment in Haiti is in her people. Their desire to work says much about their spirit, soul and pride.”
Mayard-Paul also visited Jeremiah’s police station, addressing requests for the redevelopment of the premises, and reassuring authorities that the government is working towards long-term, sustainable solutions. “President Martelly and his administration are implementing every measure to achieve concrete and positive changes,” said Mayard-Paul. “Collaboration and cooperation aimed at attracting local and international investment projects will help us achieve our vision for creating sustainable development for Haiti.”
EduK Group Announces Executive Appointments Focused on Managing Growth of Puerto Rico Operations
January 16, 2012
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Chief Executive Officer Wallace Pond, Ph.D., today announced new roles for executives on the senior leadership team of the EduK Group, the largest provider of private, postsecondary career education in Puerto Rico.
Guillermo Nigaglioni, who previously held the position of President and CEO of Instituto de Banca y Comercio (IBC), will retain the title of CEO and welcomes Jose A. Cordova as the new President of IBC. Nigaglioni will also now hold the office of President and CEO of Puerto Rico Operations.
The appointment of Cordova will allow Nigaglioni the opportunity to focus his attention toward more strategic planning and development for EduK Group’s three institutions on the island – Instituto de Banca y Comercio (IBC), National University College (NUC) and Ponce Paramedical College (POPAC), which collectively represent 31 locations across Puerto Rico.
Cordova, as the newly appointed President, will be responsible for IBC’s services, operations and business performance. Cordova joined EduK Group eight years ago, most recently serving as Senior Vice President for Finance and Chief Administrative Officer. Cordova, a member of the EduK senior leadership team, will report to Nigaglioni.
In announcing the new senior management roles, Dr. Pond stated: “As EduK expands its portfolio and adds more programs to serve the needs of students nationally, the growth of our institutions and current programs in Puerto Rico remains a top priority. Through the leadership and commitment of Guillermo and Jose, we are well positioned to meet our current and future service and growth objectives.”
About EduK Group
EduK Group, one of the leading private education companies offering career-oriented programs, is uniquely focused on Spanish and English postsecondary education. EduK Group institutions offer certificates, associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at its campus locations and online in such fields as healthcare, business, information technology, education, culinary arts, cosmetology, drafting and industrial trades. EduK Group’s institutions include Instituto de Banca y Comercio (IBC), National University College (NUC), National University College-Online (NUCO) and Ponce Paramedical College (POPAC) in Puerto Rico and Florida Technical College (FTC), The DAVE School (Digital Animation and Visual Effects) and LaSalle Computer Learning Center in Florida. For more information on EduK Group, call 787-982-3000.
Stay at Best Western®, Earn LifeMiles From the Avianca and TACA Frequent Flyer Program
January 16, 2012
LIMA, Peru, Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Best Western International, Inc., THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY®, announced today that members of its Best Western Rewards® frequency program can now earn 250 LifeMiles, the frequent flyer points from Avianca and TACA Airlines, for every qualified stay at any Best Western hotel around the world.
In addition, between January 16, 2012 and March 31, 2012, Best Western Rewards members who have chosen LifeMiles as their earning preference will be awarded an additional 250 bonus miles for qualified stays at Best Western branded hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, or the Caribbean. For complete terms, conditions and limitations, click here and to adjust earning preferences, register for promotions and manage accounts, Best Western Rewards Members please visit www.bestwesternrewards.com.
“Avianca and TACA Airlines offers one of the most comprehensive networks in Latin America, and is an ideal partner for Best Western,” said Suzi Yoder, VP of International Operations for Best Western. “We have hotels in nearly every Latin American country they serve, and LifeMiles’ over 4 million members will now have the advantage of earning miles for their stays at any Best Western.”
“In terms of distribution throughout Latin America, Best Western’s presence is very strong. This partnership provides a huge added benefit for our frequent flyers, as they can earn LifeMiles for hotel stays in nearly every city we fly to in the region,” said Mauricio Angulo, LifeMiles’ Business Development Director.
Best Western Rewards is one of the industry’s most generous rewards programs and one of few that is truly international. With more than 4,000 locations in over 100 countries and territories, Best Western makes it easy for members to earn points that can be redeemed for global free room nights with no blackout dates, dining, shopping and entertainment gift cards, gas cards, airline miles and more. Rewards program members can book their award nights and purchase travel at www.bestwestern.com.
About AviancaTaca
AviancaTaca Holdings is a leading airline group in Latin America. With a modern fleet of 140 short, medium and long haul aircraft and an exceptional team composed of more than 15,000 Employees, Avianca and Taca directly serves over 100 destinations in America and Europe, which connect to over 750 destinations worldwide through agreements with partner airlines around the globe. With more than 4 million members in its loyalty program, the group recorded combined annual sales revenues of approximately three billion dollars. Its multi-hub operating model offers diverse and convenient passenger flight options through Bogota, Colombia, San Salvador, El Salvador, Lima, Peru and San Jose, Costa Rica. The group also offers a broad portfolio of air products and services, including air cargo, mail, courier, aeronautical support specialists and tourism packages. For more information about the airlines please visit www.taca.com or www.avianca.com
ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 66 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts hundreds of thousands of guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western has embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world’s biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, racecar driver Michael Waltrip, and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.
Haiti, Two Years Later
January 12, 2012
News Americas, PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Fri. Jan. 13, 2012: Two years after the horrific earthquake in Haiti, some 500,000 people still live under terrible conditions in makeshift camps.
That’s the word from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which was working in Haiti before the disaster and lost 12 staff members in the earthquake.
The piles of rubble and gaping holes in the streets of Port-au-Prince remain. MSF’s medical coordinator, Wendy Lai says “access to drinking water and sanitation is (still) very limited throughout the entire country, particularly in rural and remote areas.”
“This situation promotes the spread of infectious disease,” she added. “While the number of new cases of cholera has fallen considerably, we still see several hundred each week and the risk of seasonal resurgence remains very high. We must remain extremely vigilant.”
With more than 50,000 inhabitants, Jean Marie Vincent is the biggest IDP camp in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, occupying several hectares of property near the city centre and close to Cité Soleil, one of the poorest and less secure areas of the city.
Raymond Lamarre, the UNPOL police spokesperson in Haiti, bluntly describes the difficulties faced by law enforcement: “The gangsters of Cité Soleil commit crimes and then hide in the IDP camp where it is more difficult for us and for the Haitian National Police (HNP) Force to track them down.”
Women remain vulnerable to attacks. Celia Romulus, a project manager for UN Women, the agency fighting violence against women, says: “We are confronted with dramatic situations in which young women are raped in broad daylight in their tents or even young children are being raped, We have found out that the latrines are particularly dangerous for women at night. That’s why we have decided to install lighting near these places where sexual predators happened to be lurking.”
Yesterday, on the second anniversary, President Michel Martelly was among those marking the day with a holiday. Many Haitians gathered in makeshift churches to remember the dead and hope for a new beginning.
The disaster killed 316,000 people and displaced 1.5 million. Services on the national holiday ranged from roadside affairs to a government-organized observance near a mass grave north of the capital led by President Martelly and attended by former dictator, Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier.
