Haiti's leading local insurance company, Alternative Insurance Compagnie, will launch a new program to expand its services to low-income clients, thanks to a new investment loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Through the IDB's Opportunities for the Majority Initiative (OMJ), the AIC received a $2 million subordinated loan for its strategic growth plan in micro-insurance. The project is IDB's first non-sovereign guaranteed collaboration with a Haitian corporate borrower.

"The IDB has decided to support AIC because of its central role in building a viable insurance sector in Haiti and in extending insurance products to the most vulnerable sectors of the population," said OMJ project team leader Rahul Desai.

In the aftermath of the unprecedented destruction of the 2010 earthquake, the AIC notably honored all of its insurance claims. AIC has also become a regional leader in micro-insurance – an insurance approach that provides insurance plans with low premiums and low coverage limits for low-income communities often ignored by traditional insurance schemes. And, after the tragic loss of thousands of Haitians to the earthquake, AIC developed "Protesta," an innovative funeral insurance product which allows members of the Haitian Diaspora to assist their families back home.

U.S.-based PBS will showcas the 2011 documentary, When the Drum Is Beating, which tells the story of Haiti's quintessential big band orchestra, the Orchestre Septentrional – affectionately nicknamed "Septen."

Directed by Whitney Dow, the documentary entwines the band's story with Haiti's history, from colonization, to the Haitian Revolution, to the devastating 2010 earthquake. The documentary also shows how the socially-conscious band deftly survived 6 decades of dictatorships and political upheaval.

"I wanted to give this broader context and present the band as a stand-in for the incredible spirit of the Haitian people," said Dow about the documentary's inspiration. "They were the first band to sing about black Haitians in everyday life."

Septen was founded on July 27, 1948 in Cap-Haïtien. The groups was led for 51 years by saxophonist Ulrich Pierre-Louis, who defined Septen's strict musical discipline and focus on local themes. The Septen signature sound, fondly called "boule de feu" ("ball of fire"), captures a unique blend of Caribbean music, from Haitian kompa to reggae, bolero and calypso.

Septen is currently on their North American tour and will come to West Palm Beach on April 27 at Elayne's Banquet Hall and to Miami Gardens on April 28 at the Ramada Hotel.

PBS features the documentary of the legendary band as part of its Independent Lens series. It premieres on Thursday, April 12.

Rumors circulating about the future stability of Haiti's leadership have unsettled daily life in the capital of Port-au-Prince, according to recent reports from residents to the National Weekly.

One Port-au-Prince business woman, who requested to remain anonymous, said the rumors surrounding the country's "leadership gap" are creating an atmosphere where "anything serious could break out at any time."

The rumors include government corruption allegations, a pending resignation of President Michel Martelly, the parliament's delay in accepting Foreign Minister Laurent Lamothe's appointment as the new prime minister, and the pending arrest of former Prime Minister Bertrand Aristide over his alleged involvement in a telecommunication bribery case heard recently in Miami.

Mobile telecommunications company, Digicel Group, has widened its grasp on the Haitian market with the recent purchase of main competitor, Voilá Comcel.

With 3.5 million customers and 900 employees, Digicel already is the country's largest mobile phone operator and private sector employer. The acquiring of Voilá will extend Digicel's customer reach by nearly one million.

According to a statement released by Digicel, the two companies will continue to operate separately, but with Bryan Gonzales, corporate affairs and human resources director for Digicel Haiti, taking the lead at Voilà. Other details about the future ramifications for Voilá however have not been released yet, including the fate of Voilá's 600 employees – although Digicel Group spokeswoman Antonia Graham promises "business as usual for both companies."

"As proud Haitian companies, Digicel and Voila share one very important thing in common; we are both deeply committed to ensuring our respective customers benefit from the best mobile experience," pledged Digicel Group CEO Colm Delves.