Paratus Delivers Medicines to War-Ravaged Kirkuk.

Company Transported Insulin Free of Charge, Through Hostile Territory

KIRKUK, Iraq -- In June, Dr. A. O. Yones, the Minister of Health for the Kurdistan Regional Government, sent out an international plea for help; Kurdistan was in desperate need of medical supplies, especially insulin.

Marshall Young, the CEO of Paratus Worldwide Protection, a private security company located in North Central Iraq, immediately responded to Yones' plea and found an enthusiastic donor--France Libertes, a foundation headed and established by the former first lady of France, Danielle Mitterrand. Also assisting were Marc Eichinger of API Capital, and executives of Shinar Group. Local health, government, and security officials were brought into the planning stages.

A series of meetings took place, with the discussions centering on the concept of not only delivering the medical supplies but ensuring that they remained secure from donor to recipient. Discussed in detail was the fear that some had experienced in the past by accepting aid; they had a strong concern of reprisals from terrorists.

"I'd been talking up the concept of utilizing security as a platform for the successful management and delivery of aid for some time," says Young. "I believe that a more meaningful effort must be placed on mitigating the factors that reduce the utility of aid donations - the black market, pilferage, and the fear associated in many cases with simply receiving the aid. Then, the impact will be tangible and we will have a better chance at positively affecting those who need it most, while minimizing the risk to the brave Iraqis working toward our common goal."

It took nearly four months, but on Sept. 20, 2007, a delivery of insulin was successfully made to various officials from Kirkuk, Iraq. Paratus located the donor and facilitated the receipt, storage, and delivery of these medicines free of charge.

Present to receive the insulin were a manger within the local hospital system who accepted the donation, and representatives of the Kirkuk PUK party, the Kirkuk PDK party, Atun Kopri Asha Eish security forces, and the Iraqi National Guard. Kirkuk TV (PUK local station) and Kurdistan TV (PDK-run satellite TV) covered the event.

This mission was highly successful, and there are ongoing discussions to find a way to bring in more medicines and medical supplies, including those needed to treat the blunt force and burn injuries associated with bomb attacks. "One of Paratus' goals is to help with the medical needs of the Iraqi people by targeting specific cities and by providing a total package for responding to mass casualty incidents," added Young.

He encourages the Kirkuk and Kurdistan regions' leaders to be vocal about their medical and security needs, so the company can respond with services that are most appropriate. He adds, "Paratus seeks to be a good corporate citizen and a positive force in our community."

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About Paratus Protection Worldwide

Paratus Worldwide Protection supports the security requirements of U.S. and foreign governments, international businesses and organizations, as well as security contractors to improve the security, safety and stability of volatile countries. Founded in 2005, and with current operations in Iraq, Paratus is a leader in point-to-point security along high-risk transportation routes. The company provides safekeeping and, in the case of people, life support for all types of assets. Its expertise has been developed through years of operational experience, providing security critical to the success of reconstruction efforts in elevated threat environments. For more information, please visit the Paratus web site at http://www.paratusprotection.com.