Lutheran World Relief today increased its financial commitment to Haiti relief efforts to $2.25 million, up from an initial pledge of $1 million. The Rev. John Nunes, LWR’s president and CEO, said the increase is “thanks to the overwhelming generosity of U.S. Lutherans in the face of this disaster.”

LWR increased the number based on early fundraising returns, including pledges from both the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, and a member match from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

LWR is working with partners on the ground to ensure people have food, water and shelter. LWR has also sent a shipment of health kits and layettes, and is mobilizing more resources for future shipments. LWR partners active on the ground include Action by Churches Together members Lutheran World Federation, Church World Service, Norwegian Church Aid and Christian Aid.

LWR is also planning for a longer-term response of at least three to five years, focusing mainly on underserved rural areas outside Port-au-Prince. The earthquake also affected many of these areas, and even those communities that did not sustain damage in the quake will be strained by the anticipated migration of hundreds of thousands of people leaving the Port-au-Prince area.

“The needs are great, and they will continue to be great for a long while,” Nunes said. “LWR is known for being in it for the long haul – remaining with affected communities long after the media and other aid agencies have moved on. We were already working in Haiti before the quake, and we will be walking with these communities for years to come as they work to rebuild their lives.”

To donate to the relief effort, please visit www.lwr.org, call 1-800-597-5972, or mail a check or money order to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA. You can also make an immediate $10 donation by texting “LWR” to 40579.

WHO IS LWR? 
Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world’s most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.

CONTACT: Emily Sollie, +1-410-230-2802, or +1-443-220-3269 cell,
esollie@lwr.org

All is in place for the 14th staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival from January 28 to 30, which, for the first time this year, will be held at the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny.

Executive Producer of the festival, Walter Elmore, told JIS News that with the start of the festival just days away, preparations are well advanced.

“The sky boxes have gone up, the stage is already up, and the roof is going up, so we are well advanced and we are exactly on schedule with the preparations for this year,” he stated.

Elmore explained that based on numerous requests from overseas patrons, the 2010 festival has been expanded into a one-week affair, which will comprise several events in Kingston and Ocho Rios, before the three-day stage show in Trelawny.

Pre-show events will be held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on January 24; Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios on January 25; and the Riu and Iberostar hotels in Montego Bay on January 26 and 27, respectively.

Elmore is very upbeat about the facilities at the stadium, adding that they are a lot better than he expected. He said that there is ample parking.

“The venue has a wonderful ambience all by itself. The view from here is spectacular of the north coast of Jamaica, and Falmouth, and you can see them building the new cruise ship pier. We are creating a very similar ambience that we had at Rose Hall,” he stated, noting that patrons will use the field and not the stands.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collin Gager, has expressed pleasure that the Jazz Festival will be held in Trelawny, adding that he is very happy and excited about the development.

He said that the nature of the event is one that will help to showcase the parish of Trelawny and the town of Falmouth to the world.

Councillor Gager stated that the staging of the event in Trelawny will add to the development thrust that is taking place across the parish.

In the meantime,  Elmore said that the number of overseas visitors expected for the festival is growing by the day.

“I am happy that the support is coming from overseas. The support is also coming from the locals. My overseas ticket sales are very good this year, much stronger than last year,” he told JIS News, noting that overseas visitors have already started to arrive.

RBC today announced that the RBC Blue Water Project will commit $1 million to support the efforts of ONE DROP and Oxfam to provide access to water and sanitation to the people of Haiti and rebuild small water and sanitation infrastructure in the country.

“The outpouring of support by citizens, governments and companies worldwide to help immediate relief efforts in Haiti has been overwhelming,” said Gordon M. Nixon, president and CEO, RBC. “But we know that the people of Haiti will need our support for years to come, as the need for emergency relief subsides, and the priorities for longer-term solutions become more clear in the months and years ahead. In anticipation of the massive work ahead, the RBC Blue Water Project will support the efforts of ONE DROP and its partner Oxfam-Quebec in Haiti to fund programs to mitigate the tremendous water and sanitation challenges faced by the country.”

As part of an ambitious project developed by Oxfam-Quebec, ONE DROP’s Project Haiti will be carried out over a three-year period. Its objective will be to provide sustainable access to water and sanitation, restore small hydraulic and sanitation infrastructures and, through the arts, raise the awareness of thousands of Haitians on the importance of managing water soundly. These are all essential conditions for building a better tomorrow for future generations. ONE DROP and Oxfam-Quebec are currently working out the details of the project.

RBC is a founding corporate partner of ONE DROP, with a pledge of $10 million over 10 years to help fund on-the-ground water projects and awareness programs as needed around the world. Funding for this Haitian project will come from that commitment. RBC has also funded a ONE DROP watershed protection and conservation project in Honduras totalling $1.5 million.

RBC also announced that on Friday, January 22, 2010, more than 250 RBC employees in Winnipeg, Mississauga, Montreal and Moncton will volunteer their time to handle phone donations to support the Canada for Haiti event. This signature Canadian event is a one hour live national broadcast with CTV, CBC and Global, on Friday, January 22, 2010, airing at 7:00 p.m. EST. RBC employees will continue to accept Canadian phone donations during the broadcast of the “Hope for Haiti Now” benefit organized by George Clooney, airing on these networks.

The RBC Blue Water Project was launched in 2007 to help foster a culture of water stewardship in Canada and abroad, and includes a 10-year, $50 million philanthropic commitment to programs supporting watershed protection and access to clean drinking water. Since 2007, RBC has committed more than $20.48 million in single and multi-year grants to 155 organizations, including ONE DROP.

RBC is recognized among the world’s financial, social and environmental leaders and is included on the Dow Jones World and North American Sustainability Indices, the Jantzi Social Index, the FTSE4Good Index and the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations ranking. In 2009, RBC contributed more than $105 million to community causes worldwide, through donations of more than $52.6 million, and an additional $52.5 million in sponsorship of community events and national organizations.

For more, visit rbc.com/bluewater.

As the world responds to the Haitian earthquakes, the Deaf Welcome Foundation (DWF), already serving the multiracial American Deaf population, is inviting relief workers, survivors and families to join their NEW Deaf Welcome Network for communication and association over the Internet, with certified multilingual interpreters, whenever it is deemed necessary.

Relief workers have arrived from dozens of countries. Communication has been a problem. The Deaf Welcome Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity,  wants to provide a communication platform for Haitian survivors to reach family and friends to let them know they are safe and communicate with foreign relief workers.   The DWF has partnered with translation services to provide access through multilingual certified interpreters of Haitian Creole, Haitian Sign Language, English, French, German, Spanish, American Sign Language, as well as over 150 other languages in the Deaf Welcome Network.

Donations will fund translators, laptops and solar power chargers.  DWF will send technology enabled computers to Haiti with rescue workers and medical teams to use as tools to communicate back to families and professionals in the United States.

See www.deafwelcome.org to donate or for more information.
See www.cognitionpartners.com/clearvision for more information.

Coincidentally, the charity is hosting its ribbon-cutting of the Deaf Welcome Network for Pennsylvania dignitaries, Deaf professionals with a LIVE studio audience on Equal Access Sign Language TV this Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the newly opened Deaf Welcome Center, 206 N Sgt Stanley Hoffman Blvd, Lehighton, PA 18235 at 7:00 PM.

Unlike traditional video relay service, currently used by millions of Deaf Americans, the Deaf Welcome Network, powered by High Speed Video, allows hearing and Deaf callers to send their image and audio to the Relay Center.  The caller then speaks and/or signs their message to a certified translator who connects the audio and video to the person or person(s) called.  Multiple participants can see the translator and each other on a PC and or at a DWF kiosk. “This is the best use of broadcast video conferencing that I’ve ever experienced,” Michael Maresca, President of High Speed Video, commented.

“Everyone deserves equal access to relief workers and medical personnel,” stated Theressa DuBois, Founder & CEO of the Deaf Welcome Foundation.  “The Deaf Welcome Network will be extremely useful in Haiti.  It’s hard to imagine receiving medical treatment without the benefit of understanding the ones treating you.” The DWF is accepting donations to install Deaf Welcome Centers throughout the United States for communication, training, services, and entertainment. “The Deaf Welcome Network can assist Haiti’s 90,000 Deaf and their families too.”

About the Deaf Welcome Foundation (DWF)
The DWF was founded in 2004 to enhance the lives of the Deaf, Hard-of-hearing and their families, throughout America with training, accessibility, and entertainment.  The charity’s award-winning Sign Language Talk show, Equal Access Sign Language Television, is hosted by Theressa DuBois in American Sign Language and English. The show airs in NY, NJ, PA, with selected episodes Online.  There has been growing demand for a national broadcast.  www.deafwelcome.org/watch_sign_language_tv.htm

About ClearVision Technology
High Speed Video (HSV) provides high definition (HD) video conferencing services using a patented technology to hardware-and software-based clients. ClearVision, its software-based solution, provides HD video conferencing capabilities using broadband internet.   Cognition Partners, marketing agent for ClearVision technology, provides business development, marketing and media services for ClearVision Technology.  See www.cognitionpartners.com/clearvision for more information.

Contact: Media Relations
Phone: (877)PAH-2010
info@deafwelcome.org

CONTACT:  Deaf Welcome Foundation Media Relations, 877-PAH-2010, info@deafwelcome.org

Greensleeves Publishing, the world’s leading reggae music publisher, signed exclusive agreements with leading singer/songwriters Gappy Ranks, Chino, Laden, Chukki Starr, Goofy, and Keith Hudson. Those deals will see Greensleeves Publishing represent and market the songs of these six in-demand reggae singers and songwriters worldwide.

Rising British Reggae star, Gappy Ranks, signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Greensleeves Publishing, quickly followed by a record deal with Greensleeves Records. Gappy‘s most recent hit “Heaven In Her Eyes” is included on VP Records’ Strictly The Best Vol. 40 and on Greensleeves Records’ The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2009. He received the 2009 Crystal Blue Best Artist of the Year Award along with the Best Recording of the Year Award for “Heaven In Her Eyes.” His first album, “Breakfast in Jamaica” will be released on Greensleeves Records in early 2010. The album will include “Stinkin Rich” (currently topping the UK Reggae charts), “Heaven In Her Eyes” (which has been number one for an amazing 22 weeks on the UK reggae charts), “Thanks & Praises”, “Butterflies”, “So god bless”, “Rise out of the ghetto” and features tracks with Spice, Million Stylez among others.

This is what Gappy had to say about his new deal with Greensleeves Records, “I grew up listening to albums from Greensleeves when I was a kid because my father used to collect all the Greensleeves titles and play them in the house. I always dreamed of one day having my own album being released by Greensleeves and be a part of the legends like Yellowman and other big names on their roster. It has been a hard journey and I feel proud to represent the UK in the reggae world and would like to thank Greensleeves, my management team and all the fans for supporting me in my career.”

The son of Reggae royalty Freddie McGregor and member of the Big Ship family, Chino has signed a co-publishing deal with STB Music, Greensleeves’ US affiliate, and Tinkintoe Music. Chino’s track “Protected” was included on Reggae Gold 2009 and his lastest single “Never Change (From Mawning)” has hit music charts in the UK and US. Being a part of the Big Ship family and his interactions with such Reggae legends as the late Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffith and Bounty Killer to name a few, has resulted in Chino gaining an in-depth knowledge of recording and production techniques.

Another star coming out of the Big Ship family is dancehall singjay Laden who has also signed a co-publishing deal with STB Music and Tinkintoe Music. Ladens track “Money Over War” appeared on Reggae Gold 2009 and his big hit “Time To Shine” was featured on Ragga Ragga Ragga 2009.  Freddie McGregor says that he is confident with the new partnership his son Chino and Laden have made with Greensleeves/VP Records and is looking forward to making great music in the years to come.

Neil “Diamond” Edwards, Director of A&R, says “Big Ship is more than just a label that we are partnering with, I consider them family. We’ve had many successes in the past. I look forward to working with the Chino and Laden projects and continuing our long standing relationship with the Big Ship Family.”

The veteran British Reggae artist Chukki Starr has signed a co-publishing agreement with Greensleeves Publishing. The conscious singjay attracted notable attention when he delivered his highly acclaimed debut album Ghetto Youth’s Livity, which was produced by Ariwa Sounds’ Mad Professor. Considered one of the UK’s top Reggae artists, Greensleeves Records will release “Chukki Starr: Most Wanted” on March 23, 2010.

The veteran Dancehall artist Goofy aka MR. G has signed to Greensleeves Publishing. Mr. G released his debut album Issues in 2004 on S Curve Records. Along with working on releases for his Young Blood label, MR. G’s new album Wine Pon It is due out in 2010.  He has numerous singles that have been buzzing in the US, UK and Jamaica. Currently his single “Before The Year Done” has been climbing the music charts.

Greensleeves has acquired the catalog of the great singer/songwriter/producer Keith Hudson aka the “Dark Prince of Reggae.” An accomplished songwriter who wrote for artists as varied as Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, John Holt, his biggest contribution as a songwriter came when Big Youth recorded “S-90 Skank” in 1972.

The song which incorporates motorcycle noises recorded in the studio become the DJ’s biggest hit and a reggae classic. As an artist, Ketih Hudson contributed many classic albums including Flesh of My Skin, Blood of My Blood released in 1975, which is considered a masterpiece among the Reggae community. In 2010, Greensleeves will reissue an expanded edition of Rasta Communications as part of its Greensleeves Reggae Classics series adding “Brand”, the dub version of the album.

Olivier Chastan, President of Greensleeves Publishing, says “all these signings bring a thrilling conclusion to a very active year for Greensleeves Publishing which included placements in multiple films, computer games and TV shows along with songs on albums by Wycleff Jean, Matisyahu, Major Lazer and DJ Khaled. It once again shows our dedication to invest in new talents such as Gappy Ranks, Chino and Laden while consolidating our catalog with established songwriters and catalogs such as Goofy, Chukki Starr and Keith Hudson”.

Goya Foods, Inc. the Largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States announced its relief efforts for the victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti. Goya, which has a long history of responding to natural disasters around the globe, mobilized immediately after tragedy struck on January 12th. Goya Puerto Rico brought much-needed personnel and supplies to Port-au-Prince and Goya Dominican Republic has been coordinating with Haitian authorities to send food and supplies over the border. Facilities that are participating in the relief effort on the mainland include Goya Foods in Florida, Texas, and New Jersey.  These coordinated efforts will bring over 300,000 pounds of food items to the earthquake victims.

One of the organizations Goya is working with to provide food supplies to the people of Haiti is Florida-based Food for the Poor, the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. “We are so very grateful for Goya reaching out at this time to the people of Haiti, who are desperate now more than ever for something to eat,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “This generous donation will allow us to expedite much needed food and get it into the hands of the hungry.”

Bob Unanue, President of Goya Foods, adds “We are profoundly moved by the suffering our brothers and sisters in Haiti are experiencing. The loss of life and the devastation that has affected so many families is unimaginable.  We at Goya are keeping them in our thoughts and in our prayers as they struggle through this terrible tragedy.”

ABOUT GOYA: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures packages and distributes over 1,600 high-quality food products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; their combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation make them ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

CONTACT: Olga Luz Tirado, LTCommunications, +1-914-375-0544, or Mobile, +1-914-523-7608, Olgaluz@LTCommunications.com

The Green Family Foundation (www.greenff.org), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving global health and elevating socio-economic conditions, announced today that it has partnered with acclaimed actor and producer Fisher Stevens to produce “This is Haiti,” a radio public service announcement campaign to generate funding for the disaster relief efforts in Haiti via the Clinton Foundation and Partners in Health.

“This is Haiti” features readings of Haiti-inspired prose delivered by a number of the world’s most famous performers including Sting, Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts.  The PSAs, each 60 seconds long, are posted online at www.greenff.org, where they can be downloaded for free.  GFF encourages radio stations of all formats and across all cities, states and countries to download and broadcast the PSA within their regular spot rotations.  The PSAs were produced by Grammy Award-winning audio engineer Warren Russell-Smith of The Magic Shop.  Green Family Foundation also received pro bono creative promotional support for the PSA from MultiVu.

“The Haitian people are facing unimaginable devastation and misery and need the support of all of us to help overcome the tremendous challenges they face now and moving forward,” said Kimberly Green, president of Green Family Foundation.  “I extend my deepest gratitude to Fisher, Sting, Ben and Naomi for joining together with me to create ‘This is Haiti.’  We are together issuing a call to action for the entire radio industry, stations across all sizes and formats and geographies, to help us in driving support for those who desperately need our help.”

“The despair and destruction caused by the earthquake in Haiti cannot be understated.  I am proud and honored to partner with Kimberly and her team at GFF to do our part in contributing to the disaster relief efforts,” said Stevens.  “We are also deeply appreciative of the support that we have received from Warren Russell-Smith and Anna Lomax Wood in creating an extremely powerful and moving PSA.”

The celebrity readings in “This is Haiti” are accompanied by overlay of original recordings from legendary musicologist Alan Lomax, made during his 1936-1937 trek through Haiti.  The recordings were taken from the recently repatriated box set, Alan Lomax in Haiti, a project funded by GFF and Alan Lomax Archives/Association for Cultural Equity in partnership with the American Folklore Center of the Library of Congress.

About the Green Family Foundation

The Green Family Foundation’s (www.greenff.org) mission is to make a positive and meaningful impact in communities both at home and abroad. We provide funding and resources to organizations that support education, global health and community development. GFF empowers underserved communities to fight the cycle of extreme poverty, leading to sustainable programs that improve lives.

CONTACT:  Joe Cohen, MWW Group, +1-201-964-2443, jcohen@mww.com

Assassin has secured his place as one of dancehalls best stage performers. This was evident at the recent staging of Pepsi Rebel Salute where he closed the show.
It was not until 8:25 am that Assassin, dressed in full khaki, took the stage to deliver yet another splendid performance. He had fans singing along to hits like Hand to mouth, Wha Do Dem Guy Deh,Priority, Almighty Protect to name a few.

Stage show fans have shown that Assassin performance is the type of performance that is appreciated and should be expected from top artist of his caliber.  Too long they have been shortchanged by artists who choose to do two lines of each song then “Pull Up” or “Dash Whey Dat” to the patrons’ disgust as they really never get to hear the songs performed but only to be teased.

Assassin has grown over the years, and with growth come maturity and Agent Sasco is the product of such. Agent Sasco is an extension of Assassin that focuses more on the issues in society.  He has been giving excellent performances even receiving and extended round of applause after his recent performance at Sting 2009 and proved to be the “Real Big Man” at Guinness Sounds of Greatness.

On January 19, 2010 with Greensleeves Records, reggae’s reigning King Sizzla Kalonji’s new album Crucial Times became available. Sizzla reconnects with the great producer Homer Harris. Harris is credited with discovering and naming Sizzla. Crucial Times features the signature vocals that Sizzla is known for along with a variety of rhythms.

This 13 track album brings the legendary singjay back to his essence – chanting truths, expressions of love and praises to Jah over Homer Harris produced rhythms. On his first single “Precious Gift”, Sizzla delivers positive messages from his Rastafarian beliefs; giving thanks to Jah for the life he is blessed with. On the track “Crucial Time” he reaches out to the downtrodden with the directive of betterment and productivity with the life you were given.

Sizzla shows his sensitive side on “Charming” as he expresses his feelings for the woman he loves. From the up‐tempo beat of “Jolly Good Time” to the head nodding track of “Foundation” and the Dancehall rhythm of “Atta Clap”, Sizzla displays his versatility throughout this album. Crucial Times addresses the trials and tribulations that come with life and the beauty that love and unity can bring to life.

Coming up on his 15th year of making music and over 40 albums, Sizzla continues to deliver messages filled with passion and triumph as if it was his first release. Sizzla adds Crucial Times to his great catalog of music and continues to contribute towards the growth and prosperity of humanity through the music he blesses the world with.

Medical device maker Smith & Nephew’s (NYSE: SNN; LSE: SN) Orthopaedics business is making available this week more than $2 million in implants and surgical instruments for use by orthopedic surgeons in the treatment of survivors of last week’s earthquake in Haiti.

The donation, set to arrive within days, is a wide range of orthopedic surgical resources used to treat bone fractures.

These resources are being distributed in Haiti by Hope Force International (HFI). Orthopedic surgeons who are trained to use these instruments and who are travelling to Haiti to assist in the relief effort are instructed to contact HFI (hopeforce.org) in the United States at (615) 371-1271 or info@hopeforce.org.

The primary base of surgical operations and implant distribution for HFI is King’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince, although more distribution points may be established in order to more widely deliver the donated implants across the country.

“We have received dozens of calls from orthopedic surgeons who want to know how to help,” says Joseph M. DeVivo, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics. “We are attempting to simplify a challenging healthcare process in the aftermath of the earthquake. Centralizing our implants and instruments with HFI will give any US-based or international surgeon who is trained to use them the simplest, quickest way to apply their skills in a Haitian operating room.”

“This donation reflects our commitment to serve patients on a global basis,” says DeVivo. “We have the means to help, and are doing everything we can to connect our technology with the people and organizations who can use it to heal those most in need.”

About Smith & Nephew
Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, including Reconstruction, Trauma and Clinical Therapies; Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management.  Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives.  The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust.  The Company operates in 32 countries around the world.  Annual sales in 2008 were $3.8 billion.