Page 1806

Royal Caribbean Marks 2021 Return To Caribbean With Cruises From The Bahamas

0

MIAMI, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This summer, travelers can trade in virtual travel experiences for their long-awaited vacations and cruise in The Bahamas and Mexico with Royal Caribbean International. The global cruise line has announced a summer lineup of 7-night cruises on board Adventure of the Seas, setting sail this June from new homeport Nassau, The Bahamas. Vacationers now have the chance to island-hop and relish the adventures they have missed, including the first series of two back-to-back days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas, and quality time exploring Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.

Travelers looking ahead to their summer vacations can book their roundtrip cruise as soon as Wednesday, March 24 and set sail starting June 12. The new itineraries departing through August, which will sail with vaccinated crew, will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.

“We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely. The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice. As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The opportunity to homeport in The Bahamas is a testament to the tremendous partners the government and the people of the island nation have been to us for more than 50 years. We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing.” 

Itinerary Highlights

The sun-soaked shores of Perfect Day at CocoCay, Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel beckon.

  • Royal Caribbean’s limited summer series with Adventure offers guests the unique opportunity to spend two consecutive days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, where all staff will be fully vaccinated. With double the time to enjoy the island’s ultimate combination of thrills and ways to chill, by day, travelers can hit the tallest waterslide in North America among Thrill Waterpark’s 13 jaw-dropping waterslides; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club. And as the sun sets, they can unwind with a cocktail in hand on Chill Island’s tranquil beaches or at the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon.
  • On the agenda at Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel are turquoise blue waters, island vibes, and the options to safely explore each destination’s culture, history, cuisine and natural beauty on selected Royal Caribbean shore excursions.

“As we anticipate a promising return to a vibrant tourism industry, news that the cruise industry is going to begin homeporting in The Bahamas is exciting. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of passengers will experience Nassau or Grand Bahama in ways they never had the opportunity to before,” said the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes. This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead, the best we have ever had.”  

Experiences in Store on Adventure of the Seas

Adventure, primed for the memory-making Royal Caribbean is known for, offers guests a host of experiences for smooth sailing from one island to the next. From The Perfect Storm, dual-racer waterslides Cyclone and Typhoon, and the signature FlowRider surf simulator, to kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, thrills of all kinds are on deck.

Add to that the variety of entertainment and dining venues, such as Izumi, known for its menu of fresh sushi and sashimi; the cruise line’s popular steakhouse, Chops Grille; and Latin-inspired lounge Boleros, there are adventures for all ages and every member of the family on board.

“Royal Caribbean has long been a valued partner to The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to work with them on making Nassau their newest homeport,” said Minister of Tourism & Aviation, the Honorable Dionisio D’Aguilar. “Cruising is a vital part of The Bahamas’ economy and having Royal Caribbean and their guests return to our shores will contribute greatly to restoring and reactivating tourism. We have been preparing diligently for the last many months to ensure an experience that is equally safe and enjoyable. We are confident that cruise goers will receive the warm, friendly hospitality The Bahamas is famous for. We cannot wait to remind guests that it is still Better in The Bahamas.” 

Vacationers can rest assured their well-being and that of the crew members and communities visited are Royal Caribbean’s top priorities. Details on additional health and safety measures to be implemented by Royal Caribbean will be announced at a later date. The cruise line’s comprehensive, multilayered health and safety measures to come leverage expert guidance from the Healthy Sail Panel, Royal Caribbean Group’s Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer and local government and health authorities.

In addition, vacationers must meet the travel requirements of The Bahamas. This may include receiving a negative PCR test result before their arrival, testing upon arrival into the country and filling out appropriate entry forms. The most up-to-date policies can be found at The Bahamas website.  

Royal Caribbean’s new 7-night summer itineraries continue the cruise line’s measured and safe return to cruising the world once again, following months of successful sailings with Quantum of the Seas in Singapore and the recent announcement of the highly anticipated Odyssey of the Seas to cruise from Haifa, Israel. For more information on Adventure’s limited series of summer cruises, click here.

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.  

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459999/AdventureOTS_ReturnToService_NTSC_HD_031921.mp4

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

Fernando Cruz’s new book PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO, a stirring collection of poems full of passion, emotions and messages dedicated to love.

0
Fernando-Cruz

HOBOKEN, N.J., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO was created by Fernando Cruz. Fernando is an author, writer, poet and declaimer, actor, radio and TV announcer, and master of ceremony who was born in the Argentine Republic on June 23 and studied in Buenos Aires for five years of scenic art and three years of voice over. He arrived in the United States in 1982 where he took courses in radio and TV voice over, graduating in both branches of communication.

Fernando Cruz said this about his book: “PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO is a collection of poems where the reader can find different ways and means to express the most sublime of feelings—love! through his poems, where it can be appreciated, in a simple and profound way, that each octave is an invitation to the imagination and where each rhyme is a sweet melody to enjoy and share. It is a message of faith, of hope, where almost anything is possible. It is a very encouraging message for all those who have lost, a little, the way to arrive and share the most beautiful emotions that love can give us, as an inexhaustible source for a happy coexistence. The door is left open to enter the wonderful and attractive world called PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO!”

Published by Page Publishing, Fernando Cruz’s new book PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO will enrapture the readers with evoking poems that proclaim the unparalleled wisdom and beauty of love that shapes the soul.

On his YouTube channel, under the name of: “POEMAS PARA TI” you can listen to 12 poems that are included in this book.

Consumers who wish to feel and understand the quaintness of love can purchase PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459446/Fernando_Cruz.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Adrian D. Arcadich’s New Book Cien Poemas De Amor Y Mil Emociones Desencadenadas, A Romantic Masterpiece Filled With Odes To Love And Human Emotion

0
Adrian-D-Arcadich

NEW YORK, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas was created by Adrian D. Arcadich. Adrian is an author who was born on June 16, 1970, in Puebla, Mexico. From a very young age he opted for good lyrics since his parents loved listening to the bolero, a romantic musical genre.

Adrian D. Arcadich said this about his book: “There are books that change the way we perceive the concept of love. There are works that show us the subtlety with which we can express ourselves poetically toward women and at the same time flatter her, fill her with tenderness, with love. And with absolute conviction, I dare to say that Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas is a work that will encourage you, will fill you with the sublime inspiration to pay homage every morning, every evening to the love of your life. Love…what is love? Love is a pure feeling, full of goodness, compassion; in other words, they are beautiful virtues in some beings. What is love? Love is the only reason that man was created, and with love and for love was that he received the breath of life when he was still a lump of clay. And out of love and compassion, he was given the most beautiful being, the angelic being called a woman!”

Published by Page Publishing, Adrian D. Arcadich’s new book Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas will enrapture the readers with enthralling verses that speak of undying love for someone special.

Consumers who wish to feel the blissful wisdom and grace of love can purchase Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459455/Adrian_D_Arcadich.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Canada Life Reinsurance announces €4.7 Billion longevity agreement with Athora Netherlands

0

DUBLIN, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Canada Life Reinsurance is pleased to announce that it has recently entered into a long-term longevity reinsurance agreement with Athora Netherlands covering €4.7 billion of in-force liabilities and 104,500 in-payment and deferred policies.

Jeff Poulin, Global Head of Canada Life Reinsurance, affirms this agreement is another example of Canada Life Reinsurance’s strength as a partner for longevity reinsurance transactions globally.

“We are pleased to build and grow our relationship with Athora Netherlands with this major reinsurance agreement,” says Poulin. “It demonstrates our ability to work together with our partners to meet their reinsurance needs and adapt our solutions to their needs over time.”

Canada Life Reinsurance offers a range of innovative risk and capital management solutions for life, health and non-life risk to insurers, reinsurers, and pension funds globally.

About Canada Life Reinsurance

Canada Life Reinsurance provides its clients with reinsurance solutions for life and health, annuity, and property & casualty business through its offices in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Bermuda, and Barbados. Canada Life Reinsurance is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates. The Canada Life Assurance Company is a subsidiary of Great-West Lifeco Inc. To learn more, visit canadalifere.com.

About Great-West Lifeco Inc.

Great-West Lifeco is an international financial services holding company with interests in life insurance, health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management and reinsurance businesses. We operate in Canada, the United States and Europe under the brands Canada Life, Empower Retirement, Putnam Investments, and Irish Life.  At the end of 2020, our companies had approximately 24,500 employees, 205,000 advisor relationships, and thousands of distribution partners – all serving our more than 30 million customer relationships across these regions.

Great-West Lifeco and its companies have approximately CDN $2.0 trillion in consolidated assets under administration as at December 31, 2020 and are members of the Power Corporation group of companies.  Great-West Lifeco trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol GWO.  To learn more, visit greatwestlifeco.com. 

Contact: Eamon Loughnane, Head of European Business Development, Canada Life Reinsurance, Tel: 00 353 1 254 1508, Mobile: +353 86 042 1056, E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Canada Life Reinsurance

MoneyGram Announces Agreement to Join Pay+ Mobile Wallet to Expand Digital Presence in the Middle East

0
MoneyGram Logo

DALLAS, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGI), a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers, today announced it signed an agreement to launch its leading international money transfer capabilities on Pay+, a mobile wallet powered by Ooredoo Oman and the National Bank of Oman (NBO). Pay+ is a first-to-market development that will empower consumers in Oman to make deposits, withdrawals, bill payments and local and international money transfers. This partnership will give customers the ability to use the mobile wallet to transfer money in near real-time with access to the MoneyGram global distribution network which spans over 200 countries and territories.

MoneyGram Logo

“Consumer demand for real-time payments and mobile wallets continues to surge, so this expansion with one of our largest and fastest growing digital partners is yet another milestone on our journey to lead the evolution of digital P2P payments,” said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As our digital partners are increasingly looking to utilize our modern, mobile and API-driven infrastructure, this integration through Pay+ will provide scale to its existing digital offerings and instant access to our cross-border payments and money transfer services.”

This strategic partnership expansion will build upon the strong momentum MoneyGram has already developed in the Middle East market and further accelerate digital growth as the Company plans to expand its customer-centric capabilities to Oman, one of the largest markets in outbound international remittances.

“This major, first-to-market, development will change the way customers transfer money,” said Ian Dench, Chief Executive Officer at Ooredoo. “Pay+ was designed with customer needs in mind and together with our partners, MoneyGram and NBO, the ground-breaking mobile wallet will continue to set standards in the Sultanate’s evolving digital payments ecosystem.”

“As we successfully execute our strategy to accelerate digital growth and expand access to mobile wallet capabilities, consumers around the world are seeing the value in our digital transformation,” said Grant Lines, MoneyGram Global Chief Revenue Officer. “Through this upcoming launch, we are doubling down our efforts in key send corridors such as Oman and, in turn, providing new and innovative technologies and more digital payment options to consumers around the globe.”

The partnership is expected to be live for consumers in the next month.

About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers. Its consumer-centric capabilities enable family and friends to quickly and affordably send money in more than 200 countries and territories, with 90 now digitally enabled.

MoneyGram leverages its modern, mobile, and API-driven platform and collaborates with the world’s leading brands to serve millions of people each year through both its walk-in business and its direct-to-consumer digital business.

With a strong culture of innovation and a relentless focus on utilizing technology to deliver the world’s best customer experience, MoneyGram is leading the evolution of digital P2P payments.

For more information, please visit MoneyGram.com and follow @MoneyGram.

About Ooredoo Oman
Omani Qatari Telecommunications Company SAOG (“Ooredoo”) was founded and registered in the Sultanate of Oman in December 2004. Services were launched its service in March 2005, originally operating under the name Nawras.  As Oman’s data experience leaders, Ooredoo provides individuals and businesses with cutting edge digital products and services, so that customers can enjoy the internet. Ooredoo generated revenues of OMR 285.5 million as of 31 December 2019 and is listed on the Muscat Stock Market (MSM) under the “ORDS” ticker.

About Ooredoo
Ooredoo is an international communications company operating across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. Serving consumers and businesses in 10 countries, Ooredoo delivers the leading data experience through a broad range of content and services via its advanced, data-centric mobile and fixed networks. Ooredoo generated revenues of USD 8.2 billion as of 31 December 2018. Its shares are listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. 

About National Bank of Oman
NBO, the first local commercial bank in the Sultanate of Oman, was founded in 1973 and is today one of the leading banks in Oman. The Bank serves its customers in Oman through 60 Branches, more than 180 ATM/FFM/CCDMs as well as two Branches in U.A.E.

The Bank is committed to community improvement through its corporate citizenship programs and is an active supporter of a range of worthy causes in Oman, with emphasis on health and human services, civic, education, environment, youth, women, arts and culture.

MoneyGram Media Contact
Stephen Reiff
[email protected] 

Ooredoo Media Contacts
Emily Shotter
[email protected]                                          

Sudipta Dasgupta
[email protected] 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/600838/MoneyGram_International_Logo.jpg  

SOURCE MoneyGram

Ethnic E-Grocer Weee! Raises $315M in Series D Led by DST Global with Participation from Blackstone, Arena Holdings, and Tiger Global

0
Weee_Mixed_Produce

FREMONT, California, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Weee! (www.sayweee.com), the leading ethnic e-grocer in the United States, today announced $315 million in Series D financing led by existing investor DST Global. New investors include funds managed by Blackstone, Arena Holdings, and Tiger Global; significantly deepening the company’s capital base. The new capital will be used to further accelerate the company’s geographic expansion with the most efficient fulfilment technology, build a stronger and more diverse product assortment, recruit exceptional talent, and invest in engaging the broader Asian and Hispanic communities with state-of-the-art personalization features.

“Ethnic communities have been overlooked in the online and retail space. We believe the opportunity to provide these fast growing communities access to exciting and affordable groceries is tremendous,” said Larry Liu, founder and CEO of Weee! “We are thrilled to leverage DST Global and our new investors’ strategic view on the future of retail and vast experience building and scaling technology companies to accelerate our mission.”

“Weee! has a unique understanding of how explosive growth can be achieved sustainably in the emerging online grocery space,” said Rahul Mehta, managing partner at DST Global. “The team’s back-to-basics focus on merchandising, everyday low prices, and remarkable social shopping approach are what sets Weee! apart, and we’re excited to deepen our support for their mission.”

While grocery remains the lowest penetrated retail segment within the e-commerce landscape, the grocery market for ethnic customers is expected to surpass $464 billion by 20301. Weee!’s current category assortment spans ethnic ingredients essential to Asian and Hispanic cuisines, catering to an underserved population with >20% growth since 20102. Weee! Currently serves 14 key regions coast-to-coast and aims to expand to 30 cities across North America by 2024.

About Weee! Inc.

Weee! was founded in 2015 with the belief that quality, freshness, and accessibility shouldn’t ever be compromised when it comes to food. Loved and recognized as a trusted household brand among underserved communities, Weee! makes convenient and affordable access to specialty products and everyday essentials possible. Products are guaranteed to be delivered at peak freshness and priced lower than or comparable to offline stores. No subscription is required to shop and next-day delivery is free with a low order minimum. The company continues to redefine online grocery shopping by leveraging social e-commerce and proprietary forecasting technology.

Weee! is headquartered in Fremont, California and has received $415M+ in funding from Arena Holdings, Blackstone, DST Global, Goodwater Capital, iFly.vc, Lightspeed Ventures, Tiger Global, VMG, and XVC.

For more information, please visit www.sayweee.com/en or follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. Words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “strive,” “will” or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Examples of forward-looking statements in this announcement include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our disclosure concerning the Company’s operations, cash flows, financial position and dividend policy.

Press Contact
pr@sayweee.com

1 U.S. Grocery Market Share, Statista
2 U.S. Census Bureau Releases 2019 Population Estimates by Demographic Characteristics 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1457814/Weee_Mixed_Produce.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1457815/Weee_Series_D.jpg

SOURCE Weee

Vice President Kamala Harris and Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin Join CIEE in Congratulating the 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows

0
The 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — At an online St. Patrick’s Day roundtable today, Vice President Kamala Harris and Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin joined Nettie Washington Douglass, the great-great-granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, and representatives from the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) to recognize the winners of the 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship, a competitive award for diverse student leaders to attend a four-week summer study abroad program focused on leadership, intercultural communication, and social justice. 

Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs will co-sponsor the 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows in Dublin, Ireland, to honor the 175th anniversary of the meeting between 27-year-old abolitionist Frederick Douglass and the Irish reformer Daniel O’Connell in Dublin in 1845. 

The following high-achieving students were selected for this prestigious award:

  • Sophia Kathryn Jackson, Bard College
  • Leeah Derenoncourt, Emerson College
  • Carolina Jimenez, Harvard University
  • Brielle Smith, Howard University
  • Katherine Sanchez, Lehman College, CUNY
  • Iesha-LaShay Phillips, Oberlin College
  • Corinne Bobb-Semple, Pomona College
  • Mikayla Tillery, Stanford University
  • Paul Douillon, University of Miami
  • Nikita Joshi, University of Missouri – Kansas City
  • Jaylen Antoine, University of Puget Sound
  • Delali Gadzekpo, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  • Isaiah Franco, Wofford College
  • Ayodele Theard-Lewis, Xavier University of Louisiana

You can hear from all 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows in this video.

In Ireland, the Frederick Douglass Global Fellows will study leadership, effective communication, and strategies to affect positive social change as they explore the life stories and legacies of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell. They will be joined on their program by the 2020 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows who were unable to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, last summer as scheduled due to COVID-19.

At the roundtable event, Vice President Harris congratulated the Frederick Douglass Global Fellows. She expressed her pride, and America’s pride, in their accomplishments. She said to them: “You will create friendships around the globe as an extension of the work we do as a country to inspire and to work on and to build on the friendships we have around the world.”

“Many of you know that I attended Howard University, a school that was founded at a time when few recognized the potential of Black students to be leaders,” said Vice President Harris. “At HBCUs, and at fellowship programs like this, students of color are prepared to lead. Like Frederick Douglass in Ireland, you can come as you are, and you can leave who you aspire to be.”

Following the roundtable, which was attended by many of the Frederick Douglass Global Fellows who will travel to Ireland this summer, the Taoiseach said: “I was delighted to join Vice President Harris this morning in meeting these exceptional young people. Frederick Douglass has a vital and valued legacy on either side of the Atlantic and my Government is delighted to mark the 175th anniversary of his historic tour of Ireland by welcoming twenty brilliant American students from minority backgrounds to follow in the great abolitionist’s footsteps and learn of the influential relationship between Daniel O’Connell and Frederick Douglass. Today’s meeting with the Fellows is also a great opportunity to recognize the great diversity that powers both our countries and our relationship today.”

“It’s fitting that this diverse group of young people will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in a place so special to Frederick Douglass,” said Nettie Washington Douglass, chairwoman and co-founder of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, and the great-great-granddaughter of Frederick Douglass and great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington. “The welcome and respect with which Frederick was greeted across his tour of Ireland affected him profoundly. I can think of no better place for future American leaders to gain a global perspective and prepare to be agents of change.”

“Frederick Douglass was transformed by his time in Ireland and returned to America in 1847 as a free man, spending the next 50 years of his life agitating for positive change in our world,” said James P. Pellow, president and CEO of CIEE. “We know this group of exceptional students will have a similar transformative experience in Ireland and return home with enhanced skills and passion to change our world for the better.”

The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship was launched in 2017 by CIEE to expand access to international education to underrepresented students.

In addition to funding the Frederick Douglass Global Fellows, CIEE provides all students who complete the fellowship application a $1,500 grant to attend a CIEE summer study abroad program. Known as the Frederick Douglass Summer Scholars Grant, this award is matched by many colleges and universities, making an international education experience financially attainable for many more students from diverse backgrounds.

To learn more about the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship, visit ciee.org/FDGF.

About the Council on International Educational Exchange

CIEE, the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization, transforms lives and builds bridges by promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences. To help people develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world, CIEE sponsors a wide variety of opportunities for cultural exchange, including work exchange programs, teach abroad programs, and a worldwide portfolio of study abroad and internship programs for college and high school students. www.ciee.org.

Contact: Leslie Taylor, (207) 553-4274, [email protected]

The 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGJyOD_xqdw

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1458502/CIEE_2021_Fellows_Announcement.jpg

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

Statement of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health on Historic Confirmation of Xavier Becerra as Nation’s 25th Secretary of Health and Human Services

0

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “With Secretary Becerra, the nation has the leader of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that it needs to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and who will bring equity to our nation’s health and human services to ensure all have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We welcome this historic confirmation and look forward to working with Secretary Becerra to ensure the best health for all,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic health, the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group.

“Under his leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will lead the COVID response in a way that recognizes the sacrifices and losses that so many have endured and create a new path forward. His decades of experience with government at all levels and legislative and regulatory processes have prepared him to be the DHHS Secretary that the country and indeed the global community needs. As the first Hispanic Secretary of Health and Human Services, his example will continue to be a beacon of achievement and possibility for all and especially for the next generation of Hispanic leadership,” concluded Dr. Delgado.

About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance)
The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States with a mission to achieve the best health for all. For more information visit us at www.healthyamericas.org

SOURCE National Alliance for Hispanic Health

Mexico’s Government, Direct Relief Transport Polio Vaccine to Ecuador in Response to International Appeal

0
Officials from Direct Relief and the governments of Mexico and Ecuador discuss the humanitarian shipment of polio vaccine to Ecuador at an event on March 16, 2021. (Photo: Edmundo Montes de Oca, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico.)

MEXICO CITY, March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — People may think of polio as an eradicated disease, like smallpox, but that is not the case.

Officials from Direct Relief and the governments of Mexico and Ecuador discuss the humanitarian shipment of polio vaccine to Ecuador at an event on March 16, 2021. (Photo: Edmundo Montes de Oca, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico.)

Last year, there were 441 reported polio cases worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the last-known case of the crippling disease in the United States was in 1979, the CDC recommends that all children should receive a series of four polio shots.

“No country is safe from polio until the virus has been eradicated globally,” says the World Health Organization.

Ecuador last month launched a national campaign to inoculate infants against polio, but it ran short of the vaccine doses needed.

Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health issued an international appeal for polio vaccine to organizations including Direct Relief and nations including Mexico.

In its communication to Direct Relief, the Ministry warned of “a critical shortage of basic vaccines” as a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ecuador requested 95,000 doses of the polio vaccine and 138,000 doses of other vaccines commonly given to children.

The Government of Mexico responded to the appeal, offering to donate the polio vaccine from its stockpile at the national vaccine agency BIRMEX.

To transport the humanitarian aid, Mexico’s government turned to Direct Relief, which is registered as a civil association in Mexico with tax-deductible status (donataria autorizada).

Like most vaccines, the polio vaccine is a cold-chain medication; it must be kept refrigerated at all times to between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, delivered in special containers, with the temperature monitored.

Pharmaceutical distributors—and Direct Relief—are among the only organizations with cold-chain vaccine shipment capability.

Direct Relief has extensive experience working with the world’s largest medical manufacturers to distribute cold-chain prescription medications connected with humanitarian and emergency-response efforts.

In 2020, Direct Relief completed 1,953 cold-chain deliveries of such products, managing end-to-end distribution to health facilities across the United States and 52 other countries. Deliveries contained 21.6 million doses of temperature-sensitive medications, including insulin, cancer drugs, hemophilia treatments, vaccines, and biologic therapies for patients with rare genetic diseases.

Direct Relief’s Mexico office managed the complex customs procedures. Its logistics partner Kuehne + Nagel packed the vaccine and flew them to Ecuador while maintaining cold-chain integrity. The 95,000 doses of bivalent oral polio vaccine landed last week at Quito International Airport.

“With this donation, Mexico joins the noble cause of the Strategic Plan of the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate polio in the world,” Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

About Direct Relief

A humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical resources throughout the world to communities in need—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. For more information, please visit https://www.DirectRelief.org.

Polio vaccine from Mexico arrives in Ecuador via Direct Relief in response to an international appeal for additional doses.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1458531/Direct_Relief_March_16_Event.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1458532/Direct_Relief_Polio_Vaccine_Shipment.jpg

SOURCE Direct Relief

FDA Celebrates National Nutrition Month® in March 2021

0
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

SILVER SPRING, Md., March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) survey, 71% of U.S. adults strongly agree that eating a healthy diet is important for long-term health. However, only 44% strongly agree they are confident they know how to choose healthy foods, and just 29% think their overall dietary habits are excellent or very good. This March, during National Nutrition Month®, learn how you can use the updated Nutrition Facts label to make informed food choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits with the FDA’s Nutrition Education Resources and Materials! 

What’s New with the Nutrition Facts Label

The new and improved Nutrition Facts label can be found on food and beverage packages. Some of the changes include updated serving sizes; larger, bolder calories; and updated Daily Values and nutrient listings. Learn more about the changes with The New Nutrition Facts Label: What’s in it for you? campaign: www.FDA.gov/NewNutritionFactsLabel. Use these education materials to learn how to use the label as a tool for maintaining healthy dietary practices.

For Health Educators

For Youth & Youth Educators

  • Read the Label materials challenge kids ages 9 to 13 to look for and use the Nutrition Facts label on food and beverage packages.
  • Science and Our Food Supply is a collection of free supplementary curricula about nutrition, food safety, and agricultural biotechnology, designed for middle and high school classrooms.
  • Whyville Snack Shack games test tweens’ knowledge about making healthy snack choices that can keep them feeling great.

For Older Adults

  • The How-To Guide for Older Adults is a tool to help older adults make informed food choices that can have positive effects on their health and wellness.

For Physicians & Healthcare Professionals

Use FDA’s resources and materials this month and throughout the year to learn about the importance of good nutrition. For more information about the refreshed Nutrition Facts label and Nutrition Facts label education campaign, visit www.FDA.gov/NewNutritionFactsLabel and watch this Q&A video featuring the Director of FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll-free)

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESFp8lmuJVo 
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/585467/ucm519149_Logo.jpg

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration

1...1,8051,8061,807...3,066Page 1,806 of 3,066
Copyright © 2016 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Cision company.