CARIBPRWIRE, NEW YORK – MARCH 26, 2013 – Caribbean’s Next Top Model, a new model competition series created in collaboration with CaribeNTM, Inc. emerges across 25 Caribbean countries with partner brands to promote 11 episodes of the most popular and first of its kind reality television. The show debuted on Monday, February 18, 2013 on free-to-air – various Caribbean local TV stations, CaribVision and One Caribbean Television, WSEE TV in Puerto Rico during primetime.

Mark Rowen, President of Blue Collar Productions said, “We have been able to partner with CaribeNTM, Inc. to custom design and tailor television production content which highlights the unique attributes of the respective host countries.”

This one hour Reality TV program, co-produced by Blue Collar Productions, one of the leading producers of creative content for licensed television shows, provides a comprehensive look at eleven contenders competing individually and in teams for the chance to be Caribbean’s Next Top Model. Miss Universe ’98, Wendy Fitzwilliam serves as the celebrity host and judge, along with associate judges Pedro Virgil, International Photographer, Richard Young, Runway Coach and Creative Director of Trinidad and Tobago’s Fashion Week, and other special guest appearances from experts in the fashion industry and related fields.

Mr. Rowen adds, “We are excited to have had the opportunity to work with Caribbean’s Next Top Model television show. We have plans to continue working together to produce leading international content with a focus on television production, distribution, marketing and syndication. Our combined companies have the ability to broaden the future scope of entertainment television.”

The partner brands are included in the episodes in ways that range from product placements, credits, mentions in lines of dialogue, to numerous endorsements on the screen. “If you are watching the show, chances are you aspire to emulate the lifestyle of the CNTM program’s cast,” said Wendy Fitzwilliam. “So we want to align with those partner brands that add competitive value and reach.”

Brands such as bMobile, SACHA, and CHI were heavily featured to establish the reality of the worlds the girls lived in. Beverly Morrison, CEO of Caribbean CHI Ltd., and Juliana Fermin, Director of Ansura Wholesalers in Trinidad and Tobago are excited to be official hair sponsors of the first season.

Beverly Morrison says, “We remain committed to the Caribbean aesthetic and we look forward to the refinement of the contestants as the imagination and execution of CaribeNTM, Inc, beauty with CHI Biosilk exceeds expectations.”
Making brand connections that were organic to the characters became the signature for show. Juliana Fermin said, “We saw Caribbean’s Next Top Model as a vehicle for the enhancement of many industries that span; fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and television…week after week.”

Executives at SACHA Cosmetics have helped to position our footprint from the beginning to predominantly celebrate women. “As the official cosmetics of the inaugural season and leader in the cosmetics industry in the Caribbean and as we continue on our drive toward global expansion, we recognize that partnerships like these truly complement our journey,” said Kamla Regrello, Marketing and Retail Manager.

KCL Capital Market Brokers Limited, a licensed full service investment firm based in Trinidad became involved to provide authenticity in the television series financing. As stated by the company’s CEO Kerwyn Valley, “KCL is committed in its support for creative industries across our region.”

Other partners include Caribbean Airlines, The Carlton-Savannah, Lime Trinre, Factor Women, Caribbean Belle, Blue Waters, Kalloo’s, and Micles.

The CNTM series airs for 11 episodes and is midway through its inaugural season. The show is broadcast in over 25 Caribbean islands on terrestrial and cable television.

For a complete review of CNTM, our broadcast details, to share your thoughts on the show and to become a member fan, like us at www.facebook.com/caribbeansnexttopmodel or log on to: www.caribbeansnexttopmodel.com. Follow us @CaribeNTM on Twitter.

About Caribbean’s Next Top Model

CARIBBEAN’S NEXT TOP MODEL was founded in July 2011. CNTM’s mission is to unleash island beauties and the enchantment of the Caribbean. Executive Producers are Wendy Fitzwilliam and Dionyse Fitzwilliam of CaribeNTM, Inc., a production company created in association with AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL under license by CBS International, and Mark Rowen, CEO of Blue Collar Productions (USA).

About America’s Next Top Model

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company. The executive producers are Ken Mok (“Making the Band”), Tyra Banks and Laura Fuest Silva. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. Tyra Banks also hosts the series, which will soon begin airing its 20th cycle in the United States. Currently, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL is under license in over 100 markets around the world and has 20 international versions in production. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL format are licensed internationally by CBS Studios International.

About Blue Collar Productions

Blue Collar Productions, is one of the leading producers of creative content for studio released motion picture films and licensed television shows, amassing a high caliber library that includes the production of Caribbean’s Next Top Model.

The recall involves certain lots of Triaminic® Syrups, Theraflu Warming Relief® Syrups, Jack & Jill® brand pediatric syrups and Buckley’s® Complete Liquids.
A company statement late Tuesday said consumers who may have the product (s) being recalled are asked to return the affected products and receive a full refund. The products being recalled were produced at a Novartis Consumer Health manufacturing facility in the United States prior to the voluntary suspension of operations in December 2011, and at a third-party manufacturing site in Canada using the same bottle and cap components.

The recall is for Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados and Curacao.

The drugs are being recalled, said Novartis, “because the child-resistant feature of the bottle cap may not function properly, enabling the cap to be removed with the tamper-evident seal still in place.”

Novartis Pharma Logistics advises consumers who believe they have product included in this recall to discontinue use and return the recalled product to the store or pharmacy where it was purchased for a full refund. Only recalled product in the original bottle will be eligible for a refund.

Consumers may contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 877-769-8420 (available Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time) for more detailed information about the recall, including which products are impacted, and for information on how to return the affected products and receive a full refund.
Please note the products being recalled for Trinidad and Tobago caribpr.com/news_story/novartis-pharma-logistics-inc-voluntarily-recalling-in-trinidad-tobago-select-lots-of-certain-over-the-counter-products-due-to-bottle-closure-defect/release_0010867.html

For Barbados: caribpr.com/news_story/novartis-pharma-logistics-inc-voluntarily-recalling-in-barbados-select-lots-of-certain-over-the-counter-products-due-to-bottle-closure-defect/release_0010865.html

For Jamaica: caribpr.com/news_story/novartis-pharma-logistics-inc-voluntarily-recalling-in-jamaica-select-lots-of-certain-over-the-counter-products-due-to-bottle-closure-defect/release_0010859.html

For the Bahamas: caribpr.com/news_story/novartis-pharma-logistics-inc-voluntarily-recalling-in-the-bahamas-select-lots-of-certain-over-the-counter-products-due-to-bottle-closure-defect/release_0010856.html

For Aruba: caribpr.com/news_story/novartis-pharma-logistics-inc-voluntarily-recalling-in-aruba-select-lots-of-certain-over-the-counter-products-due-to-bottle-closure-defect/release_0010861.html

For Curacao: caribpr.com/news_story/novartis-pharma-logistics-inc-voluntarily-recalling-in-curacao-select-lots-of-certain-over-the-counter-products-due-to-bottle-closure-defect/release_0010863.html

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Jan. 2013: A total of 55,742 criminal immigrants were sent packing from the U.S. and back to their homelands in the Caribbean and Latin America in 2012, New Americas has found.

Data NAN obtained and analyzed from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency on deportee rates to Latin America and the Caribbean, found that while some 4,898 of all criminal immigrants were sent back to the Caribbean last year, Latin America accounted for over 12 time that number with 50,844.
A “criminal alien” is defined under U.S. immigration laws as a migrant who is convicted of a crime. Most of those deported were sent back for murders and sex and drug crimes.

Non-criminal immigrants deported to the Caribbean totaled 1,612 while to Latin America the number was a whopping 176,589. In total, the number of all immigrants sent back to the Caribbean region in 2012 was put at 6,510 by ICE and 227, 433 to Latin America.

But the number was actually a marked drop from 2011 when 14,912 Caribbean migrants were sent back and 555,801 Latin Americans.

For the Caribbean in 2012, the most criminal deportees were sent back to the Dominican Republic with a massive 2,264 while Jamaica was second with 1,213.

The rates for other countries were as follows:
Haiti: 758 total removals (568 criminal and 190 non-criminal);
Trinidad and Tobago: 242 total removals (187 criminal and 55 non-criminal);
Belize: 217 total removals (152 criminal and 65 non-criminal);
Guyana: 182 total removals (154 criminal and 28 non-criminal);
The Bahamas: 123 total removals (98 criminal and 25 non-criminal);
Cuba: 66 total removals (55 criminal and 11 non-criminal);
Barbados: 50 total removals (45 criminal and 5 non-criminal);
Dominica: 41 total removals (19 criminal and 22 non-criminal);
St. Kitts-Nevis: 40 total removals (32 criminal and 8 non-criminal);
Antigua & Barbuda: 36 total removals (25 criminal and 11 non-criminal)
St Lucia: 28 total removals (14 criminal and 14 non-criminal);
Grenada: 25 total removals (15 criminal and 10 non-criminal);
Turks Caicos Islands: 10 total removals (7 criminal and 3 non-criminal).
British Virgin Islands: 9 total removals (7 criminal and 2 non-criminal);
Bermuda: 8 total removals (5 criminal and 3 non-criminal);
Suriname: 6 total removals (6 criminal and 0 non-criminal);
Guadeloupe: 2 total removals (1 criminal and 1 non-criminal);
Montserrat: 2 total removals (2 criminal and 0 non-criminal);
Netherlands Antilles, inclusive of St. Maarten, Curacao, Saba, Bonaire: 2 total removals (1 criminal and 1 non-criminal);
Anguilla: 1 total removal (0 criminal and 1 non-criminal);
Cayman Islands: 1 total removals (1 criminal and 0 non-criminal);
Aruba: 0 total removal;
For Latin America, Mexico topped the list with 289,686 total removals including174,003 criminal and 115,683 non-criminals while Guatemala was second with 40,498 total removals (14,251 criminal and 26,247 non-criminal).
Other country rates were as follows:
Honduras: 32,464 total removals (14,180 criminal and 18,284 non-criminal);
El Salvador: 19,694 total removals (9,095 criminal and 10,599 non-criminal);
Brazil: 2,804 total removals (509 criminal and 2,295 non-criminal);
Ecuador: 1,976 total removals (819 criminal and 1,157 non-criminal);
Colombia: 1,681 total removals (1,121 criminal and 560 non-criminal);
Nicaragua: 1,507 total removals (777 criminal and 730 non-criminal);
Costa Rica: 380 total removals (152 criminal and 228 non-criminal);
Venezuela: 284 total removals (131 criminal and 153 non-criminal);
Argentina: 226 total removals (119 criminal and 107 non-criminal);
Bolivia: 197 total removals (131 criminal and 66 non-criminal);
Panama: 137 total removals (100 criminal and 37 non-criminal);
Uruguay: 119 total removals (63 criminal and 56 non-criminal)
Chile: 115 total removals (74 criminal and 41 non-criminal);
Peru: 908 total removals (504 criminal and 404 non-criminal);
Paraguay: 18 total removals (10 criminal and 8 non-criminal).

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said they deported 409,849 immigrants who broke criminal laws, were threats to national security and were recent border crossers and repeat violators of immigration law, around the globe in 2012.

Of the total number removed, approximately 55 percent, or 225,390 were convicted of felonies or misdemeanors – almost double the removal of criminals in FY 2008. This includes 1,215 immigrants convicted of homicide; 5,557 immigrants convicted of sexual offenses; 40,448 immigrants convicted for crimes involving drugs; and 36,166 aliens convicted for driving under the influence.

ICE said it continues to make progress with regard to other categories prioritized for removal. Some 96 percent of all ICE’s removals fell into a priority category – a record high.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director, John Morton, said the administration’s focus remains on removing from the country convicted criminals and other individuals that fall into priority areas for enforcement.

“Smart and effective immigration enforcement relies on setting priorities for removal and executing on those priorities,” said Director Morton. “In order to further enhance our ability to focus enforcement efforts on serious offenders, we are changing who ICE will issue detainers against. While the FY 2012 removals indicate that we continue to make progress in focusing resources on criminal and priority aliens, with more convicted criminals being removed from the country than ever before, we are constantly looking for ways to ensure that we are doing everything we can to utilize our resources in a way that maximizes public safety.”

Beauties from this region, who included Miss St. Lucia Tara Edward; Miss Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler, Miss Trinidad and Tobago Avionne Mark, Miss Jamaica Chantal Zaky, Miss British Virgin Islands Abigail Hyndman, Miss Aruba Liza Helder, Miss Bahamas Celeste Marshall, Miss Cayman Islands Lindsay Japal, Miss Curacao Monifa Joanne Marie Jansen, Miss Dominican Republic Dulcita Lynn Lieggi, Miss Guyana Ruqayyah Boyer and Miss Haiti, Christela Jacques, were MIA from the top 16 in the competition on Dec. 19th.

Instead, the top 16 slots went to Venezuela, Turkey, France, Peru, Russia, Mexico, Poland, Hungary, South Africa, Philippines, Croatia, Brazil, Kosovo, Australia, India and the USA .

However, two Latin American nationals were among the top five pick in the Miss Universe competition that saw Miss USA, Olivia Cuplo, taking the crown.

Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third while Miss Brazil, Gabriela Markus was the fourth runner-up.

See related stories here: www.newsamericasnow.com/latin-americans-among-miss-universe-top-five/
www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-latin-american-beauties-among-miss-universe-contenders/

“With a renewed focus on growing the Rita’s brand, we are proud to welcome our California and ABC Islands area franchisees,” said Jonathan Fornaci, chief executive officer of Rita’s. “Another new addition, and member of the senior leadership team, Scott Schubiger will enable us to expand Rita’s brand to many more fans within the United States and abroad.”

Stuart and Cynthia Glist are the new area developers for Rita’s Italian Ice in Los Angeles County. Their territory includes San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and Antelope Valley. They plan to grow the popular brand by offering franchises in their territory to have twenty five locations open over the next five years. Their first Rita’s store in Burbank is planned for this fall. “We were actually in negotiations with Rita’s before we had even tasted the products,” said Stuart Glist. “During our due diligence process it became evident that Rita’s was perfect for California. The differentiated product, no direct competition, and a long history and track record of success, were just a few of the many things that appealed to us. We can’t wait to share our love of Rita’s with our fellow Californian’s!”

“The ABC’s, the sunny Caribbean islands with an average temperature year-round in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, is the perfect place to open Rita’s,” says Joe DeAngelis area developer, along with his wife, Irene, of Rita’s ABC Islands. “We are very proud to be the first to bring Rita’s to the Caribbean.” They plan to franchise and open four Rita’s stores within three years with the first targeted to open in Aruba this October.

Rita’s growth strategy is to add significant scale around the world. From inquiry to opening, Rita’s seasoned executives provide an unparalleled level of support. Qualified franchisees benefit from a twenty-eight year old brand which is a predictable, measurable and sustainable investment opportunity.

The company is actively seeking area development agreements and multiple-unit operators throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Florida, the Carolina’s, and the Northeast, and single unit franchisees in the mid-Atlantic region. Rita’s is also actively pursuing major international markets across several continents.
Candidates interested in opening a Rita’s Italian Ice should possess a passion for the brand and serving guests and families in a fast-paced environment. It is strongly desired that Area Developer candidates have past franchise operation or area development experience. For more information on franchising, visit www.ritasice.com

About Rita’s Franchise Company

Rita’s Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 22 states with over 550 stores. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard and layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini® creations. Rita’s was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Startup Journal.’ For more information about Rita’s, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com

Gary Giordano’s attorney on Tuesday appealed his detention, arguing he should at least be released temporarily pending a trial. But so far no date has been set for hearing the request.

The Gaithersburg, Maryland Giordano is being held in the death of Robyn Gardner of Frederick, Maryland. A judge on Aug. 31st riled that there was enough evidence for authorities to detain Giordano for at least 60 days while prosecutors pursue evidence against him. An appeals court upheld that decision a week later. His current detention expires at the end of October and prosecutors are set to argue for another extension.

Giordano has denied any wrongdoing and told police Gardner was apparently swept out to sea while they were snorkeling off Aruba’s southern tip. Her body has not been found.

The search focused on the island known as Seroe Colorado, not far from where 35-year-old Robyn Gardner of Frederick, Maryland, was reported missing on Aug. 2 by Gary Giordano, her travel companion.

The dogs and their handlers worked for several hours without any apparent success. Solicitor General Taco Stein said the search will continue through the end of the week.
Giordano has been jailed since shortly after reporting Gardner missing because authorities doubted his account that she was swept out to sea while they were snorkeling off the southern tip of the island.

Stein said that prosecutors will ask the judge to extend Giordano’s detention order when it expires at the end of October.

Aruban cuisine draws from the delicacies of countries around the world, including the Netherlands, South America, Europe, the Caribbean, and even from the native people of their own island.

Aruba’s national dish is Filled Cheese Shells or Keshi Yena. Get the taste in your own kitchen with this recipe.

Recipe

Ingredients:
4 medium diced onions
1 large clove garlic
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 tbs. parsley, ripped
A few drops Tabasco sauce
2 tbs. ketchup
1/4 cup pimento olives, sliced
1 tbs. capers
1/4 cup raisins
2 tbs. Piccalilli pickle
3 egg yolks
salt and pepper to season
1 large Gouda or Edam cheese shell, with the majority of the cheese scooped out and the wax removed
(soak the shell in hot water and the wax should peel away)
1 lb minced beef or cooked chicken meat.
1 tbs. salted butter
2 tbs. olive oil
3 large tomatoes, peeled and diced (pour boiling water over the tomatoes and leave them to stand for one minute. When the skins split, they will be easy to remove)

Method:
Sautée the onions and garlic in the oil and butter over a low heat until the onions become translucent. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
Add the meat and allow to brown.
Add the pepper, tomato, parsley and Tabasco, season to taste.
Add and stir in well the ketchup, pimento olives, capers, raisins and Piccalilli and allow to cook over a low heat until the tomatoes have reduced (about 20 minutes).
Stir in the egg yolks, reserving about 6 tbs. Allow mixture to cool and preheat oven to 350°.
Generously butter the bottom of a heat proof casserole and place the cheese shell in. Spoon in 3 tbs of the egg yolk and then add the meat mixture. Cover the top of the whole cheese with the original top or a few slices of cheese, brushing over the remaining egg yolks to seal.
Set the casserole in a pan of hot water and allow to bake in the oven for 1 1/4 hours.

Note: When serving do not allow the cheese to cool as the rind will become hard and unappetizing again.

A judge in Aruba agreed to extend the detention of Gary V. Giordano by another 60 days at the request of prosecutors after a closed hearing inside the prison on the Dutch Caribbean island.

Aruban prosecutor’s office said Giordano, who has been in custody for nearly a month since he told police that Gardner disappeared while they were snorkeling off the southern tip of the island, could face a range of possible charges, including murder, manslaughter, accidental death and insurance fraud.

Police have repeatedly searched the area where she was supposedly last seen but have found no trace of the 35-year-old woman but they also confirmed he was the beneficiary of a $1.5 million accidental death insurance policy he took out on her.

Giordano, who owns a temporary staffing business in the U.S., and Gardner, from Frederick, Maryland, arrived in Aruba on July 31 for what was supposed to be a five-day vacation. He was arrested three days after he reported her missing as he tried to leave the island.

Aruban prosecutors argued to a judge Monday that Robyn Gardner, 35, might be the victim of foul play and that Gary Giordano was involved.
Prosecutors will have to present additional evidence to a judge at the conclusion of the 16-day period.

Giordano arrived in Aruba with Gardner on July 31st, according to authorities. On the evening of Aug. 2, Giordano told authorities that the two had gone snorkeling, but Gardner didn’t make it back to shore.

Three days later, as Giordano was trying to board a flight back to the United States, Aruban police arrested him at the airport.
Monday was the second time a judge has ordered Giordano held since his Aug. 5 arrest.