Black And Caribbean Owned Agency Recognized As A Clutch Global Leader For Spring 2024

/0 Comments/in /by

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, Fri. May 24, 2024: Caribbean-owned AD and PR agency, Hard Beat Communications, the black and women owned, global multicultural content creation and distribution agency that is part of ICN Group, today announced its recognition as a 2024 Spring Global Award winner for multi-cultural promotional services on Clutch, the leading global marketplace of B2B service providers. Honorees are selected based on their industry expertise and ability to deliver scores that are calculated based on the client feedback from thousands of reviews published on Clutch.

“Hard Beat Communications is honored to be recognized as a 2024 Spring Clutch Global Award winner,” said ICN Group CEO, Guyana-born Caribbean immigrant, Felicia J. Persaud. “This award is a testament to the excellent client work we have delivered this year as recognized through the voice of our customers in their reviews on Clutch. We’re proud to be recognized as a multi-cultural PR and ad agency leader on a global scale. Clutch Global Awards showcases the very best in the B2B services industry worldwide.”

“It is a joy to witness the incredible success of leading companies worldwide on our platform, and an even greater joy to recognize these companies as Clutch Global honorees,” said Sonny Ganguly, Clutch CEO. “Their dedication to delivering next-level services to clients has not only bolstered their own success but empowered numerous clients to thrive as well. In recognizing this spring’s Clutch Global honorees, we aim to showcase industry leaders and encourage connections for Clutch users seeking tailored services to achieve their goals.”

ABOUT HARD BEATHard Beat Communications is an award-winning, multicultural content creation and distribution, woman owned full-service business solutions agency that offers companies all the tools they need to target the multi-cultural market. Hard Beat provides our clients with all the marketing tools they need to reach their diversity goals – from multi-cultural content to distribution, to digital tools and SEO.

Hard Beat is part of the Black market of millions and we can help your brand show up differently in targeting the African American and Caribbean market as well as getting your content to the African, Asian and Latino markets.  Our diverse  solutions and team can help you easily build your brand through content and media buys in this diverse marketplace.

Hard Beat is part of the ICN Group of Companies that includes CaribPR Wire, News Americas News Network and Invest Caribbean. It knows the Black and Caribbean marketplace like our own hands. Reach your diversity goals with us as your partner.

ABOUT CLUTCH Clutch empowers better business decisions as the leading global marketplace of B2B service providers. More than 1 million business leaders start at Clutch each month to read in-depth client interviews and discover trusted agency partners to meet their business needs. Clutch has been honored for the past 6 consecutive years as an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company and by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the DC metro area for 2023.

Morgan Heritage To Return To The Stage For Central Park Show

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 20, 2024: The surviving members of Morgan Heritage will return to the stage this August, six months after the sudden passing of their sibling and frontman, Peter ‘Peetah’ Morgan.

Morgan Heritage

The group will perform an evening of reggae music at Rumsey Playfield in historic Central Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024. This event is part of the summer concert series organized by CTBC Music Group, VP Records, and Central Park Summer Stage. The evening will be titled “Morgan Heritage Family & Friends – A Tribute to ‘Peetah’ Morgan.” The surviving members, their family, and friends will gather with New York music fans for an uplifting roots reggae music celebration, honoring the life and legacy of this talented artist.

The year 2024 also marks the 30th anniversary of the Grammy-winning group’s formation. Peetah Morgan passed away suddenly in February.

Morgan Heritage has been associated with VP Records for nearly 20 years, from 1995 to 2013, releasing nine studio albums and a ‘best of’ compilation in 2009. During these years, the group became a cornerstone of the ‘new roots’ reggae movement and a mainstay of the VP Records roster. The group has toured internationally for decades, spreading roots reggae music far and wide. Morgan Heritage holds a unique place in the reggae genre, having performed at the 1999 Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies alongside Shirley Caesar, Sugar Ray, Kirk Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. They also participated in the Vans® Warped Tour (2001 and 2002) and headlined festivals in the US, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and Africa.

Born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn, the members of Morgan Heritage have a special connection with the New York music scene, making Central Park Summer Stage a fitting location for this memorable occasion.

Caribbean Heritage, British Artist Presented with Damehood at Windsor Castle

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, LONDON, England, Weds., May 22, 2024: Black Caribbean heritage artist Sonia Boyce has been presented with her damehood at Windsor Castle by the Prince of Wales.

British-Caribbean artist Sonia Boyce poses with her medal after being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) following an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, southern England, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Following the investiture ceremony, Dame Sonia spoke to the PA news agency, expressing her desire to use her elevated profile to continue advocating for the arts. Born in Islington, north London, in 1962, to a Guyanese father and a Barbadian mother who met and married shortly after arriving in the city, Dame Sonia was honored for her services to the arts in the King’s New Year Honours list in 2024.

Reflecting on the moment she received the news of her damehood, she said, “It was very hard for me to reconcile when I got the letter saying, ‘We’d like to offer you the damehood’. I was like, really? Trying to put myself in what I imagine a dame to be. It took a while for me to reconcile that yes, I could take that on somehow.”

Dame Sonia made history in 2016 as the first black woman elected to the Royal Academy of Arts and is a professor of black art and design at the University of the Arts London. She commented on her damehood, saying, “It’s a recognition of work that not only I have done but has been done over the decades to acknowledge and, I suppose, reward the contributions that many have made. So I feel very privileged – slightly shocked still – to be in this position and also to be an advocate for the arts. We so need that at the moment – the arts are just incredible, they’re not an add-on, they’re integral to everyday life.”

Dame Sonia emphasized the importance of the arts, stating, “The arts are really about if you’ve got something to say, or you’re envisaging something, you’re in a dialogue with everybody about it. So it really is about ‘Come and take part, come and add to the conversation, come and dream your dreams’.” She also noted the evolving inclusivity of the Royal Academy of Arts, saying, “The Royal Academy of Arts is becoming much more inclusive, and people have fought very hard to make that possible. Of course, it needs to open the doors to a really diverse group of artists who are in a renaissance at the moment. There is so much creativity going on.”

Discussing the broader cultural landscape, she added, “In the UK, we’ve still got a long way to go, but in the same way that British culture is always slightly quirky and often ahead of the curve, the creative industries are punching above their weight.”

Exxon Looks To Expand Wells In Guyana

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. May 22, 2024: ExxonMobil’s drilling program in Guyana for this year and beyond includes plans to further appraise two well sites to assess the commercial potential for gas in the Haimara gas field off the shores of Guyana.

In 2019 and 2023, ExxonMobil drilled at the Haimara-1 and Haimara-2 wells with varying degrees of success. The company is now preparing for additional appraisal drilling at the Haimara-3 and Haimara-4 gas wells. According to the company’s insurance contract, the two wells will be part of ExxonMobil’s exploratory program.

Other planned drilling activities include oil wells Lau Lau-2, Trumpetfish-1, Bluefin-1, Hatchetfish-1, and Redmouth-1. In the Stabroek Block, approximately 17 trillion cubic feet of gas have already been discovered, with the Pluma and Haimara wells confirmed as gas fields.

The announcement comes as Exxon CEO Darren Woods recently told CNBC that the dispute with Chevron over Hess Corporation’s assets in Guyana could drag into next year. Exxon is claiming a right of first refusal on Hess’ assets in Guyana under an agreement that governs a consortium developing the country’s oil resources. Chevron has rejected Exxon’s claims that the agreement applies to its pending all-stock deal to acquire Hess, valued at $53 billion.

The Guyana Government, however, says it aims to develop this gas through the Gas-to-Energy project, which includes the construction of a 300 MW power plant and a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant. The pipeline and transmission infrastructure are expected to be completed this year, with the power plant and NGL facility becoming operational next year. This could potentially reduce electricity rates by 50 percent.

Last year, the government released its draft Gas Monetisation Strategy for public feedback. Earlier this year, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the administration is incorporating the feedback into the final strategy. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has described the monetisation of Guyana’s gas reserves as the next wave of economic opportunity for the country.

Meanwhile, according to Professor and Former Ambassador Dr. Kenrick Hunte, the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil, along with its Co-Venturers Hess and CNOOC, stipulates a 2% royalty on all petroleum produced and sold. However, ExxonMobil has been paying only 0.5%. Hunte noted in a letter to Kaieteur News on March 3, 2024, that the company has been paying Guyana out of its profits, thus reducing the country’s already limited revenue from royalties.

Dr. Hunte also highlighted that ExxonMobil has been deducting 75% of the monthly earnings from the Stabroek Block to recover its investments, in accordance with the Petroleum Agreement. Guyana receives 50% of the remaining 25%, equivalent to 12.5% of total revenues. ExxonMobil then provides Guyana with a share of its earnings, valued at 2%.

Curaҫao takes important step towards a sustainable energy future with Wärtsilä Battery Energy Storage System

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao, Mon. May 20, 2024: Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the Caribbean island of Curaҫao with a 25 MW / 25 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The system will enable the expansion of renewable energy capacity and the reduction of carbon emissions, representing an important step towards a sustainable energy future for the island. The order was placed by Aqualectra, Curacao’s government owned utilities company, and will be booked by Wärtsilä in Q2, 2024.

Aqualectra and Wärtsilä representatives celebrate the order of a 25 MW / 25 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to the Caribbean island of Curaҫao. From left to right: Rudolf Garmes, Joseph Everon, Reagan Celestijn, Marc Tarbox, Tganni Louisy, Neysa Isenia, Vianney Muzo, Staffan Nygard, Mathias West, Christoffer Ek, Edul Raphaela, Granger Jahnastasio.

The BESS and the GEMS Digital Energy Platform will provide grid stability and reliability, reduce unserved energy and help mitigate the risk of brownouts and blackouts. In addition, the BESS system will allow Aqualectra to expand their renewables’ vision thus allowing more renewable generation in the power system. The BESS system will also help smooth the intermittency of renewables.

“Aqualectra’s strategic objective is to provide the community with affordable, sustainable, and reliable electricity. The Wärtsilä solution will support all these objectives through reducing generation costs, enabling the integration of renewables, and decreasing CO2 emissions, while providing high reliability,” comments Joseph Everon, Advisor to the CTO at Aqualectra.

The order with Wärtsilä follows a detailed modelling of the power system to determine the best way forward.

“The BESS and GEMS provide the reserves needed to improve asset loading, and therefore efficiency, availability of energy, grid stability and reliability. Wärtsilä’s leading technologies and our capabilities of lifecycle services will support Aqualectra’s vision of a sustainable energy future. We are pleased to continue our close partnership with this project,” says Christoffer Ek, Director of Decarbonisation services at Wärtsilä Energy.

“The Caribbean has been an important region for Wärtsilä for decades and we have established many long-term relationships over that time. Aqualectra has been one of those great partners and this announcement to add BESS to their system with Wärtsilä is another sign of that strong relationship. Wärtsilä is here with solutions and capabilities for the Caribbean, and we are excited to continue serving this market for decades to come,” says Jon Rodriguez, Energy Business Director at Wärtsilä Energy.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery in Q1/2025, and the project is expected to be fully operational by the end of Q2/2025.

Aqualectra is an existing Wärtsilä customer. The company operates three Wärtsilä engine power plants comprising a total of 16 generating sets.

All Wärtsilä releases are available at www.wartsila.com/media/news-releases and at news.cision.com/wartsila-corporation where also the images can be downloaded. Use of the image(s) is allowed only in connection with the contents of this press release. Wärtsilä images are available at www.wartsila.com/media/image-bank.

Wärtsilä Energy in brief
Wärtsilä Energy is at the forefront of the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our customers and the power sector to accelerate their decarbonisation journeys through our market-leading technologies and power system expertise. Our solutions include flexible engine power plants, energy storage and optimisation technology, and services for the whole lifecycle of our installations. Our engines are future-proof and can run on sustainable fuels. Our track record comprises 79 GW of power plant capacity, of which 18 GW are under service agreements, and over 125 energy storage systems, in 180 countries around the world.
www.wartsila.com/energy

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.0 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com

The Best Caribbean Countries to Invest In or Do Business For 2024

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New York, NY, May 19, 2024: The 2024 list of the Best Countries in the World to do business, published by CEOWORLD magazine, has been released, highlighting the Top Caribbean nations for investment and business opportunities. The rankings were determined using 11 different factors, including corruption levels, freedom (personal, trade, and monetary), workforce quality, investor protection, infrastructure, taxes, quality of life, bureaucratic red tape, and technological readiness. Each factor was given equal weight in the evaluation process.

The Best Caribbean Countries For 2024 Are:

Antigua and Barbuda: Topping the list, Antigua and Barbuda is celebrated for its investor-friendly policies, strategic location, and robust tourism sector, which provides numerous business opportunities. The country’s Citizenship by Investment program also make it an attractive destination for investors.

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Known for its citizenship-by-investment program, Saint Kitts and Nevis offers a favorable business climate. The nation’s economy benefits from tourism and real estate investment with a Citizenship by Investment program, with significant potential for growth.

Grenada: Grenada’s growing economy is bolstered by tourism and agriculture. The government’s proactive stance on economic reforms and infrastructure development enhances its appeal to international investors as does its Citizenship by Investment program.

Dominica: Dominica is recognized for its natural beauty and eco-tourism potential. The country’s efforts to attract foreign investment through its citizenship-by-investment program and focus on sustainable development make it a promising destination for business ventures.

Saint Lucia: With a diversified economy that includes tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture, Saint Lucia offers a stable business environment. The government’s incentives for foreign investors and improvements in infrastructure contribute to its high ranking as does its Citizenship by Investment program.

Cuba: Despite historical challenges, Cuba is gradually opening up to foreign investment. The government has implemented reforms to attract international business, particularly in the tourism, energy, and biotechnology sectors.

Dominican Republic: As one of the largest economies in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic offers extensive opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Its strategic location and ongoing infrastructure projects enhance its investment appeal.

Trinidad and Tobago: Known for its rich natural resources, Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is driven by the energy sector. The country is also focusing on diversifying its economy, making it an attractive destination for investment in various industries.

Jamaica: Jamaica’s vibrant culture and robust tourism industry provide a solid foundation for business. The government’s commitment to improving the business climate through regulatory reforms and infrastructure development boosts its attractiveness to investors.

Guyana: Guyana is rapidly emerging as a prime investment destination, attracting attention from global investors due to its vast natural resources, strategic location, and pro-business environment. Guyana has become a major player in the global oil market following the discovery of significant offshore oil reserves. The ExxonMobil-led consortium’s successful exploration has positioned Guyana to become one of the world’s largest oil producers per capita. This oil boom is driving economic growth, creating opportunities for investment in various sectors including energy, infrastructure, and services. Despite the positive strides, businesses may still face challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited access to finance, and infrastructural constraints in some areas. However, the government continues some reforms and development projects aimed at addressing these issues.

The Caribbean region, according to officials at Invest Caribbean, continues to present numerous opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. With strategic locations, diverse economies, and government initiatives aimed at enhancing business climates, these nations offer promising prospects for growth and development. As the global business landscape evolves, the Caribbean’s commitment to improving infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering innovation will likely enhance its appeal as a premier destination for investment.

Global Context
The 2024 report from CEOWORLD magazine analyzed 199 countries based on their business and investment environments. Key factors in the evaluation included the ease of doing business and the mobility of investors and skilled employees. On a global scale, Singapore was ranked as the best country in the world for investing or doing business in 2024, followed by the United Kingdom in second place, Taiwan in third, India in fourth, and Indonesia in fifth.

The detailed assessment considered each country’s regulatory environment, economic stability, and overall business climate. These rankings provide valuable insights for investors and businesses looking to expand or establish operations in the Caribbean and beyond.

Dominican Republic President Secures Second Term

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New York, NY, Mon. May 19, 2024: Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has secured a second term in office, winning decisively in the first round of elections, according to preliminary results. The president’s victory reflects strong public approval of his economic management and stringent policies on migration from neighboring Haiti.

Dominican Republic’s President and presidential candidate for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Luis Abinader, gestures during a message to supporters after the first results of the general elections in Santo Domingo on May 19, 2024. Luis Abinader declared his re-election for a second four-year term, shortly after receiving the concession from his two main rivals with just over 20% of the votes counted. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

With just over half of the votes counted, Abinader held a commanding lead with 58.85 percent of the vote. His closest competitor, former three-time President Leonel Fernandez, garnered 27.29 percent, as reported by electoral authorities. The substantial margin prompted Fernandez and another contender, Abel Martinez, to concede on Sunday night.

“Today our country shines with its own light,” Abinader declared to his supporters at the headquarters of his Modern Revolutionary Party. He pledged to lead with unity and impartiality, calling for a nation “without distinction, without sectarianism, and without party colors.”

A member of the Military Electoral Police frisks a man before he entered a polling station to vote during the general elections in Santo Domingo on May 19, 2024. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Abinader also committed to constitutional reforms to ensure the continuity of power would not be subject to the “personal whim” of the sitting president, reaffirming that he would not seek a third term.

Despite reports of minor irregularities from opposition parties, the election process was largely smooth. The 2024 elections saw high voter turnout, likely influenced by lingering dissatisfaction from the 2020 municipal elections, which were suspended due to a technical glitch.

Luis Fortuno, an international observer and former governor of Puerto Rico, remarked, “In general, the electoral process was carried out correctly, openly, and democratically.”

Abinader’s victory signals strong support for his administration’s policies, particularly his tough stance on migration from Haiti. During his first term, Abinader initiated the construction of a 164km (102-mile) concrete wall along the Haitian border and deported over 250,000 undocumented migrants in 2023. These actions, while criticized internationally, have been popular domestically.

Voter Willy Soto, 21, expressed approval for Abinader’s migration policies, stating, “The policies he’s implemented, how he’s cracked down, closed the border and built a wall, I feel like it’s a good initiative to control the problem of Haitian migration.”

Javier Taveras, 38, shared a nuanced view, supporting the preservation of national sovereignty while opposing abuse against Haitians. He voiced uncertainty about the wall’s effectiveness but affirmed his support for maintaining stringent border controls.

Human rights groups have criticized Abinader’s migration policies as racist and in violation of international law. However, the president’s focus on national security and anti-corruption measures has resonated with many voters.

Abinader, a U.S.-trained economist of Lebanese descent, was first elected in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. His administration has worked to restore public trust following several corruption scandals involving high-profile officials.

As he prepares for his second term, Abinader faces the challenge of balancing national security concerns with international human rights standards, while continuing to address the economic and social issues facing the Dominican Republic.

Caribbean Jockey Jaime Torres Makes History With Preakness Win

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, New York, NY, Sun. May 19, 2024: Caribbean-born jockey Jaime Torres made history at the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, securing a remarkable win aboard Seize the Grey just two years after he began his riding career.

Seize The Grey with Caribbean born jockey Jaimie Torres riding wins the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, on May 18, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Horsephotos/Getty Images)

The Puerto Rico native had previously guided Seize the Grey to victory in the Pat Day Mile on the Kentucky Derby undercard on May 4 at Churchill Downs. Despite never having ridden in a Triple Crown race before, Torres now boasts a perfect record of 1 for 1. On May 18, he took the lead at the start of the race in Baltimore before a crowd of around 17,000 spectators and maintained his position throughout. He completed the 1 3/16 miles on a muddy track in 1:56.82, paying $21.60 for the win.

Caribbean born Jockey Jaime Torres riding Seize the Grey #6 wins the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 18, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Seize the Grey, owned by the MyRacehorse microshare partnership of over 2,700 people, was bred in Kentucky by Jamm, LTD, and purchased by MyRacehorse for $300,000 from Mill Ridge Sales at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale in 2022.

Torres decided to pursue a career as a jockey in 2019 after watching horse racing on television from Hipódromo Camarero. The next day, he went to the track and eventually enrolled in Puerto Rico’s riding school. He then moved to Florida, working for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., and won his first race on September 17, 2022, at Gulfstream Park on Takestwotowiggle. The following year, he was the leading apprentice in New York. Now, in his first attempt, he has become a Triple Crown race-winning jockey.

Winners circle after Seize The Grey with Jaimie Torres riding wins the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, on May 18, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Horsephotos/Getty Images)

“I haven’t rested since then,” the 25-year-old Torres said. “I’ve been working very hard, very hard, not thinking about what’s going to happen but working for it. You can’t think like, ‘Oh, that’s going to happen.’ You’ve just got to work and work, and it will come.”

Adding to the significance of his accomplishment, Torres’ parents flew to Baltimore to surprise him and celebrate his victory.

Eighty-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas praised Torres, sharing that he used to live and is still close friends with the legendary Puerto Rican jockey Angel Cordero, who won the Derby three times, the Preakness twice, and the Belmont Stakes once.

“If you can just follow in his footsteps with his desire and so forth, you’re going to be just fine,” Lukas advised.

Reflecting on Seize the Grey, Torres said, “He’s such an amazing horse. He just relaxed for me, and he felt the other horses coming close and he was just looking at them. As soon as I asked, I had a lot of horse. From the quarter to the wire, he gave me everything.”

Aruba Utility Celebrates Final Takeover of Fourth Wärtsilä Power Plant over 20 Year Partnership

/0 Comments/in /by

News Americas, ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Fri. May 17, 2024: Technology group Wärtsilä and Water – En Energiebedrijf Aruba N.V. (WEB) will celebrate the final takeover of Recip Phase IV, a 102 MW dual-fuel power plant on the Caribbean island of Aruba. The celebration marks the completion of four power plant projects with Wärtsilä delivered over the past 20 years. Wärtsilä supplied these plants on an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis. WEB’s baseload power production is based on an all-Wärtsilä generating fleet totalling 194 MW.

WEB Aruba’s Recip Phase IV Plant

In 2017, WEB began an earnest effort to diversify its fuel mix with liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Recip Phase IV power plant features six Wärtsilä 18V50DF dual-fuel engines which can operate on both liquid and gaseous fuels, allowing for the transition to cleaner fuels. Initially, the plant will operate on heavy fuel oil (HFO) and transition to LNG as it becomes available on the island. The increased efficiency and transition to LNG will reduce overall emissions from the WEB generating complex.

As WEB continues to add renewables to the island, the flexibility provided by Wärtsilä’s faststarting and stopping engines will enable optimal use of these intermittent resources while ensuring system stability. Renewables, such as wind and solar, are highly variable in their energy production. The flexibility provided by Wärtsilä engine technology will allow for increased adoption of renewables while avoiding grid instability and blackouts, renewable curtailment, and higher system costs.

WEB Aruba has selected the most efficient assets to complement renewables as WEB works to build a reliable, renewable energy future for Aruba. Wärtsilä’s engine power plants have replaced older units with more efficient and flexible generation. The fuel flexibility provided by dual-fuel engines adds resiliency to the company’s system while also allowing for the transition to cleaner fuels and lower emissions.

“We are excited to partner with utilities like WEB who are actively making the energy transition happen. As the Caribbean region works to decarbonise electricity generation, it is crucial to increase system flexibility to manage cost, maintain reliability and optimally enable renewables to perform,” said Jon Rodriguez, Director, Engine Power Plants, North America at Wärtsilä Energy.

The final takeover signing ceremony will take place at the WEB Aruba on 17 May, 2024.

© Wärtsilä Corporation

All Wärtsilä releases are available at www.wartsila.com/media/news-releases and at news.cision.com/wartsila-corporation where also the images can be downloaded. Use of the image(s) is allowed only in connection with the contents of this press release. Wärtsilä images are available at www.wartsila.com/media/image-bank.

Wärtsilä Energy in brief

Wärtsilä Energy is at the forefront of the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our customers and the power sector to accelerate their decarbonisation journeys through our market-leading technologies and power system expertise. Our solutions include flexible engine power plants, energy storage and optimisation technology, and services for the whole lifecycle of our installations. Our engines are future-proof and can run on sustainable fuels. Our track record comprises 79 GW of power plant capacity, of which 18 GW are under service agreements, and over 125 energy storage systems, in 180 countries around the world.

www.wartsila.com/energy

Wärtsilä in brief

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasise innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,800 professionals in more than 280 locations in 79 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2023, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 6.0 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

ARCHIPELAGO INTERNATIONAL CONTINUES EXPANSION IN THE CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA

/0 Comments/in /by

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, at an official launch event in Punta Cana, attended by the Vice Minister for Tourism and the Indonesian Ambassador, Archipelago International opened its first corporate office in the Dominican Republic and announced the signing of multiple management agreements in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

Indonesian headquartered Archipelago International, the largest privately owned hotel management group in Southeast Asia, today announced details of its expansion in the region and the roll out of its brands, management services and hospitality technology development company, Sentinel Tech, at the opening of its new corporate office in the Dominican Republic. In addition to senior representatives of the Indonesian and Dominican Republic governments, the opening ceremony was attended by leading investors and developers from the travel and tourism sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Archipelago International, Mr. Gerard Byrne, Managing Director, outlined the 27- year history of the company, from humble beginnings in Jakarta, Indonesia to a current position of managing over 270 operating hotels (45,000 rooms) and a pipeline of over 80 hotels (16,000 rooms) across 15 countries and 5 continents. He explained how a strong group wide ethos of ensuring a seamless customer experience from booking to review, high-level Asian service standards, Kaizen philosophy (continuous improvement) and long-term investment in technology solutions are major reasons for both its domestic success and international growth. In explaining the success story of Archipelago’s international expansion strategy, he said “We are providing owners, developers and investors with proven alternative branding and operational solutions for their hospitality assets at a price point that is well below other global brands. We have developed technology solutions which are made by hoteliers for hoteliers. Our renowned Asian service standards, leading technology solutions and flexibility as an independent company is setting us apart from the competition. In addition, we have changed the paradigm when it comes to the owner and operator relationship, by constructing new partnership operating models that reward the owner in a more equitable way than the traditional double digit fee structures of the past“.

Speaking after Mr. Byrne, Jose Luis Leonardo, Vice President – The Americas, outlined details of their existing operations in the Americas. “Since opening our first resort in the region in 2019, Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas Beach Resort & Spa, Cuba, we have grown to having five hotels (3,242 rooms) in operation today, all of them achieving No.1 positioning in their respective destinations. In the next twelve months, we will open one hotel in Cuba, four hotels and condotels in the Dominican Republic and two in Mexico. These are Aston Panorama Hotel, Havana (320 rooms), Reserva Real by Harper, Punta Cana (187 rooms), Aston Rubí City Suites, Santo Domingo (179 rooms), Grand Aston Punta Cana Beach Resort & Spa (170 rooms), Aston Bocettos City Suites, Santo Domingo (126 rooms), Aston Puebla Hotel, Puebla (105 rooms) and IIk Tulum by Aston Tulum (104 rooms)“.

In terms of major new signings for the Dominican Republic Mr. Leonardo announced, Grand Aston Larimar City Golf Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (228 rooms), Grand Aston Cáicu Coral Golf Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (669 rooms), Riviera Bay by Aston, Cana Bay (110 rooms), Harbor Bay by Aston, Cap Cana (186 rooms), Juanillo Hills by Aston, Cap Cana (60 rooms), Aston Piantini Boutique Hotel, Santo Domingo (144 rooms), Aston Towers Larimar City, Punta Cana (432 rooms), Paradise Tower by Harper, Punta Cana (144 rooms), Harper Paradise Punta Cana (135 rooms), Aston Arts Hotel & Residences, Punta Cana (368 rooms) and The Alana Experience Punta Cana (530 rooms).

New signings in Mexico include Grand Aston Tulum (153 rooms), Aston Naomi Boutique Hotel & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (246 rooms), Zonna Beach Resort & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (257 rooms) and The Alana Hotel & Residences, Playa Del Carmen (376 rooms). He further commented “Aston hotels have long been referred to as ‘trusted’ hotels by our customers in Southeast Asia and we are delighted that owners, investors and developers in Latin America are not only excited about Aston coming to the Dominican Republic and Mexico but also that we are introducing new brands, technology and business model solutions for their hotels, resorts, condotels and branded residences in all segments. The government of the Dominican Republic has demonstrated commendable dedication to fostering a favorable business and economic climate that encourages growth in the travel and tourism sector. This commitment greatly influenced our decision to establish our second regional corporate office in Punta Cana. Furthermore, to enhance our operational capabilities, we are planning new corporate offices in Santo Domingo and Playa Del Carmen“.

About Archipelago International

Archipelago International is Southeast Asia’s largest privately owned hotel management group, with over 45,000 rooms in 200+ locations across Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. It has a rapidly expanding portfolio in the Americas region with 5 operating hotels and resorts (3,242 rooms) and a development pipeline of 9,500+ rooms across 30+ upcoming projects. The company provides hospitality and advanced technology solutions for hotels, resorts and branded residences through its 12 award winning brands, Aston, Aston Collection, Huxley, Alana, Avanika, favehotel, Harper, Quest, Hotel Neo, Kamuela, Nordic and Powered by Archipelago. These brands are positioned in different market segments, from budget to luxury hotels, resorts and branded residences.

Its consistent technology and systems focus, flexibility and agility as an independent company and variety of hotel brands have been key factors in its success and expansion in the hotel industry.