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 30, 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.
Haiti’s Minister of Interior and UNDP Sr. Program Director Confer on Disaster Planning
March 27, 2012
Unveiling of Katye Pam Poze, Haiti’s proprietary, community-based decentralization initiative and civil preparedness programs discussed
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Focusing on Haiti’s natural disaster planning and creation of strong community-based civil defense programs, Haiti’s Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul, accompanying President Michel Martelly, met with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Senior Director, Jessica Faieta to discuss progress and next steps. The meeting, which took place March 21 in Port-au-Prince, comes within the framework of strengthening the existing, long-term partnership between the UNPD and the Government of Haiti.
Recognizing the role played by the UNDP within Haiti, including fortifying the Department of Civil Protection (DPC), Minister Mayard-Paul underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue to demonstrate that both the Haitian government and the UNDP are committed to completing what we begin.
“The UNDP has been instrumental in strengthening the DPC’s institutional capacity, improving infrastructure and access to equipment that will help Haiti reduce risks and be better prepared to manage and respond to emergency situations,” said Mr. Mayard-Paul. He added that the UNDP and Haiti have been committed partners, saying “We will demonstrate how working together we accomplish remarkable things,” referring to the validation ceremony for Haiti’s precedent-setting “Seismic Risk Reduction Plan.”
The Minister and Ms. Faieta also discussed the unveiling of Haiti’s new community-based decentralization program, Katye Pam Poze, which took place the previous week in a meeting between Mr. Mayard-Paul and Margareta Wahlstrom, the UN’s Assistant Secretary General for Disaster and Risk Reduction. Katye Pam Poze (KPP) forms the cornerstone for President Martelly’s National Agenda for Decentralization.
“Katye Pam Poze is a program developed by Haitians for Haitians that seeks to bring decision-making closer to the people,” said Mr. Mayard-Paul. “Our goal is to promote good governance, boost economic development and achieve our goals for job creation. We also aim to ensure the efficient delivery of public services and safety for our citizens.”
At the core of Katye Pam Poze is a plan to mobilize local governments for disaster risk prevention and emergency response which is a top priority for the Martelly administration. Both Katye Pam Poze and the new risk reduction initiative are aligned with the UNDP view that in a national emergency, the immediate priority is to ensure people receive help as quickly as possible, ideally within the first few hours. “This can only be accomplished through community-based programs where everyone knows their roles,” said the Minister. To this end, the Minister of the Interior has several initiatives underway, including a widespread national first aid training program. “Our comprehensive disaster preparedness strategy includes building a network of emergency operations centers, warehouses, disaster and fire stations throughout Haiti in order to help make all parts of the country safer,” said Mr. Mayard-Paul. “Complementing and bolstering the efforts of the Haitian Red Cross, first aid training will be provided to schoolchildren, workers, professionals, representatives of the informal sector, and the population-at large.”
In January 2012, Haiti’s Civil Protection network received a generous gift of SUVs, trucks, boats, canoes, 11,000 solar radios, tents and other disaster-response equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense further bolstering Haiti’s institutional capacity with modern emergency equipment.
“Civil Protection is a top priority for my department,” said the Minister. “As a next phase we will be creating a commission to define the five most critical concerns for civil protection and with the collaboration of everyone at the local and central government level we will implement our new initiative. We will keep you informed about the outcome of this commission, and we hope that UNDP will continue to be our partner as it has proven to be throughout all these years.”
Also present at the meeting were Nigel Fisher, Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator of UN System, UNDP Resident Representative; UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark and Haiti’s Minister of Planning Herve Day.
In Historic First for Developing Countries, Haiti Launches “Seismic Risk Reduction” Plan
March 24, 2012
Aligned with national decentralization agenda, President Martelly’s administration is proactively building capacity of municipalities and departments to better prepare communities for emergency response
CAP HAITIEN, Haiti, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Haiti’s Minister of the Interior, Thierry Mayard-Paul and United Nation’s Development Program (UNDP) administrator, Helen Clark hosted a landmark validation ceremony in Cap-Haitien today, putting into action a precedent-setting “Seismic Risk Reduction Plan for Northern Haiti.”
The plan, a flagship project for UNDP and its national partners, is a joint venture between UNDP and Haiti’s National System for Disaster Risk Reduction, under the Ministry of the Interior. According to the UNDP’s Clark, this is one of the first times that a developing country has taken advance measures to reduce the vulnerability of its people and economy to future earthquakes. “This project is a historical landmark and this is to the credit of the Haitian government, which decided to engage a proactive strategy of risk reduction in order to avoid a similar tragedy to that which struck Port-au-Prince and its region on January 12th, 2010,” she said.
In response, Minister Mayard-Paul remarked, “That the Haitian Government chose to take action, rather than wait for the next earthquake, storm or hurricane, as part of our national strategy for decentralization. We are putting in place a very pro-active strategy for risk reduction to protect our people and our economy as a way of strengthening our communities throughout Haiti, in full alignment with our decentralization strategy.”
Because of its geographical location, Haiti is exposed to floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, landslides and earthquakes, with particular vulnerability in the northern regions, which sit atop two tectonic plates. Although scientists have no way of telling when the next earthquake will hit, they agree that the level of threat in Northern Haiti is high. At the same time, Northern Haiti is poised to play a key role in the decentralization that is part of the post-January 12th, 2010 regional and economic rebuilding for the country. In particular, tourism represents a strategic development opportunity thanks to the amazing coastline and landscape, as well as to the rich cultural heritage found in this part of the country. Additionally, recent international investments in the Caracol-Fort Liberte economic development area enhance the region’s future as a manufacturing center poised to attract factories and tens of thousands new inhabitants.
Ms. Clark emphasized that in order to invest the hundreds of millions of dollars necessary to develop Northern Haiti into an attractive pole for economic activity; Haiti must first ensure the safety of that investment in the face of natural hazards. “The ‘Seismic Risk Reduction plan for Northern Haiti’ will help local and national authorities face this challenge,” she said.
Minister Mayard-Paul concurred saying, “Our country and our people are vulnerable. We will be looking to the seismic risk reduction program here in the north in order to learn lessons we can integrate into wider programs for the Government of Haiti and our partner organizations. We are hoping that this program will become a model for reducing seismic risk in other parts of the country.”
Disaster and Risk Reduction, and building strong civil preparedness programs, are at the very heart of Haiti’s new community-based decentralization program, Katye Pam Poze, the cornerstone initiative of President Martelly’s National Agenda for Decentralization. Launched by Minister Mayard-Paul one week ago in Jacmel, Katye Pam Poze seeks to bring decision-making closer to the Haitian people. At the same time, it seeks to promote good governance; boost economic development and job creation, ensure the efficient delivery of public services and promote citizen safety. Defined by Minister Mayard-Paul as a plan created “by Haitians, for Haitians”, Katye Pam Poze mobilizes local governments for disaster risk prevention and emergency response; a top priority for the Martelly administration.
“Civil Protection, which will oversee Natural Disaster prevention and mitigation, is within the scope of programs encompassed by Katye Pam Poze,” explained the Minister. “As our administration works towards decentralization, our efforts to empower and support local government and local development, must take into account efforts to reduce and manage disaster risk.”
Stressing that the Martelly administration plans to complement earthquake risk reduction with similar programs to mitigate risks related to cyclones and flooding, the Minister said, “We are proactively building capacity of our municipalities and departments for seismic-risk management so all Haiti can be better prepared to manage and respond to emergency situations. Programs such as this are close to my heart, as they involve the safety, welfare and lives of our People.”
Tobago Tourism Board and Hotel Association Sign with Regatta Travel Solutions
March 19, 2012
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – In a joint effort, the Tobago Hotel & Tourism Association and the Tobago Tourism Board have both signed agreements with Regatta Travel Solutions. Regatta’s booking engine solution coupled with online marketing strategy will attract online bookings to the tourism industry at a lower commission making each booking more profitable and allowing more revenue to stay in the destination.
“Tobago is an undiscovered paradise,” said Ashwin Kamlani, President of Regatta Travel Solutions. “But it is a destination that should not be underestimated. There is huge potential in Tobago and we are proud to be working with them to make their goals a reality.”
“We looked at all of our options,” said Duane Kenny, Chairman of Tobago’s Marketing Committee. “Nobody brings the simplicity, experience, and level of knowledge that Regatta does. Their business model is based on performance alone and that speaks volumes.”
About Regatta Travel Solutions Inc.
Regatta Travel Solutions provides specialized online booking technology and marketing tactics for DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations). DMOs that use Regatta to book travel on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership and participation for their organizations. Visit www.regattatravelsolutions.com for more details. Regatta Travel Solutions is an Alliance Partner of DMAI.
Haitian Decentralization Plan, Katye Pam Poze, Launched in Jacmel with First Cafe Community Dialogue
March 19, 2012
Cross-sector participation shows strong support as new community-based decentralization program kicks off
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Haiti’s recently-launched community-based decentralization program, Katye Pam Poze (KPP), kicked off its community cafe series in Jacmel with nearly 100 local residents sharing their views on what their neighborhoods need most.
According to Minister of the Interior Thierry Mayard-Paul, who is spearheading and coordinating President Michel Martelly’s new program, “every community’s needs are different, so we will be visiting all ten pilot cities throughout Haiti learning their specific requirements through our cafe dialogues,” he said. “That way, we can ensure that we address the needs of each community, under an integral and manageable framework.”
The cafe dialogues are a key aspect of KPP’s participatory approach, which seeks to bring decision-making closer to the citizen level. Once local needs are assessed through cafes, 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’s Delegate, Pierre Michel Lafontant, stated during his opening remarks that President Martelly has committed the full support of his administration to KPP as a cornerstone of the Haitian government’s National Decentralization Agenda. ”Katye Pam Poze will build a safer and more prosperous Haiti, one community at a time, while moving towards the consolidation of democratic governance,” said the delegate. “It has been the President’s goal from the beginning of his decision to run for president, that Haitian citizens be more directly involved in planning, implementing, and managing programs and initiatives that impact their communities. With the launch of Katye Pam Poze, Haitians now have a voice—and a responsibility—-within and alongside the central government.”
The inaugural cafe was attended by nearly 100 people representing Jacmel’s diverse resident base, including the mayor, Andris Ronald, whose enthusiastic participation showed full support for the program. Initiating the research models that will inform local Katye Pam Poze pilots, participants in Friday’s kick-off cafe in Jacmel were asked to identify the most pressing issues confronting their community. Security was the overarching concern, followed by other issues ranging from water sanitation to education. Almost everyone agreed that the Sud-Est department, within which Jacmel is located, requires a comprehensive healthcare facility.
“The enthusiastic participation of everyone here today fully validates our approach to community-based decentralization through the Katye Pam Poze program and the accompanying cafes,” said Mayard-Paul. “There was a lot of energy and expectation centered on having a voice in the decision-making table, and participants took their roles very seriously in working together to determine Jacmel’s priority needs.”
Citizen participation is critical for the success of KPP, and Minister Mayard-Paul instructed participants that within the context of decentralization, Haiti’s communities are owned by the citizens. “These are your communities,” he said. “And I applaud you for stepping up to be part of the change, in partnership with the government.”
The Minister highlighted that the range of actions within KPP includes strengthening 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.”
Broadly defined, decentralization is the process by which power and other resources are transferred from the central government to lower governmental levels, such as regions, departments, municipalities, and communal sections. This enables local entities to provide services to their communities and conduct local government tasks. According to Mayard-Paul, advocates believe that decentralization is one of the most effective ways to ensure that local governments are held accountable to the citizens they represent.
Mayard-Paul 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 is Haitian-specific. “Katye Pam Poze introduces a new and innovative Haitian approach to community-based decentralization that addresses our conditions and reality in order to drive sustainable development and job creation at the local level,” concluded Mayard-Paul.
