30 Jun 2009 15:53 Africa/Lagos
Nigeria Higher Education Foundation Presents Leadership Awards to Soyinka, Payne, Ezekwesili, and Whitaker
WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF), on June 24, 2009, honored four distinguished leaders for their commitment to sustainable development through education at an inaugural gala event in New York City. Honorees included Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, World Bank Vice President for Africa Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Congressman Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), and Rosa Whitaker, President and CEO of The Whitaker Group.
The event was attended by a distinguished audience of African Diplomats, the Nigerian Diaspora community and leaders of US Foundations, businesses and institutions committed to Nigeria's development.
"I was deeply honored to be recognized in this way by the NHEF," says Ms. Whitaker, who received the Business Leadership Award. "Knowledge is power and education is key to economic development. Indeed, we need only look at Southeast Asia to see how the availability of higher education can benefit a nation's economy." Accepting the Leadership in Education Award, former Nigerian Education Minister Dr. Oby Ezekwesili asserted, "We can't sit back and watch the intellectual capital of Africa, especially of Nigeria, to be denigrated; we must reconnect all the brain power in this room back to Nigeria.... It is in the context of intellectual capital that development happens."
The NHEF, launched in 2004 with support from the John and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, is an independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that seeks to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria through direct support for five universities: Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria; Bayero University in Kano; University of Ibadan; University of Nigeria Nsukka; and University of Port Harcourt.
Source: The Whitaker Group
CONTACT: Meg Dallett of The Whitaker Group, +1-202-293-1453,
margaret@thewhitakergroup.us
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
1 Jul 2009
09:00
Power Rental in Africa to Double by 2014, Reveals Frost & Sullivan
30 Jun 2009
15:53
Nigeria Higher Education Foundation Presents Leadership Awards to Soyinka, Payne, Ezekwesili, and Whitaker
15:00
MacArthur to Support Master's Programs Around the World Offering Professional Training for Future Sustainable Development Leaders
29 Jun 2009
22:00
Obama Rockets to Top of Poll on Global Leaders
16:29
Midbrook Partners With SupplyCore Middle East to Provide Water Bottling and Medical Decontamination Equipment to the Middle East and North Africa
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Nollywood Stars Support ION International Film Festival
The heavy rainfall of Tuesday morning did not stop the leading stars of Nollywood from thronging their favourite rendezvous Ojez Restaurant inside the National Stadium in Surelere, Lagos, to grace the press parley on the 6th ION International Film Festival to be held in December in the oil rich city of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, and making Nigeria the first host of ION in Africa.
Amaka Igwe, Zeb Ejiro,Kanayo O. Kanayo , Lancelot Imaseun, Charles Novia, Paul Obazele, the new President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Madu Chikwenda, the founder and CEO of Lagos International Film Festival, Emeka Rollas and other Nollywood authorities spoke at the event on the importance of ION in re-branding the global image of Nigeria. Some top Nollywood actresses were also there. I noticed that the X-rated actress Cossy Ojiokor and top female producer and director Emem Isong were in their best elements as they tickled each other while Stephanie Okereke was on the high table and the beautiful Lilian Bach was a delight to sight.
Ilaria Chessa, the Creative Director of ION addressed the audience and answered all the questions on why Port Harcourt was chosen as the venue of the 2009 edition of ION, the importance and significance of the touring film festival to Nollywood and the public officials of the Rivers state government were excited to be co-sponsors of the 6th ION. They promised that their state government will guarantee the security of the event and dismissed fears of the militants in the volatile Niger Delta region.
ION got the approval of the stakeholders of the Nigerian film industry as they pledged their cooperation and support for the international film festival.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Will German Doctor Plastinate Michael Jackson Like His Pet Monkey Bubbles?
28 Jun 2009 13:42 Africa/Lagos
Plastic Jacko Drives Bookies Into Meltdown
DUBLIN, June 28/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
- Shrewd Punters Hatch Michael Jackson Betting Coup
German doctor Gunther von Hagens has given Irish bookmaking outfit Paddy Power a potential EUR80,000 (USD$112,500) bloody nose with his claims that an agreement was in place with Michael Jackson to plastinate his remains upon his death. Von Hagens has caused controversy around the globe with his practice of embalming corpses with preserving polyurethane. The doctor also preserved Michael Jackson's late pet monkey, Bubbles, using the same process a number of years ago
Paddy Power was offering odds of what will happen to Michael Jackson's remains with a traditional burial or cremation the two most likely outcomes. Others options such as blasting into space and recycling were also available to bet on.
One of the most bizarre options however was for the singer's body to be preserved in plastic at very unlikely odds of 100/1. However shrewd punters managed to get wind of von Hagen's plans and placed bets in excess of EUR800 (USD$1,120) on Jackson's remains to be "plastinated". Should this happen Paddy Power will are now facing a payout of EUR80,000.
Paddy Power said "There's no doubt about it; we've got a right kicking where the sun don't shine from these punters. The average bet was less than EUR25 so it didn't show up on our radar until it was too late and now we're faced with a massive payout should Gunther get his way. Just like the German doctor, I take my hat off to these crafty punters, well played!"
Paddy Power are offering numerous Michael Jackson betting opportunities including the odds on the global television audience for the singers funeral (between 750 million and one billion is the odds-on favourite) and the percentage of tweets containing the words "Michael Jackson" that are sent next week.
What will happen Jacko's remains?
13/8 Buried
5/4 Cremated
4/1 Plastinated (from 100/1)
10/1 Donated to Medical Research
33/1 Cryogenically Frozen
100/1 Blasted into Space
500/1 Recycled
1000/1 Frozen in Carbonite
Global television audience for Michael Jackson's funeral
6/1 Less than 500 million
7/4 500 million - 750 million
4/5 750 million - 1 billion
2/1 Over 1 billion
Will Neverland be Michael Jackson's Final Resting Place?
2/5 Yes
13/8 No
Percentage of Global Tweets referencing "Michael Jackson" WC: 29/06/09
5/4 16% - 20% inclusive
2/1 21% - 25% inclusive
5/2 10% - 15% inclusive
4/1 Less than 10%
6/1 26% - 30% inclusive
8/1 31% - 35% inclusive
16/1 36% - 40% inclusive
28/1 41% - 50% inclusive
33/1 Over 50% inclusive
Best Selling Michael Jackson Album of 2009
5/4 Off the Wall
6/4 Thriller
2/1 Bad
6/1 Dangerous
8/1 HIStory
10/1 Invincible
16/1 Ben
20/1 Forever, Michael
28/1 Music and Me
33/1 Got to Be There
(Market excludes compilations)
Name of the Michael Jackson Movie
4/1 Michael
8/1 Invincible
9/1 Thriller
10/1 You Are Not alone
10/1 Leave Me Alone
12/1 Bad
16/1 Prince of Pop
16/1 Dangerous
16/1 Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
18/1 Man in the Mirror
18/1 We're Almost There
20/1 What More Can I Give
20/1 One Day in Your Life
33/1 Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
33/1 I Just Can't Stop Loving You
50/1 Black or White
66/1 Beat it
66/1 PYT (Pretty Young Thing)
100/1 The Lost Children
All prices remain subject to fluctuation.
For more information contact;
Ken Robertson
Paddy Power plc
Mob: +353-87-8528718
ken@paddypower.com
Source: Paddy Power Plc
For more information contact; Ken Robertson, Paddy Power plc, Mob: +353-87-8528718, ken@paddypower.com
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON AND POST YOUR CONDOLENCES
Friday, June 26, 2009
24 Million Nigerians Ignored and Neglected By Nigerian Banks
A Nigerian Bank
24 Million Nigerians Ignored and Neglected By Nigerian Banks
24 million people in Nigeria have been ignored and neglected by Nigerian banks according to the latest 2009 HSBC Global Report. These millions of people who are not yet included in the banked population can boost the growth of Nigerian banks in spite of the adverse effects of the global economic meltdown.
“The potential for growth among Nigerian banks is sizeable and largely untapped as studies indicated that up to 24 million people have yet to be included in the banked population, which given both the country’s demographics and income dynamics, leaves the banks with considerable potential to capture new customers.”
~ HSBC Global Report on Nigerian Banks, June 2009.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON AND POST YOUR CONDOLENCES
Michael Jackson Has Gone
Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958–June 25, 2009).
Yesterday was one of the saddest days in America since 9/11 in 2001 and the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans on August 29, 2005, when the shocking news of the sudden death of the awesome Michael Jackson shook the United States of America and echoed all over the rest of the world within seconds. Hope Obioma Opara, the Publisher of Supple magazine woke me up at about 2 am Nigerian time to break the sad news to me in tears. His younger brother Outragiouz, a Nigerian Hip-hop artiste based in America had called him to tell him that MJ was no more among the living mortals on earth. I felt feverish and sat up in bed and could no longer sleep.
It could be a hoax, I said to Hope.
No Mike, Michael is dead! He said.
Hope is a fanatic of MJ since his teens and in fact his parents stopped him from going to America to prevent him from following in the footsteps of his idol.
We kept vigil to mourn MJ and listened to more news on him on the radio.
As we are still mourning Michael Jackson, then the news of the death of Farrah Fawcett, (February 2, 1947 — June 25, 2009) hit me this morning. She was one of my favourite actresses of all time and one of the most celebrated pin-up sex symbols on TV. What a weekend of sorrows in America.
Michael Jackson was phenomenal and like Elvis Presley who was the indisputable King of Rock 'n' Roll, Michael Jackson was the first King of Pop Music and there can never be another Michael Jackson.
Farewell in eternity, Michael Jackson.
26 Jun 2009 05:08 Africa/Lagos
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
NEW YORK, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.
Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."
Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."
Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: "Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences."
Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No. 1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.
Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.
Source: Sony Corporation
CONTACT: Sandy Genelius of Sony Corporation of America, +1-212-833-6975;
Liz Young of Sony Music Entertainment, +1-212-833-8558; Jimmy Asci, Sony/ATV
Music Publishing +1-212-833-4513
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
26 Jun 2009
05:26
SIRIUS XM Radio to Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson with Special Programming Across its Music Channels
05:08
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
04:11
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Mourns the Loss of Michael Jackson
02:05
American Heart Association Extends Sympathy to Family of Singer Michael Jackson
00:56
Tributes.com Establishes Online Memorial for Michael Jackson: A Place to Share Memories and Condolences
00:53
Congressman Chaka Fattah Responds to Death of Michael Jackson
00:24
Michael Jackson's Death Underscores the Tragedy and Impact of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Michael Jackson Dies at 50
Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62
President Obama, LAUSD Board of Education Recognize California Academic Decathletes
PepsiCo Opens First Overseas 'Green' Plant in China as Part of $1 Billion Investment Effort
First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates the National Design Awards with Public Programs and White House Ceremony
Independence Day
Workplace & Careers II Feature Package
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Inside Lagos
Last Wednesday June 17, 2009, at the head of the bridge at the canal before the rowdy Obalende Bus Stop, I saw the corpse of a stone-cold dead young woman fully dressed in blouse and skirt. But nobody seemed to notice or care about her. Traders and shoppers were too busy and most commuters did not want to gape or mope at the horrific sight. I was moved to report it to one of the workers of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) nearby, but he was not even alarmed and continued with his normal work at the bus stop. Then the following day, at the Onikan end of the canal, I saw a homeless teenage boy sleeping peacefully like an angel in disguise in filthy rags. Passers-by were going to and fro and I was wondering if anyone of them could be bothered or concerned about him. People simply passed by and went on their way. This is Lagos, where most people live in self-denial of the horrific sights of human predicament and continue their merriment in romantic escapism. Most of them have very low appreciation of life with little or no respect for human dignity. They live in conceit and deceit.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Boeing Postpones 787 First Flight
23 Jun 2009 14:00 Africa/Lagos
Boeing Postpones 787 First Flight
EVERETT, Wash., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE:BA) today announced that first flight of the 787 Dreamliner will be postponed due to a need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft.
The need was identified during the recent regularly scheduled tests on the full-scale static test airplane. Preliminary analysis indicated that flight test could proceed this month as planned. However, after further testing and consideration of possible modified flight test plans, the decision was made late last week that first flight should instead be postponed until productive flight testing could occur.
First flight and first delivery will be rescheduled following the final determination of the required modification and testing plan. It will be several weeks before the new schedule is available. The 787 team will continue with other aspects of testing on Airplane #1, including final gauntlet testing and low-speed taxiing. Work will also continue on the other five flight test aircraft and the subsequent aircraft in the production system.
Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said a team of experts has already identified several potential solutions.
"Consideration was given to a temporary solution that would allow us to fly as scheduled, but we ultimately concluded that the right thing was to develop, design, test and incorporate a permanent modification to the localized area requiring reinforcement. Structural modifications like these are not uncommon in the development of new airplanes, and this is not an issue related to our choice of materials or the assembly and installation work of our team," Carson said.
Boeing's financial guidance will be updated to reflect any impact of these changes when the company issues its second quarter 2009 earnings report in July.
Boeing will hold a conference call with Carson, Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs, and Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, to discuss the 787 program today at 10:00 a.m. EDT, 7:00 a.m., PDT. A webcast of that call will be accessible at www.boeing.com.
Contact:
Yvonne Leach, Communications, 206-854-5027
Lori Gunter, Communications, 206-931-5919
Rob Young, Investor Relations, 312-544-2140
Source: Boeing
CONTACT: Yvonne Leach, Communications, +1-206-854-5027, or Lori Gunter,
Communications, +1-206-931-5919, or Rob Young, Investor Relations,
+1-312-544-2140, all of Boeing
Boeing Postpones 787 First Flight
EVERETT, Wash., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE:BA) today announced that first flight of the 787 Dreamliner will be postponed due to a need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft.
The need was identified during the recent regularly scheduled tests on the full-scale static test airplane. Preliminary analysis indicated that flight test could proceed this month as planned. However, after further testing and consideration of possible modified flight test plans, the decision was made late last week that first flight should instead be postponed until productive flight testing could occur.
First flight and first delivery will be rescheduled following the final determination of the required modification and testing plan. It will be several weeks before the new schedule is available. The 787 team will continue with other aspects of testing on Airplane #1, including final gauntlet testing and low-speed taxiing. Work will also continue on the other five flight test aircraft and the subsequent aircraft in the production system.
Scott Carson, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said a team of experts has already identified several potential solutions.
"Consideration was given to a temporary solution that would allow us to fly as scheduled, but we ultimately concluded that the right thing was to develop, design, test and incorporate a permanent modification to the localized area requiring reinforcement. Structural modifications like these are not uncommon in the development of new airplanes, and this is not an issue related to our choice of materials or the assembly and installation work of our team," Carson said.
Boeing's financial guidance will be updated to reflect any impact of these changes when the company issues its second quarter 2009 earnings report in July.
Boeing will hold a conference call with Carson, Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs, and Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, to discuss the 787 program today at 10:00 a.m. EDT, 7:00 a.m., PDT. A webcast of that call will be accessible at www.boeing.com.
Contact:
Yvonne Leach, Communications, 206-854-5027
Lori Gunter, Communications, 206-931-5919
Rob Young, Investor Relations, 312-544-2140
Source: Boeing
CONTACT: Yvonne Leach, Communications, +1-206-854-5027, or Lori Gunter,
Communications, +1-206-931-5919, or Rob Young, Investor Relations,
+1-312-544-2140, all of Boeing
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Stanford Financial Group Executives and Former Chairman of Antiguan Bank Regulator Indicted for Fraud and Obstruction
19 Jun 2009 17:51 Africa/Lagos
Stanford Financial Group Executives and Former Chairman of Antiguan Bank Regulator Indicted for Fraud and Obstruction
Charges Related to $7 Billion Dollar Scheme to Defraud Investors
WASHINGTON, June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Robert Allen Stanford, 59, chairman of the Houston-based Stanford Financial Group (SFG), three SFG executives and the former chief executive officer of the Antiguan bank regulatory agency have been indicted on fraud and obstruction charges related to a $7 billion scheme to defraud investors, announced Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division; Tim Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas; Kevin Perkins, Assistant Director of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division; Eileen Mayer, Chief of Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; and Greg Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Also charged in an indictment returned in Houston yesterday and unsealed today was Laura Pendergest-Holt, 35, SFG's chief investment officer; Gilberto Lopez, 66, SFG's chief accounting officer; Mark Kuhrt, 37, SFG's global controller; and Leroy King, 63, the former administrator and CEO of Antigua's Financial Services Regulatory Commission. Stanford was arrested in Virginia last night, and is scheduled to make an initial appearance today in Richmond. Lopez and Kuhrt were arrested this morning and will make initial appearances in Houston this afternoon. Pendergest-Holt, who previously was indicted on obstruction-related charges, will make her initial appearance on the charges unsealed today in Houston in the near future.
"The Department of Justice will vigorously root out and expose financial crimes that wreak havoc on innocent investors," said Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division. "Investors need access to accurate and truthful financial information in order to make decisions about how to invest their hard-earned savings. Their savings, and indeed the integrity of our capital markets, are jeopardized when investors are deceived. These difficult economic times make the mission of the Department all the more important."
"The investing public needs to be assured that it is protected from those who would corruptly deprive them of their financial security," said U.S. Attorney Tim Johnson of the Southern District of Texas. "When individuals or business entities engage in fraudulent activity designed to deprive investors of their assets, we will devote whatever resources necessary to bring them to justice."
"Economic crime schemes such as those alleged here today are unfortunately all too commonplace," said Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, FBI Criminal Investigative Division. "These crimes strike at the heart of our economy and our quality of life."
"The IRS is united with the federal law enforcement community in our resolve to put out of business those financial schemes that defraud investors and the U.S. government," said Eileen Mayer, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation. "This is particularly true as it relates to international financial fraud, and we will continue to follow the money in order to bring those responsible to justice."
"Robert Stanford's investors trusted him and his associates, in many instances, with their life savings," said Gregory Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. "When allegations are made that the U.S. Mail has been used to violate such a trust, it's our job as Postal Inspectors to restore America's confidence in the integrity of its postal system and help to bring the violators to justice."
According to the indictment, Stanford and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who purchased approximately $7 billion in certificates of deposit administered by Stanford International Bank Ltd. (SIBL), an offshore bank controlled by Stanford and located on the island of Antigua. Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly misused and misappropriated most of those investor assets, including diverting more than $1.6 billion into undisclosed personal loans to Stanford himself, while misrepresenting to investors SIBL's financial condition, its investment strategy and the extent of its regulatory oversight by Antiguan authorities. For example, the indictment alleges the following:
-- That the defendants allegedly falsely claimed that SIBL's assets grew
from approximately $1.2 billion in 2001 to approximately $8.5 billion
in December of 2008. The indictment alleges that, in fact,
approximately $5 billion of SIBL's reported assets consisted of notes
on loans to Stanford and grossly overstated interests in "island
properties," including more than $2 billion added to the books in 2008
from an allegedly artificial real estate deal that Stanford and his
co-conspirators conceived to inflate the bank's reported assets;
-- That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly falsely represented to
investors that SIBL's investment strategy was to "minimize risk and
achieve liquidity" and promised rates of return on CDs that in the end
were simply too good to be true in light of the bank's actual
investments and assets; and
-- That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly made false and
misleading representations about the regulatory scrutiny of the bank
by Antiguan authorities, when, in fact, Stanford was making corrupt
payments of more than $100,000 to King to ensure that the Antiguan
bank regulatory authority that he headed did not accurately audit, or
verify the assets reported in the bank's financial statements.
Also according to the indictment, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and King conspired to conceal the fraud from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to fend off an SEC investigation. King allegedly provided Stanford and others with confidential information that he had received from an official SEC inquiry into a possible fraud on investors by SIBL so that additional false representations concerning SIBL's financial health and Antiguan regulatory oversight could be made. In addition, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and others allegedly agreed that Pendergest-Holt would provide false information to the SEC about the true value of SIBL's investment portfolio.
The defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; seven counts of wire fraud; ten counts of mail fraud; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment also charges Stanford, Pendergest-Holt, and King with conspiracy to obstruct an SEC proceeding. The indictment seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the fraud from all defendants, including forfeiture of specific foreign bank accounts controlled by Stanford, Davis and Pendergest-Holt.
Also unsealed today was a criminal information charging James M. Davis, 60, SFG's chief financial officer, with conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; mail fraud; and conspiracy to obstruct an SEC investigation. The information seeks forfeiture of up to $1 billion in fraud proceeds. Davis will make his initial appearance on these charges in Houston in the near future.
Additionally, also unsealed today was an indictment returned in the Southern District of Florida charging Bruce Perraud, 42, a former SFG Global Security Specialist, with destruction of records related to a federal investigation. Perraud allegedly ordered and supervised the destruction of numerous SFG documents housed at SFG's Fort Lauderdale, Fla., office after he was put on notice that a federal court had ordered the preservation of SFG documents in connection with an SEC investigation and lawsuit. Perraud was arrested in the area of Naples, Fla., this morning and will make his initial appearance in the near future.
An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the FBI's Houston Field Office, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by individuals from the Criminal Division's Fraud Section, including Paul E. Pelletier, Principal Deputy Chief; Jack Patrick, Senior Litigation Counsel; Matthew Klecka, Trial Attorney; and Allan Medina, Law Clerk of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section, as well as Gregg Costa, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas.
The Criminal Division's Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section assisted the trial team by working with our foreign counterparts to facilitate the freezing of more than $300 million of Stanford's assets in the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries. The Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida also provided assistance in this matter.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice, +1-202-514-2007, +1-202-514-1888
(TDD)
Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/
Stanford Financial Group Executives and Former Chairman of Antiguan Bank Regulator Indicted for Fraud and Obstruction
Charges Related to $7 Billion Dollar Scheme to Defraud Investors
WASHINGTON, June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Robert Allen Stanford, 59, chairman of the Houston-based Stanford Financial Group (SFG), three SFG executives and the former chief executive officer of the Antiguan bank regulatory agency have been indicted on fraud and obstruction charges related to a $7 billion scheme to defraud investors, announced Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division; Tim Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas; Kevin Perkins, Assistant Director of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division; Eileen Mayer, Chief of Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; and Greg Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Also charged in an indictment returned in Houston yesterday and unsealed today was Laura Pendergest-Holt, 35, SFG's chief investment officer; Gilberto Lopez, 66, SFG's chief accounting officer; Mark Kuhrt, 37, SFG's global controller; and Leroy King, 63, the former administrator and CEO of Antigua's Financial Services Regulatory Commission. Stanford was arrested in Virginia last night, and is scheduled to make an initial appearance today in Richmond. Lopez and Kuhrt were arrested this morning and will make initial appearances in Houston this afternoon. Pendergest-Holt, who previously was indicted on obstruction-related charges, will make her initial appearance on the charges unsealed today in Houston in the near future.
"The Department of Justice will vigorously root out and expose financial crimes that wreak havoc on innocent investors," said Lanny A. Breuer, Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division. "Investors need access to accurate and truthful financial information in order to make decisions about how to invest their hard-earned savings. Their savings, and indeed the integrity of our capital markets, are jeopardized when investors are deceived. These difficult economic times make the mission of the Department all the more important."
"The investing public needs to be assured that it is protected from those who would corruptly deprive them of their financial security," said U.S. Attorney Tim Johnson of the Southern District of Texas. "When individuals or business entities engage in fraudulent activity designed to deprive investors of their assets, we will devote whatever resources necessary to bring them to justice."
"Economic crime schemes such as those alleged here today are unfortunately all too commonplace," said Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, FBI Criminal Investigative Division. "These crimes strike at the heart of our economy and our quality of life."
"The IRS is united with the federal law enforcement community in our resolve to put out of business those financial schemes that defraud investors and the U.S. government," said Eileen Mayer, Chief, IRS Criminal Investigation. "This is particularly true as it relates to international financial fraud, and we will continue to follow the money in order to bring those responsible to justice."
"Robert Stanford's investors trusted him and his associates, in many instances, with their life savings," said Gregory Campbell, Deputy Chief Inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. "When allegations are made that the U.S. Mail has been used to violate such a trust, it's our job as Postal Inspectors to restore America's confidence in the integrity of its postal system and help to bring the violators to justice."
According to the indictment, Stanford and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who purchased approximately $7 billion in certificates of deposit administered by Stanford International Bank Ltd. (SIBL), an offshore bank controlled by Stanford and located on the island of Antigua. Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly misused and misappropriated most of those investor assets, including diverting more than $1.6 billion into undisclosed personal loans to Stanford himself, while misrepresenting to investors SIBL's financial condition, its investment strategy and the extent of its regulatory oversight by Antiguan authorities. For example, the indictment alleges the following:
-- That the defendants allegedly falsely claimed that SIBL's assets grew
from approximately $1.2 billion in 2001 to approximately $8.5 billion
in December of 2008. The indictment alleges that, in fact,
approximately $5 billion of SIBL's reported assets consisted of notes
on loans to Stanford and grossly overstated interests in "island
properties," including more than $2 billion added to the books in 2008
from an allegedly artificial real estate deal that Stanford and his
co-conspirators conceived to inflate the bank's reported assets;
-- That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly falsely represented to
investors that SIBL's investment strategy was to "minimize risk and
achieve liquidity" and promised rates of return on CDs that in the end
were simply too good to be true in light of the bank's actual
investments and assets; and
-- That Stanford and his co-defendants allegedly made false and
misleading representations about the regulatory scrutiny of the bank
by Antiguan authorities, when, in fact, Stanford was making corrupt
payments of more than $100,000 to King to ensure that the Antiguan
bank regulatory authority that he headed did not accurately audit, or
verify the assets reported in the bank's financial statements.
Also according to the indictment, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and King conspired to conceal the fraud from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to fend off an SEC investigation. King allegedly provided Stanford and others with confidential information that he had received from an official SEC inquiry into a possible fraud on investors by SIBL so that additional false representations concerning SIBL's financial health and Antiguan regulatory oversight could be made. In addition, Stanford, Pendergest-Holt and others allegedly agreed that Pendergest-Holt would provide false information to the SEC about the true value of SIBL's investment portfolio.
The defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; seven counts of wire fraud; ten counts of mail fraud; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment also charges Stanford, Pendergest-Holt, and King with conspiracy to obstruct an SEC proceeding. The indictment seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the fraud from all defendants, including forfeiture of specific foreign bank accounts controlled by Stanford, Davis and Pendergest-Holt.
Also unsealed today was a criminal information charging James M. Davis, 60, SFG's chief financial officer, with conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; mail fraud; and conspiracy to obstruct an SEC investigation. The information seeks forfeiture of up to $1 billion in fraud proceeds. Davis will make his initial appearance on these charges in Houston in the near future.
Additionally, also unsealed today was an indictment returned in the Southern District of Florida charging Bruce Perraud, 42, a former SFG Global Security Specialist, with destruction of records related to a federal investigation. Perraud allegedly ordered and supervised the destruction of numerous SFG documents housed at SFG's Fort Lauderdale, Fla., office after he was put on notice that a federal court had ordered the preservation of SFG documents in connection with an SEC investigation and lawsuit. Perraud was arrested in the area of Naples, Fla., this morning and will make his initial appearance in the near future.
An indictment is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the FBI's Houston Field Office, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by individuals from the Criminal Division's Fraud Section, including Paul E. Pelletier, Principal Deputy Chief; Jack Patrick, Senior Litigation Counsel; Matthew Klecka, Trial Attorney; and Allan Medina, Law Clerk of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section, as well as Gregg Costa, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas.
The Criminal Division's Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section assisted the trial team by working with our foreign counterparts to facilitate the freezing of more than $300 million of Stanford's assets in the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries. The Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida also provided assistance in this matter.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice, +1-202-514-2007, +1-202-514-1888
(TDD)
Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/
Friday, June 19, 2009
R&B Superstar R. Kelly to Perform For The First Time Ever in Africa
R. Kelly
19 Jun 2009 01:55 Africa/Lagos
ARISE Africa Fashion Awards Brings Week of Global Style Showcase to an Exciting Finale
JOHANNESBURG, June 17/PRNewswire/ --
- R&B Superstar R. Kelly to Perform For The First Time Ever in Africa
On Saturday, 20 June 2009, the inaugural ARISE Africa Fashion Awards will bring ARISE Africa Fashion Week (June 12th - 20th) to an exciting conclusion, with one designer winning the once-in-a-lifetime chance to present at New York Fashion Week in the ARISE Africa Rising show in September. A world-class launching pad for the continent's most promising designers, ARISE Africa Fashion Week -- presented by ARISE Magazine and produced by African Fashion International (AFI) -- will present dozens of collections from across Africa, in Johannesburg.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg, in the sumptuous Pavilion Room from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. A panel of fashion insiders and experts will present awards to designers and models in several categories, including Designer of the Year, New Face of the Year and an Award for Innovation. In addition, esteemed humanitarian, philanthropist and former First Lady of France Cecilia Attias will deliver the keynote address, "The Promise of Africa." Recently she founded the Cecilia Attias Foundation to support non-governmental organizations in the improvement of women's lives globally.
Nduka Obaigbena, ARISE founder and THISDAY GROUP Chairman, said, "The moment for Africa is upon us. At this time of global economic crisis, the people of Africa must turn disadvantage into opportunity and show the world that we are witnessing the first green shoots of the emerging African century. We have all it takes and we're going for it!"
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Founder of Africa Fashion Week and the Africa Fashion Awards, said, "Our goal is to promote and recognize the best of African fashion talent on a global scale and the ARISE Africa Fashion Awards is a further step towards fulfillment of this goal."
Nduka Obaigbena and African Fashion International Chairperson, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to a surprise honoree.
Among the event's highlights will be a command performance from international, platinum-selling recording artist R. Kelly. R. Kelly's appearance at the ARISE Africa Fashion Awards kicks off a multi-city tour through Africa and ends in London. R.Kelly said, "I'm very excited about my first visit to Africa, I've dreamed about this for a long time and it's finally here. It will be one of the highlights of not only my career but my life. I can't wait to perform in front of my fans in Africa -- who have been some of the best in the world." THISDAY Music and Fashion Festivals, have brought music and fashion icons as well as world and business leaders, to Lagos, Abuja, London and Washington, DC, including Bill Clinton, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Usher and many more.
ARISE Africa Fashion Week launches at a unique moment in history. The U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama's preference for young, multicultural designers, European fashion houses' rage for African motifs and Italian Vogue's recent best-selling issue on black style all point to an unprecedented opportunity for African designers. The ARISE Africa Fashion Awards will train the spotlight on the source of all this inspiration, Africa, and will provide a platform from which its gifted designers can launch international careers and businesses.
ARISE Africa Fashion Week has already confirmed the participation of over 51 of the best African fashion designers from 20 countries and all regions of the continent. ARISE Africa Fashion Week is set to become an annual event hosted by different countries on the continent each year following 2010, with Nigeria expected to host the event in 2011. Organizers, African Fashion International, are confident that it will become one of the world's major perennial, must-attend fashion events.
THISDAY Music Festival Starring R. Kelly, Presented by ARISE Magazine, tour schedule:
Saturday, June 27th at the Superbowl in Sun City
Monday, June 29th at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town
Friday, July 3rd at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja, Nigeria
Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th in Lagos, Nigeria
Wednesday, July 8th at Wembley Arena in London, UK
Tickets will be available at Computicket.
www.computicket.com
ARISE Magazine
ARISE, launched in February 2009, is the world's first magazine on global African style, culture, business and politics. Produced in London, ARISE is published by THISDAY Media Group, Leaders & Company Ltd, one of Africa's leading daily news outlets. THISDAY events, including the THISDAY Awards and THISDAY Music and Fashion Festivals, have brought music and fashion icons as well as world and business leaders to Lagos, Abuja, London and Washington, DC, including Bill Clinton, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Usher and many more. ARISE is aimed at a readership throughout the global African Diaspora with an interest in the cultural successes and positive social developments coming out of the continent. Its editorial content and quality are tailored to appeal to young and affluent readers.
ARISE is published by THISDAY Media Group, Leaders & Company Ltd.
+44-207-292-8900
+44-207-440-1100
www.arisemagazine.net
African Fashion International (AFI)
African Fashion International (AFI), founded, owns and operates the African continent's most anticipated and directional fashion weeks, namely Cape Town Fashion Week, Durban Fashion Week (50% ownership), Audi JoBurg Fashion Week (autumn/winter), JoBurg Fashion Week (spring/summer) and Arise Africa Fashion Week, in addition to other fashion-related strategic marketing initiatives.
AFI values key company traits of excellence, innovation, transformation, development, relationship building and integrity.
AFI strives to be globally recognized as the leading authority on African fashion-related strategic marketing initiatives and African fashion brands. AFI aims to improve the quality of fashion design output from Africa, to promote African brands, and to dramatically raise the profile of fashion designers from the continent.
AFI is spearheaded by Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chairperson.
+27-11-269-6960
www.africanfashioninternational.com
Source: ARISE Africa Fashion Awards
Barry Parasram, bparasram@greatpress.com, or Jennifer Nilsson-Weiskott, jnw@greatpress.com, both for ARISE Fashion Africa Fashion Awards, +1-212-206-7447; or Hannah Paul, hannah.paul@outside-org.co.uk or Penny McDonald, penny.mcdonald@outside-org.co.uk, both for R. Kelly, +44-(0)20-7436-3633
French:
Les Prix de la mode africaine ARISE clôturent en beauté une semaine placée sous le signe de la mode
President Barack Obama is America's Most Respected Daddy
18 Jun 2009 12:49 Africa/Lagos
President Barack Obama and his happy Family.
President Obama Chosen as Dad Most Deserving Respect
For Father's Day, RESPECT! Campaign Celebrates Dads Who Help Kids Build Healthy Relationships
SAN FRANCISCO, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- This Father's Day the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF), Macy's, and Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R) are proud to support the RESPECT! Campaign(SM), a multi-year initiative designed to inspire a new movement that will help prevent relationship violence by promoting respect as a fundamental building block for healthy relationships and stronger homes and communities. In celebration of dads everywhere the campaign announced results of a survey revealing America's picks for the best role model dads. The number one spot goes to President Barack Obama, voted as the man who most deserves to be honored on Father's Day for publicly demonstrating the greatest level of respect in his family relationships.[i] Runners up for the "dad who deserves to be honored and respected this Father's Day" were Will Smith, Brad Pitt, and Ben Affleck.
The RESPECT! Campaign is also proud to join with the Founding Fathers, a nationwide group of men who have come together to declare their support for programs that engage men - as fathers, coaches, teachers, and role models - to teach and model respect as a key strategy to help prevent relationship abuse. The Founding Fathers are standing with the FVPF on Father's Day to speak out about the important role of men in modeling healthy relationships and respect within families and beyond. The Founding Fathers - which include men such as Willie Mays, Joe Torre, and Russell Simmons - pledge their public support for the cause in a full page statement in the national edition of the New York Times on Father's Day.
"In an uncertain world where stress is high, setting a tone of mutual respect in the family and teaching young people about the importance of respect in relationships is critical to preventing relationship violence and promoting healthy problem solving. That's why we created the RESPECT! Campaign," says Esta Soler, founder and president of the FVPF. "It's a social action and awareness initiative created with national support from Macy's that uses a positive approach to give parents, teachers, coaches and other role models the tools they need to teach young people about healthy relationships early and often."
Advisor to the RESPECT! Campaign and adult psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor offers these tips to help parents talk to their kids and break the cycle of violence:
-- Know that he/she is watching you - Financial and workplace worries can
easily be transferred to the home. Your child watches everything you
say and do - especially how you deal with stress and conflict and how
you treat others. Realizing that your child is like a sponge and that
s/he will learn from your example, Dr. Taylor suggests that parents
keep in mind their actions while in traffic, in restaurants and at the
dinner table - the more respectful behavior you model, the more your
child will learn from your example.
-- Be there - With so much stress in our lives now, Dr. Taylor says it's
important to spend time with your kids and to take advantage of
"teachable moments." Use relevant, real-life situations to teach
children about the importance of respect, positive role models and the
characteristics of healthy relationships.
-- Realize that we all make mistakes - The most important thing that
parents need to understand is that no one is perfect. The goal,
especially in hard and stressful times, is to gain strength through
the problems and learn from the past to make a better future.
The campaign honors role model dads and shares the endearing and memorable ways our fathers teach us love and respect every day. "By uniting in celebration of everyday role models - including the dads across America who are shaping a world free of relationship violence - we are advancing a nationwide movement for respect in relationships," said Martine Reardon, Macy's Executive Vice President of Marketing, "Macy's is proud to support the RESPECT! Campaign in delivering the powerful tools and resources needed to help parents, coaches, teachers and other role models teach the next generation how to live healthy relationships."
This Father's Day, the RESPECT! Campaign is offering several simple ways to thank the dads you know for the great example they set:
-- Give RESPECT! by sending a free Father's Day e-card. For every card
sent, Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R) will make a $25 donation in the
recipients' name, up to $100,000.
-- Pass on RESPECT! by sending messages on Twitter, joining the RESPECT!
Campaign group on Facebook, adding an "I'm for RESPECT!" tag on your
blog, and sparking conversations with your friends.
-- Learn 10 tips every parent should know to teach children about healthy
relationships.
-- Make a donation to the FVPF in honor of a dad you respect.
-- Purchase and wear the RESPECT! wrist band, available exclusively at
Macy's for $5 in select jewelry departments and at www.macys.com. Half
of all proceeds go directly to the cause.
ABOUT THE FOUNDING FATHERS
On Father's Day 2003, 350 men from all walks of life joined in a historic public statement to call for an end to violence against women and children. This statement, which appeared as a full-page ad in the New York Times came to be known as the new Founding Fathers Declaration.
They call themselves the Founding Fathers because they intend to help build a new kind of society - where decency and respect require no special day on the calendar, where boys are taught that violence does not equal strength and where men stand with courage, lead with conviction and speak with one voice to say, "No More."
"We must teach our sons and daughters how to solve problems through conversation, not confrontation," adds Soler. "Dads have a critical role to play at home and throughout our society - demonstrating kindness, teaching compassion and keeping cool under pressure."
The Founding Fathers will voice their support in a full page New York Times statement running this Father's Day. Several thousand fathers and sons have joined the movement since its inception and several thousand more have been honored as Founding Fathers by women in their lives who make gifts in their name to the FVPF on Father's Day. The men aim to end relationship and domestic abuse by standing up and investing in prevention programs.
ABOUT THE RESPECT! CAMPAIGN
The RESPECT! Campaign is the Family Violence Prevention Fund's (FVPF) latest initiative to advance a national movement to promote healthy relationships and stop relationship violence through positive role modeling and respect education. Sponsored nationally by Macy's, with additional support from Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R), the RESPECT! Campaign encourages individuals to help prevent and end domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and other forms of relationship abuse by talking with young people early and often about respect, and modeling that behavior in their own relationships. Through conversation guides for parents, lesson plans for teachers, tools for coaches, and other instructional "Respect Tools," the campaign offers a variety of resources to support moms, dads, teachers, coaches, and other living, breathing role models who have critical roles to play in helping our sons and daughters shape a world that is free of relationship violence. To learn more, visit www.giverespect.org.
About the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF)
For nearly three decades, the Family Violence Prevention Fund has worked to end violence against women, children, and families around the world, because every person has the right to live free of violence. For more information, visit www.endabuse.org.
About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks(R) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R), as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers. For Macy's media materials, images and contacts, please visit us online.
About Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R)
Geoffrey Beene Gives Back(R) represents a unique model for charitable giving in the fashion industry: 100% of net profits from Geoffrey Beene, LLC, are donated to philanthropic causes. The Foundation that bears the designer's name has made over $145 million in charitable commitments since 2006. To date, Geoffrey Beene Gives Back (R) has donated more than $600,000 to the RESPECT! Campaign.
[i] Online survey conducted April 2009 by Impulse Research for Family Violence Prevention Fund with a random sample of 1,011 men and women, 18+. Overall sampling error rate is +/-3% at the 95% level of confidence.
Source: Family Violence Prevention Fund
CONTACT: Lisa Brogan, +1-310-854-8278, LBrogan@currentlm.com, for Family
Violence Prevention Fund
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