Haiti’s Katye Pam Poze (KPP) Makes International Debut at GFDRR in Washington
April 16, 2012
Global delegates will be introduced to KPP, Haiti’s Innovative Approach to Disaster Reduction and Recovery
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, April 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul is traveling to the United States today as head of a delegation that will participate in the 12th Consultative Group (CG) meeting of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) next week. The meeting serves as a focal point for the World Bank’s efforts to mitigate and minimize disasters, such as the January 2010 earthquake that devastated our country.
Mr. Mayard-Paul will officially represent the Government of Haiti, addressing the CG regarding the disaster risk management challenges Haiti is facing. In doing so, he will outline the steps Haiti is taking now to strengthen the nation’s disaster response and recovery. The invitation to speak before other world leaders at this prestigious global meeting underscores the effectiveness of the disaster mitigation programs now underway in Haiti and indicates the efforts our government is doing can serve as a model for other developing countries to replicate.
The Minister, who has worked tirelessly in his effort to build a stronger civil defense network throughout the country, will update meeting delegates on where Haiti is heading through the vision and strategy of President Martelly’s administration. This includes the administration’s decentralization strategy and its plans for building infrastructure and institutional capacity nationwide. The strategic platform is based on establishing a network of community safety across Haiti as reflected in Katye Pam Poze which Mr. Mayard-Paul is implementing. This initiative forms the cornerstone of President Martelly’s National Decentralization Agenda and the minister is actively hosting dialogues across Haiti to determine the most pressing needs of local communities.
According to Minister Mayard-Paul, Katye Pam Poze has as its core, a plan to mobilize local governments for disaster risk prevention and emergency response. Building a more resilient Haiti is a top priority for the Minister and the Martelly administration. “The steps we are taking in Haiti are aligned with the vision of the United Nation’s Development Program which states that in a national emergency, the priority in the first few hours is to make sure that people get immediate help from within their own communities,” said Mr. Mayard-Paul. “Knowing who is injured, where people are, making sure that there is an organized plan to identify people’s location is critical during the first few hours of an emergency. Haiti will have well prepared communities. Everyone will know how to react and lives will be saved.”
The minister also reiterated the importance of the precedent-setting “seismic risk reduction plan for northern Haiti”, a flagship project for UNDP and its national partners. “This is one of the first times a developing country has taken advance measures to reduce the vulnerability of the population and its economy to future earthquakes,” said the minister. “We can take pride in establishing this model, and setting an example for the world.”
GFDRR, (www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/12CG) is Co-Chaired by the World Bank and the Government of the Netherlands.
AFRICAN CARIBBEAN POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (ACPAC) ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS OF 2012 PENNSYLVANIA STATE CANDIDATES
April 16, 2012
Philadelphia, PA – April 15, 2012 The African Caribbean Political Action Committee completed its endorsement process for the 2012 Pennsylvania State Primary elections. The Candidates were evaluated based on their responses to the committee’s questionnaire and a rigorous interview process.
The endorsements process focused on candidates with a significant number of African and Caribbean individuals and/or businesses within their districts. ACPAC encourages registered voters in the African and Caribbean community, and all voters in the City of Philadelphia to vote for, support, volunteer for and donate to the campaigns for the following individuals:
186th District
ACPAC decided to stay neutral – both candidates that participated (Jordan Harris & Damon Roberts) are very well qualified, and are in line with the committee’s values. ACPAC would be very happy to work with either candidate the voters decide to send to Harrisburg
188th District
Again, ACPAC decided to stay neutral. The incumbent (James R. Roebuck) has a solid history of advocating for the educational needs of constituents, and the challenger (Fatimah Muhammad) is an excellent candidate, who has a solid resume of work in and for the community. Both candidates have been supportive of the community, and ACPAC would be very happy to work with either one of these candidates.
192nd District
ACPAC is endorsing the candidacy of Will Mega. There is no doubt that Will Mega is aligned with the values of the committee’s community as demonstrated by the advocacy he has engaged in on the behalf of community members – even without the pulpit of elected office. ACPAC will be happy to work with him if elected, and will support his campaign efforts.
198th District
ACPAC unanimously endorses Malik Boyd in this race. The pragmatic and common sense approach to addressing issues plaguing the community he displayed are exactly what you would expect from a business owner; and will provide a breath of fresh air in Harrisburg. His Parental Involvement Tax Credit plan as his approach to educational reform separates him from the pack of candidates that have chosen to focus strictly on being for or against vouchers.
202nd District
ACPAC endorses Numa St Louis, a well-qualified candidate. As a Haitian-American, he is very aware of the issues facing the African & Caribbean community, and the immigrant community at large. ACPAC expects him to provide a voice for the hitherto voiceless members of his district, and will be very happy to work with him.
African Caribbean Mission Statement
African Caribbean PAC (ACPAC) is a Political Action Committee dedicated to social, political and economic inclusion for residents in the African Caribbean Diaspora. ACPAC also supports United States polices that strengthen bi-lateral relations and create economic opportunities for Caribbean and African Nations.
Countdown Begins To Green Investment Forum At STC 13 In Guyana
April 11, 2012
CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, April 11, 2012: The countdown has begun to the inaugural “Going Green” Invest Caribbean Now Forum, part of this year’s Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 13th annual Sustainable Tourism Conference in Guyana next week.
The forum, featuring Jennifer Baldwin, Research Fellow, Energy and Environment, Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), Inter-American Development Group; Tony Fiddy, President of the Waste to Energy Division and Regional Vice President for Europe and Africa, Naanovo Energy Inc.; 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, is set for next Wednesday, April 18, 2012, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Guyana International Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Guyana.
The forum is 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 said the forum will be similar to the company’s Invest Caribbean Now New York forum, which returns to New York City this June 6th, allowing presentations from speakers while giving ministers of government, tourism officials, entrepreneurs and other delegates the opportunity to pitch their investment ideas and prospects to the panelists.
“Investing in clean energy is not just environmentally responsible, but good business,” said Persaud. “And no region offers more long-term growth prospects for renewable energy than the Caribbean. Last year, according to the UN Environment Program, investors pumped a record two hundred and 11 billion US dollars into renewables globally – a 540 percent rise since 2004. This is projected to grow to 1.7 trillion by 2020. The Caribbean region needs to position itself to take advantage of this new sector.”
To attend STC 13, log on to http://www.caribbeanstc.com/register. The Caribbean Tourism Organization has been staging its Annual Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, otherwise known as the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC), since 1997. This year’s conference will open on Monday, April 16th and will be keynoted by former Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo. STC also serves as a primary arena where new and creative ideas about enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Caribbean tourism product are generated.
Partners for the April 18th Green Investment forum include One Caribbean Television, CaribPR Wire and News Americas Now.
2012 WISE Awards Seek Groundbreaking Projects in Education
April 11, 2012
Application Process Now Open
DOHA, Qatar, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Representatives of original and pioneering initiatives in education are invited to apply for the 2012 WISE Awards which will be presented to six successful projects at the 2012 WISE Summit, November 13-15,in Doha, Qatar.
Now in their 4th year, the WISE Awards recognize and spotlight innovative educational projects from around the world, and from all educational sectors, which have had a transformative impact upon education and society. Applications are open from April 1 to May 31, 2012.
The winning projects will be showcased at the annual WISE Summit and will benefit from substantial media visibility, helping promote their achievements and developments. They will each also be given $20,000 (US). The theme of the WISE Awards 2012 is “Transforming Education”.
One of the 2012 WISE Awards will be for a project that has best delivered innovative financing of primary education. This reflects the support of Qatar Foundation Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 2 on achieving universal primary education and it is designed to stimulate innovative projects targeted at achieving MDG 2.
A panel will examine the applications and 24 finalists will be announced in July. A Jury of leading educational experts will then select the six most innovative projects. The Winners of the WISE Awards 2012 will be announced in September.
H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, PhD, Chairman of WISE and Chairman of the WISE Awards Jury, said: “Over the last three years we have received very impressive applications for the WISE Awards which are having an outstanding impact on people’s lives around the world. Great innovations need to be recognized and made accessible to all so that they can be expanded, adapted and replicated, and can inspire and benefit other communities.”
The closing date for applications is May 31. To submit a project for the WISE Awards or for further information about WISE and the WISE Awards, please visit www.wise-qatar.org.
Rita’s Italian Ice Signs Area Franchise Developments in California & ABC Islands
April 10, 2012
New Franchise Momentum Means Growth and New Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales Scott Schubiger Joins 550 Unit Rita’s to Continue Expansion
TREVOSE, Pa., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Rita’s Italian Ice®, the nation’s largest Italian Ice concept with over 550 stores in 22 states, has signed a new area franchise development agreement for part of Los Angeles County, California, and an area franchisee development agreement for Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao also known as the ABC Islands. The company also announced Scott Schubiger has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales. Schubiger, a 20 plus year sales veteran, will manage worldwide franchise development for the popular growing chain.
“With a renewed focus on growing the Rita’s brand, we are proud to welcome our California and ABC Islands area franchisees,” said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita’s. “Another new addition, and member of the senior leadership team, Scott Schubiger will enable us to expand Rita’s brand to many more fans within the United States and abroad.”
Stuart and Cynthia Glist are the new area developers for Rita’s Italian Ice in Los Angeles County. Their territory includes San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Antelope Valley. They plan to grow the popular brand by offering franchises in their territory to have twenty five locations open over the next five years. Their first Rita’s store in Burbank is planned for this fall. “We were actually in negotiations with Rita’s before we had even tasted the products,” said Stuart Glist. “During our due diligence process it became evident that Rita’s was perfect for California. The differentiated product, no direct competition, and a long history and track record of success, were just a few of the many things that appealed to us. We can’t wait to share our love of Rita’s with our fellow Californian’s!”
“The ABC’s, the sunny Caribbean islands with an average temperature year-round in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, is the perfect place to open Rita’s,” says Joe DeAngelis area developer, along with his wife, Irene, of Rita’s ABC Islands. “We are very proud to be the first to bring Rita’s to the Caribbean.” They plan to franchise and open four Rita’s stores within three years with the first targeted to open in Aruba this October.
Rita’s growth strategy is to add significant scale around the world. From inquiry to opening, Rita’s seasoned executives provide an unparalleled level of support. Qualified franchisees benefit from a twenty-eight year old brand which is a predictable, measurable and sustainable investment opportunity.
The company is actively seeking area development agreements and multiple-unit operators throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, the Carolina’s, and the Northeast, and single unit franchisees in the mid-Atlantic region. Rita’s is also actively pursuing major international markets across several continents.
Candidates interested in opening a Rita’s Italian Ice should possess a passion for the brand and serving guests and families in a fast-paced environment. It is strongly desired that Area Developer candidates have past franchise operation or area development experience. For more information on franchising, visit www.ritasice.com
About Rita’s Franchise Company
Rita’s Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 22 states with over 550 stores. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard and layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. Rita’s was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Startup Journal.’ For more information about Rita’s, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com
Haiti’s Novel Decentralization Program Gives a Voice to the Heartland: Hundreds Gather at Community Cafes to Help Shape Their Future
April 5, 2012
President Martelly drives KPP community-based decentralization through innovative asset-based participatory approach
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, April 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Hundreds of citizens in the Haitian cities of Jacmel, Leogane and Port de Paix have now participated in the Ministry of the Interior’s innovative Community Cafes, the first phase of a comprehensive community decentralization program called Katye Pam Poze (KPP).
In addressing the enthusiastic gathering of more than 100 people at Leogane, President Martelly spoke about Haiti’s KPP as the cornerstone of his administration’s National Decentralization Agenda. “Since the beginning, I have held a vision for a decentralized Haiti, and now we have a program under way to turn that vision into reality, with citizens participating in decision-making that affects their communities. My government and I are fully committed to making our communities safer and more prosperous, one neighborhood at a time,” said the President.
“I am extremely pleased with the turn-out, people’s openness and willingness to make a difference in their communities and to personally commit to making it happen,” said Haiti’s Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul, who leads and organizes the community cafes in his role as chief implementer of President Martelly’s community-based decentralization program. “This is exactly the purpose of Katye Pam Poze, to bring decision-making closer to the people while promoting good governance, boosting economic development and job creation, and delivering public services as efficiently as possible.”
Katye Pam Poze was launched mid March 2012 in Jacmel and followed by Leogane and Port de Paix. Seven additional Cafes are slated to take place in order to cover all ten of the country’s departments. The community Cafes are a key component of KPP’s participatory approach. They consist of a dialogue session between central and local government entities, and citizens, designed to identify the most pressing local needs, and work together to find solutions.
Once local needs are assessed through KPP cafés, as well as extensive asset-based community development research on-the-ground, a detailed blueprint will be developed for each of the ten pilot communities, laying out priority subprograms that will guarantee access to basic social services and citizen safety.
President Martelly stressed that the goal of his administration is to enable safe and prosperous communities throughout Haiti, and called on all citizens to participate. ”The implementation of Katye Pam Poze marks a turning point for our communities and our nation, with my administration inviting local authorities and local citizens to work hand-in-hand with us to push economic and social development at the local level. As citizens, you now have a voice and are part of an historic event–the beginning of a new day for Haiti.”
The KPP Cafes so far have identified similar general challenges, including: safety and security, education, health services and the environment.
Mayard-Paul highlighted that the range of actions within KPP includes strengthening municipalities; natural disaster mitigation efforts; improving the delivery of health, housing and education services; recovering public spaces, developing local citizen initiatives and creating job opportunities in tandem with the private sector. “In the end, our goal is to improve the quality of life of the Haitian people by enabling safe and prosperous communities, right where they live,” he said. “Building the capacity of citizens to manage and maintain KPP programs and infrastructure at the local level is very important to our administration, as is developing culture and sports programs. This is an ambitious decentralization program.”
The Minister also pointed out that while Katye Pam Poze is modeled on successful experiences in other parts of the world, including Asia, the Americas, Africa, Europe and the United States, it introduces a new and innovative approach to community-based decentralization, created by Haitians for Haitians.
Sir Richard Branson to be honored during Caribbean Week NYC
March 29, 2012
CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mar. 30, 2012: Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, will be presented with the first Invest Caribbean Now Leadership Award for his services to entrepreneurship in the region on June 6th in New York City.
The presentation will take place during New York’s Caribbean Week at the second Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum at the Marriot Marquis Times Square on June 6th from 7:30 to 10 a.m. It is a partnership between the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the regional tourism arm and digital media company, Hard Beat Communications.
Sir Richard, together with Virgin Unite, his non-profit foundation, and Virgin Holidays launched The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in Montego Bay, Jamaica, last September to support the development of small and growing businesses and help with job creation in the Caribbean.
Sir Richard Branson said: “It is a great to be honoured in this way. I have had a home on Necker Island in the Caribbean for many years and find the people are highly entrepreneurial. The first year’s intake at the Center has only reinforced my views and it’s great to see the wide variety of businesses we have; everything from cake making to coral reef protection. Our aim is to help create hundreds of jobs across the Caribbean. We’d love to see more corporate partners and supporters get behind the Branson Centre so that we can expand our initiative across Jamaica and other neighbouring islands.”
Invest Caribbean Now convener and CEO of Hard Beat, Felicia Persaud said: “Sir Richard is being honored for his depth of passion, philanthropic leadership and investment in the Caribbean. He can undoubtedly help propel our youth and region forward; he is an inspirational individual who is setting an example for all of us throughout the Caribbean – with initiatives such as the launch of The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean.”
“The award is recognition of the dedication and commitment of one individual and his companies to the Caribbean and it will send a powerful message to other potential investors as well as the Caribbean Diaspora,” she added.
“Sir Richard is a remarkable individual who continues to invest in the Caribbean and tell of its glory. Through the Branson Center of Entrepreneurship, his legendary generosity is now making a difference in the lives of budding young entrepreneurs to positively impact the Caribbean tourism industry,” said Sylma Brown Bramble, director of CTO-USA Inc. “This good helps to secure the future of Caribbean tourism and we truly look forward to honouring him.”
Sir Richard’s career as an entrepreneur began in 1966, when he launched the Student magazine at age 15. Over the years he has founded more than 400 companies in 34 countries, and the Virgin Group has expanded from music and retail into sectors such as leisure, travel, tourism, mobile telecommunication, broadband, TV, radio, music festivals, finance and health. More recently, Virgin is pioneering Space Tourism and through its Virgin Green Fund is investing in renewable energy and resource efficiency.
About Virgin Unite:
Virgin Unite is the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. We unite people to tackle tough social and environmental problems in an entrepreneurial way. Our aim is to help revolutionize the way businesses, governments and the social sector work together – driving business as a force for good. This is based on the belief that this is the only way we can tackle the scale and urgency of the challenges facing the world today. Virgin Unite’s overheads are covered by Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100% of additional donations received go direct to the frontline where they are needed most. For more information please visit www.virginunite.com. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/virginunite. Join the movement on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Virgin-Unite
About Invest Caribbean Now Forum:
The Invest Caribbean Now forum earned rave reviews in its inaugural years in 2011 and secured significant media coverage for its impassioned appeal from Hard Beat CEO, Persaud, and presentations from Wendell Dave Dowrich, Vice President, Goldman Sachs; David Brillembourg, Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Brilla Group and Martin Mohabeer, Managing Director, Spackman Group and CEO of Spackman Capital.
2012 is set to be more exciting as the event will feature private equity investors in the region, telling their “Why Caribbean” story to other investors and attendees. This year’s confirmed speakers are President and co-founder of Solamon Energy Corp, Jay Yeo; and Chairman and Managing Director of Blue Equity, LLC., Jonathan S. Blue and Lisa Lake, head of The Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship – Caribbean.
Partners to date include La Chambre Consulaire Interprofessionnelle de Saint-Martin, (CCISM), One Caribbean Television, the PR Newswire, WSEE TV, CaribPR Wire, News Americas Now, Damoola Inc and The Affiliated Lawyers of the Americas (”ALTA”).
Space is limited. To register log on to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=7phqhyn6&oeidk=a07e5irys7b2025aac1
For partnership and special sponsorship/branding opportunities log on to the sponsorship section of http://investcaribbeannow.com/ or email Joe Bernstein at joe@investcaribbeannow.com.
French Ministry to Bring Haitian Delegates to France
March 28, 2012
Learning and sharing with French counterparts the goal of Haitian visits, planned to begin in April
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Following a series of meetings between Haiti’s Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul and Jean Dussourd, Prefet Referent on Haiti to the French Ministry of the Interior, Mr. Dussourd will be organizing visits to France by Haitian delegations as a way to increase collaboration and information exchange.
“The proposal to bring Haitian delegates to France for learning and best practice sharing accelerates our strategic goals for evaluating what is working in other countries,” said Minister Mayard-Paul. “In this way, we can develop Haitian-branded programs based on the lessons from our counterparts as we work towards decentralization and job creation.”
Decentralization, a top priority for the Martelly administration, recently received a substantial boost based on customizing program models from other developing regions, including Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe. “We developed a proprietary Haitian model for community-based decentralization, Katye Pam Poze, after evaluating successful experiences in numerous countries where development has proven elusive,” said the minister.
Katye Pam Poze, which launched this month in the city of Jacmel, forms the cornerstone of President Martelly’s National Decentralization Agenda. The program received enthusiastic support from all stakeholders, including local and central governments.
According to Minister Mayard-Paul who developed the program and is responsible for its implementation throughout Haiti, the Martelly administration is totally committed to the program and to decentralization as an accelerator for sustainable development and job generation. He adds that Katye Pam Poze has as its basis, the orderly transfer of government services and responsibilities to the local level and the promotion of strong community involvement.
“Decentralization is one of the most promising ways to improve the delivery of government services and to foster development and job creation at the local level,” said Mr. Mayard-Paul. “It is also one of the most effective ways to insure that local governments as well as central government are held accountable to the citizens of Haiti. Ultimately, our administration seeks to bring decision-making closer to Haitian citizens.”
Citing the five principles of decentralization, Mr. Mayard-Paul said he will work directly with community-based organizations, and that local elected authorities and the leadership of community-based organizations will be responsible for designing and planning the subprojects in an open and participatory manner. “The transfer of resources to the community for the implementation of subprojects is an imperative,” he said. “Our expectation is that the community will be directly involved –and personally committed– in the implementation of each subproject, and they must also become involved in the monitoring and the periodic evaluation of subprojects.”
Both Minister Mayard-Paul and Prefet Dussourd are working to strengthen collaborative ties between Haiti and France through continued missions. As expressed by Mr. Mayard-Paul and Mr. Dussourd, both countries can learn from each other. “This is an opportunity to further strengthen municipalities,” said Mr. Dussourd. “Working together, we can glean valuable insights from shared, participatory experiences, delegate to delegate, that will benefit the Haitian people and communities throughout the country.”
Caribbean Nationals Sought For Medical Tourism Focus Group
March 27, 2012
CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mar. 27, 2012: Caribbean nationals are being sought for one-on-one telephone interviews on medical tourism. The Caribbean nationals can either be resident in North America or the Caribbean and will be paid for their participation if selected.
Caribbean nationals in North America who may have traveled home to the Caribbean or Caribbean nationals who may have travelled to North America for cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgery, weight loss - gastric bypass/stomach stapling/LAP- band surgery, cataracts/refractive surgery/LASIK or joint replacement surgery or may be contemplating doing so, are being invited to be a part of the survey.
To qualify, you must be 18 years or older and have spent or be willing to spend $3,000 for the eye-related procedures and over US$5,000 on any of the other above mentioned procedures. All information provided for the research will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Participants must have Internet access.
Interested persons are asked to email chris@caribpr.com.
