NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN-U

    Source: ASEAN

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America (United States), gathered on the occasion of the 12th ASEAN-United States (U.S.) Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 11 October 2024;

    HIGHLIGHTING our shared interest in unlocking the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while also mitigating its risks;

    Download the full statement here.
    The post ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States of America (United States), gathered on the occasion of the 12th ASEAN-United States (U.S.) Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 11 October 2024;

    HIGHLIGHTING our shared interest in unlocking the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while also mitigating its risks;

    Download the full statement here.
    The post ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Ships Teal-2 Drones to Florida Army National Guard to Assist with Hurricane Milton Disaster Response

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced it is fulfilling an order by the Florida Army National Guard for its Teal 2 drones. The drones will be used to support the ongoing disaster response to Hurricane Milton, which has left more than 3 million people without power.

    “Our drones are specifically designed for the defense industry, but we understand that our warfighters’ roles extend beyond combat, especially during natural disasters,” said Jeff Thompson, CEO of Red Cat. “Small, portable drones like our Teal 2, built for the toughest environments, can be invaluable for first responders in damage assessment and search and rescue missions. We are proud to support the Florida Army National Guard soldiers in their efforts to assist with the aftermath in Milton.”

    Red Cat subsidiary Teal Drones builds its Teal 2 system, designed to support U.S. and allied military operations, public safety organizations, and government agencies, at its Utah facility. Teal 2 is a cost-effective, man-portable sUAS designed to “Dominate the Night™” that has best-in-class night vision, multi-vehicle control support, and a fully modular design. It is both Blue UAS Certified and FAA Remote ID approved.

    About Red Cat, Inc.
    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge Family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems including the Teal 2, a small unmanned system offering the highest-resolution thermal imaging in its class, the Edge 130 Blue Tricopter for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at http://www.redcat.red.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2024. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: I Am Navy Medicine – and Hispanic Heritage – assigned to NHB/NMRTC Bremerton

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    The Peruvian coastal capital of Lima is approximately 4,970 miles south of Naval Hospital Bremerton.

    Yet Lt. Renzo D. Sobrevilla has seamlessly bridged that distance from South American to North America as a Navy Medical Service Corps officer assigned to NHB.

    In conjunction with October recognized by the Department of Defense as [National] Hispanic Heritage Month, Sobrevilla reflected on his roots, culture, and lineage.

    “Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a time of great pride for me,” said Sobrevilla. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the vibrant contributions of Hispanic Americans and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of the Hispanic community.”

    “As someone with Hispanic roots, I take pride in celebrating the Hispanic community’s rich cultures, histories, and traditions,” continued Sobrevilla. “I value the diversity of the Hispanic diaspora. I appreciate the influence of countries which have contributed immensely to the arts and culture in the U.S.”

    With this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,’ Sobrevilla notes that the premise is directly applicable to his responsibility at NHB which is dedicated to ensuring that the right material, contracted services and healthcare equipment are in the right place at the right time to provide medical and dental care to active duty, retirees and their families at NHB and three branch health clinics.

    “The theme is significant in my role at the command. It highlights the importance of diversity and collaboration in shaping the future. It’s about how a diverse community, like ours, can come together to bring about positive change, not just within our command but also in the broader context of Navy Medicine,” stated Sobrevilla, who started from humble beginnings to embark upon his chosen career path.

    “As an immigrant, I always encourage my Sailors to take full advantage of the opportunities the Navy provides. Starting as an E-1 and working my way up, I’ve seen firsthand how hard work, dedication, and motivation can turn the American dream into reality. Becoming an MSC officer was a pivotal moment for me and proof that with the right attitude, anyone can succeed,” remarked Sobrevilla.

    His interest in Navy Medicine began after he enlisted in the Navy in 2007. Several influential leaders set the foundation for him to pursue a career in the medical field. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from Northeastern University, Sobrevilla merged his growing healthcare interest with leadership and chose the Navy’s most diverse corps, MSC, which offers a number of healthcare administrator specialties.

    “The Navy Medical Service Corps appealed to me because of its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This career has allowed me to work in various settings, each contributing to the mission of Navy Medicine,” shared Sobrevilla, NHB Materiel Management Department head, who has been part of Navy Medicine since 2016 and served in various roles, including as a plans, operations, and medical Intelligence officer, comptroller, and logistics officer.

    Sobrevilla epitomizes the value of education, having attained his Master of Healthcare Administration with Executive Concentration, Specialization in Management, Education and Training Management, and Healthcare Management from George Mason University. He is currently completing his dissertation for his Doctor of Business Administration at Grand Canyon University.

    He can also add linguistic chops to a growing curriculum vitae.

    “Thanks to my parents’ heritage, I am bilingual in Italian and Spanish,” Sobrevilla added, noting that the best part of his career has been the opportunity to work with diverse people from all over the world. “There’s the sense of fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact in their lives through Navy Medicine.”

    Sobrevilla is optimistic that staff, as well as patients and visitors, look favorable on NHB’s Hispanic Heritage Month recognition.

    “I hope others take away an appreciation for the contributions of Hispanic Americans to our society, both within the military and in broader cultural contexts,” exclaimed Sobrevilla. “It’s about understanding the importance of diversity and how it strengthens our Navy and our country.”

    When asked to sum up his experience with Navy Medicine, Sobrevilla replied, “Navy Medicine has been a transformative journey, offering me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. It’s a testament to the fact that with hard work and a strong work ethic, anything is possible.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: B10-0056/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Jorge Martín Frías, Hermann Tertsch del Valle, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión

    B10‑0056/2024

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on attacks on freedom of expression, in particular, in Brazil

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the recent attacks on freedom of expression, including the decision of the Brazilian Federal Court to block access to the platform X,

     

    – having regard to Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

     

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas those attacks are unlawful and a reflection of ideological interests;

     

    B. whereas the banning of X in Brazil breaches that country’s constitution, in particular, the right to freedom of expression and access to information enshrined in Article 5 thereof, along with other international laws and treaties;

     

    C. whereas a global trend has emerged in which online freedom of expression is censored in an effort to control public opinion, and whereas the EU is no exception to that trend, taking into account that a European Commissioner directly threatened a social network and that it has a regulatory framework that promotes the censorship of content;

     

    1. Condemns the attack on freedom of expression and fundamental rights in Brazil;

    2. Urges the Commission to propose amendments to the current regulatory framework with a view to protecting freedom of expression and putting an end to any pressure being placed on both media and social media platforms.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration – P10_TA(2024)0016 – Wednesday, 9 October 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on the Republic of Moldova,

    –  having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part(1), which includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area,

    –  having regard to the Republic of Moldova’s application for EU membership of 3 March 2022, and the European Council’s consequent granting of candidate country status on 23 June 2022,

    –  having regard to the convening of the first Intergovernmental Conference on Moldova’s accession to the EU, held in June 2024,

    –  having regard to Articles 2 and 49 of the Treaty on European Union,

    –  having regard to the joint statement of 13 June 2024 by the US, Canada and the UK on exposing Russia’s subversive activity and electoral interference targeting Moldova,

    –  having regard to Rules 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas on 20 October 2024, the Republic of Moldova is scheduled to hold a presidential election and a constitutional referendum on EU integration, amid ongoing Russian interference and attempts to destabilise the political situation and electoral process in the country;

    B.  whereas the Russian Federation has been using economic blackmail, provocation, disinformation, illegal funding of political parties, cyberattacks and other hybrid means to undermine the stability, sovereignty, constitutional order and democratic institutions of the Republic of Moldova; whereas Russia’s subversive activities in Moldova seek to undermine popular support for the European path chosen by the people of Moldova and to incite destabilisation; whereas the active measures envisaged include establishing and promoting front organisations disguised as non-governmental organisations and ‘cultural centres’, disseminating online and offline disinformation, establishing strong pro-Russian political and societal constituencies and returning the Republic of Moldova to a state of dependency on Russian hydrocarbons;

    C.  whereas in 2023, the EU imposed sanctions on key Moldovan oligarchs and pro-Russian actors, such as Ilan Shor, Vladimir Plahotniuc, Igor Ceaika, Gheorghe Cavaliuc and Marina Tauber, on the basis of a recently established sanctions regime targeting persons responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova; whereas allies of Mr Shor have reportedly actively recruited, arranged logistics for and provided financial compensation to individuals to join their protests; whereas on 3 October 2024, a large-scale electoral fraud operation was uncovered, financed by pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor, revealing that over USD 15 million had been transferred in September 2024 to over 130 000 Moldovan citizens involved in this voter bribery scheme; whereas on 18 September 2024, two close allies of Ilan Shor – deputy Marina Tauber and the Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia, Evghenia Guțul – met with the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, and subsequently gave false information about the EU and the Republic of Moldova’s future within it;

    D.  whereas one of the tools used by the Russian state is the state-funded RT network (formerly Russia Today), which has moved beyond media activities, becoming actively involved in cyber operations, covert influence, military procurement and information warfare across various regions; whereas in June 2024, the US, together with the UK and Canada, exposed Russia’s efforts to engage in subversive activities and electoral interference targeting the Republic of Moldova;

    E.  whereas in September 2024, the US imposed sanctions on three entities and two individuals for their involvement in Russia’s destabilising actions abroad, including in the Republic of Moldova; whereas these covert efforts have included RT personnel providing direct support to fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, the key perpetrator of the 2014 USD 1 billion bank fraud scandal; whereas, according to the US State Department, RT and its employees, including editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan, have directly coordinated with the Kremlin to support Russian Government efforts to influence the Moldovan presidential election of October 2024, with the apparent aim of inciting unrest in the Republic of Moldova;

    F.  whereas the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova has reported an unprecedented level of intensity in Russia’s actions aimed at anchoring Moldova within its sphere of influence; whereas this hybrid threat is targeted at democratic processes and undermines European integration by amplifying radical separatist tendencies in the south of the country, particularly in Gagauzia (UTAG), using propaganda, manipulating the information space, interfering in the electoral process and conducting subversive operations; whereas Moldova’s national security services have stated that Russia is funding the ‘no’ campaign, with around EUR 100 million for pro-Russian political groups, and spreading disinformation on social media to sow doubt about the legitimacy of the electoral process; whereas in 2023, Ukrainian intelligence reported that it had intercepted a plan by Russia to stage a coup and oust Moldovan President Maia Sandu;

    G.  whereas the Republic of Moldova has taken steps to combat Russian interference, including by banning pro-Russian political parties that are operating outside the law, sanctioning oligarchs, suspending media outlets that spread disinformation, and increasing customs controls; whereas Moldova’s updated national security strategy attributes disinformation campaigns and other hybrid attacks to Russia;

    H.  whereas the unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine profoundly affects regional security and stability, endangering the Republic of Moldova’s macroeconomic situation, financial stability, democratic development and social cohesion, while further increasing the incidence and severity of poverty, inflation and emigration; whereas the Russian Federation, in cooperation with domestic Russia-sponsored actors, galvanises and uses the resultant widespread economic, geopolitical and security uncertainty to delegitimise and foster opposition to the Moldovan Government’s pro-European policies;

    I.  whereas despite the dramatic effects of the war on Ukraine and these destabilisation attempts, the Republic of Moldova has managed to significantly consolidate its democracy, continue its reform trajectory and develop its relations with the EU; whereas the improvements in the country’s democratic system have been reflected in its progress on various international indexes; whereas the Moldovan Government’s enhanced implementation of current agreements demonstrates its commitment to closer cooperation with and integration into the EU;

    J.  whereas the Republic of Moldova is a close and valued partner of the EU; whereas its application for EU membership, and the European Council’s decision to grant candidate country status to the Republic of Moldova on the understanding that nine steps are taken, demonstrates a strong joint ambition for swift EU integration; whereas through the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, in force since 2016, the EU and Moldova have committed to promoting political association and achieving economic integration;

    K.  whereas on 3 March 2022, the Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership, and on 23 June 2022, was granted candidate country status by unanimous agreement of all 27 EU Member States; whereas the EU opened accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova during the first accession conference at ministerial level, held in Luxembourg on 25 June 2024, following the European Council’s decision of 14-15 December 2023 to open accession negotiations with Moldova, and the Council’s approval of the negotiating framework for these negotiations on 21 June 2024; whereas EU accession remains a merit-based process that requires the fulfilment of the EU membership criteria;

    L.  whereas every sovereign state has the inherent right to defend itself and to invest in its defence and resilience capabilities, and such actions are consistent with the Republic of Moldova’s status of neutrality;

    M.  whereas the Council has adopted assistance measures worth EUR 137 million for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova under the European Peace Facility since 2021;

    N.  whereas on 24 April 2023, the EU set up the Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) under the common security and defence policy, with the objective of enhancing the security sector’s resilience in the areas of crisis management, hybrid threats, including cybersecurity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference; whereas on 21 May 2024, Moldova became the first country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, which will help strengthen cooperation on security and defence policy between the EU and Moldova;

    O.  whereas, according to several reports, many priests from the Metropolis of Chișinău and All Moldova have travelled to Russia, where they received funds with the intention of using them for electoral purposes in the Republic of Moldova;

    1.  Stands in solidarity with the people of the Republic of Moldova and reiterates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders;

    2.  Strongly condemns the escalating malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations by the Russian Federation, pro-Russian oligarchs and Russian-sponsored local actors aimed at undermining the electoral processes, security, sovereignty and democratic foundations of the Republic of Moldova, fostering divisions within Moldovan society and derailing the country’s pro-European trajectory, ahead of the upcoming presidential election and the constitutional referendum on EU integration;

    3.  Reiterates its call on the Russian authorities to respect the Republic of Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to cease its provocations and attempts to destabilise the country and undermine its constitutional order and democratic institutions; reiterates its calls on Russia to withdraw its military forces and equipment from the territory of the Republic of Moldova, to ensure the full destruction of all ammunition and equipment in the Cobasna depot under international oversight and to support a peaceful resolution to the Transnistrian conflict, in line with the principles of international law and the 1999 Istanbul Summit Declaration of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe;

    4.  Calls for the EU and its Member States to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to the Republic of Moldova to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and its ability to respond to hybrid threats; calls for increased EU support for Moldova in countering disinformation, hybrid threats and cyberattacks; underlines that this should entail boosting Moldova’s capacity to combat disinformation, strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure and enhance resilience against external malign influences; emphasises the particular importance of countering false Russian narratives, while underscoring their malign interference in the Republic of Moldova and the ways in which they are used to justify Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;

    5.  Calls on the Council to adopt additional targeted sanctions listings against individuals and entities responsible for supporting or carrying out actions which undermine or threaten the Republic of Moldova’s sovereignty and independence, as well as the country’s democracy, stability or security, and the rule of law; calls for the EU and national authorities to make sure those sanctions are duly implemented; reiterates its call on the respective hosting states and territories to extradite Ilan Shor, Vladimir Plahotniuc and other individuals sought for trial in the Republic of Moldova;

    6.  Highlights the important role played by EUPM Moldova; calls for the EU and its Member States to ensure that EUPM Moldova performs to the best of its ability, taking stock of progress and adapting its operations if necessary to make it as efficient as possible, while proposing to further extend its mandate beyond May 2025, adapt its scope and increase the mission’s resources; calls for the EU and its Member States to increase their support for Moldova’s Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation; calls on the Commission to report on the results of the EU support package for Moldova of June 2023, particularly the stated aim of countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and building capacity for independent media, civil society and youth;

    7.  Applauds the Republic of Moldova’s steadfast support for Ukraine since the start of Russia’s war of aggression; commends the Republic of Moldova for welcoming 1,5 million Ukrainian refugees throughout the war, of which an estimated 125 000 remain in the country; calls for the EU and its Member States to ensure continued support for Moldova and its people in addressing the challenges facing the country as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including large numbers of refugees, inflation, threats to its energy supplies and violations of its airspace;

    8.  Reaffirms its commitment to the Republic of Moldova’s future membership of the EU; believes that its membership in the EU would constitute a mutually beneficial investment in a united and strong Europe; welcomes the widespread support in the Republic of Moldova for its European integration; stresses that the Republic of Moldova’s European integration represents not only a path towards greater economic prosperity, but also a safeguard for political stability and security in the face of external threats;

    9.  Calls for the acceleration of the screening process and the timely organisation of subsequent intergovernmental conferences, where negotiations on Cluster 1 on Fundamentals should be initiated; calls for the EU to adequately support accession-related reforms by developing robust and adaptable financial instruments tailored to the Republic of Moldova’s specific needs with a view to effectively addressing its economic and structural challenges, and ensuring the country remains resilient and capable of implementing the necessary reforms throughout its EU accession process; urges the acceleration of Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU and the single market by allowing participation in new initiatives and EU programmes, which will deliver tangible socio-economic benefits in specific areas even before the country formally joins the EU; reiterates its call, in this regard, for the EU to take swift and significant steps towards the permanent liberalisation of its tariff-rate quotas;

    10.  Calls for more consistent support for the Republic of Moldova in its EU accession process, including increased technical assistance by sending additional EU advisors to the Moldovan authorities, as a contribution to strengthening capacity-building;

    11.  Calls for the adoption of a new growth plan for the Republic of Moldova so as to adequately finance and support Moldova in achieving economic convergence with the EU; believes that this plan should finance investments in infrastructure, human capital and the digital and green transitions, facilitating sustainable economic growth; calls for the full integration of the Republic of Moldova into the ‘Roam Like at Home’ initiative by the end of 2025;

    12.  Calls on the Commission, in this regard, to include the Republic of Moldova in the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance and to prioritise funding for candidate countries in its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework (2028-2034), ensuring the path towards EU membership;

    13.  Welcomes the Republic of Moldova’s significant progress in implementing EU accession-related reforms and encourages the Moldovan authorities to continue the ambitious reforms on democracy and the rule of law; calls for the EU and its Member States to prioritise and allocate additional resources to efforts to support the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in the Republic of Moldova in order to address vulnerabilities, including those related to corruption in the security sector, justice system, public administration and media, which could enable Russian interference and disinformation; encourages the Moldovan Government to continue working with all stakeholders towards a sustainable and comprehensive justice and anti-corruption reform, in line with EU and Venice Commission recommendations;

    14.  Underlines the importance of advancing the country’s reform process in order to improve living standards, particularly for vulnerable groups, and to provide the younger generations with attractive prospects for life and work in the country, thereby increasing societal resilience to hybrid attacks and reducing the number of citizens seeking better living conditions elsewhere in Europe; highlights the need for the social acquis to be better represented in the Commission’s assessments and recommendations;

    15.  Reiterates its support for stronger cooperation on security and defence policy between the EU and the Republic of Moldova; commends the Republic of Moldova for becoming the first country to sign a security and defence partnership with the EU and calls for this partnership to be put into practical action; calls for the EU to progressively include the Republic of Moldova in upcoming legislative initiatives and programmes relating to European security and defence; supports the continued work under the High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between the EU and the Republic of Moldova to enhance cooperation on foreign and security policy;

    16.  Calls on the Member States to increase the European Peace Facility’s funding for the Republic of Moldova to further enhance the country’s defence capabilities;

    17.  Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the efforts of the Moldovan authorities to maintain macroeconomic stability and enhance its energy security by supporting the construction of new electricity interconnections with neighbouring countries; calls for the EU and its Member States to financially support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects as a clean and sustainable way of reducing Moldova’s energy demand and diversifying its supply, while ensuring energy affordability, in particular for the most vulnerable groups;

    18.  Urges the EU and its Member States to further strengthen cooperation with Moldova through targeted measures in order to enhance the country’s resilience to hybrid threats, including by improving strategic communications about the EU, supporting journalists and civil society in countering disinformation, promoting independent Russian-language media content and enhancing public information literacy; calls for additional resources and technical know-how to assist the Moldovan Government’s strategic communications, internal coordination and capacity-building against hybrid attacks and disinformation; commends the efforts of Moldovan civil society in supporting the Moldovan Government’s fight against disinformation and promoting democratic values; calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue supporting media literacy and media independence, as well as the strengthening of Moldova’s critical digital infrastructure, including through the replacement of Russian-origin information and communications technology systems; calls for the EU and its Member States to expand and intensify their direct engagement with Moldovan citizens by including them in various EU and bilateral programmes and projects, such as citizen consultations, and to foster people-to-people connections;

    19.  Calls on the Commission to assist the Moldovan Government in putting pressure on social media platforms to address disinformation effectively;

    20.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe and the Russian authorities.

    (1) OJ L 260, 30.8.2014, p. 4.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: EBC Financial Group Enhances Liquidity and Lowers Trading Costs on Major Stock Indices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Oct. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amidst a global stock market resurgence, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is enhancing liquidity for five major stock indices, including the U.S. Dow Jones, Nasdaq, S&P 500, the A50 (China), and the Hang Seng Index (Hong Kong). This strategic move aims to provide investors with more optimised, efficient trading across all global sessions by reducing trading costs and offering greater access. The global stock market is going through big changes, with lots of money flowing in and companies going public again (IPO boom). This is making stock markets around the world rise.

    As market valuations rise and capital flows increase globally, these enhancements position investors to capitalise on key opportunities emerging in this pivotal moment for financial markets. EBC, a global financial broker, is here to help investors make the most of these opportunities. They do this by using advanced technology to offer low-cost, high-quality access to markets where big financial players (banks, institutions) operate. In short, EBC helps investors get better deals and access to big markets at low costs.

    Liquidity Strengthens Major Indices Amid Global Recovery
    The ongoing recalibration of global stock markets is driven by several interconnected factors: fresh capital entering the system, a resurgence in IPO activity, and a series of market corrections that are realigning valuations. Emerging markets, once considered high-risk due to volatility, are now benefiting from new regulatory changes that boost investor returns, particularly in dividend payouts.

    David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd, offered an early prediction in June that undervalued markets were set to rebound. “Value reversion is a powerful force,” Barrett said at the time, emphasising that markets under pressure were now ripe for capital returns. He also noted that emerging markets, bolstered by new dividend regulations, are enhancing their attractiveness to global investors.

    The past months have borne out these predictions. Since the start of 2024:

    • All three major U.S. stock indices (Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500) have hit new all-time highs since the start of 2024, driven by fresh investment and increased investor confidence.
    • Asian markets, particularly in China and Hong Kong, are experiencing their most significant gains in a decade, marking them as central to global growth.

    Why EBC’s Liquidity Enhancement Matters
    EBC’s liquidity enhancement couldn’t have come at a better time. As the world’s investors hunt for undervalued assets, EBC has strengthened its ability to offer the lowest trading costs for five major stock indices, giving traders a unique edge in the market.

    • Tighter spreads:
      1. Dow Jones Index (U30USD): Spread reduced to 1.00, reflecting a reduction of up to 70%.
      2. S&P 500 Index (SPXUSD): Spread reduced to 0.31, with reductions reaching 64%.
      3. Nasdaq Index (NASUSD): Spread reduced to 0.70, with reductions as high as 85%, the most significant improvement.
      4. Hang Seng Index (HSIHKD): Spread reduced to 6.50, achieving a reduction of up to 55%.
      5. China A50 Index (CNIUSD): Spread reduced to 6.00, marking a reduction of 14%.
    • Wider access: Whether you’re trading in the Asian, European, or U.S. markets, EBC ensures that you’ll benefit from these cost-saving improvements, no matter the time zone.

    EBC’s role in implementing these reductions positions them among institutions actively working to streamline market access for a diverse range of investors.

    The Role of IPOs and Global Capital Flows
    Global capital is not simply flowing into traditional assets. A fresh wave of initial public offerings (IPOs) is reshaping the investment landscape, offering new opportunities for growth in sectors ranging from fintech to renewable energy. These IPOs, while centred in key regions, are attracting worldwide attention, pulling in capital from investors eager to capitalise on new and emerging trends.

    “The market’s expectation for interest rate cuts has shifted the landscape,” Barrett said, adding that the rise of fintech IPOs, in particular, shows no signs of slowing down. As the global economy shifts into a new phase of monetary policy—with central banks signaling lower interest rates—investors are now betting on sustained growth in these innovative sectors.

    With this, liquidity enhancements in major indices such as the Nasdaq and the Hang Seng are not simply reactive measures—they are strategic moves by institutions like EBC to prepare for the next wave of market activity. As more capital moves across borders, liquidity becomes essential for efficient, low-cost trading. The reduced spreads and enhanced market access make these indices more attractive to institutional and individual investors alike.

    These developments come at a time when emerging markets are increasingly seen as key pillars of global growth, particularly as advanced economies grapple with inflationary pressures and slow economic recovery. The influx of liquidity into major indices reflects a broader confidence in global market resilience and the promise of continued returns in the months ahead.

    Investors’ Next Steps: Navigating the Shift
    As global capital searches for growth, liquidity becomes more than a technical feature—it’s a vital asset in a world where time and access to markets matter. This period of heightened activity may well define the next phase of global finance, one in which agility, market awareness, and access to liquidity will determine winners and losers.

    EBC Financial Group’s liquidity enhancements across major indices align with broader market trends and provide investors with the tools they need to navigate these changes efficiently. By lowering costs and ensuring stability in key markets, EBC is laying the groundwork for investors to capture opportunities in the global markets of tomorrow.

    Investors, particularly those focused on long-term wealth appreciation, would do well to remain vigilant. The liquidity enhancements we are seeing today are laying the foundation for future market opportunities. Those who understand these shifts and act accordingly will find themselves well-positioned in a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.

    About EBC Financial Group
    Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. EBC has quickly established its position as a global brokerage firm, with an extensive presence in key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, and across emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and India. EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

    Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group’s subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

    At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

    EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the ‘What Economists Really Do’ public engagement series by Oxford University’s Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.

    https://www.ebc.com/

    Media Contact:
    Chyna Elvina
    Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)
    chyna.elvina@ebc.com

    Savitha Ravindran
    Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)
    savitha.ravindran@ebc.com

    Douglas Chew
    Global Public Relations Lead
    douglas.chew@ebc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54d1f25c-3548-44f0-8ca1-9e4efa4190f3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Navy Reserve Medical Team Achieves Key Certification, Demonstrating Readiness and Capability

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    In a significant milestone for Navy Reserve Medicine, Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical Suite (ERSS) Team 17 recently passed their Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE), certifying them as a fully capable unit. This achievement marks the first ERSS Reserve team to complete the rigorous process, aligning them with the same standards as active-duty units. The certification confirms the team is ready to deploy and provide critical medical care in support of Navy operations worldwide.

    The Navy Reserve Medical community, which operates under the same training and certification standards as active-duty units, ensures that when a fleet commander requests medical support, they receive the same level of capability, regardless of whether the team is active or reserve. “The elements of training, billet requirements, and capabilities are identical between active and reserve forces,” stated Rear Adm. Eric Peterson, Deputy Director Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, emphasizing the unified nature of Navy Medicine’s operational readiness.

    ERSS Team 17 underwent months of preparation leading up to the ORE at Camp Pendleton, where they were tested against a curriculum designed to assess their medical, logistical, and operational proficiency. The successful completion of this evaluation now officially designates the team as mission-ready, meaning they can be called upon by the fleet to provide immediate damage control and surgical care in forward-deployed locations.

    Sustaining Readiness

    According to Peterson, the teams ORE certification will last for one year, during which the team will enter a “sustainment phase” in the Navy’s operational readiness framework. Throughout this time, team members will focus on maintaining their skills through professional development and leadership training while preparing for future deployments. After this phase, they will reenter the cycle of preparation and training for their next operational readiness evaluation.

    The readiness process for Navy Reserve medical teams spans approximately three years, moving through phases that include basic training, advanced preparation, and eventual certification. This timeline accommodates the unique demands on reservists, who must balance their military duties with civilian careers. Despite these challenges, the certification process ensures that Navy Reserve medical teams remain on par with their active-duty counterparts.

    Integration into Exercises and Operations

    ERSS teams, like their active-duty counterparts, are integrated into fleet exercises and real-world missions. These exercises are essential for ensuring the team’s skills remain sharp and their readiness validated.

    The importance of certifying reserve teams like ERSS Team 17 goes beyond operational readiness. It also highlights the Navy’s commitment to building a unified medical force. “Whether it’s a reserve or active unit, when a capability is requested by the fleet, they receive the same level of readiness,” said Peterson. “This ensures that regardless of a team’s reserve or active status, they are prepared to meet the mission’s needs.”

    A Vital Capability

    Peterson went on to explain that ERSS teams bring a specialized capability to the battlefield. With a seven-person team, they are designed to provide immediate surgical care in austere environments, where larger medical units might not be feasible. This capability enables them to deliver life-saving care closer to the front lines, stabilizing casualties for evacuation to more comprehensive medical facilities.

    The team includes a diverse array of medical professionals, including a surgeon, an emergency room doctor, a certified nurse anesthetist, a physician assistant, a respiratory therapist, and other key specialists. Together, they offer a range of critical services, from damage control surgery to emergency medical care, in challenging and rapidly changing environments.

    Looking Ahead

    As the Navy continues to align its medical forces with its broader operational strategy, the certification of reserve teams like ERSS Team 17 plays a crucial role in ensuring that Navy Medicine remains ready for any contingency. The team’s success is part of a larger effort to integrate reserve and active-duty medical capabilities, minimizing the differences between the two and fostering a “one Navy Medicine” approach.

    Looking toward the future, the Navy plans to continue certifying and deploying more reserve medical teams. With three more ERSS teams scheduled for certification in the coming months, Navy Medicine is building a deep bench of highly trained, fully capable medical units. These teams will be ready to support the fleet in exercises, real-world operations, and any emerging global challenges.

    “Our people are excited,” Peterson remarked. “This process validates the expertise and readiness of our reserve forces, and it demonstrates that Navy Medicine, whether active or reserve, is prepared to meet the operational demands of today and tomorrow.”

    By aligning their readiness process with that of the broader Navy, these reserve teams are contributing to the Navy’s overall goal of maintaining a constant state of readiness and deterrence, ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges of the future.

    Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL) delivers operationally focused medical expertise and capabilities to meet Fleet, Marine and Joint Force requirements by providing equipment, sustainment, and maintenance of medical forces during combat operations and public health crises. NMFL provides oversight for 21 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command’s, logistics, public health and dental services throughout the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba, Europe, and the Middle East.

    Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland and US sign new agreement on the exchange of trainees and young professionals

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Bern-Wabern, 11.10.2024 – Switzerland and the US today signed a new agreement in Bern on the exchange of trainees and young professionals. The agreement will make it easier for young Swiss people to receive training in the US, and for Americans to do the same in Switzerland, for short periods. This new agreement replaces the agreement from 1980.

    State Secretary for Migration Christine Schraner Burgener signed the new agreement in Bern today. It will take effect from 30 November, and is aimed at young Swiss people between 18 and 35 years old. Those wishing to participate must either be in training or have a vocational diploma or higher education qualification. People who do not meet these requirements may still be eligible if they have some professional experience. In particular, they must be seeking to complete their studies or to improve their skills in their specialisation.

    For both Swiss and American participants, residence and work permits are issued for up to 12 months, with the possibility of a 6-month extension.

    Purpose of the agreement

    The new agreement makes it easier for young professionals from both countries to obtain visas, and opens up the exchange programme to a wider range of people than under the 1980 agreement. The immersive experience of training abroad allows participants to improve their language, cultural and social skills.

    Under the old programme, more than 100 people each year from Switzerland and as many from the United States benefited from an exchange in the 1980s and early 1990s. This number has fallen steadily since the 2000s, mainly because of changes in the requirements for obtaining a US visa.

    Switzerland also has trainee exchange agreements in place with Argentina, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, Tunisia and Indonesia. Switzerland also has individual agreements with the member states of the European Union; however, these are no longer applied because the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons between Switzerland and the EU offers more favourable conditions.

    Since the first trainee agreement was concluded (with Belgium in 1936), almost 40,000 Swiss trainees have been able to work temporarily abroad. Conversely, more than 58,000 foreign trainees have had the opportunity to experience the Swiss work environment.

    Address for enquiries

    SEM Information and Communication, medien@sem.admin.ch

    Publisher

    State Secretariat for Migration
    https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on post-election developments

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Venezuela: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on post-election developments – Government.se

    Please enable javascript in your browser

    Statement by Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The European Union continues to follow developments in Venezuela with great concern. Reports from international election observation missions clearly state that the presidential elections on 28th July did not meet international standards of electoral integrity.

    Despite its own commitment, the National Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) has not yet published the official voting records (“actas”) of polling stations. Without evidence to support them, the results published on 2nd August by the CNE cannot be recognised. Any attempt to delay the full publication of the official voting records will only cast further doubt on the credibility of the officially published results.

    Copies of the electoral voting records published by the opposition, and reviewed by several independent organisations, indicate that Edmundo González Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the Presidential elections by a significant majority.

    The European Union thus calls for further independent verification of the electoral records, if possible by an internationally reputed entity.

    At this critical time, it is important that demonstrations and protests remain peaceful. The European Union calls for calm and restraint. Venezuelan authorities, including security forces, must fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and of assembly.

    The European Union is seriously concerned about the growing number of arbitrary detentions and the continued harassment of the opposition. The European Union calls on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners.

    The European Union welcomes the efforts of regional partners, with whom it remains in close contact, to promote dialogue and a negotiated solution to the crisis.

    Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and to solve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis.

    The statement published on the website of the European Council

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES, Oct. 10, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES, Oct. 10, 2024

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

     

    DAWN CHANG
     CHAIRPERSON

     

    NEWS RELEASE 

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

     

    TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF VARIOUS DLNR-MANAGED LANDS FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ACTIVITIES

     

    (HILO) — The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will conduct animal control activities for trapping mouflon/feral sheep hybrids; staff control and/or aerial shooting from helicopters for feral goats, feral sheep, mouflon and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids within Palila critical habitat in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A), Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve (Unit K), Palila Mitigation Lands, and the Kaʻohe Game Management Area (Unit G) on the island of Hawaiʻi.

     

    Aerial shooting is required for compliance with the federal court order mandating the removal of sheep and goats from critical habitat for Palila, a bird endemic to Hawaiʻi. The portion of Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A) south of the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area and bordering the Pohakuloa Training Area will remain open for mammal hunting.

     

    Control is scheduled for October 30, 2024. Public access to Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve, Palila Mitigation Lands, the Kaʻohe Game Management Area and Mauna Kea Hunter Access Road will be restricted and allowed by permit only for animal salvage purposes on October 30 at 7 a.m.

     

     

    # # # 

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    Photographs – Temporary Closure for Animal Control (various dates):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/abpfno8q08g4zxthcl0li/ACDcwNEUuxDkfT76Kf0AWhM?rlkey=t9mkihd76xptef1gxqg036vxp&st=rteh5jq8&dl=0

     

    DLNR Legal Notice: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2024/10/LN-Mauna-Kea-Closure-10-9-249.pdf

     

    Hunting announcement web page: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/hunting-announcements/

     

     

    Media Contact: 

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California’s new, cutting-edge dashboards map the progress of wildfire resilience work that protects communities

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 10, 2024

    What you need to know: California rolls out new dashboards showing a ramp up in fuels management to help protect California communities from wildfires and improve forest health.

    SACRAMENTO – California unveiled newly updated, first-of-their-kind dashboards that will help Californians track the state’s wildfire prevention work. Along with these new tools, state officials announced that 700,000 acres of land were treated for wildfire resilience in 2023, and that prescribed fire more than doubled between 2021 and 2023. For the first time, all fuels management projects are being tracked in one place, on one map, delivering valuable information for project planning and wildfire response.

    “Everything we do to protect California from wildfires is connected, and nowhere else has as many tools to show the full picture while improving land management and supporting firefighters. We’re embracing the technology and best practices that will help us fight wildfires, and making sure Californians see the tireless work in their communities.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    New tools to track fire-prevention progress

    The updated Interagency Treatment Dashboard, led by the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, now covers data from 2021 to 2023, showing the acres of completed wildfire resilience (or “treatments”) work. The dashboard combines data from federal, state, tribal, local, and private entities, creating a comprehensive hub for wildfire prevention information.

    Showing how wildfire resilience projects protect communities
    CAL FIRE also launched the Fuel Treatment Effectiveness Dashboard, which tracks how wildfire prevention projects have helped shield communities and landscapes from wildfires. Utilizing real-time data, this tool allows officials to measure how fuel treatments have impacted fire behavior, evacuation routes, and firefighting efforts during recent fires.

    Over 700,000 acres of wildfire prevention work

    In 2023, 700,000 acres were treated to help protect against wildfires, with many protected acres receiving multiple treatments such as thinning, prescribed fire, or other practices to improve forest health and community resilience. The Task Force is tracking both “activity acres” (more than 1,000,000) – which reflect the level of effort conducted through various state, federal, and private programs – and “footprint acres” (nearly 700,000) which show the total geographic area treated in a calendar year. 

    The 2023 data shows a significant increase in acres treated since 2021, largely due to a significant expansion of prescribed fire treatments, which more than doubled since 2021. The increase in pace and scale of wildfire resilience projects has been led by the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, and its work to implement the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. The Dashboard is part of the strategy to connect the various statewide entities committed to this monumental task.

    • Investing in wildfire resilience. Governor Newsom and the legislature maintained $2.6 billion in funding over seven years, in addition to new investments of $200 million per year going forward, for healthy forest and fire prevention programs, including prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects.
    • More boots on the ground than ever before. The administration is implementing shorter workweeks for state firefighters to prioritize firefighter wellbeing, while  adding 2,400 additional state firefighters to CAL FIRE’s ranks over the next five years.
    • Expanding the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet. Governor Newsom has overseen the expansion of California’s aerial firefighting fleet, including the addition of more than 16 helicopters with several equipped for night operations, expanded five helitack bases, and assumed ownership of seven C-130 air tankers, making it the largest fleet of its kind globally. The state also adds to its world-leading air attack capacity through recent new funding to contract 24 additional non-state owned firefighting aircraft.
    • Cutting-edge drone technology. CAL FIRE has doubled its use of drones for critical tasks like aerial ignition during prescribed burns, wildfire containment, and real-time assessments.
    • Artificial intelligence and real-time data tools. The state is leveraging AI-powered tools to spot fires quicker and the Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) to provide real-time mapping of wildfires.
    • Advanced mapping and satellite technology. California has partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to use satellites for wildfire detection and invested in LiDAR technology to create detailed 3D maps of high-risk areas, helping firefighters better understand and navigate complex terrains.

    Recent news

    Oct 10, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement today on the passing of Ethel Kennedy:“California joins the nation in mourning the passing of Ethel Kennedy, beloved family matriarch and powerful force for…

    Oct 9, 2024

    News In total, California has now deployed 354 highly specialized personnel to support recent hurricane response effortsSACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida tonight, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of an additional 70…

    Oct 9, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Jennifer Troia, of Sacramento, has been appointed Director at the California Department of Social Services. Troia has served as Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Authorizes Café Duck Butt to Reopen Following Correction of Violations

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Authorizes Café Duck Butt to Reopen Following Correction of Violations

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH AUTHORIZES CAFÉ DUCK BUTT TO REOPEN FOLLOWING CORRECTION OF VIOLATIONS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024                                                                                                    24-134

    HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch issued Café Duck Butt a red placard and ordered the establishment to close on Oct. 8, due to the establishment’s inability to meet food safety requirements. Following the correction of the violations, a green placard and reopening was authorized on Oct. 9.

    Café Duck Butt, located at 901 Kawaiahaʻo Street, in Honolulu, received the red placard and was ordered to immediately close on Oct. 8 due to a lack of electricity and its inability to power refrigerators needed to keep food safe to consume. A follow-up inspection was conducted on Oct. 9, once power was restored which found all critical violations were resolved.

    Café Duck Butt was advised that refrigeration equipment must always be operational. Food establishments must close in the event of a power outage to protect customers from potential foodborne illnesses, some of which, may be very severe.

    The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.

    The branch also investigates the sources of foodborne illnesses and potential adulteration; and is charged with mitigating the effects of these incidents to prevent any future occurrences. DOH food safety specialists strive to work with business owners, food service workers and the food industry to ensure safe food preparation practices and sanitary conditions.

    For more information on the department’s placarding program go to http://health.hawaii.gov/san/

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawai‘i State Department of Health

    808-586-4407

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Signs Ninth Emergency Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS NINTH PROCLAMATION
    RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 10, 2024

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed the Ninth Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing, bolstering efforts to build more than 13,000 affordable housing units for working-class families over the next three years.

    “We know that the key factor affecting Hawai‘i’s cost of living is affordable housing and my administration has been working from day one, with the counties and our partners, to break down barriers that can impede housing development. This is another step forward on the progress we have been making,” said Governor Green.

    The latest proclamation places a pause on the automatic adoption of county building codes, giving the counties additional time to review, amend and adopt the latest state and national building codes to suit their particular safety and design standards and needs.

    The previous Emergency Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing suspended the State Building Code Council (SBCC), but it did not suspend the counties’ authority to update and amend their own countywide building codes according to their own building and safety standards. Under the current proclamation, counties retain the authority to update building codes at their discretion.

    Adopting the county building codes is part of a complex, three-step process that takes years to implement. The International Code Council, National Fire Protection Agency and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials publish model codes every three years.

    These model codes are generic and are not tailored to the unique geographic and climate challenges in Hawaiʻi.

    Under state law, the SBCC has two years to amend and adopt the model codes, or the model codes automatically become the statewide code. The counties then have another two years after that to update their building codes to meet these building and safety standards, or the state code automatically becomes the county code.

    The 2021 building codes (published in October 2020) were automatically adopted by the state, and the counties have until the end of October of this year to adopt them.

    Suspending the automatic adoption of the latest codes will allow the state and counties to leapfrog over amending the 2021 statewide and model codes and focus their review efforts on the 2024 codes. This will provide more consistency and stability in the construction of affordable housing.

    The Ninth Emergency Proclamation Relating to Affordable Housing continues the groundbreaking work by the Green Administration and the many housing stakeholders in previous emergency proclamations by:

    • Prioritizing the many state and county affordable housing projects to create thousands of new low-income and workforce housing units; 
    • Expanding the affordability threshold for projects. Developers must now produce 60% of their units at 140% AMI (area median income) or less to benefit from the waivers and exemptions allowed under the proclamation; 
    • Exempting certified affordable housing projects from school impact fees and general excise taxes automatically to offset rising interest rates and increased construction costs, to keep the cost of units as low as possible. 

    The latest emergency proclamation will remain in force for the next 60 days and it is anticipated that Governor Green will retain much of the provisions in the latest emergency proclamation when it expires December 9, 2024.

    A copy of the executed EP can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Nene Killed in Hit and Run in Hilo, Oct. 10, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Nene Killed in Hit and Run in Hilo, Oct. 10, 2024

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    DAWN CHANG
    CHAIRPERSON

    NEWS RELEASE

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

    HIT AND RUN DRIVER KILLS NĒNĒ IN LILIʻUOKALANI PARK AND GARDENS

     

    (HILO, HAWAI‘I) – A male nēnē, banded as 595, was killed while apparently crossing a road in Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens off Banyan Drive early this morning.

    The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) received a call about the incident before its offices opened and a staff member responded and picked up the bird. DOFAW plans to have the dead nēnē tested for toxoplasmosis, a deadly disease spread by cats.

    McGuire said, “Since people have been regularly feeding nēnē in the park for many months now, they’ve grown accustomed to humans (habituated). This is a primary reason we’ve pleaded with folks to stop feeding feral cats. Yet even after one woman was cited earlier this year, regular feeding is continuing.”

    Sadly, the male nēnē’s  mate, with a leg band of NTC, has now lost her partner, and experienced trauma with two of her chicks. One chick, born this season, died of suspected toxoplasmosis in the spring. Another, nicknamed Onion and banded as NYN, was abducted from another Hilo park several years ago, but eventually recovered, returned to its parents and then released into a bird sanctuary.

    “Nēnē’s normally have mate fidelity and will breed for life with their partners. In this case NTC had one offspring bird-napped, one apparently felled by a disease spread by feral cats and at least one partner killed,” McGuire noted.

    The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has opened an investigation and is encouraging anyone who may have seen a vehicle in the park early Thursday morning to report it. Better yet, is if the person who hit the bird steps forward.

    Nēnē regularly cross the roads in the park, traveling to cat feeding locations put out by people. DOCARE officers are aware of the feeding and regularly patrol the park looking for anyone who is putting food out. Anyone caught placing plates of food that nēnē can eat can be cited and face criminal prosecution.

    Witnesses can contact DOCARE at 643-DLNR or via the DLNRTip app, both anonymously. Or they can call the DOCARE Branch Office in Hilo at 808-933-3460.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Nēnē, and cat feeding at Liliʻuokalani Park (April 30, 2024):

    Video – Nēnē crossing Liliʻuokalani Park road:

    Photographs – Nēnē NTC and 595 (from Nēnē Research & Conservation):

    Media Contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawaiʻi Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLE Deputy Sheriffs Arrest Unruly Passenger

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLE Deputy Sheriffs Arrest Unruly Passenger

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

    Ka ʻOihana Hoʻokō Kānāwai

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

    JORDAN LOWE

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

     

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

     

    DLE Deputy Sheriffs Arrest Unruly Passenger

    HONOLULU – Deputy Sheriffs with the Department of Law Enforcement arrested a passenger on United Airlines flight #1175 shortly after the landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport this morning.

    The passenger allegedly created an in-flight disturbance and interfered with the flight crew. Other passengers assisted the crew in restraining the man.

    Upon arrival, Deputy Sheriffs removed the man from the aircraft. He was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation.

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Brooks Baehr

    Public Information Officer

    Department of Law Enforcement

    Office 808-587-5051

    Mobile 808-892-9272

    Email: [email protected]

     

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 10.10.24

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 10, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Kristen Erickson-Donadee, of Folsom, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Child Support Services. Erickson-Donadee has been Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Child Support Services since 2020 and has served in several roles there since 2009, including Chief Counsel, Assistant Chief Counsel, Attorney and Contract Attorney. She was an Attorney at the Sierra Nevada Regional Department of Child Support from 2006 to 2012. Erickson-Donadee earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from California State University, Sonoma. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $226,334. Erickson-Donadee is a Democrat. 

    Jay Wierenga, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Communications at the California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Wierenga has served as Communications Director at the California Fair Political Practices Commission since 2014. He was Principal at Jay Alan Communications from 2012 to 2014. Wierenga was Vice-President at Aderfo Group from 2011 to 2012. He was a Strategic Communications Advisor at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2011 to 2012. Wierenga served as Director of Communication and Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Homeland Security from 2007 to 2011. He was Director of Communications at the California Conservation Corps in 2007. Wierenga was an Anchor, Co-Host and Managing Editor at KFBK-AM from 2003 to 2007. He was an Anchor at KTXL-TV from 2000 to 2003 and at KHPO-TV from 1995 to 1999. Wierenga is a member of the KVIE-TV Community Advisory Board. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Radio and TV from Dordt University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $160,200. Wierenga is a Democrat. 

    Hayley Figeroid, of Carmichael, has been appointed Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Office of Data and Innovation, where she has served as Head of Government Relations since 2022. Figeroid held several positions at Covered California from 2018 to 2022, including Assistant Deputy Director of Plan Management, Senior Manager of Distribution Services and Manager of the Certification Services Team. She  was an Exam Specialist at the Contractors State License Board from 2016 to 2018. Figeroid was a Provider Enrollment Analyst at the California Department of Health Care Services from 2015 to 2016. She was an English Teacher at St. Francis High School from 2010 to 2015. Figeroid is a member of California Women Lead and the Sacramento State Alumni Association. She earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Concordia University, a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of San Francisco. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $165,000. Figeroid is registered without party preference.

    Ludmil Alexandrov, of San Diego, has been appointed to the Carcinogen Identification Committee. Alexandrov has been Chief Scientific Officer at io9 since 2021, and a Professor at the University of California, San Diego since 2017. He was a J Robert Oppenheimer Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow at the Los Alamos National Laboratory from 2014 to 2017. Alexandrov was a Consultant at Deloitte from 2007 to 2009. He is a member of the American Association for Advancement of Science, the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society, the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Statistical Association, and the International Society for Computational Biology. Alexandrov earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cancer Genetics from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Science degree in Computational Biology from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Neumont College of Computer Science. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Alexandrov is registered without party preference. 

    Dean Felsher, of San Mateo, has been appointed to the Carcinogen Identification Committee. Felsher has been an Oncologist, Cancer Scientist and Professor at Stanford University since 1999 and Director of Translational Research and Applied Medicine since 2011. He was an Oncology Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco from 1994 to 1999. Felsher earned a Doctor of Medicine degree in Medicine and Molecular Biology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of Chicago. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Felsher is a Democrat.

    Mark Toney, of Lakeport, has been reappointed to the State Bar of California Board of Trustees, where he has served since 2020. Toney has been Executive Director of The Utility Reform Network since 2008. He was Executive Director of the Center for Third World Organizing from 2000 to 2004 and Executive Director of Direct Action for Rights and Equality from 1986 to 1994. He was Lead Organizer at Workers’ Association for Guaranteed Employment from 1982 to 1985. Toney is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Whistleblower Center. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Brown University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $50 per diem. Toney is a Democrat.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: For Immediate Release: GOVERNOR GREEN ESTABLISHES HISTORIC INAUGURAL HAWAIʻI STATE LGBTQ+ COMMISSION

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    For Immediate Release: GOVERNOR GREEN ESTABLISHES HISTORIC INAUGURAL HAWAIʻI STATE LGBTQ+ COMMISSION

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 

    KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA LAWELAWE KANAKA 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    RYAN I. YAMANE

    DIRECTOR 

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    JOSEPH CAMPOS II 

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR 

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE 

       

     TRISTA SPEER 

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR 

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 10, 2024

    GOVERNOR GREEN ESTABLISHES HISTORIC INAUGURAL HAWAIʻI STATE

    LGBTQ+ COMMISSION

     

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawaiʻi has established an advisory body to develop and improve the state’s interaction with its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) citizens in accordance with HRS 369. The commission, one of few in the country, is comprised of eight voting members.

    • Commission Chair – Kathleen O’Dell, Ph.D. (she/her) – representing the City and County of Honolulu
    • Michael Golojuch Jr. (he/him) – representing the City and County of Honolulu
    • Secretary (temporary) Joe Tolbe (he/him) – representing Maui County
    • Finance Director Shanda Brack (she/her) – representing the Hawai‘i Sexual and Gender Minority working group out of the Department of Health
    • Sandy Harjo-Livingston, Ph.D. (he/him/they/them) – representing the City and County of Honolulu
    • Philip Steinbacher, Ph.D. (he/him) – representing Kaua‘i County
    • Joseph “Rocco” Vick (he/him) – representing Hawai‘i County
    • Richard Velasquez (he/him) – representing the City and County of Honolulu

    The commission operates administratively under the Department of Human Services.

    “The eight commissioners come to the table with a wide range of diverse and relevant experience and history,” stated commission Chair O’Dell. “It’s easy to feel how committed the members are and how enthusiastically they honor the responsibilities they are charged to take on.”

    The commissioners were sworn in on June 28, 2024. by Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke. June 28 was selected by the commissioners as it commemorates the 55th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a significant date in LGBTQ+ history and efforts toward equality.

    Powers and duties of the commission include creating public awareness and understanding of the responsibilities, needs, potentials and contributions of Hawai’i’s LGBTQ+ community; maintaining contacts with appropriate federal, state, local and international agencies concerned with the status of Hawaiʻi’s LGBTQ+ community; recommending legislative and administrative action on equal treatment and opportunities for members of Hawai’i’s LGBTQ+ community, and submitting to the governor and legislature an annual report with recommendations.

    In addition to the eight voting members, the commission includes six ex officio, nonvoting members or their designees, including the superintendent of the Department of Education, the president of the University of Hawai‘i system, the director of Labor and Industrial Relations, the director of Human Resources Development, the director of Human Services; and the director of the Department of Health.

    Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi invited members of the commission to attend the ceremony for Honolulu Pride Month to raise the Pride flag above the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds and to proclaim the Wilhelmina Tenney Rainbow Shower Tree as the “Official Pride Tree of Honolulu.” This took place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in front of the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building. Commissioners also helped to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month at the Aliʻiōlani Hale that evening and attended a round table discussion featuring current Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna,and former Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justices Steve Henry Levinson and Daniel R. Foley. They discussed Hawaiʻi’s entrance onto the marriage equality stage. The evening concluded with the debut of a traveling exhibition “Kaulike No Nā Mea A Pau: Toward Queer Justice in Hawaiʻi.”

     

    Additionally, the commission will be participating in the Honolulu Pride Parade at 4:00 pm, Saturday, October 19, 2024, down Kalākaua Avenue. Honolulu Pride is celebrated in October to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month, National Coming Out Day and Spirit Day.

    Commission Contact:

    Commission Chair – Kathleen O’Dell, Ph.D. (she/her)

    [email protected]

    Media Contact:

    Amanda Stevens

    Public Information Officer

    Department of Human Services

    [email protected]

    Photos courtesy of the State of Hawaiʻi LQBTQ+ Commission

    NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be punishable under state and federal law. If you have received this communication and/or attachments in error, please notify the sender via email immediately and destroy all electronic and paper copies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Travels to Nevada

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Travels to Nevada

    Posted on Oct 10, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN TRAVELS TO NEVADA

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 10, 2024

    HONOLULU  ̶  Governor Josh Green, M.D., will travel to Nevada on Thursday, October 10, to learn about sports tourism.

    Governor Green is scheduled to return to Honolulu on Tuesday, October 15. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke will serve as acting Governor from the night of October 10 through the morning of October 12. Attorney General Anne Lopez will serve as acting Governor from the morning of October 12 through the afternoon of October 15.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Speaks with Strive Masiyiwa

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with business leader and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa about opportunities to catalyze progress on critical development challenges. Administrator Power recognized Mr. Masiyiwa for his support for childhood health and education as well as economic development efforts in Africa. They discussed the importance of investments in digital connectivity and areas of agricultural potential, as well as USAID’s work to increase financing for small-and medium-sized agricultural businesses in Africa. Administrator Power highlighted USAID’s commitment to working with partners in Africa and around the world on tackling lead poisoning, including through the launch of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, a growing coalition of more than 65 partners across governments, philanthropies, and businesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Equifax Canada Appoints Ramon Yarde as Chief Data Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Equifax Canada has announced the appointment of Ramon Yarde as Chief Data Officer (CDO) as part of Equifax Canada’s commitment to market-leading data, analytics and unparalleled insights for Canadian consumers and businesses.

    Yarde has served as interim CDO since February 2024. A trusted leader at Equifax Canada since 2006, he has held several leadership roles during his tenure, including oversight of the Project Management Office, and the Data Engineering and Data Operations teams.

    Equifax Canada has underscored its commitment to driving further financial inclusion by including non-traditional data like rental payment information in credit scores as an important step to ensuring credit and mainstream financial services are more accessible for qualifying Canadians. As Chief Data Officer, Yarde will lead critical work to expand the depth and predictiveness of the company’s insights, working to help increase access to credit and financial inclusion for more Canadians.

    “Equifax differentiated data helps customers make critical decisions, and Ramon’s deep understanding of our business, as well as our data assets and the opportunities they can unlock, make him the ideal fit to lead our CDO team,” said Sue Hutchison, President and CEO of Equifax Canada. “Ramon has been instrumental in advancing our data strategy, as well as the exploration of new data sets and capabilities that can help our customers and consumers.”

    “It’s critical that we continuously expand the breadth, depth and predictiveness of our data, with a commitment to best-in-class security and responsible governance,” explained Yarde. “Unique Equifax data enables innovation, maximizes our AI performance, and helps customers innovate faster. And, it helps create more effective insights into the people, businesses and communities we serve, to enable, empower, and unlock new opportunities in this space.”

    This appointment reflects the Equifax commitment to data excellence and its focus on leveraging data-driven innovation to help Canadians. “I know that with Ramon leading these efforts, Equifax will continue to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our clients and Canadian consumers,” concluded Hutchison.

    About Equifax
    At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.ca.

    Contact:

    Andrew Findlater
    SELECT Public Relations
    afindlater@selectpr.ca
    (647) 444-1197

    Angie Andich
    Equifax Canada Media Relations
    MediaRelationsCanada@equifax.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Iceland hosts Arctic Allies

    Source: Government of Iceland

    On 9 October, the Chiefs of Defence of Iceland, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and the United States met in Keflavík, Iceland, to discuss priorities and perspectives in relation to the security situation in the Arctic.

    As the strategic importance of the Arctic continues to grow, the Chiefs of Defence discussed opportunities for increased regional cooperation, including in response to challenges brought about by climate change, economic activities and increased maritime traffic. Two and a half years following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they also discussed increased Russian military build-up and the importance of maintaining situational awareness in the region.

    These key annual meetings between close Allies serve to coordinate and deepen partnerships and strengthen shared situational awareness. Iceland hosted the meeting, chaired by the Director General of Iceland’s Directorate for Defence, which is part of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Can you spot the snipers?

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/ X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Sniper

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVCc-DougNg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Minister Khera on Yom Kippur

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Government of Canada marks Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

    OTTAWA, October 11, 2024

    Today, beginning at sunset, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will observe Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur marks the end of a 10-day period of repentance, during which Jewish people are called on to reflect on their past year. Many people take this time to seek forgiveness and use it as an opportunity to give to charity.

    On Yom Kippur, family and friends gather and begin more than 24 hours of fasting, which serves as a time for introspection.

    This solemn day is also an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the many incredible contributions that Jewish Canadians have made, and continue to make, to our country. 

    Additionally, it is also a chance to reflect on how to combat antisemitism. Just as Jewish communities encompass a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, Canada finds its strength and unity in its diversity. Everyone in the country should feel safe in their community, place of worship or home. To that end, we recently launched Canada’s first ever Action Plan on Combatting Hate, to address the rise of hate in Canada while also empowering the communities concerned, including Jewish communities.

    I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone observing Yom Kippur. May this day of reflection bring you peace and hope.

    G’mar Chatima Tova!

    Waleed Saleem
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
    waleed.saleem@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada announces support to keep Canadians safe near railway crossings

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Investing in railway safety is crucial for reducing risks, preventing accidents, keeping Canada’s rail corridors running, and connecting Canadians. The Government is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security, across the country.

    October 11, 2024                 London, Ontario                   Transport Canada

    Investing in railway safety is crucial for reducing risks, preventing accidents, keeping Canada’s rail corridors running, and connecting Canadians. The Government is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety and security, across the country.

    Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, announced over $45 million for projects to improve railway safety across Canada.

    This includes over $44 million for 231 rail safety projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program. This funding improves safety at grade crossings and along rail lines by supporting infrastructure upgrades and educating Canadians on the importance of safe behaviour around trains and tracks.

    Today’s announcement also includes nearly $1.2 million under the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement. This program supports Indigenous and local communities develop rail safety awareness campaigns, data collection practices, educational resources, and engage with Transport Canada to improve safety practices.  

    With both the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement and the Rail Safety Improvement Program, the Government is helping to empower communities across the country, address ongoing safety concerns, and keep Canadians safe.

    • Operation Lifesaver is one of the recipients of the Rail Safety Improvement Program support announced today. With $1.2 million, they will be able to enhance their current tools and initiatives. This funding will support the development of new content, website optimization, expanded outreach to Indigenous communities, and collaboration with partners to advance research on suicide and mental health.

    • The Rail Safety Improvement Program provides financial support to provinces, territories, municipalities and local governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, road and transit authorities, crown corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, academia, and individuals/private landowners. It aims to help improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation.

    • Since the inception of the Rail Safety Improvement Program in 2016, it has supported more than 1,000 projects across Canada, for a total investment of more than $230 million.

    • The call for proposals for the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement was launched on December 15, 2022.

    • With contribution funding of up to $150,000 per project, the Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement aimed to support larger-scale activities and projects.

    Laurent de Casanove
    Press secretary
    Office of the Honourable Anita Anand
    Minister of Transport, Ottawa
    laurent.decasanove@tc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of the Girl

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the Girl:

    “Every girl deserves a chance to learn and grow; to succeed without barriers; to live without limits to their success. But in too many parts of the world, women and girls are still undervalued and kept isolated from opportunity.

    “Canada firmly believes that a fairer world with greater equality is also a better one.

    “At home, we are improving access to safe, inclusive, and quality education and skills training for women and girls. Since 2018, we have invested more than $433 million in over 930 projects to advance gender equality across Canada. We introduced the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot project, which has increased access to menstrual health products for over 3.5 million people in need. Earlier this year, we announced the National School Food Program, which will get healthy school meals to kids across the country. With Canada’s gender-based violence strategy, we are supporting initiatives to prevent youth dating violence, family violence, and child abuse.

    “On the global stage, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are breaking down barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls around the world. Just last month, at the United Nations General Assembly, we announced over $112 million to help protect the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls worldwide – so they’re able to make choices about their bodies, their lives, and their own futures.

    “Girls can be anything they want to be. Our role, as government leaders, is to break down barriers so they get that fair chance to succeed. On this International Day of the Girl, let’s keep moving forward on our progress.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Creating good-paying jobs and growing the economy alongside ASEAN partners

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Canada is investing in progress, prosperity, and fairness for every generation. At home, we are attracting billions of dollars in manufacturing to our communities and putting Canadians at the forefront of opportunity. But in the global economy, shared challenges require shared solutions. That’s where Canada’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comes in.

    For over half a century, ASEAN has worked with Dialogue Partners, like Canada, to make life better for people on both sides of the Pacific. Our relationship is built on shared priorities – from climate action to peace and security to good-paying jobs. Since 2015, Canada’s trade with ASEAN has nearly doubled. Last year, ASEAN Member States represented Canada’s fourth largest merchandise trading partner, with increased partnerships in agriculture, agrifood, and digital trade. With Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we are building on this partnership with closer ties and shared prosperity.

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his participation at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos. As the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit Laos, the Prime Minister strengthened ties with ASEAN partners and expanded Canada’s footprint in one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions.

    In Vientiane, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will be upgrading its offices in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Vientiane, Laos, to embassies with resident ambassadors, meaning that Canada will be represented by full embassies in all 10 ASEAN Member States. He also noted the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines later this year and announced new missions to Thailand and Cambodia in 2025. Building on our Indo-Pacific Strategy, these efforts will help forge even stronger ties between Canada and ASEAN, create good jobs for Canadians and peoples of ASEAN countries, and expand Canada’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.

    In a joint statement, Canada and ASEAN partners reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing dialogue on global challenges, advancing efforts on shared priorities, and building a people-centred ASEAN region that is connected, inclusive, and resilient. The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada will continue to be a partner in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region.

    In support of these efforts, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, highlighted an over $128 million package of measures to deepen ties with ASEAN.

    The effects of climate change are being felt more than ever, and this is having a devastating impact on countries around the world, including ASEAN Member States. That’s why the federal government is investing over $84 million in the region to fight climate change, support innovation, and protect the environment. Our investments aim to:

    • Advance clean growth and conservation initiatives, such as Laos’ Monsoon Wind Power Project, the Lao Landscapes and Livelihoods Project, and the Mekong River Commission.
    • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in some of the world’s highest-emitting developing countries.
    • Improve resilience to natural disasters through enhanced disaster preparation and management.

    The challenges posed by transnational organized crime and international terrorism affect citizens of ASEAN Members States and Canadians alike. The federal government is investing $21.3 million in initiatives to:

    • Strengthen partnerships between Canadian and Indo-Pacific law enforcement agencies.
    • Crack down on human and drug trafficking, including synthetic drugs, smuggling, and money laundering.
    • Counter international terrorist threats, including terrorist financing and terrorist fighter travel, and address the impacts on children.
    • Help local governments prevent illegal logging and deforestation.
    • Address online cyber scams.
    • Bolster aviation and border security.

    Stability in the Indo-Pacific is a key priority for Canada. We are bolstering peace and security efforts in the region, including by investing $11.9 million in various initiatives to:

    • Build up critical nuclear regulatory infrastructure.
    • Fight malicious cyber actors and strengthen cyber resilience.
    • Support demining and arms control efforts.

    In support of the rights of women and children in ASEAN countries, Canada is investing over $9 million to:

    • Uphold women’s labour rights and improve their participation in underrepresented sectors.
    • Help eliminate forced and child labour.
    • Increase access to prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation services for women and girls with physical disabilities.

    At the ASEAN Summit, the Prime Minister announced an additional $2 million for scholarships and educational exchanges with ASEAN countries, as well as Canada’s intention to seek participation in the ASEAN Digital Track, which will help ensure that Canada has a seat at the table on regional matters ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to democratic and online rights.

    As work toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement continues, the Prime Minister noted progress on last year’s ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and emphasized his commitment to further strengthen Canada-ASEAN trade and investment.

    The ASEAN region offers unparalleled economic opportunity for Canada. Together, the 10 ASEAN member states represent the fifth largest economy in the world and the third largest population in the world. With the measures announced today, Canadians and Canadian businesses can capitalize on the rapid industrialization and growth of this region. Greater Canadian investment in the region and greater investment from the region into Canada will mean more jobs, more innovation, and more growth. As we create good-paying jobs, fight climate change, and grow our economies, Canada and ASEAN stand united to make life better for people in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

    Prime Minister Trudeau thanked the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, for hosting a very productive ASEAN Summit. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to further strengthening ties between our countries – and with all ASEAN partners. As Canada hosts the G7 Presidency in 2025, ASEAN will be a central part of our work ahead.

    Quote

    “Canada is a proud Indo-Pacific nation. During my visit to this year’s ASEAN Summit, we increased our footprint in this dynamic region – securing trade, investment, and good-paying jobs. As we fight climate change, defend peace and security, and grow our economies, we are putting Canadians at the forefront of global opportunity.”

    Quick Facts

    • ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 member states. The objectives of ASEAN are to:
      • Speed up economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
      • Promote regional peace and stability and respect for justice and the rule of law.
      • Increase collaboration across a range of economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative spheres.
    • Together, ASEAN as a regional bloc represents Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner, with over $38.8 billion in bilateral trade in 2023.
    • Last year, Canada and ASEAN launched a strategic partnership to further advance collaboration in strategic areas of mutual interest, including peace and security and economic and socio-cultural co-operation.
    • Canada became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1977 and is one of 11 partners with this designation.
    • ASEAN Dialogue Partners co-operate on political and security issues, regional integration, economic interests, inter-faith dialogue, transnational crime and counterterrorism, disaster risk reduction, and other areas. Other Dialogue Partners include: Australia, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
    • Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy advances and defends Canada’s interests by supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific region while protecting Canada’s national and economic security at home and abroad.

    Related Products

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada supporting solutions and rapid responses to the substance use and overdose crisis

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    The government is launching call for proposals for urgent community support to help municipalities and First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities

    October 11, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

    No community has been left untouched by the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Its tragic impacts are felt among friends, families and neighbours. Too many Canadians have lost their lives to this public health crisis. Canada’s approach is focused on providing access to a full continuum of health care services and leveraging every tool at our disposal to save lives, connect people to care, and keep communities safe.

    Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced the launch of the first call for proposals for Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF). The fund will invest $150 million to help municipalities and First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities address their urgent needs and support rapid responses to the toxic drug use and overdose crisis.

    The ETF will provide short-term support to rapidly mobilize and build capacity for enhanced access to trauma-informed, evidence-based substance use treatment, harm reduction and integrated services, such as naloxone distribution and drug checking equipment. The fund will work to be responsive and adaptive to allow communities to address their urgent needs in the way that best addresses their unique needs.

    Applications will be accepted until November 08, 2024.

    There is no one-size fits all approach to solving this crisis and no community can solve it alone. Our government is committed to doing everything we can with all partners and communities to save lives.

    Quotes

    “Communities across the country have asked for our help, and with the Emergency Treatment Fund we are stepping up to ensure they have the supports they need to respond to their unique needs. By providing the ETF directly to communities, we are ensuring they have another tool to meet the urgent and emerging needs of their communities. We need to try everything we can to get people the help they need and to keep our communities safe.”

    The Honourable Ya’ara Saks
    Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

    “We are using every tool at out disposal to address this tragic overdose crisis. The Emergency Treatment Fund will help direct support to where it will make the most impact in addressing urgent needs. As this crisis evolves, we will continue to adapt our approach to address what is happening in communities.”

    Yasir Naqvi
    Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

    “All levels of government must work together to ensure health and social supports are available—so people get the help they need, no matter where they live. We must ensure that support can get to communities and municipalities to quickly address their unique needs relating to the toxic drug and overdose crisis. This funding, along with the dedicated work of those working on the frontlines, will make a real difference in communities right across the country.”

    Élisabeth Brière
    Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2024 earmarked $150 million over three years of one-time funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities to provide rapid responses to emergent, critical needs related to the substance use and overdose crisis.

    • The funding breakdown allocates $25 million in 2024-2025, $75 million in 2025-26 and $50 million in 2026-27.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Yuval Daniel
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks
    Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
    819-360-6927

    Media Relations
    Health Canada
    613-957-2983
    media@hc-sc.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on Yom Kippur

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Yom Kippur:

    “Tonight, at sundown, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will observe Yom Kippur.

    “Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred day in the Jewish faith. Families come together to fast, pray, and spend time with loved ones. It’s a day to reflect, to heal, and to hope.

    “This year, Yom Kippur comes at a time of tragic loss and pain, as we mark one year since the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. A year marked by a sharp rise in antisemitism across our communities, threats to Jewish day schools, and community centres targeted. These High Holidays, Jewish families are attending synagogue surrounded by police. We created the Canada Community Security Program to increase protections for the community and expand security – but we shouldn’t be here.

    “To Jewish Canadians, know that we stand with you and that we fight this fight with you. Whether it’s at a synagogue or a school, whether it’s wearing the Magen David or a Kippah – you deserve to live openly and proudly Jewish lives, without intimidation or fear.

    “On this Yom Kippur, let us hope for a better future, which includes a Canada free from antisemitism. A future tied to the values of kindness, compassion, and openness that define the Jewish people. A future where the path of war and violence ends. A future where hostages come home. Where those displaced can be reunited, those broken can start to rebuild, and those hurt can begin to heal.

    “Together, we can help build a kinder, more inclusive, and welcoming country for everyone. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to Jewish communities for the Jewish year of 5785 and wish all of those who are observing a meaningful Yom Kippur.

    “G’mar Chatima Tova.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government invests to prevent and reduce Veterans homelessness in Prince Edward Island

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    Summerside, Prince Edward Island, October 11, 2024 – The federal government is partnering with the John Howard Society of Prince Edward Island and investing $493,560 to support Veterans struggling with homelessness in the province.

    This funding was announced by MP Bobby Morrissey, Mayor Dan Kutcher, and Conor Mullin and is coming through the Service and Supports Stream of the Veteran Homelessness Program.

    The John Howard Society will provide wrap-around supports and housing initiatives to address the unique needs of Veterans and their families. The project will match Veterans in need with suitable housing, provide rental supplements, and offer extensive case management to help clients overcome barriers and develop additional skills. The project includes prevention measures such as immediate intervention in housing loss and support for Veterans transitioning from active duty.

    Quotes

    “Canadian Veterans have dedicated their lives to our country’s service, making significant sacrifices, and we want to stand by them. The John Howard Society of Prince Edward Island project is one of many initiatives we’re undertaking across Canada to ensure that our Veterans receive the care and stability they deserve. As we work with our partners to eliminate chronic homelessness, our unwavering commitment is to be part of the solution.”

    Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, Prince Edward Island, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “Summerside is proud to stand with the federal government and the John Howard Society of Prince Edward Island in supporting our Veterans. They have given so much to serve our country, and it is essential that we provide them with the stability, care, and housing they deserve. This initiative will help ensure that Veterans in our community have access to safe and supportive environments as they transition to the next chapter of their lives.”

    His Worship Dan Kutcher, Mayor of Summerside

    “The John Howard Society of Prince Edward Island is proud to partner with the Government of Canada to provide services to Veterans who  need our support.”

    Conor Mullin, President of The John Howard Society of PEI

    Quick facts

    • The Veteran Homelessness Program supports Veterans who are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness in securing and maintaining housing and addressing underlying issues. 

    • The Veteran Homelessness Program is funding projects under two streams:

      • Services and Supports Stream – $72.9 million for rent supplements and wrap-around services such as counselling and treatment for substance use.
      • Capacity Building Stream – $6.2 million for research and improved data collection; increase capacity of organizations to deliver tailored programs.

    • According to Census 2021, there were an estimated 461,240 Canadian Veterans. It is estimated there are about 2,600 Veterans experiencing homelessness. 

    • The Veteran Homelessness Program is a part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), a 10-year, $115-billion-plus plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.

      • NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with the public and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with many different Canadians, including people with lived experience of housing need.

    • Through Budget 2024 the government is providing an additional $6 million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to Veterans Affairs Canada for the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. A portion of the funding will focus on projects for Indigenous, women, and 2SLGBTQI+ Veterans.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Infrastructure Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    City of Summerside
    Communications & Public Relations
    publicrelations@summerside.ca

    Conor Mullin
    President
    John Howard Society of PEI
    cjmullin@gov.pe.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –