International Acclaimed Caribbean Artists Shaggy, Sean Paul, Sean Kingston and Many More Feature and Internationally Renowned Director Jay Will Shoots Video
Digicel today announced that 'Rise Again' -- the song written by international reggae sensation and Grammy Award-winning artist, Shaggy, to support the relief efforts following the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti on 12th January -- is available on iTunes for download and purchase for 99 cents (US) now with the artists and label donating their proceeds to the Digicel Haiti relief fund.
'Rise Again' is a Caribbean song, which was written and performed by Caribbean artists for the people of Haiti. And with the New York Times hailing the song as "fast becoming a post-quake anthem," 'Rise Again' has had a fantastic reception and is already getting heavy rotation radio airplay and news coverage across the globe.
In addition, from mid-next week, the video to accompany 'Rise Again' will also be available on iTunes.
Directed by internationally renowned film and video director, Jay Will, and filmed around Port Royal in Jamaica, the video's central theme is of people from across the Caribbean coming together to rebuild Haiti and help the people of Haiti to rise again.
From red, white and blue balloons mirroring the colours of the Haitian flag being released to aid arriving on boats and planes and a mother being gently handed her newborn baby by a nurse -- the images portrayed are of hope for the future -- and are interspersed with actual footage of the aftermath of the earthquake.
A veteran of some 50 music-related films and videos and with roles at MTV, CBS, ESPN and NBC under his belt, Jay Will has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Kanye West, Bob Sinclar, Elephant Man, Lee Scratch Perry and Vybz Kartel.
Commenting on the video, director Jay Will said; "The devastation in Haiti and the heartbreak is immeasurable. The aim of this video is to offer hope and a chance for change and recovery. The simple message is: throughout all things, one thing will remain true -- that despite the tragedy, despite the struggle, despite the hardships, Haiti will rise again."
Colm Delves, Group CEO of Digicel, comments, "'Rise Again' succeeds in being both moving and uplifting and we are delighted with the reception that it has had across the globe to date. We would like to thank everyone for their support and encourage people to log on to iTunes and purchase the song so that we can keep giving to the people of Haiti in their time of need."
Artists featured on 'Rise Again' include Shaggy; Sean Paul; Sean Kingston; Barbadian Artists, Alison Hinds, Shontelle Layne and Edwin Yearwood; Trinidadian Soca Artists, Destra Garcia, David Rudder and Kes Dieffenthaller; Jamaican reggae artists, Tessanne Chin and Etana; and Haitian artiste, Belo. The track was produced by Christopher Birch.
As the single largest investor in Haiti with a total investment of over U$300 million since its launch in 2006, Digicel has over two million customers in Haiti. The Digicel Haiti Relief Fund has donated US$5 million to NGOs in Haiti to support the relief efforts and over US$600,000 has been raised by Digicel customers across the Caribbean and Central America through a text and voice donation line. Digicel also gave each of its two million customers in Haiti US$5 in free credit -- totaling US$10 million.
In addition, over 60 video messages of support have been recorded by well known people such as the Fastest Man in the World, Usain Bolt; President Martinelli of Panama; West Indies legend, Sir Garfield Sobers; and many more. All videos are available to view on www.facebook.com/helphaiti.
ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP
After eight years of operation, Digicel has 8.8 million customers across its Caribbean and Central American markets and is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services and state-of-the-art handsets. By offering innovative wireless services and community support, Digicel has become a leading brand in the Caribbean and has placed the region at the cutting-edge of wireless communications -- the company is also a recent entrant to the Central American and Pacific markets.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and now has operations in 32 markets world-wide. Its Caribbean and Central American markets comprise Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos. The Caribbean company also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths. Digicel Pacific comprises Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
In total, across its 32 markets, Digicel has 10.3 million subscribers.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean and Central American sports teams, including the West Indies Cricket Team and Special Olympics teams throughout the region. Digicel is also title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Championships and the Copa de Naciones Digicel, which are the Caribbean and Central American qualifiers to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
UN meeting embraces cooperation to cut risks from storms in Asia-Pacific region
Typhoon committee concludes session in Singapore
With typhoon-related damage accounting for more than half of the economic losses from natural disasters, along with a marked increase in recent extreme weather events, countries in the Asia-Pacific region have agreed at a United Nations meeting to work closely together and coordinate their efforts.
This was one of the major outcomes of the 42nd Session of ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee, convened by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) and hosted by the National Environment Agency of Singapore. The five-day meeting closed today in Singapore.
This year’s session focused on the effect of climate change on tropical cyclones in the Typhoon Committee region. Results of an initial assessment show either a decreasing trend or no trend in the annual number of tropical cyclones and typhoons in the Western North Pacific and the South China Sea.
Participants pointed out that climate models project fewer but more intense tropical cyclones in this basin in a warmer climate.
Typhoons continue to cause havoc in many countries of the region. In 2009, 22 tropical cyclones formed over the Western North Pacific and the South China Sea, 13 of which reached typhoon intensity. Three of them – Ketsana, Parma and Morakot – caused severe damage and losses in the Philippines, Cambodia, Viet Nam, and Taiwan, Province of China.
The Committee identified urban flood risk management as a key area for future work, given that high damage caused by tropical cyclones usually happens in populous cities when they bring heavy rainfall. The Committee said it was well-prepared to tackle this issue since its work covers meteorology, hydrology and disaster prevention and mitigation.
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most vulnerable to natural disasters.
From 1950 to 2005, 54 per cent of worldwide deaths caused by natural disasters – or approximately three million people –occurred in this region.
The wind storms and floods associated with typhoon-related impacts account for 57 per cent – or approximately $33.5 billion – of the economic losses in the region during the same period.
ESCAP, in collaboration with WMO, founded the Typhoon Committee in 1968.
The founding members were: China; Hong Kong, China; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Lao PDR; Philippines and Thailand. In the years since, Cambodia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Macao, China; the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea; Singapore; and the United States of America joined the Committee, raising the membership to 14.
The Committee works on reducing the damage caused by typhoons and floods in the region by coordinating the efforts of its members as well as recommending ways to increase community preparedness, improve
meteorological and hydrological facilities. The Committee also promotes the establishment of programmes for training personnel in forecasting typhoons and other disasters.
Following the success of the Typhoon Committee in the Asia-Pacific area, WMO established four similar regional bodies under the global WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme.
With typhoon-related damage accounting for more than half of the economic losses from natural disasters, along with a marked increase in recent extreme weather events, countries in the Asia-Pacific region have agreed at a United Nations meeting to work closely together and coordinate their efforts.
This was one of the major outcomes of the 42nd Session of ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee, convened by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) and hosted by the National Environment Agency of Singapore. The five-day meeting closed today in Singapore.
This year’s session focused on the effect of climate change on tropical cyclones in the Typhoon Committee region. Results of an initial assessment show either a decreasing trend or no trend in the annual number of tropical cyclones and typhoons in the Western North Pacific and the South China Sea.
Participants pointed out that climate models project fewer but more intense tropical cyclones in this basin in a warmer climate.
Typhoons continue to cause havoc in many countries of the region. In 2009, 22 tropical cyclones formed over the Western North Pacific and the South China Sea, 13 of which reached typhoon intensity. Three of them – Ketsana, Parma and Morakot – caused severe damage and losses in the Philippines, Cambodia, Viet Nam, and Taiwan, Province of China.
The Committee identified urban flood risk management as a key area for future work, given that high damage caused by tropical cyclones usually happens in populous cities when they bring heavy rainfall. The Committee said it was well-prepared to tackle this issue since its work covers meteorology, hydrology and disaster prevention and mitigation.
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most vulnerable to natural disasters.
From 1950 to 2005, 54 per cent of worldwide deaths caused by natural disasters – or approximately three million people –occurred in this region.
The wind storms and floods associated with typhoon-related impacts account for 57 per cent – or approximately $33.5 billion – of the economic losses in the region during the same period.
ESCAP, in collaboration with WMO, founded the Typhoon Committee in 1968.
The founding members were: China; Hong Kong, China; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Lao PDR; Philippines and Thailand. In the years since, Cambodia, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Macao, China; the People’s Democratic Republic of Korea; Singapore; and the United States of America joined the Committee, raising the membership to 14.
The Committee works on reducing the damage caused by typhoons and floods in the region by coordinating the efforts of its members as well as recommending ways to increase community preparedness, improve
meteorological and hydrological facilities. The Committee also promotes the establishment of programmes for training personnel in forecasting typhoons and other disasters.
Following the success of the Typhoon Committee in the Asia-Pacific area, WMO established four similar regional bodies under the global WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme.
THAI and Thai Government Hold Thai Rice Donation Ceremony to Haitian People
Thai Government and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited, as well as the government and private sector cooperated together in transporting 100 tons of Thai rice on a THAI freighter aircraft. The humanitarian donation of Thai rice will benefit the people of Haiti who have been affected by severe earthquake. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand, presided over the donation ceremony witnessed by representatives from the government and various organization in the Ramp Area of THAI Air Cargo, Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that transporting 100 tons of Thai jasmine rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti was possible due to cooperation from the government and various organizations, in order to provide assistance as quickly as possible. THAI provided relief aid by conducting a humanitarian freighter flight to transport 100 tons of Thai rice that was donated from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti, on board THAI freighter flight 9S888 at a flight time of 36 hours on the route Bangkok to the Republic of Haiti. Transport by ship takes approximately 5 to 6 weeks, therefore through cooperation between the Thai Government, THAI, and various organizations, this humanitarian relief effort was possible. In particular, the donation of Thai rice reflects on Thailand’s national identity as a country that is known as a “world kitchen” and one the world’s largest sources of rice production.
The aircraft utilized in transporting 100 tons of Thai rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti is a THAI cargo freighter Boeing 747-300F, which the Company obtained for cargo freight transport. THAI’s cargo freighter flight departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday, 1 February 2010 at 14.00 hours, with refueling at Incheon Airport in Korea, Anchorage, Alaska and Miami, Florida in the United States of America, and arrival at Port au Prince Airport in the Republic of Haiti on Tuesday, 2 February 2010 at 08.00 hours (local time), at a total flight time of 36 hours.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that transporting 100 tons of Thai jasmine rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti was possible due to cooperation from the government and various organizations, in order to provide assistance as quickly as possible. THAI provided relief aid by conducting a humanitarian freighter flight to transport 100 tons of Thai rice that was donated from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti, on board THAI freighter flight 9S888 at a flight time of 36 hours on the route Bangkok to the Republic of Haiti. Transport by ship takes approximately 5 to 6 weeks, therefore through cooperation between the Thai Government, THAI, and various organizations, this humanitarian relief effort was possible. In particular, the donation of Thai rice reflects on Thailand’s national identity as a country that is known as a “world kitchen” and one the world’s largest sources of rice production.
The aircraft utilized in transporting 100 tons of Thai rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti is a THAI cargo freighter Boeing 747-300F, which the Company obtained for cargo freight transport. THAI’s cargo freighter flight departed from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday, 1 February 2010 at 14.00 hours, with refueling at Incheon Airport in Korea, Anchorage, Alaska and Miami, Florida in the United States of America, and arrival at Port au Prince Airport in the Republic of Haiti on Tuesday, 2 February 2010 at 08.00 hours (local time), at a total flight time of 36 hours.
Friday, January 29, 2010
THAI Flies Humanitarian Freighter Flight to Haiti
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that it will conduct a humanitarian freighter flight, transporting rice that has been donated from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti, on 1 February 2010.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that THAI is supporting the transport of 100 tonnes of rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti. THAI’s humanitarian air shipment will be transported on THAI’s cargo freighter Boeing 747-300F aircraft, which the Company obtained for cargo freight transport, on the route Bangkok-Incheon Airport-Alaska-Miami-Dominican Republic.
THAI’s freighter will depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on 1 February 2010, operating at approximately 36 hours flight time.
Once THAI’s humanitarian freighter flight lands at Santo Domingo Airport in the Dominican Republic, UN humanitarian assistance teams will dispatch donated goods to those in need of relief aid in Haiti. Haiti was struck by severe earthquake on 12 January 2010.
THAI’s humanitarian support is valued at the equivalent of USD 632,000 dollars.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that THAI is supporting the transport of 100 tonnes of rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti. THAI’s humanitarian air shipment will be transported on THAI’s cargo freighter Boeing 747-300F aircraft, which the Company obtained for cargo freight transport, on the route Bangkok-Incheon Airport-Alaska-Miami-Dominican Republic.
THAI’s freighter will depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on 1 February 2010, operating at approximately 36 hours flight time.
Once THAI’s humanitarian freighter flight lands at Santo Domingo Airport in the Dominican Republic, UN humanitarian assistance teams will dispatch donated goods to those in need of relief aid in Haiti. Haiti was struck by severe earthquake on 12 January 2010.
THAI’s humanitarian support is valued at the equivalent of USD 632,000 dollars.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
WHO spearheads health response to earthquake in Haiti
The severe earthquake that struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic has inflicted large-scale damage, including on hospitals and health facilities, and large numbers of casualties are feared.
Immediate health priorities include:
search and rescue of survivors trapped underneath rubble;
treatment of people with major trauma injuries;
preventing the infection of wounds;
provision of clean water and sanitation; and
ensuring breast-feeding is continued.
Control of communicable diseases, such as diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections, will be another major concern in coming days.
WHO is working with local authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to respond to the emergency. More specifically, WHO is supporting the Haitian government to best coordinate international health assistance to the country. WHO is also collecting data on the health impact of the earthquake to disseminate to other humanitarian aid providers.
In addition, WHO is deploying a 12-member team of health and logistics experts. The WHO experts being sent include specialists in mass casualty management, coordination of emergency health response and the management of dead bodies.
UN buildings, including the WHO premises, have suffered damage in the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, which struck on 12 January. The main force of the earthquake was felt 17 kilometres south-west of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.
Haiti is a country that has already suffered from years of humanitarian crisis and natural disasters, including a series of hurricanes that battered the country in 2008.
Immediate health priorities include:
search and rescue of survivors trapped underneath rubble;
treatment of people with major trauma injuries;
preventing the infection of wounds;
provision of clean water and sanitation; and
ensuring breast-feeding is continued.
Control of communicable diseases, such as diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections, will be another major concern in coming days.
WHO is working with local authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to respond to the emergency. More specifically, WHO is supporting the Haitian government to best coordinate international health assistance to the country. WHO is also collecting data on the health impact of the earthquake to disseminate to other humanitarian aid providers.
In addition, WHO is deploying a 12-member team of health and logistics experts. The WHO experts being sent include specialists in mass casualty management, coordination of emergency health response and the management of dead bodies.
UN buildings, including the WHO premises, have suffered damage in the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, which struck on 12 January. The main force of the earthquake was felt 17 kilometres south-west of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.
Haiti is a country that has already suffered from years of humanitarian crisis and natural disasters, including a series of hurricanes that battered the country in 2008.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Best Western Rewards SM Members to Donate Points for Haiti Relief
Members of Global Frequency Program Can Make a Difference through World Vision,
Best Western Hotelier and Employee Efforts Underway
Best Western International today announced that Best Western Rewards members can now contribute rewards points to the massive relief effort currently underway in the devastated nation of Haiti. Frequency program members can go to www.bestwestern.com/haitirelief to make a donation of 5,000 points, which translates to $20, or more to World Vision, Best Western’s official charity partner. Similar efforts are underway in Best Western regions globally.
Best Western hoteliers will also be able to donate via their monthly member statements to relief efforts being implemented by World Vision, and employees of Best Western International will be able to donate cash and vacation time.
In addition, on behalf of the Best Western membership, Best Western’s North American Development team made a substantial donation yesterday through World Vision, in support of the Best Western hotelier that was about to break ground in Port-au-Prince.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti, to our associates there and to their loved ones” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western, and current Chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. “We are rallying at the hotel, employee, and guest levels to contribute to this critical humanitarian mission.”
ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently 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 largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing and Harley-Davidson help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night, join Best Western Rewardsฎ, the only hotel frequency program that's truly global. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com
Best Western Hotelier and Employee Efforts Underway
Best Western International today announced that Best Western Rewards members can now contribute rewards points to the massive relief effort currently underway in the devastated nation of Haiti. Frequency program members can go to www.bestwestern.com/haitirelief to make a donation of 5,000 points, which translates to $20, or more to World Vision, Best Western’s official charity partner. Similar efforts are underway in Best Western regions globally.
Best Western hoteliers will also be able to donate via their monthly member statements to relief efforts being implemented by World Vision, and employees of Best Western International will be able to donate cash and vacation time.
In addition, on behalf of the Best Western membership, Best Western’s North American Development team made a substantial donation yesterday through World Vision, in support of the Best Western hotelier that was about to break ground in Port-au-Prince.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti, to our associates there and to their loved ones” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western, and current Chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. “We are rallying at the hotel, employee, and guest levels to contribute to this critical humanitarian mission.”
ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently 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 largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing and Harley-Davidson help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night, join Best Western Rewardsฎ, the only hotel frequency program that's truly global. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com
Sunday, January 17, 2010
How The Earth Was Made: Tsunami
Tsunamis are one of the most terrifying forces of nature, destroying all in their path. The December 26th Tsunami is estimated to have released the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. What are the enormous forces that generate these catastrophic waves deep on the ocean floor? Unearthing compelling evidence that the West Coast of America was once struck by a tsunami every bit as big as the one that devastated the Indian Ocean - and its due to strike again, soon. Whilst East coast cities from New York to Miami face the threat of a truly colossal wave that could be generated by the collapse of an active volcano off the coast of Africa.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)