Miami, Florida– Mayor Manny Diaz, City of Miami officials, representatives of MTV Tempo and Miami Carnival, Inc. will host a joint press conference with MTV Tempo and Miami Carnival, Inc. for the launch of a new Caribbean network and the celebration of the 21st Annual Carnival celebration. The press conference will highlight the importance of the use of City’s parks for cultural tourism events and the impact of such events to the City’s economy.

Mayor Diaz will also announce, with representatives from MTV Networks, the launch of TEMPO and its plans for the celebration and promotion of Caribbean music, music and culture, food, travel, and sports. Culturally, MTV Tempo will have a pan-Caribbean flavor and attitude, reflecting the spirit of Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the rest of the English, French-Creole, Spanish, and Dutch speaking Caribbean Diaspora.

Members of the local Consular Corps and local representatives of tourist boards from the Caribbean will be present, along with members of the local business community.

WHO: The City of Miami, Mayor Manny Diaz, MTV Tempo, and Miami Carnival Inc.

WHAT: Press conference to kick-off a celebration of Miami Carnival (www.miamicarnival.net) and the launch of MTV Tempo (www.tempotelevision.com)

WHEN: Friday, October 7th, 2005 at 10:30 am

WHERE: Margaret Pace Park-1775 Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida

NOTE: The media will have an opportunity to get footage/photos of the Carnival costumes participating in the Carnival parade on Sunday, October 9 on N.E. 2nd Avenue and at Bicentennial Park