Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $21 Million for Water Infrastructure in Nevada Through Investing in America Agenda

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 billion in new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade water infrastructure and keep communities safe. Combined with $2.6 billion announced earlier this month, this $6.2 billion in investments for Fiscal Year 2025 will help communities across the country upgrade water infrastructure that is essential to safely managing wastewater, protecting local freshwater resources, and delivering safe drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses.     

    These Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will flow through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF and DWSRF), a long-standing federal-state water investment partnership. This multibillion-dollar investment will fund state-run, low-interest loan programs to address key challenges in financing water infrastructure.  Today’s announcement includes allotments for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Clean Water General Supplemental funds for Nevada ($12,216,000), Clean Water Emerging Contaminants funds ($1,054,000), and $7,921,000 under the Drinking Water Emerging Contaminants Fund.

    This funding is part of a five-year, $50 billion investment in water infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest investment in water infrastructure in American history. To ensure investments reach communities that need them the most, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that most of the funding announced today must be provided to disadvantaged communities through grants or loans that do not have to be repaid.

    “Access to clean drinking water and dependable wastewater infrastructure is fundamental to the quality of life for all people in Nevada and for all Americans,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “This investment, through unprecedented funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, will be instrumental in upgrading water infrastructure and supporting local jobs, economic resiliency, and long-term sustainability for communities throughout the Pacific Southwest.”

    EPA is changing the odds for communities that have faced barriers to planning and accessing federal funding through its Water Technical Assistance program, which helps disadvantaged communities identify water challenges, develop infrastructure upgrade plans, and apply for funding. Communities seeking Water Technical Assistance can request support by completing the WaterTA request form. These efforts also advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which sets the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
    To read stories about how unprecedented investments in water from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA’s Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Storymap. To read more about additional projects, see EPA’s recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects.

    For more information, including the state-by-state allocation of 2025 funding and a breakdown of EPA SRF funding available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website. Additionally, the SRF Public Portal allows users to access data from the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF programs through interactive reports, dashboards, and maps.

    The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for over 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America. SRF programs are critically important for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant, sustainable water quality and public health benefits nationwide. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure, in which principal and interest payments on loans become available to address future needs.

    Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region on our Instagram, Facebook, X, and website.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power at the Donors’ Conference to Support the Displaced and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin

    Source: USAID

    ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA POWER: Hello. Thank you all for being here – and a particular thanks to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for bringing us together. 

    You’ve heard already about the overlapping crises in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin region – violence raging, floods surging, children starving. 

    So today, I’m announcing that the United States will contribute more than $572 million dollars to humanitarian efforts in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. This new funding brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance to more than $1.2 billion in the region this fiscal year. These resources will help our partners provide badly needed basics like food, water, shelter, and health care. 

    This aid, and all of the aid fellow donors are generously committing today, has the potential to save lives. But, it will not fulfill that potential if the assistance can’t safely reach the people who need it most. 

    You know all too well the barriers facing humanitarians in the region. Burdensome and costly requirements for transporting aid; bans on cash assistance; deliberate blockades by armed extremists and the armies combating them; atrocities against civilians.

    So, all of us gathered today should contribute not only the resources needed for humanitarian response, but we must also use our collective influence to demand an environment that allows safe and unhindered delivery of that assistance across the region. 

    Thank you again to all of the donors who are stepping up. As we speak, lives are hanging in the balance, and we have to work together to do everything we can to protect them. 

    Thank you so much.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Meets with Executive Chairman of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Tony Blair

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:‎

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair to discuss cooperation between USAID and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). Administrator Power and former Prime Minister Blair discussed TBI’s longstanding partnership with Power Africa and progress on rural electrification and other shared priorities aimed at improving access to affordable and reliable electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Administrator Power and former Prime Minister Blair also discussed humanitarian efforts to meet the ongoing and urgent needs in the Middle East, initiatives for advancing digital development, and opportunities to support countries experiencing democratic openings, including Guatemala.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Deputy Administrator Michele Sumilas During the World Bank Annual Meetings

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:‎

    From October 23 through 25, Acting Deputy Administrator Michele Sumilas participated in various engagements during the World Bank Annual Meetings. Throughout the week, she engaged USAID’s partners on shared priorities, including boosting food security and climate action, as well as collaborating on humanitarian assistance.

    On Wednesday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas represented USAID at a signing ceremony, where Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and Ukrainian Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko marked the intention of the United States to join G7 efforts to make lending available to Ukraine, and provide a $20 billion U.S. loan to Ukraine that will be repaid by proceeds derived from Russia’s frozen assets. 

    Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas then participated in a roundtable hosted by the Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which featured Ministers from Angola, Bhutan, Chad, Comoros, India, Nigeria, and Madagascar. The roundtable provided an opportunity for participants to discuss how the Coalition can be responsive to infrastructure needs in Africa. 

    On Thursday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas met with Denmark’s State Secretary for Development Policy Lotte Machon to discuss cooperation on food security, climate action, advancing democracy, and joint efforts on humanitarian assistance in Gaza and Ukraine. 

    The Acting Deputy Administrator also participated in a fireside chat, along with Norway’s Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim and Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P’s) Jean-Michel Severino, Chair of the Supervisory Board, at the Financing for Agricultural Small-and-Medium Enterprises in Africa (FASA) Fund Launch, hosted by the Embassy of Norway. USAID and Norway announced that the United Kingdom and Republic of Korea have joined USAID as partners in the FASA Fund, which will help unlock additional commercial capital. In addition, Norway and USAID announced that Investisseurs and Partenaires (I&P) – a pioneering impact investment group dedicated to financing and supporting African entrepreneurs while strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems across the African continent – was competitively selected as the FASA fund manager. 

    On Friday, Acting Deputy Administrator Sumilas met with the United Kingdom’s Second Permanent Under-Secretary Nick Dyer to discuss U.S.-UK shared priorities. She also met Brazil’s Ambassador to the United States Maria Luiza Viotti to discuss key development priorities of Brazil’s G20 presidency, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty to include recognition of Brazil’s support for their role in Multi-National Security Support Missions in Haiti, and continued efforts to aid Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Brazil. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proposes historic expansion of film & TV tax credit program

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 27, 2024

    What you need to know: California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has generated tens of billions of dollars in investments while creating nearly 200,000 jobs, and Governor Newsom is proposing to expand it to outpace other states and bring more business back to California.

    Hollywood, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a proposal to expand California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program to $750 million annually, a massive increase from the current $330 million annual allocation. This ambitious expansion would position California as the top state for capped film incentive programs, surpassing other states like New York.

    California is the entertainment capital of the world, rooted in decades of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled talent. Expanding this program will help keep production here at home, generate thousands of good-paying jobs, and strengthen the vital link between our communities and the state’s iconic film and TV industry.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Generating investments & creating jobs

    A study of the program found that, for every tax credit dollar approved, it generated at least $24.40 in output, $16.14 in GDP, $8.60 in wages, and $1.07 in initial state and local tax revenue from production in the state.

    Since its inception in 2009, California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program has generated over $26 billion in economic activity and supported more than 197,000 cast and crew jobs across the state. 

    California previously updated the program to include new workforce diversity provisions, more funding for the Career Pathways Training Program, and the nation’s first Safety on Production Pilot Program.

    Tax credits will become refundable for the first time since the program’s inception in 2009, beginning with Program 4.0 set to commence on July 1, 2025.

    Why expansion is needed

    This program has been oversubscribed year after year, with more productions applying than can be accommodated under the current cap.

    Between 2020 and 2024, data shows California lost production spending due to limited tax credit funding and increased competition in other states and countries, directly impacting state jobs and local economies​​.

    In recent years, projects that were unable to secure California’s tax credits and moved to other locations as a result contributed to significant economic losses, with an estimated 71% of rejected projects subsequently filming out-of-state.

    “Hollywood is the cornerstone of this city and our economy and our message to the industry today is clear – we have your back,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “When I was Speaker of the California State Assembly, I worked to support leaders like now-Councilman Paul Krekorian to create the film tax credit. Despite the economy being in a difficult spot, we knew that the industry needed support, and if we could at least start the program, then we could grow it. Today I’m proud to stand with Governor Newsom and industry leaders to continue this important work supporting this legacy industry.”

    Film & TV tax credit recipients in California

    • September 2024: Indie films and “Suits LA.” $51.6 million to support 19 projects, including 15 independent films. Expected to generate $284.4 million in spending, with $112.1 million allocated to wages, and over 3,800 jobs.
    • July 2024: Five new TV projects, including HBO’s “Latitude” and 20th Television’s “All’s Fair.”​ $58 million in tax credits went to five television projects, which was expected to generate $386 million across 438 filming days. Estimated to support 15,869 background performers, 1,196 crew members, and 685 cast members.
    • March 2024: Amazon’s Fallout relocated to California. $152 million in tax credits went to 12 projects, including Fallout’s second season relocating from New York. Projected to bring in over $1.1 billion in spending across the state and support 4,500 cast and crew members, plus 50,000 background performer days.
    • December 2023: The Mandalorian & Grogu to film in California. With a total of $400 million allocated to 15 projects, including Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian & Grogu alone that was set to inject $166 million into California’s economy. Nearly 20,000 jobs created, including 2,252 crew and 598 cast. Other productions included “The Accountant 2” by Amazon Studios, “Untitled 20th Film,” Disney’s untitled live-action feature​.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News Welcome to The California Weekly, your Saturday morning recap of top stories and announcements you might have missed. News you might have missed 1. KEEPING CALIFORNIANS SAFE Since Governor Newsom launched the CHP operation in partnership with the City of Oakland,…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement regarding the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, naval aviators from California who perished in an aircraft crash near Mount…

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – NEW RFP FOR AXIS DEER CONTROL ON MAUI NUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – NEW RFP FOR AXIS DEER CONTROL ON MAUI NUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Posted on Oct 25, 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

    Oct. 25, 2024

    NEW RFP FOR AXIS DEER CONTROL ON MAUI NUI 

    (KAHULUI, MAUI) – Eligible private landowners and lessees of Maui Nui have the opportunity to participate in targeted axis deer control through the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Landowner Incentive Program (LIP). The goal of this program is to incentivize Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi landowners to decrease the number of axis deer from the landscape.

    This is the fourth Request for Proposals (RFP) administered by DOFAW related to axis deer on Maui Nui. Continual growth of axis deer populations on these islands, and impacts to natural resources, economic interests and public safety continue to be problematic.

    The LIP provides landowners and land managers with an option to help control axis deer numbers on their properties, mitigating their impacts. Recent harvest rates suggest a promising trend toward minimizing environmental and economic damage to property and land and reducing the overall deer population.

    If selected, the contract will run for a 12-month period, approximately Dec. 20, 2024 – Dec. 20, 2025, with the possibility of a one-year extension. A $25-$50/deer reimbursement throughout the life of the contract is pursuant to DOFAW’s detailed fee schedule. All axis deer harvest/control must abide by all applicable laws including Hawai‘i Administrative Rules Chapter 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting.

    The deadline to submit proposals is November 25, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

    Landowners who are currently enrolled in the program will not be eligible for this new round of proposals. Multiple awards will be made under this RFP. Participation in this program is entirely voluntary.

    Proposals will be selected on a competitive basis from available funds. Ranking criteria will include the number of axis deer to be harvested and impacts to overall population control goals. Full details of this RFP, including scope of work, proposal format, special provisions, and other information is at:https://hands.ehawaii.gov/hands/opportunities/opportunity-details/24906.

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

    HD Video – Axis Deer Aerials (Central Maui) (Oct. 25, 2023):

    [embedded content]

    HD Video – Molokaʻi  Axis Deer Aerials, James Espaniola SOTs (Jan. 13, 2022):

    [embedded content]

    Photographs – Axis Deer- Molokaʻi North Shore (Dec. 9, 2021):

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pno81w1tv1et17j/AADvrBRU2IGAwLF81ZG5pN2xa?dl=0

    Photographs – Axis Deer (Sept. 14, 2020):

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ovu1j7o4c1levxs/AAB2JoHvgXc5Hd3SO8TPN9GVa?dl=0

    Program questions can be directed to Jason Omick at: (808) 347-6869 or [email protected].

     

    Media Contact:

    Ryan Aguilar

    Communications Specialist

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    [email protected]

    808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURES ON MAUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURES ON MAUI, Oct. 25, 2024

    Posted on Oct 25, 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 25, 2024 

    IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOSURES TO STATE LANDS ON MAUI

    (KEʻANAE, MAUI) – Two upcoming improvement projects on Maui will cause temporary closures to state lands under the care of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).

    Road widening and infrastructure improvement work scheduled to begin on Monday, Oct. 28 will close the Keʻanae Arboretum, located in the Koolau Forest Reserve in northeast Maui, through Dec. 1. The project will address safety concerns for pedestrian and vehicular access to and from the arboretum. A popular attraction off the Hana Highway, the arboretum’s trail and access road provides an easily accessible route for multiple user groups at the reserve.

    A shorter-term closure will impact parking at the Lahaina-Pali Trailhead (Ukumehame side) on the southern end of West Maui. Testing for coring and drilling work is scheduled from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30. The Lahaina-Pali Trail will remain open during this time with access from the Māʻalaea parking lot and trailhead. This project is part of a feasibility study for developing a sediment capture basin at the base of Manawaipueo Gulch to mitigate damage to the Olowalu reef.

    # # # 

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     Photographs – Improvement Projects on Maui (various dates):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/c2pdepzzes4rlyjnm61ab/AIuQzlETFw69Ztnmuxyo5zo?rlkey=kwk5k5irhbq8stpz9gqv4v8fb&st=for1ziz2&dl=0

     

    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: Governor and First Partner honor fallen naval aviators

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 25, 2024

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom issued the following statement regarding the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, naval aviators from California who perished in an aircraft crash near Mount Rainier:

    “Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Lt. Cmdr. Evans and Lt. Wileman, two decorated naval aviators who stood out for the positive impact they made in the lives of others. We send our deepest condolences to their family, friends and colleagues during this time of mourning. California joins the nation in honoring their heroic service and enduring legacy.”

    Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay P. Evans, 31, a Naval Flight Officer and Lt. Serena N. Wileman, 31, a Naval Aviator had recently returned from a deployment with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, “Zappers,” with whom they spent nine months at sea as a part of Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3).

    In memorial, Governor Newsom ordered flags to be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space.

    Recent news

    News The bet: When the Dodgers win, Governor Hochul will display Dodgers memorabilia in her office for one day; if the Yankees should win, Governor Newsom will display Yankees memorabilia in his office for one day. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Newsom accepted a…

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom urged CARB to more quickly study the implementation of increased ethanol blending in gasoline, which could help to lower prices by up to $0.20 per gallon and save Californians as much as $2.7 billion every year — with little…

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Šiaulių Bankas invitation to Q3 2024 Financial Results webinar

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Šiaulių Bankas (SAB1L) invites shareholders, investors, analysts and other stakeholders to join its Investors Webinar for Q3 2024 Financial Results and highlights scheduled on 31 October, 2024 at 8:30 am (EET). The presentation will be held online in English.

    The webinar will be hosted by Vytautas Sinius, CEO, Tomas Varenbergas, Head of Investment Management Division and Tautvydas Mėdžius, Strategy Partner, who will discuss the bank’s financial results for the third quarter of 2024, recent developments, and will take questions from participants.

    Please send your questions in advance to investors@sb.lt   

    How to join the webinar?

    To join the webinar, please register via following link https://sb.zoomtv.lt. After successful registration You will be provided with the webinar link. The webinar will be recorded and available online for everyone at Šiaulių Bankas website www.sb.lt/en/investors 

    Additional information:
    Tomas Varenbergas
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Voters lacked a genuine choice in Uzbekistan’s technically well-prepared parliamentary elections

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Voters lacked a genuine choice in Uzbekistan’s technically well-prepared parliamentary elections

    TASHKENT, 28 October 2024 – Uzbekistan’s 27 October parliamentary elections took place amid ongoing reforms, including amendments to the Constitution, but the political environment remained constrained, not providing voters with a genuine choice, international observers said in a preliminary statement released today. Despite the ongoing reforms, fundamental freedoms remain disproportionally limited both by legislation and in practice, the statement says.
    “These elections were held under a new mixed electoral system, reflecting significant constitutional amendments and a revised electoral code as part of Uzbekistan’s ongoing reform efforts,” said Mr. Azay Guliyev, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. “While these reforms represent progress in enhancing human rights provisions, significant challenges remain in the realization of fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights to association, peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”
    While the election-related laws have gradually evolved and the elections were technically well-prepared, significant challenges in meeting international standards persist in such areas as political party registration, the right to stand, campaign finance transparency, citizen observation, and the publication of polling station results. 
    All five registered political parties were able to campaign freely and with legally enforced equal conditions, but their campaigns were low-key and devoid of real challenges to the policies of the ruling party or to each other. Media coverage was limited by restrictions on free expression, resulting in minimal access for voters to diverse viewpoints. Positively, women were well represented among candidates and in election administration.
    “In a landscape where the five registered parties share a common support for government policies, voters were not presented with genuine alternatives. This further highlights a need to foster a more dynamic and competitive political environment to truly represent citizens’ voices,” said Sargis Khandanyan, Head of the OSCE PA delegation. “At the same time, the increased gender quota for parliamentary candidates marks a positive development. We are hopeful that this will further boost women’s participation in public and political life in line with OSCE commitments.”
    The changes to election-related laws include a revised electoral system, new party list registration rules, modified rules on election management bodies, and an increased gender quota, but the relatively short timeframe for implementing these changes raised questions about compliance with international good practices.
    The country’s media-related laws contain broad and insufficiently defined provisions, including on religious extremism, disturbances of public order and false information and, as such, do not provide legal clarity and unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression. Defamation and insult remain criminalized, while imprisonment is still foreseen for public slander and insulting the president. In addition, undue external interference on media editorial freedom and a limited advertising market stifle open discussion and independent journalism, and result in reported widespread self-censorship. State-owned broadcast and print media provided free airtime and space for contestants in line with the law. Private television channels organized election debates, but provided only limited news coverage and virtually no analysis of the campaign.
    Election preparations at all levels were administered efficiently, and the Central Election Commission held regular live-streamed sessions and swiftly published its decisions, contributing to transparency. Despite previous ODIHR recommendations, the independence of lower-level election commissions remained negatively affected by the prominent role of Mahallas, which are local self-governing bodies  closely aligned with state and local administration in various aspects of the electoral process.
    Election day was calm and orderly, but marred by numerous cases of identified violations and malfeasance, as well as procedural and technical problems. Important safeguards were repeatedly disregarded during voting, counting and tabulation, challenging the integrity of the process and undermining transparency.
    “Uzbekistan’s authorities have partially addressed some prior ODIHR recommendations through recent legislative changes,” said Douglas Wake, Head of the Election Observation Mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. “Nevertheless, given the problems that our observers identified in yesterday’s voting, counting and tabulation, much more must be done to enhance transparency and confidence in the officially announced turnout and results. ODIHR looks forward to further co-operation with Uzbekistan’s authorities, including on the recommendations that will come in our final report.”
    A total of 875 candidates were registered from the five registered political parties. The laws retain burdensome requirements for party registration, as well as broad legal grounds for denying registration and the suspension of party activities. The legal framework also does not allow for independent candidates, thus limiting pluralism and political competition.
    For these elections, the gender quota for women was increased from 30 to 40 per cent.  Women hold 47 of the 150 seats in the outgoing Legislative Chamber and comprised 45 per cent of candidates. Furthermore, the Speaker of the Senate, one of seven Deputy Speakers of the Legislative Chamber, and one of four Deputy Prime Ministers are women. Despite ongoing efforts to increase women’s participation in public and political life, however, women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions. Only two out of 27 ministers and three out of 12 members of the Supreme Judicial Council are women. All regional governors (Hokims) are men.
    The regulations for campaign finance lack clarity and do not facilitate transparency, not providing for effective oversight and public scrutiny. Funding for campaign purposes is allocated exclusively from the state budget, and only to registered political parties with an approved list of candidates.
    International organizations, political parties, Mahallas and accredited media are entitled to observe elections. The CEC registered 851 international observers. Despite previous ODIHR recommendations, the legislation does not contain provisions for citizen election observers.
    For further information, contact:
    Thomas Rymer, press adviser, ODIHR election observation mission, thomas.rymer@odihr-uzbekistan.org
    Anzhelika Ivanishcheva, media officer, OSCE PA, anzhelika.ivanishcheva@oscepa.dk

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Anchor Peabody Signals Growth, Expansion with Slate of New Hires

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anchor Peabody, a leading investment banking firm for the building products and services industry, has expanded its team of senior executives and banking professionals as part of its ongoing strategy to build the leading M&A advisory team in the building, construction and home services industries.

    Chobun Hieblinger has joined Anchor Peabody as Managing Director. Mr. Hieblinger has over 17 years of financial advisory and investment banking experience, the bulk of which is in building products, including roles with the Lehman Brothers (now Barclays Investment Bank) and RBC Capital Markets. Most recently, Mr. Hieblinger was Managing Director and Head of Building Products at B. Riley Securities in Los Angeles.

    “After two years of slower demand due to higher interest rate and post-COVID dynamics, the building industry is poised for strong growth, driven by favorable demographic trends, aging housing stock, and years of under-building,” said Hieblinger. “With deep relationships, particularly in the tile and stone space, I look forward to helping owners and operators capitalize on this very positive M&A dynamic.”

    Greg Hicks has joined Anchor Peabody as Business Development Director. Mr. Hicks has nearly 20 years of investment banking, principal investing, and corporate development experience, having focused primarily on building products and general industrials. He began his professional career with Lincoln International in Chicago, with stints in Frankfurt and London.  Following Lincoln, he helped found Desco Capital, a private equity / family office. Mr. Hicks then ran Alesco Holdings, an outsourced business development firm, and most recently led M&A for W.W. Williams, one of the nation’s largest industrial distribution, repair and service companies.

    “I’m excited to align myself with Anchor Peabody, where secular tailwinds are expected to produce a robust M&A environment in the home services space for the foreseeable future. I look forward to providing thought-leadership and advice tailored to the HVAC, plumbing and electrical market and its participants,” said Hicks. “The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical M&A market is normalizing after a surge in 2021-2022, with deal volumes returning to more sustainable levels.  Private equity and strategic buyers remain active, with a focus on service-based businesses with recurring revenue streams.”

    About Anchor Peabody
    Anchor Peabody is an investment banking firm comprised of former owners, operators and investors in the building products and services industry. The firm combines over 100 years of capital and mergers & acquisition experience with a modern approach to banking to align with client objectives and eliminate banker burnout from the industry model. For more information, visit www.anchorpeabody.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Solar Alliance signs contract for $3.7 million solar project in Kentucky

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (‘Solar Alliance’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: SOLR, OTC: SAENF), a leading solar energy solutions provider focused on the commercial and utility solar sectors, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract for the design, engineering and installation of a $3.7 million solar project for a customer in Kentucky. The project consists of two sites, both scheduled to begin construction in November 2024: a 553-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of 2024 and a 943-kilowatt (“kW”) project targeted for completion by the end of March 2025.

    “This project is a pertinent illustration of the growth we are encountering as a company, and the trust and reputation we are building with regional customers,” said U.S. General Manager Jon Hamilton. “Our in-depth, local expertise combined with practical, efficient execution results in an attractive solar solution for our customer. We are enabling our clients to reduce their energy costs; to secure their long-term energy requirements and to meet their sustainability and energy efficiency objectives – and this is resulting in increased sales for the Company.”

    Solar Alliance assesses the daily demands and energy use profiles of manufacturers, warehousers, retailers and data centers and provides cost-effective solar solutions that include design, engineering, installation and project management services. The Company offers a turnkey approach and simplifies the transition to solar energy.

    “Our strategy of targeting larger revenue projects is generating positive results for Solar Alliance, while lowering operating costs and delivering substantial environmental benefits to our customers,” said CEO Brian Timmons. “We have passed an inflection point and are now delivering larger commercial solar projects on a consistent basis. This project is an outstanding example of the type of project we are now targeting in the U.S. Southeast and reflects the consistent progress we continue to make.”

    Brian Timmons, CEO


    About Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (
    www.solaralliance.com)

    Solar Alliance is an energy solutions provider focused on the commercial, utility and community solar sectors. Our experienced team of solar professionals reduces or eliminates customers’ vulnerability to rising energy costs, offers an environmentally friendly source of electricity generation, and provides affordable, turnkey clean energy solutions. Solar Alliance’s strategy is to build, own and operate our own solar assets while also generating stable revenue through the sale and installation of solar projects to commercial and utility customers. The technical and operational synergies from this combined business model supports sustained growth across the solar project value chain from design, engineering, installation, ownership and operations/maintenance.

    Statements in this news release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company’s future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute Forward-looking statements. The words “would”, “will”, “expected” and “estimated” or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release include, but is not limited to the targeted completion dates of both sites of the Kentucky solar project and the types of solar projects that the Company is now targeting. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different than those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the ability to raise sufficient capital, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, litigation, legislative or other judicial, regulatory, legislative and political competitive developments, technological or operational difficulties, the ability to maintain revenue growth, the ability to execute on the Company’s strategies, the ability to complete the Company’s current and backlog of solar projects, the ability to grow the Company’s market share, the high growth US solar industry, the ability to convert the backlog of projects into revenue, the expected timing of the construction and completion of the Company’s solar projects, the targeting of larger customers, potential corporate growth opportunities and the ability to execute on the key objectives in 2024. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

    “Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.”

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bitfarms Appoints Rachel Silverstein as U.S. General Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated March 8, 2024, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated November 10, 2023.

    TORONTO, Ontario and BROSSARD, Québec, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitfarms Ltd. (NASDAQ/TSX: BITF), a global leader in vertically integrated Bitcoin data center operations, today announced that it has appointed Rachel Silverstein as U.S. General Counsel, a newly created role, effective November 1, 2024.

    Ms. Silverstein has been a practicing attorney for over 16 years and is one of the most experienced Bitcoin mining-focused attorneys in the U.S., having served as lead counsel on well over a gigawatt worth of Bitcoin mining transactions across multiple states and countries. She is the co-founder of Firm 21m, a law firm dedicated to representing primarily Bitcoin miners, energy companies, investors and data center builders in all manner of commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, strategic financings, energy supply agreements and hosting agreements. Prior to founding the firm, Ms. Silverstein held the positions of General Counsel at CleanSpark, Inc. from 2020 to 2023, and Corporate Counsel at Zappos, among others. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University and a juris doctorate degree from William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

    “We continue to strengthen the Bitfarms team and are thrilled to have a thought leader like Rachel join our team,” stated Ben Gagnon, Chief Executive Officer. “Internalizing this function will drive improved operating efficiencies, further enhance our corporate governance and reduce legal expenses. Rachel’s extensive expertise and proven track record with Bitcoin miners and data center builders will be invaluable as we continue to scale in the U.S. We look forward to her contributions as we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives and create further shareholder value.”

    Ms. Silverstein stated, “Ben and the management team at Bitfarms are passionate, thoughtful and innovative leaders, and I am honored and excited to join the Company during such a pivotal time of growth. The Company has a compelling strategic vision, and I intend to leverage my industry acumen, deal-closing experience and operations-centric focus to execute on that vision with clarity, diligence and efficiency.”

    About Bitfarms Ltd.

    Founded in 2017, Bitfarms is a global vertically integrated Bitcoin data center company that contributes its computational power to one or more mining pools from which it receives payment in Bitcoin. Bitfarms develops, owns, and operates vertically integrated data centers with in-house management and company-owned electrical engineering, installation service, and multiple onsite technical repair centers. The Company’s proprietary data analytics system delivers best-in-class operational performance and uptime.

    Bitfarms currently has 12 operating Bitcoin data centers and two under development situated in four countries: Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. Powered predominantly by environmentally friendly hydro-electric and long-term power contracts, Bitfarms is committed to using sustainable and often underutilized energy infrastructure.

    To learn more about Bitfarms’ events, developments, and online communities:

    www.bitfarms.com
    https://www.facebook.com/bitfarms/
    https://twitter.com/Bitfarms_io
    https://www.instagram.com/bitfarms/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitfarms/

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains certain “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) that are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are covered by safe harbors under Canadian and United States securities laws. The statements and information in this release regarding projected growth and expansion, and other statements regarding future plans and objectives of Bitfarms, improved operating efficiencies, financial performance and cost savings in general, and other statements regarding future growth, plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking information.

    Any statements that involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “prospects”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on assumptions and estimates of management of Bitfarms at the time they were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Bitfarms to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to: the construction and operation of new facilities may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion of existing facilities may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; new miners may not perform up to expectations; revenue may not increase as currently anticipated, or at all; the ongoing ability to successfully mine Bitcoin is not assured; failure of the equipment upgrades to be installed and operated as planned; the availability of additional power may not occur as currently planned, or at all; expansion may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the power purchase agreements and economics thereof may not be as advantageous as expected; For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to Bitfarms’ filings on www.sedarplus.ca (which are also available on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at www.sec.gov), including the MD&A for the year-ended December 31, 2023, filed on March 7, 2024 and the MD&A for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 filed on August 8, 2024. Although Bitfarms has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including factors that are currently unknown to or deemed immaterial by Bitfarms. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Bitfarms undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking information other than as required by law. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or any other securities exchange or regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Bitfarms
    Tracy Krumme
    SVP, Head of IR & Corp. Comms.
    +1 786-671-5638
    tkrumme@bitfarms.com

    Media Contact:

    Québec: Tact
    Louis-Martin Leclerc
    +1 418-693-2425
    lmleclerc@tactconseil.ca

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Received Over $4 Million Order from the US Department of Defense

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced today that the US Department of Defense awarded another contract for more than $4 million to Gilat’s US-based subsidiary, DataPath, for DKET 3421 terminals, portable satcom hubs that provide the flexibility, capacity, connectivity, and control needed to ensure mission success anywhere in the world. The orders are expected to be delivered during the first half of 2025.

    The DKET 3421 is an innovative solution to customers’ needs for a high-quality, reliable terminal for mission-critical communications. The field-proven DKET 3421 terminal supports multi-carrier operations with a scalable modem architecture (up to 32 modems). Weighing under 5000 lbs. with a reduced footprint, the DKET 3421 can be easily moved by a forklift. Deploying in less than three hours, the DKET 3421 provides a satellite network hub in the form of a single-skid with the flexibility to leverage available satellite assets.

    “We’re excited to receive another order for our innovative DKET 3421 from our valued military customer. This order highlights the strong trust in our company and our proven ability to deliver mission-critical solutions that meet demanding requirements,” said Nicole Robinson, President of DataPath. “It also demonstrates once again our ability to provide reliable, highly portable, and high-performance network hubs to address our customers’ evolving needs.”

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we create and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity and provide comprehensive, secure end-to-end solutions and services for mission-critical operations, powered by our innovative technology. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Our portfolio includes a diverse offering to deliver high-value solutions for multiple orbit constellations with very high throughput satellites (VHTS) and software-defined satellites (SDS). Our offering is comprised of a cloud-based platform and high-performance satellite terminals; high-performance Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s comprehensive offering supports multiple applications with a full portfolio of products and tailored solutions to address key applications including broadband access, mobility, cellular backhaul, enterprise, defense, aerospace, broadcast, government, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the current terrorist attacks by Hamas, and the war and hostilities between Israel and Hamas and Israel and Hezbollah. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks
    Hagay Katz, Chief Products and Marketing Officer
    hagayk@gilat.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Pipe Launches Embedded Business Card for Software and Payment Companies, Expanding Their Suite of Embedded Financial Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pipe, a fintech company partnering with software platforms to deliver embedded financial solutions for SMBs, today announced it has expanded its suite of products with the launch of Pipe Business Card1. With the Pipe Business Card, software and payments companies can now launch a new business card program for their customers without managing underwriting, capital markets, fraud, or credit risk on their own.

    77% of SMBs are concerned about capital access2 and 55% of them have reported putting business-related expenses on a personal credit card just to get by3. SMBs need spend management solutions just like mid-market and enterprise businesses have access to today.

    The Pipe Business Card is designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses and is available as an embedded offering for Pipe’s software partners. It’s an SMB-friendly business card with up to 1.5% unlimited cash back4, up to 45 days to pay for day-to-day business expenses, and no annual fees. No personal guarantees or credit checks are required to apply for the card.

    A growing number of small businesses are obtaining capital in minutes through Pipe and its partners, based on their business performance, without the traditional lengthy and arduous application process. The launch of the Pipe Business Card is part of Pipe’s commitment to making capital and financial tools more accessible to SMBs that need them. The Pipe Business Card utilizes the same underwriting model as Pipe Capital, which is based on a customer’s revenue. It integrates directly into the software and payment applications SMBs use day-to-day. Pipe intends to roll out additional services through its partners over the next 12 to 18 months, such as spend management solutions for SMBs.

    Pipe offers software companies numerous advantages when launching the Pipe Business Card to their customers, including:

    • Speed to market – Pipe can help partners rapidly launch an embedded card program in days, not months.
    • Tailored underwriting models – Pipe’s customized underwriting models can be calibrated for partners based on revenue data from their customer base to provide optimal access to capital.
    • Comprehensive support – Pipe’s US-based customer success team handles all dispute management and resolution for partners.

    “In the six months since we launched our embedded Capital, Pipe, and its partners, have helped to finance the dreams of tens of thousands of small businesses. We will continue to develop innovative products that remove the friction from their business,” said Luke Voiles, Chief Executive Officer, Pipe. “The Pipe Business Card is the logical expansion of our suite of capital services, and we expect it to have a meaningful impact on our customers, partners, and the overall SMB market.”

    _______________
    1 Pipe Business Cards are issued by First Internet Bank of Indiana, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa ® Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. The Pipe Business Card will be a pay-in-full charge card. Your Statement Balance must be paid in full 15 days after the close of your statement period. Any outstanding statement balance will be automatically debited from your designated payment due date. If a payment fails, your card will be locked and a percentage of your daily sales will be collected until your balance has been repaid in full.
    2Goldman Sachs 10,000 Voices Survey, January 2024.
    3WalletHub, Small Business Survey, April 2024.
    4 Cash Back refers to rewards earned as a percentage discount on eligible purchases.

    About Pipe
    Pipe makes customer-friendly capital and smart financial tools accessible to growing businesses inside the software they use every day. Our embedded solutions are built to scale and give business builders across industries the power to grow on their own terms. To learn more, visit www.pipe.com or follow us on X @pipe.

    Media Contact
    For Pipe
    Merrill Freund
    merrill@freundpr.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Legible Releases FrankensteinAI with Spellbinding AI Chat Feature Just in Time for Halloween

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Legible (CSE: READ) (OTCQB: LEBGF) (FSE: D0T) (“Legible or “the Company”), a pioneer in mobile-centric eBook and audiobook entertainment, is thrilled to announce the release of FrankensteinAI, the third in its groundbreaking AI Classics series. This innovative “Living Book” seamlessly blends Mary Shelley’s iconic novel with state-of-the-art technology, offering readers an unparalleled interactive experience. The classic horror tale releases in three volumes beginning October 28th.

    FrankensteinAI breathes new life into Shelley’s masterpiece through stunning interactive artwork by renowned digital artist Mr. Remo Camerota. Each animated illustration is a dynamic fusion of Camerota’s vivid imagination and advanced AI technology, capturing the eerie atmosphere of Victor Frankenstein’s creation and enhancing the storytelling in a visually captivating manner. Mr. Camerota’s collaboration with AI technology results in visuals that not only complement but also elevate the storytelling, making every image an integral part of the narrative journey.

    FrankensteinAI also introduces a revolutionary AI chat feature that allows readers to engage in real-time conversations with the novel’s characters. Victor Frankenstein and his Creature serve as AI-driven guides, enabling readers to delve deeper into their fears, desires, and motivations as they explore the narrative. This unique interactive feature allows readers to ask questions, unravel plot intricacies, and explore themes in a way that traditional reading cannot, blending classic literature with modern technology for a uniquely immersive experience.

    “Legible has meticulously preserved the essence of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, ensuring that the original text remains intact and true to Shelley’s intentions. Our goal with FrankensteinAI is to honor the original narrative while enhancing the reader’s experience through technology,” stated Kaleeg Hainsworth, CEO of Legible. “By integrating interactive AI features and Remo Camerota’s mesmeric artwork, we’ve created a Living Book that remains true to Shelley’s vision while offering a fresh, immersive way to engage with this classic tale.”

    Remo Camerota commented, “My vision for FrankensteinAI was to complement Mary Shelley’s original narrative with artwork that feels alive, echoing the Creature’s journey of discovery and isolation. Through the power of AI, these illustrations become part of the reader’s journey, evolving alongside their experience with the text.” Camerota further commented, “I am looking forward to further collaborations with Legible on bringing literature to life with my art.”

    In addition to FrankensteinAI, Legible’s other AI Classics and groundbreaking original publications, such as the My Model Kitchen Living Cookbooks by former supermodel and NYT-bestselling author Ms. Cristina Ferrare, with their embedded Sous Chef AI, are exclusively available to Legible Unbound members. Join now and gain access to these innovations plus millions of eBooks and audiobooks for only US$9.99 per month, unlocking a new world of enriched reading experiences.

    About Legible
    Legible is a trailblazing, mobile-centric global company specializing in eBook and audiobook entertainment. Through extensive partnerships with four of the Big 5 Publishers, the world’s largest eBook distributors, and outstanding publishers of all sizes, Legible delivers millions of eBooks and audiobooks, transforming any smart device into a source of cutting-edge infotainment.

    Recent releases include My Model Kitchen – Vol. 2: Vegetables – The Garden of Earthly Delights, the second of 15 video-enriched Living Cookbooks by former supermodel, bestselling author, TV host, and celebrity chef Cristina Ferrare, featuring an AI Sous Chef for each recipe. The Living Cookbooks and Ms. Ferrare have been featured in various major media outlets including twice on the very popular Drew Barrymore Show, where she dazzles viewers with her culinary expertise while utilizing the AI Sous Chef interactive component.

    As a first mover in the rapidly expanding automotive infotainment market, Legible has partnered with media providers Faurecia Aptoide, Harman Ignite, LiveOne, and Visteon. Legible boasts the only Android Automotive app that can deliver both audiobooks and eBooks to drivers and passengers in tens of millions of vehicles worldwide, positioning the Company at the forefront of in-car infotainment experiences.

    Legible won the 2024 EdTech Breakthrough Award for eLearning Innovation of the Year. Committed to reshaping the digital publishing landscape, Legible is poised to gain significant market share through its innovative 21st-century publishing solutions and enriched reading experiences. Visit www.legible.com to explore how eBooks come to life.

    About Remo Camerota
    Remo Camerota is a world-renowned multidisciplinary artist blending art, pop culture, and technology through a unique visual style. Recognized as one of the top 200 digital artists globally by Lürzer’s Archive Magazine (2020-2023) and with works exhibited alongside icons like Banksy, he’s earned acclaim as a leading NFT artist, generating over $6 million in revenue in 2021-2022. Over 30 years, he’s worked across various media, winning hundreds of awards for campaigns with brands like MTV, Nikon, and Toyota and collaborating with notable figures, including Val Kilmer and Scott Page. His company, Npact, has also supported charitable projects, such as raising funds for 2,000 computers for children in need. With exhibitions in renowned venues like the Louvre and Tate, his passion for boundless creativity and storytelling continues to impact global audiences.

    Contacts

    Legible Inc.
    Ms. Deborah Harford, EVP, Global Strategic Partnerships
    Tel.: +1-604-283-2028
    Email: invest@legible.com
    Website: https://invest.legible.com

    Krupp Kommunications, Inc.
    Ms. Kathy Giaconia, VP Media Relations
    Tel.: +1-213-324-5665
    Email: kgiaconia@kruppagency.com
    Website: www.KruppAgency.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

    This Press Release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information (“forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding Legible’s business. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Legible’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, currency fluctuations, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Although Legible believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward- looking information. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward- looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Legible does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98d32341-a97e-4b8c-b43a-c970ae023d46

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Mastering Document Verification with Reference Data: Key Insights from Regula’s Talk at INTERDOCPOL Congress

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the 3rd International Congress of INTERDOCPOL, Regula’s identity verification expert Inga Voronko spotlighted a breakthrough for document verification: the power of precise and comprehensive reference data. This often-overlooked resource, she explained, is key to enhancing verification accuracy and combating fraud in today’s digital-first world.

    The congress, organized by INTERDOCPOL, a non-profit association working to improve security protocols and practices, provides a platform for law-enforcement professionals and forensic experts from all over the world to collaborate on fighting document fraud. This year’s event, held on October 23 and 24, 2024 in Les Franqueses del Vallès, Spain and themed “Document Fraud: New Points of View,” brought together all-women experts from state and private organizations to share knowledge of the most effective methods of detecting forged and tampered IDs.

    Inga Voronko showcased how using a comprehensive and detailed reference system can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of document verification.

    Image: At the INTERDOCPOL International Congress, Regula’s expert highlighted the importance of using comprehensive reference data in document verification.

    While skilled professionals and advanced technology are essential, reference data also contributes a lot to the quality of identity verification. Accurate verification requires understanding exactly which security features a genuine document should have, where those features are located, how they should look, and what unique properties they possess. With thousands of different identity documents in circulation across the globe, no expert can memorize all the features of every document. This is where reference data becomes crucial.

    With over 30 years of experience in identity verification and forensic research, Regula has created one of the most advanced Information Reference Systems. It contains over 337,000 images of more than 12,000 unique identity documents from 225 states and international organizations, providing vital data for detecting fraudulent documents. In fact, it is the first reference system that covers IDs from every country and territory in the world.

    The images in Regula’s Information Reference System are captured in laboratory conditions, using forensic devices that ensure high optical resolution. This highlights the smallest nuances in security features, such as holograms, watermarks, and specific printing techniques, all of which are essential for verifying document authenticity.

    Moreover, images are captured under various light sources—such as white, infrared, and different wavelengths of ultraviolet lighting—so that verifiers can inspect documents across different spectrums and detect hidden or altered features that may not be visible to the naked eye.

    Today, it’s not enough to simply rely on what you see. Document forgery has become so sophisticated that to be able to detect it, experts need more than technologies: they need a reliable source of reference data, which is constantly updated to be as comprehensive as possible. That is what Regula has been working at for more than 30 years, accumulating deep knowledge and creating the largest digital collection in the world, containing all sorts of documents.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the largest library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies in document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security or speed. Regula was repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eda18c0c-ced9-45de-a8e9-e901db370477

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: International Petroleum Corporation Announces Results of Normal Course Issuer Bid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    International Petroleum Corporation (IPC or the Corporation) (TSX, Nasdaq Stockholm: IPCO) is pleased to announce that IPC repurchased a total of 111,400 IPC common shares (ISIN: CA46016U1084) during the period of October 21 to 25, 2024 under IPC’s normal course issuer bid / share repurchase program (NCIB).

    IPC’s NCIB, announced on December 1, 2023, is being implemented in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052 (Safe Harbour Regulation) and the applicable rules and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and Nasdaq Stockholm and applicable Canadian and Swedish securities laws.

    During the period of October 21 to 25, 2024, IPC repurchased a total of 87,500 IPC common shares on Nasdaq Stockholm. All of these share repurchases were carried out by Pareto Securities AB on behalf of IPC.

    For more information regarding transactions under the NCIB in Sweden, including aggregated volume, weighted average price per share and total transaction value for each trading day during the period of October 21 to 25, 2024, see the following link to Nasdaq Stockholm’s website:

    www.nasdaqomx.com/transactions/markets/nordic/corporate-actions/stockholm/repurchases-of-own-shares

    A detailed breakdown of the transactions conducted on Nasdaq Stockholm during the period of October 21 to 25, 2024 according to article 5.3 of MAR and article 2.3 of the Safe Harbour Regulation is available with this press release on IPC’s website: www.international-petroleum.com/news-and-media/press-releases.

    During the same period, IPC purchased a total of 23,900 IPC common shares on the TSX. All of these share repurchases were carried out by ATB Capital Markets Inc. on behalf of IPC.

    All common shares repurchased by IPC under the NCIB will be cancelled. As at October 25, 2024, the total number of issued and outstanding IPC common shares is 120,751,038 with voting rights and IPC holds 484,000 common shares in treasury.

    Since December 5, 2023 up to and including October 25, 2024, a total of 7,957,782 IPC common shares have been repurchased under the NCIB through the facilities of the TSX and Nasdaq Stockholm. A maximum of 8,342,119 IPC common shares may be repurchased over the period of twelve months commencing December 5, 2023 and ending December 4, 2024, or until such earlier date as the NCIB is completed or terminated by IPC.

    International Petroleum Corp. (IPC) is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with a high quality portfolio of assets located in Canada, Malaysia and France, providing a solid foundation for organic and inorganic growth. IPC is a member of the Lundin Group of Companies. IPC is incorporated in Canada and IPC’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange under the symbol “IPCO”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Rebecca Gordon
    SVP Corporate Planning and Investor Relations
    rebecca.gordon@international-petroleum.com
    Tel: +41 22 595 10 50
     

    Or

    Robert Eriksson
    Media Manager
    reriksson@rive6.ch
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15

    This information is information that International Petroleum Corporation is required to make public pursuant to the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 12:15 CET on October 28, 2024.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements and information which constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward-looking statements”) relate to future events, including the Corporation’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. IPC does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

    All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “forecast”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe”, “budget” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the ability and willingness of IPC to continue the NCIB, including the number of common shares to be acquired and cancelled and the timing of such purchases and cancellations; and the return of value to IPC’s shareholders as a result of any common share repurchases.

    The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by IPC, including expectations and assumptions concerning: prevailing commodity prices and currency exchange rates; applicable royalty rates and tax laws; interest rates; future well production rates and reserve and contingent resource volumes; operating costs; our ability to maintain our existing credit ratings; our ability to achieve our performance targets; the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals; the performance of existing wells; the success obtained in drilling new wells; anticipated timing and results of capital expenditures; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the timing, location and extent of future drilling operations; the successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions and that we will be able to implement our standards, controls, procedures and policies in respect of any acquisitions and realize the expected synergies on the anticipated timeline or at all; the benefits of acquisitions; the state of the economy and the exploration and production business in the jurisdictions in which IPC operates and globally; the availability and cost of financing, labour and services; our intention to complete share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid program, including the funding of such share repurchases, existing and future market conditions, including with respect to the price of our common shares, and compliance with respect to applicable limitations under securities laws and regulations and stock exchange policies; and the ability to market crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids successfully.

    Although IPC believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because IPC can give no assurances that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to: general global economic, market and business conditions; the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to reserves, resources, production, revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price fluctuations; interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental and climate-related risks; competition; innovation and cybersecurity risks related to our systems, including our costs of addressing or mitigating such risks; the ability to attract, engage and retain skilled employees; incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals; geopolitical conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and the conflict in the Middle East, and their potential impact on, among other things, global market conditions; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties and environmental regulations. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

    Additional information on these and other factors that could affect IPC, or its operations or financial results, are included in IPC’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Risks Factors” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory” therein), in the management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information”, “Risks Factors” and “Reserves and Resources Advisory” therein) and other reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including previous financial reports, management’s discussion and analysis and material change reports, which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca) or IPC’s website (www.international-petroleum.com).

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Five-year plan commits to Sheffield being a proud dementia-friendly city Sheffield has a new citywide dementia plan to provide people with dementia and their families with the right support and care. 28 October 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Sheffield’s skyline

    Sheffield has a new citywide dementia plan to provide people with dementia and their families with the right support and care.

    The Council, key partners across the city, people living with dementia and their families have all worked together to inform the plan, which aims for Sheffield to become a proud dementia-friendly city.

    It will be discussed next week by members of the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee who will be asked to approve the plan, which will run from 2025-2030.

    Councillor Angela Argenzio, Chair of Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Our vision is to make sure people with dementia are supported by being in the right environment, with the right support around them. At committee today, the Council and its key partner organisations signed up to a five-year plan, designed as a result of research and conversations with providers and people and families with lived experience of dementia. It focuses on what they have said is important to them.

    Nine commitments make up the plan:

    • Sheffield will become a Dementia friendly city
    • More will be done to prevent, reduce, and delay, the risk of developing dementia
    • Improved access to dementia diagnosis at the earliest possible stage for the people of Sheffield.
    • Support will be personalised, local and accessible, to help people with dementia to remain independent for as long as possible
    • High quality support to families and carers of people living with dementia in Sheffield will be provided
    • People living with dementia and their carers will receive care and support that recognises and works with them as individuals
    • Families and staff will be supported to plan ahead to reduce the likelihood of dementia related crisis
    • Improved care for people with dementia attending hospital
    • Personalised, good quality palliative and end of life care when needed

    Councillor Angela Argenzio added: “We’re driving this work forward with the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, all of our partners from both the statutory, voluntary sector and working with communities because we need to be better at supporting the diverse needs of this group of people.

    “In Sheffield, we know that our success will be because we have adopted a multi-agency approach in supporting people across the city. It’s the working together that will be key. Supporting people with dementia and their families and those who work with dementia effectively will only be possible by having a focus on doing the things that we know have been agreed as a result of what people living with dementia have told us is important. Working in partnership is key to us all making progress together.

    “One of the biggest highlights from the results showed how difficult lives can become for those living with dementia if there isn’t consistency. Consistency makes a world of difference. Our job is to make sure they are fully supported, and we want to achieve this through these commitments.”

    Grace Stead from ‘Enrichment for the Elderly’ delivers Dementia Stars training in the city funded by Sheffield City Council through Dementia Advice Sheffield. This training helps professionals and volunteers understand dementia better and the training is designed to meet the diverse needs of Sheffield’s communities.

    Grace said: “When supporting my nan with dementia people just didn’t understand how best to support her. The negative impact on her, me and those around her was huge. These dementia commitments will help us to put people with dementia at the centre of what we do, working together to support the person with dementia and the people around them with better understanding at the heart of it.” 

    People in the city who have done Dementia Stars training speak highly of the difference it has made to them: 

    “I wish I would have had this training years ago; it would have helped me support my mum better who had dementia, but it will now support my practice.”

    “This has been the best learning experience I have ever had! Inspiring, it makes you want to make a difference to people’s lives.”

    More information about dementia training is available here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/sheffield/our-services/dementia-services-professionals/das-training/

    It’s estimated that there are over 6,000 and up to around 7,300 people aged over 65 currently living with dementia in Sheffield, which is between 6.7% and 7.7% of the 94,840 people aged 65 years and over in the city. Approximately 140 people under 65 in Sheffield live with young onset dementia. Dementia support and awareness in Sheffield has increased over the last 5 years, however, the growing impact of an aging population on dementia prevalence means the number of people living with dementia is predicted to keep increasing.

    The Council is committed to helping to prevent and reduce the risk of developing dementia right across a person’s life through the many programmes for which it holds responsibility to deliver. There are ways that some types of dementia can be prevented, or the risk of dementia reduced. Dementia risk includes factors starting at early years and education; and includes environmental factors such as exposure to air pollution. 

    Some risk factors that can be changed to reduce the risk of dementia are similar to those recommended to people to keep their heart and circulation healthy such as increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol consumption, and reducing smoking. Social contact is really important for everyone, and this is the case for people at risk of developing dementia or who already have dementia. Research has also found that using aids for hearing and visual problems can also reduce the risk.

    Sheffield Dementia Action Alliance (SDAA) is a network of organisations who want to help communities, organisations and businesses do more for people affected by dementia: reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and making small but significant changes to buildings and environments to make them more accessible for people with dementia. Over the past 5 years SDAA has recruited and supported over 80 members who have made over 200 pledges to make their organisations more dementia friendly. This has included community centres, train operators, places of worship, theatres, libraries, charity shops and pubs.

    Work on the strategy and what it aims to achieve will be formally launched on the morning of Wednesday 27th November at an event for people with dementia and their families, providers, and partners. Taking place at Niagara Conference and Leisure Centre, Niagara Road, Sheffield, S6 1LU, resources, advice, information and more on the city’s dementia plan will be available.

    There are limited spaces so early booking is advised at Dementia Strategy Launch Event Tickets, Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

    The new citywide Dementia Strategy 2025- 20230is here and there is a range of resources and information on www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk

    More information about risk and prevention is here: Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission – The Lancet

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Announces Investment Conference in Kisumu, Kenya to Strengthen Sub-Sovereign Participation in Intra-African Trade

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAIRO, Egypt, October 28, 2024/APO Group/ —

    In a bid to strengthen the role of Africa’s sub-sovereign governments in driving intra-African trade and investment, and the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) is organising  the fourth edition of the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference.

    The Conference will take place in Kisumu City, Kenya, from 25 to 27 November, under the theme ‘Leveraging the AfCFTA for Sustainable Trade and Investment: A Development Pathway for African Sub-Sovereigns.’ A key feature of the event will be an exhibition aimed at promoting trade at a local level, to be preceded by an investment promotion training on the first day.

    One of the key objectives of the conference is to foster greater collaboration in promoting trade, development and investment initiatives among African sub-sovereigns, aligned with AfCFTA’s goals.

    Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President Intra African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank who will be speaking at the Investment Conference noted:

    “Afreximbank partnered with the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), an organ of the UCLG Africa under the AfSNET initiative to ensure its products and interventions for trade and investment promotion are accessible both at the local and sub-sovereign level. This resulted in the announcement of US$ 2 billion in financing to tackle the pressing financing challenges faced by sub-sovereigns and businesses.”

    Mrs. Awani explained that Afreximbank will be leveraging the successes of the third AfSNET Investment Conference held during the Intra Africa Trade Fair (IATF2023) in

    Cairo, Egypt offering sub-sovereign governments the opportunity to showcase investment projects to potential investors and financiers, further strengthening the Bank’s commitment to facilitating impactful investments across the continent.

    While inviting delegates to participate in the forum, Kisumu County Governor H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said:

    “Africa’s economic renaissance is hinged on unbridling the developmental capacity of local governments and increasing decentralization. Despite the gains made in decentralization in recent decades, African local governments still have low administrative and fiscal capacity to realize the much-needed local economic development. AfSNET, an innovative tool of the Afreximbank, therefore comes in handy to bridge that gap and allow sub sovereigns to accelerate and improve the quality of economic growth in Africa. Its vision aligns with the aspirations of the African Sub Sovereigns umbrella organisation UCLG Africa to support  decentralised governments access and participation in continental and international financial markets while also supporting the development of their fiscal capacities. As the Governor of Kisumu, it gives me great pleasure to warmly invite all the delegates to come and interact and share in the social and cultural passion of Kisumu and to experience our boundless economic opportunities.”

    Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa while outlining UCLG’s mandate remarked:

    “Among the mandates of UCLG Africa is to assist its members to attract investments in sub-national and local governments so as to improve the living conditions of the populations, economic activities and businesses established within their territories. UCLG Africa supports its members in adopting local economic development policies and strategies that investment plans derive from, and that gives impetus to public and private business development.”

     The fourth AfSNET conference will provide Kisumu County Government and the Lake Victoria region economic block an opportunity to present their development strategies and projects for consideration to investors attending the Conference.

    The inaugural AfSNET conference, held in Durban, South Africa, on the margins of the second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021) in 2021, attracted more than 80 delegates while the second, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja in September 2022, drew more than 150 delegates.

    The third conference, co-hosted with UCLG Africa in November 2023 on the sidelines IATF2023 in Cairo, had more than 250 participants and resulted in deals valued at more than USD$1.5 billion being signed.

    AfSNET was established by Afreximbank as a platform for promoting intra-African trade and investment, educational and cultural exchanges and the fostering of effective engagement among sub-sovereigns in Africa’s development and prosperity in the context of the AfCFTA.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Security: CISA Launches #PROTECT2024 Election Threat Updates Webpage

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) launched a new one-stop shop website for election threat updates from CISA and our federal government partners. As foreign actors continue their efforts to influence and interfere with the 2024 elections, CISA is ensuring that information about the election threat environment is readily accessible.

    Part of the larger #Protect2024 site launched in January, the page aims to make it easier to find specific threat related products that the American public can use to stay informed and the election community can use to prepare, including:

    • Joint Statements from CISA, ODNI and FBI on threats to the 2024 election
    • ODNI Election Threat Updates
    • FBI and CISA “Just So You Know” Joint PSA Series

    Since its initial launch, #Protect2024 has quickly grown and serves as the central point for critical resources, training lists and security services to support more than 8,000 election jurisdictions for the 2024 election cycle.

    Additional resources will be made available on this page as they are released. For more information, please continue to visit #Protect2024.

    ###

    About CISA

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on XFacebookLinkedInInstagram

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces Final October 2024 Distribution Rate for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. announced today the final October 2024 distribution rates for Purpose High Interest Savings Fund, Purpose US Cash Fund, Purpose Cash Management Fund, and Purpose USD Cash Management Fund.

    Due to the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada, the distribution levels for our Canadian cash funds have been proportionately reduced to align with this adjustment.

    The following table reflects the final distribution amounts for the month of October. Ex-distribution date is October 29, 2024.

    Open-End Fund Ticker
    Symbol
    Final distribution
    per unit
    Record Date Payable Date Distribution
    Frequency
    Purpose USD Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNU.U US $ 0.4473 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose Cash Management Fund – ETF Units MNY $ 0.3914 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose High Interest Savings Fund – ETF Units PSA $ 0.1822 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly
    Purpose US Cash Fund – ETF Units PSU.U US $ 0.4275 10/29/2024 11/04/2024 Monthly


    About Purpose Investments Inc.
    Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $21 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Territorial Bancorp Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The Company’s tier one leverage and risk-based capital ratios were 11.57% and 29.07%, respectively, and the Company is considered to be “well-capitalized” at September 30, 2024.
    • Ratio of non-performing assets to total assets of 0.11% at September 30, 2024.

    HONOLULU, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Territorial Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: TBNK) (the Company), headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, the holding company parent of Territorial Savings Bank, reported a net loss of $1,318,000, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

    The Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.01 per share. The dividend is expected to be paid on November 22, 2024, to stockholders of record as of November 8, 2024.

    Hope Bancorp, Inc. Merger Agreement

    As previously announced in a joint news release issued April 29, 2024, Hope Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOPE) (Hope Bancorp) and the Company signed a definitive merger agreement. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Company stockholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.8048 share of Hope Bancorp common stock in exchange for each share of Company common stock they own, in a 100% stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately $78.60 million, based on the closing price of Hope Bancorp’s common stock on April 26, 2024. The transaction is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for Territorial stockholders.

    Upon completion of the transaction, Hope Bancorp intends to maintain the Territorial franchise in Hawaii and preserve the 100-plus year legacy of the Territorial Savings Bank brand name, culture and commitment to the local communities. The branches will continue to do business under the Territorial Savings Bank brand, as a trade name of Bank of Hope.

    The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, the approval of Territorial stockholders, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

    Interest Income

    Net interest income decreased by $2.55 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Total interest income was $18.31 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $17.38 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The $929,000 increase in total interest income was primarily due to an $850,000 increase in interest earned on other investments and a $343,000 increase in interest earned on loans. The increase in interest income on other investments is primarily due to a $58.03 million increase in the average cash balance with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRB) and a 30 basis point increase in the average interest rate paid on cash balances. The $343,000 increase in interest income on loans resulted from a 15 basis point increase in the average loan yield, partially offset by a $14.74 million decrease in the average loan balance. The increases in interest income on other investments and loans during the quarter were partially offset by a $264,000 decrease in interest on investment securities, which occurred because of a $41.07 million decrease in the average securities balance.

    Interest Expense

    As a result of prolonged increases in short-term interest rates, total interest expense increased by $3.48 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Interest expense on deposits increased by $3.06 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to an increase in interest expense on certificates of deposit (CD) and savings accounts. Interest expense on CDs rose by $2.01 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, due to a 66 basis point increase in the average cost of CDs and a $107.30 million increase in the average CD balance. The increase in the average cost of CDs and savings accounts occurred as interest rates were raised in response to the increases in market interest rates over that period. Interest expense on savings accounts rose by $1.06 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, due to a 65 basis point increase in the average cost of savings accounts which was partially offset by a $82.46 million decrease in the average savings account balance. The increase in the average balance of CDs and the decrease in the average balance of savings accounts occurred as customers transferred balances from lower rate savings accounts to higher rate CDs. Interest expense on FRB borrowings rose by $600,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, as the Company obtained a $50.00 million advance from the FRB in the fourth quarter of 2023. FRB advances were obtained in 2023 to enhance the Company’s liquidity and to fund deposit withdrawals.

    Noninterest Expense

    Noninterest expense increased by $333,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to a $398,000 increase in general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses included $324,000 of merger-related legal and consulting expenses and the write off of $135,000 of currency destroyed in the Lahaina wildfire. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) premium expense rose by $146,000 for the quarter because of an increase in the FDIC insurance premium rates. The increase in other general and administrative expenses and FDIC premiums was offset by a $277,000 decrease in salaries and employee benefits during the quarter. The decrease in salaries and employee benefits occurred primarily because of decreases in compensation expense, supplemental executive retirement plan benefits, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) expenses, health insurance and payroll taxes. The decrease in compensation expenses, payroll taxes and health insurance expenses is primarily due to a decrease in the number of employees. The decrease in ESOP expenses is primarily due to a decline in the Company’s share price which is used to calculate the accrual. The decrease in these compensation and employee benefit expenses was partially offset by a decrease in deferred salary expense for originating new loans as fewer loans were originated during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.

    Income Taxes

    Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $611,000 with an effective tax rate of (31.67)% compared to income tax expense of $335,000 with an effective tax rate of 27.57% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in income tax expense was primarily due to a $3.14 million decrease in income before income taxes during the quarter.

    Balance Sheet

    Total assets were $2.20 billion at September 30, 2024 and $2.24 billion at December 31, 2023. Investment securities, including available for sale securities, decreased by $31.63 million to $674.27 million at September 30, 2024 from $705.90 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in investment securities occurred because of principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities. Loans receivable decreased by $20.86 million to $1.29 billion at September 30, 2024 from $1.31 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease in loans receivable occurred as loan repayments and sales exceeded new loan originations. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $16.47 million to $143.13 million at September 30, 2024 from $126.66 million at December 31, 2023 due to increases in deposits and principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities and on loans receivable.

    Deposits increased by $33.68 million from $1.64 billion at December 31, 2023 to $1.67 billion at September 30, 2024. The increase in deposits is primarily due to deposits from state and local governments. The increase in deposits was used with principal repayments on mortgage-backed securities and loans receivable to pay off $65.00 million of maturing Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances during the quarter. FHLB advances decreased by $65.00 million to $177.00 million at September 30, 2024 from $242.00 million at December 31, 2023.

    Asset Quality

    Credit quality continues to be extremely important as the Bank adheres to its strict underwriting standards. The Company had no delinquent mortgage loans 90 days or more past due at September 30, 2024, compared to $227,000 at December 31, 2023. Non-performing assets totaled $2.34 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $2.26 million at December 31, 2023. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.11% at September 30, 2024, compared to 0.10% at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses was $5.06 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $5.12 million at December 31, 2023, representing 0.39% of total loans for both periods. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans was 216.12% at September 30, 2024, compared to 226.59% at December 31, 2023.

    About Us

    Territorial Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the stock holding company for Territorial Savings Bank. Territorial Savings Bank is a state-chartered savings bank which was originally chartered in 1921 by the Territory of Hawaii. Territorial Savings Bank conducts business from its headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii and has 28 branch offices in the state of Hawaii. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at: https://www.tsbhawaii.bank.

    Additional Information and Where to Find it

    In connection with the proposed merger, Hope Bancorp, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 on June 21, 2024, which included a Proxy Statement of Territorial Bancorp Inc. that also constitutes a prospectus of Hope Bancorp, Inc. Territorial Bancorp stockholders are encouraged to read the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus regarding the merger and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information about the proposed merger. Territorial Bancorp stockholders are able to obtain a free copy of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Hope Bancorp and Territorial Bancorp at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

    Forward-looking statements

    This earnings release contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

    • statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;
    • statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;
    • statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
    • estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

    These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this earnings release.

    The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

    • factors related to the proposed transaction with Hope Bancorp, including the receipt of regulatory and stockholder approvals, and other customary closing conditions;
    • general economic conditions, either internationally, nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;
    • competition among depository and other financial institutions;
    • inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;
    • adverse changes in the securities markets;
    • changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;
    • changes in monetary or fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board;
    • our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;
    • our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, if any;
    • changes in consumer demand, spending, borrowing and savings habits;
    • changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
    • changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans;
    • the timing and amount of revenues that we may recognize;
    • the value and marketability of collateral underlying our loan portfolios;
    • our ability to retain key employees;
    • cyberattacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our websites or other systems to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data or disable our systems;
    • technological change that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;
    • the ability of third-party providers to perform their obligations to us;
    • the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits;
    • the quality and composition of our investment portfolio;
    • the effect of any pandemic disease, natural disaster, war, act of terrorism, accident or similar action or event;
    • changes in market and other conditions that would affect our ability to repurchase our common stock; and
    • changes in our financial condition or results of operations that reduce capital available to pay dividends.

    Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements.

    Contact:
    Walter Ida

    (808) 946-1400

       
    Territorial Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries  
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
                 
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
        September 30,   September 30,  
        2024   2023   2024    2023   
    Interest income:                      
    Loans   $ 12,229     $ 11,886   $ 36,540   $ 35,037    
    Investment securities     4,183       4,447     12,753     13,512    
    Other investments     1,901       1,051     5,104     2,848    
    Total interest income     18,313       17,384     54,397     51,397    
                           
    Interest expense:                      
    Deposits     8,469       5,408     22,658     13,261    
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     1,714       1,896     5,330     4,782    
    Advances from the Federal Reserve Bank     600           1,789        
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     46       46     137     137    
    Total interest expense     10,829       7,350     29,914     18,180    
                           
    Net interest income     7,484       10,034     24,483     33,217    
    Provision (reversal of provision) for credit losses     29       (259 )   22     (147 )  
                           
    Net interest income after provision (reversal of provision) for credit losses     7,455       10,293     24,461     33,364    
                           
    Noninterest income:                      
    Service and other fees     273       298     885     1,022    
    Income on bank-owned life insurance     255       218     750     628    
    Net gain on sale of loans     19           19     10    
    Other     69       73     215     208    
    Total noninterest income     616       589     1,869     1,868    
                           
    Noninterest expense:                      
    Salaries and employee benefits     4,899       5,176     14,606     15,723    
    Occupancy     1,813       1,819     5,319     5,201    
    Equipment     1,335       1,263     3,987     3,878    
    Federal deposit insurance premiums     392       246     1,281     737    
    Other general and administrative expenses     1,561       1,163     4,851     3,251    
    Total noninterest expense     10,000       9,667     30,044     28,790    
                           
    (Loss) Income before income taxes     (1,929 )     1,215     (3,714 )   6,442    
    Income tax (benefit) expense     (611 )     335     (1,139 )   1,749    
    Net (loss) income   $ (1,318 )   $ 880   $ (2,575 ) $ 4,693    
                           
    Basic (loss) earnings per share   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.10   $ (0.30 ) $ 0.54    
    Diluted (loss) earnings per share   $ (0.15 )   $ 0.10   $ (0.30 ) $ 0.53    
    Cash dividends declared per common share   $ 0.01     $ 0.23   $ 0.07   $ 0.69    
    Basic weighted-average shares outstanding     8,618,155       8,577,632     8,604,082     8,656,915    
    Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding     8,618,155       8,610,289     8,604,082     8,705,784    
                           
     
    Territorial Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                 
        September 30,   December 31,
        2024   2023
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 143,128     $ 126,659  
    Investment securities available for sale, at fair value     19,920       20,171  
    Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $552,222 and $568,128 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)     654,349       685,728  
    Loans receivable     1,287,688       1,308,552  
    Allowance for credit losses     (5,055 )     (5,121 )
    Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses     1,282,633       1,303,431  
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost     9,307       12,192  
    Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost     3,187       3,180  
    Accrued interest receivable     6,056       6,105  
    Premises and equipment, net     7,257       7,185  
    Right-of-use asset, net     11,613       12,371  
    Bank-owned life insurance     49,388       48,638  
    Income taxes receivable     1,832       344  
    Deferred income tax assets, net     2,465       2,457  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets     7,297       8,211  
    Total assets   $ 2,198,432     $ 2,236,672  
                 
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Liabilities:            
    Deposits   $ 1,670,281     $ 1,636,604  
    Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank     177,000       242,000  
    Advances from the Federal Reserve Bank     50,000       50,000  
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase     10,000       10,000  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     22,176       23,334  
    Lease liability     17,090       17,297  
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance     3,148       6,351  
    Total liabilities     1,949,695       1,985,586  
                 
    Stockholders’ Equity:            
    Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding            
    Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding            
    8,832,210 and 8,826,613 shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     88       88  
    Additional paid-in capital     48,163       48,022  
    Unearned ESOP shares     (2,079 )     (2,447 )
    Retained earnings     208,504       211,644  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (5,939 )     (6,221 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     248,737       251,086  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 2,198,432     $ 2,236,672  
                 
     
      Territorial Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries    
      Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)    
                                 
                                 
                                 
                    Three Months Ended        
                    September 30,        
                      2024       2023          
                                 
      Performance Ratios (annualized):                    
        Return on average assets         (0.24% )     0.16%          
        Return on average equity         (2.09% )     1.39%          
        Net interest margin on average interest earning assets   1.42%       1.90%          
        Efficiency ratio (1)           123.46%       91.00%          
                                 
                    At   At        
                    September   December        
                      30, 2024       31, 2023          
                                 
      Selected Balance Sheet Data:                    
        Book value per share (2)       $ 28.16     $ 28.45          
        Stockholders’ equity to total assets       11.31%       11.23%          
                                 
                                 
      Asset Quality                        
      (Dollars in thousands):                      
        Delinquent loans 90 days past due and not accruing $ 0     $ 227          
        Non-performing assets (3)       $ 2,339     $ 2,260          
        Allowance for credit losses       $ 5,055     $ 5,121          
        Non-performing assets to total assets       0.11%       0.10%          
        Allowance for credit losses to total loans       0.39%       0.39%          
        Allowance for credit losses to non-performing assets   216.12%       226.59%          
                                 
                                 
      Note:                        
                                 
      (1) Efficiency ratio is equal to noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income                         
      (2)  Book value per share is equal to stockholders’ equity divided by number of shares issued and outstanding                         
      (3)  Non-performing assets consist of non-accrual loans and real estate owned. Amounts are net of charge-offs                         
                                 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global law firm’s flawed human rights assessment of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2034 bid raises ‘deep concern’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    AS&H Clifford Chance’s assessment contains no substantive discussion of Saudi’s extensive and relevant abuses

    11 human rights groups, football supporters and worker organisations join forces to voice deep concern

    ‘FIFA must insist on a proper assessment and meaningful human rights strategy or its flagship tournament will be tarnished by severe human rights violations’ – Steve Cockburn

    A flawed human rights assessment of Saudi Arabia’s FIFA 2034 World Cup bid by AS&H Clifford Chance – part of the global partnership of London-based law firm Clifford Chance – leaves the global firm at risk of being linked to abuses which result from the tournament, 11 organisations said today.

    AS&H Clifford Chance, which is based in Riyadh and sits within Clifford Chance’s integrated global partnership, produced an “independent human rights context assessment” that was published by FIFA and has helped pave the way for Saudi Arabia to be confirmed on 11 December as the 2034 hosts, as is widely expected to happen.

    The assessment contains no substantive discussion of extensive and relevant abuses in Saudi Arabia documented by multiple human rights organisations and UN bodies. It formed the basis of Saudi Arabia’s human rights strategy for the tournament, which Amnesty International described as a “whitewash”.

    The 11 organisations – which include a Saudi Arabian diaspora organisation, Gulf human rights groups, and labour organisations, as well as Football Supporters Europe, Amnesty and Human Rights Watch – wrote to Clifford Chance’s Global Managing Partner setting out in detail all of their concerns with the statement, and invited the authors to publish an updated report. The firm, which says that it works in partnership with “some of the world’s leading NGOs and civil society organisations”, said in response last week that it would be “inappropriate” to offer any further comment on the report and shared a link to publicly available company policies.

    Dire human rights record

    Saudi Arabia’s already dire human rights record has deteriorated under the de facto rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has presided over a soaring number of mass executions, torture, enforced disappearance, severe restrictions on free expression, repression of women’s rights under the male guardianship system, LGBTI+ discrimination, and the killing of hundreds of migrants at the  Saudi Arabia-Yemen border. The country’s abusive Kafala (labour sponsorship) system, as well as the prohibition on trade unions and lack of enforcement of labour laws continues to lead to the widespread exploitation of migrant workers.

    The organisations have warned Clifford Chance that, through the production of its human rights assessment by AS&H Clifford Chance, there is a risk that the firm could be linked to potential adverse human rights impacts resulting from a Saudi Arabia-hosted tournament.

    In their memorandum to Clifford Chance the organisations set out and requested comment on three overarching concerns about the assessment. Taken together, these fatally undermine the report’s claim to provide an independent assessment of the human rights context in Saudi Arabia, relevant to the hosting and staging of the 2034 World Cup.

    • AS&H Clifford Chance agreed to a decision by FIFA and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to effectively exclude analysis of Saudi Arabia’s record on multiple critical human rights such as freedom of expression, LGBTI+ discrimination, the prohibition of trade unions, or forced evictions – either because Saudi Arabia has not ratified the relevant treaties or because the Saudi Arabian Football Federation did not accept them as “applying”. Any assessment that does not recognise these as relevant human rights risks for a World Cup in Saudi Arabia cannot be considered credible.
    •  The assessment made highly selective use of the findings of UN bodies on Saudi Arabia, leaving out damaging judgements. For example, it fails to reference one UN body’s concern at receiving reports that “torture and other ill-treatment are commonly practised in prisons”, or another which notes that “women and girls who are victims of sexual abuse risk facing criminal proceedings if they press charges”. It does not mention that Saudi Arabia is currently facing a labour complaint at the UN brought by Building and Woodworkers International, an international trade union. No reports by UN Special Rapporteurs are included meaning, for example, there is no reference to the imposition of the death penalty in relation to the Crown Prince’s flagship giga-project NEOM, or the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
    • There is no evidence that AS&H Clifford Chance consulted external experts, such as people who might be affected by human rights abuses linked to the tournament, Saudi Arabian human rights experts or organisations, international human rights organisations, or trade unions. No work by such groups is referenced. The report, for example, ignores Amnesty’s 2024 91-page report ‘Playing a Dangerous Game? Human Rights Risks Linked to the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups’.

    Amnesty has written to FIFA asking it to confirm on what basis the organisation agreed with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to limit the scope of the rights assessment conducted by AS&H Clifford Chance. As of 25 October, FIFA had not responded.

    James Lynch, FairSquare co-director, said: 

    “It has been clear for more than a year now that FIFA is determined to remove all potential obstacles to make sure it can hand Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the 2034 World Cup. By producing a shockingly poor report, AS&H Clifford Chance, part of one of the world’s largest law firms that makes much of its human rights expertise, has helped to remove a key final stumbling block.”

    Julia Legner, Executive Director of ALQST for Human Rights, a Saudi Arabian diaspora organisation, said:

    “AS&H Clifford Chance had the chance to write a credible assessment of risks that are relevant to the 2034 World Cup. Instead, they have produced an artificially limited, misleading and overly positive perspective, that serves only to whitewash the reality of abuse and discrimination faced by Saudi Arabia’s citizens and residents.”

    Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said:

    “The severe risks of hosting the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia are clear and well-known – without huge reforms, critics will be arrested, women and LGBTI+ people will face discrimination, and workers will be exploited on a massive scale. It is incredible that AS&H Clifford Chance omitted such glaring risks from its assessment and scandalous that FIFA paved the way for them to do so. FIFA must now insist on a proper assessment and meaningful human rights strategy or its flagship tournament will inevitably be tarnished by severe human rights violations.”

    Martha Waithira, Equidem investigator, said:

    “As a former domestic worker in Saudi Arabia from Kenya, I know that women like me are often treated like slaves. Women especially face sexual and other gender abuse. I’m in regular contact with workers in horrific situations in Saudi Arabia. Now, the hundreds of thousands of people expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia to build stadiums and clean hotels ahead of the World Cup are at great risk of severe exploitation and even death. How can these realities have escaped AS&H Clifford Chance’s attention?”

    Stated commitments to human rights

    The Independent Context Assessment Prepared for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation in relation to the FIFA World Cup 2034’ can be found on FIFA’s website. FIFA’s Human Rights Policy, adopted in 2017, outlines its responsibility to identify and address adverse human rights impacts of its operations, including taking adequate measures to prevent and mitigate human rights abuses.

    Clifford Chance is one of the world’s largest law firms. It has made multiple commitments concerning its human rights responsibilities, including in its company code. The firm states on its global website that its client base in Saudi Arabia, delivered “through AS&H Clifford Chance” includes “key Saudi Ministries and government-owned entities as well as a wide range of government owned, privately and publicly held Saudi and international businesses, listed companies and financial institutions.” These Saudi clients include the Public Investment Fund. AS&H Clifford Chance is a joint venture between Clifford Chance and AS&H that has been registered in Saudi Arabia since 2023. It is integrated within Clifford Chance’s global firm, “follows [the global firm’s] processes and practices”, and employs a number of Clifford Chance partners, including a “Senior Clifford Chance partner”. The Independent Context Assessment refers readers to the global Clifford Chance website.

    Full list of signatories:

    FairSquare

    ALQST for Human Rights

    Amnesty International

    The Army of Survivors

    Building and Woodworkers International

    Equidem

    Football Supporters Europe

    Gulf Centre for Human Rights

    Human Rights Watch

    Middle East Democracy Center

    Migrant-Rights.org

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unregistered boats on River Thames: fines and costs total £18,000

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Clear warning to unregistered boat owners on the Thames as owners failed to register their boats despite warnings. More to face court in coming months

    Lindum, owned by Battersea boater Drystan Brod

    Staines magistrates’ court had a busy day on 22 October as 14 owners were sentenced to pay more than £18,000 for failing to register their boats for use on the River Thames.

    Environment Agency enforcement officers discovered these vessels during spot checks in December 2023 at Penton Hook Marina in Surrey. The inspection showed unacceptably high levels of registration evasion with a quarter of the boats in the marina, around 125 vessels, failing to have been registered. Every boat-owner was traced and given ample warning and opportunity to register their boats correctly.

    The court was told that all owners had skipped the annual registration fee, determined by the length and width of the boat. A couple of them had skipped it twice. Duncan Heyward and Tony Davies, both of Chertsey, were found guilty of owning two unregistered vessels and had to pay compensation accordingly.

    The highest charges were issued to Drystan Brod of Battersea for his boat, Lindum – more than £2300 including costs, fines, compensation and victim surcharge. Full details of all fines below.

    Colin Chiverton, environment manager for Surrey at the Environment Agency, said:

    This was a great day for the majority of Thames boat-owners who register their vessel with us every year. Just like us, they’re fed up with seeing this unlawful behaviour take place on the river every year. We’re pleased with this outcome, and it sends a clear warning to all unregistered boat owners – it’s just not worth the risk.

    At the end of November, we have another day in court with a further 14 owners facing the music. So, if you have an unregistered boat on the Thames, you should know that our enforcement teams are still out in October, patrolling the river and checking for valid registrations.

    Renewal invitation letters for 2025 registrations on the River Thames are to be sent in November to everyone that registered their boat this year and owners are encouraged to register early to ensure their boats are compliant by 1 January, when the new season starts. The Environment Agency’s approach to non-registration on the Thames has changed – boat-owners are given ample opportunity to register their boat. However, once a summons has been issued, it won’t stop court proceedings, even if the boat owner subsequently pays their registration fee.

    Similar to excise duty for road vehicles, boat registration fees allow the Environment Agency to manage and maintain more than 600 miles of inland waterways across England, keeping them open and safe for thousands of boaters to enjoy.

    Background:

    Owners of powered or non-powered boats, including paddleboards, must register their boats annually with the Environment Agency for use on the non-tidal River Thames.

    Boat registration on the Thames starts on 1 January every year. Any boats found on the water after that date, without having registered, may be liable to a fine.

    In mid-September 2024 during a river wide census, Environment Agency officers recorded the locations of 10,890 boats on the river.

    Boats can be registered by calling 03708 506 506 or going to River Thames: boat registration and application forms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Offender/age/address/boat[s]/pleas/compensation order/costs/victim surcharge/fine

    Des Higgins, 64, of Graham Court, Northolt, Middlesex, PRINCESS BURFORD. Pleaded not guilty then changed plea at court to guilty. £803.60. £250. £80. £120.

    Stephen Hale, 54, of Bridge Court, Chertsey, Surrey. LADY RUTH. Found guilty in absence. £994.14. £275. £88. £220.

    Drystan Brod, 50, of Birley Street, Battersea, London. LINDUM. Found guilty in absence. £1724.00. £275. £88. £220.

    Duncan Hayward, 40, of Hill Rise, Richmond, Surrey. MAVERICK III/TT MAVERICK III. Found guilty in absence – 2 offences. £1065.15/£23.20. £275/nil. £24/nil. £60/NSP

    Mark Geeson, 53, of Gaston Way, Shepperton, Middlesex. PORTIA. Found guilty in absence. £970.47. £275. £88. £220

    Tony Davies, 70, of St Annes Road, Chertsey, Surrey. BULTRUG/REDWATCH. Pleaded guilty at court – 2 offences. £923.13/£887.64. £250/nil. Nil/nil. No separate penalty/NSP.

    Andrew Graham, 53,  of Wellington Terrace, Basingstoke, Hampshire. BUSTAROON. Found guilty in absence. £757.44. £275. £88. £220.

    Hugo Handford, of Chichester Road, West Wittering, West Sussex. DAJA. Found guilty in absence. £331.00. £275. £88. £220.

    Tim Cartwright, 64, of Elder Road, Bisley, Surrey. CHARLIE BEN. Found guilty in absence. £678.44. £275. £88. £220.

    Brian Harvey, 60, of Queens Road, Hersham, Surrey. SEA DANCER. Found guilty in absence. £520.74. £275. £88. £220.

    Scott Cole, 52, of Grafton Road, Acton, London. ALKYON. Found guilty in absence. £284.04. £275. £88. £220.

    Lee Davis, 49, of Meadow View, Chertsey, Surrey. TUBS. Found guilty in absence. £473.40. £275. £88. £220.

    Maciej Firla-Cuchra, 49, of The Broadway, Laleham, Surrey. JEWNA. Found guilty in absence. £426.06. £275. £88. £220.

    David Harding, 73, of Easton, Wells, Somerset. Le BATEAU DE BOIS. Pleaded not guilty, then changed plea at court to guilty. £736.02. £275. Nil. NSP.

    Contact us:

    Journalists only: 0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dinosaur Trail brings roar-some fun to city centre

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Locals and visitors alike took part in a new dinosaur trail in the city centre throughout the October holidays. 

    The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail was a two-week event from 12th to 27th October which saw 18 brick model dinosaurs placed in businesses across the city centre, with free car parking also available in two city centre car parks. 

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “It has been wonderful to see so many people taking part in the Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail and exploring our city centre. 

    “My grandchildren loved the trail, and I would like to extend my thanks to each business who took part and helped create a fun and exciting atmosphere across the city centre.”

    Education and Children’s Services Convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “This has been a great way for all ages to visit the city centre and take part in a fun new event. 

    “Dinosaurs are always a popular attraction for children and adults alike and has helped capture imaginations.” 

    Visitors taking part in the trail were able to get an insight into how each model was made and learn more about the creations, including how many bricks were used to build the model and learn a fun dinosaur fact. 

    Monica and her family from Aberdeen said: “This has been lovely for the children and a great free activity to do. We have enjoyed walking around the city doing the trail.” 

    Businesses taking part in the trail recorded seeing increased footfall, with the Maritime Museum having had its busiest week since 2019. 

    Kenny Bruce, Trinity Centre Aberdeen Manager, said: “Trinity Aberdeen was delighted to take part in the Ionic Bricks Dinosaur Trail this year, the event has brought increased visitors to the centre and seen our stores offer unique dinosaur discounts in Shot n Roll and Resting Brunch Face, even a special guest appearance from The Works mascot Rex the Dinosaur.

    “It’s fantastic to support an event that offers customers a chance to come and explore our city centre.”

    Lynne Clark, Communications Lead for Michies Pharmacy, said: “The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail has been a roaring success for Michies! It has been a joy to see so many children and families through our doors, many of whom have never visited Michies before. It was a wonderful initiative to get people out and about having fun and exploring our city centre!”

    The Hidden Lego Minifigure Trail also ran throughout the October Holidays, which saw small Lego figures hidden across ten shop windows around the Upperkirkgate and Belmont Street area for people of all ages to find in a treasure-hunt style challenge. 

    Once each minifigure was found, there was the chance to enter into a prize draw to win an Aberdeen Gift Card worth £20. 

    Additional activities also took place throughout the October Holidays across businesses taking part in the trail, including storytelling and dinosaur-themed Bookbug. 

    The Iconic Bricks Dinosaur Trail received £30,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

    Free weekend parking is still available in the Denburn and Frederick Street car parks throughout October and the first weekend in November. Parking for £1 will be available after 5pm at Virginia Street, the Gallowgate, Frederick Street, Summer Street, Chapel Street, West North Street and the Denburn. Normal charging rates will resume from 8am.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SUM will act as a partner of the International Forum “World Quality Day – 2024”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    From November 11 to 15, the International Forum “World Quality Day 2024” will be held, with the State University of Management as a partner.

    The International Forum “World Quality Day” will be held for the fifth time. The event is held as part of the Quality Week, dedicated to World Quality Day, which this year falls on November 14.

    The forum will be held in two formats – in-person and hybrid. Offline events are planned in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ufa, Sochi. Everyone who registers on the forum website will be able to watch the online broadcast of the sessions, and later the recording.

    In 2023, 60 sessions were held as part of the business program. They were attended by 437 speakers from 16 countries. The broadcast of the business program was watched by over 3 million people from 65 countries.

    As in previous years, the business program will feature leading experts from various sectors of the economy, representatives of federal and regional authorities, businesses and public organizations. Participants will exchange experiences in improving quality standards, implementing innovative management methods and sustainable development practices, and discuss quality infrastructure and industry development vectors.

    Traditionally, the main event of the forum will be the plenary session “Development Horizons” with the participation of representatives of government bodies. The participation of the First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Anton Alikhanov, the Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko, the State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Alexey Khersontsev and others is expected. The experts will discuss key tasks and update the priorities that the state faces until the end of the decade and beyond.

    The business program will include sessions on business excellence, food safety, tourism, retail, HR, finance, business and much more. You can view the full program and register for events on the official forum website.

    Two sessions of the business program will be held at the State University of Management: – November 14, 12:00-13:30 – Session “New Horizons for the Development of the Labor Market in the Russian Federation”; – November 14, 14:00-15:30 – Session “Assessment of Management Quality: Approaches, Methods, Tools, Personnel”.

    The forum is held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, Roskachestvo, Rosstandart and Rosaccreditation with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and other organizations.

    The Forum partners are the Russian Society “Knowledge”, PAO Promsvyazbank (PSB), the State University of Management, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, ROSBIOTECH, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, RUDN University and other universities and organizations.

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 10/28/2024

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SLW visits confined space worksite to promote occupational safety and health (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, and the Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Vincent Fung, visited a construction site today (October 28) to call on contractors, employers and workers to pay attention to safety and health at work in confined spaces.

         The Labour Department (LD) attaches great importance to the occupational safety and health (OSH) of confined space work. The revised Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces (CoP) published by the LD earlier will take effect on November 30 this year. The revised CoP provides proprietors, contractors, competent persons and certified workers engaged in confined spaces work with practical guidance and technical information, and imposes stricter requirements on proprietors and/or contractors to adopt technology to record videos at the entrance and exit of the confined space throughout the entire work period to monitor relevant personnel’s compliance with the safety precautions. The LD will continue to conduct surprise inspections from time to time of workplaces carrying out confined space work, and check relevant work processes and equipment to ensure that workers’ OSH is safeguarded.

         Mr Sun said, “The Government has been encouraging the industry to provide a safer working environment, including wider adoption of the Smart Site Safety System in the construction industry. Advanced technology and equipment will be applied to transmit video recordings taken at the entrance and exit of confined space worksites as well as continuous air-monitoring results inside the confined spaces through a central management platform, enabling the management to perform real-time safety monitoring and maintain proper records. The system also helps to initiate evacuation and rescue procedures promptly in case of emergency to further improve OSH in confined space work.

         Mr Sun called on proprietors and contractors of confined space work to observe the provisions of the revised CoP, take adequate safety measures and strengthen supervision to prevent accidents. Workers also must raise their safety awareness, remain vigilant at all times, protect their personal safety at work, and cherish their lives and families.

         Mr Sun reiterated, “The Government has long adopted the combination of legislation and enforcement, education and training, and publicity and promotion in striving to ensure workplace safety. Employers and employees also have the shared responsibility to help ensure OSH.”

         The LD will continue to carry out inspections and law enforcement actions targeting confined space work. If any violations of the OSH legislation are detected, stringent enforcement actions will be taken immediately without prior warning. In addition, the LD is carrying out a new round of publicity work to disseminate OSH messages through different channels, remind employers and employees not to contravene OSH legislation, and enhance workers’ safety awareness regarding confined space work.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at MTR 45th Anniversary Cocktail Reception (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the MTR 45th Anniversary Cocktail Reception today (October 28):

    Deputy Commissioner Fang Jianming (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Dr Rex Auyeung (Chairman of MTR Corporation), Dr Jacob Kam (Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

         Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join you today, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the MTR Corporation. 

         Just look around our beautiful city, and you would know how this is a true milestone. Building a mass transit railway system in a city packed with people and skyscrapers, surrounding a deep harbour. And with towns scattered amid hilly countryside and mountainous terrain, alongside vast pieces of land dedicated as country parks and natural conservation areas. It is a remarkable feat. 

         And yet, here we are, 45 years later, proud to call the MTR one of the world’s top transit systems. One that delivers reliable, efficient and safe journeys for the people of Hong Kong, and beyond.

         According to last year’s Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Hong Kong’s public transport system tops the world, number one. That’s thanks to our extensive transport infrastructure, as well as a wide range of high-quality and affordable transport modes – with the MTR playing a major part.

         Earlier this year, two different international media outlets included Hong Kong among their rankings of the world’s best “metro” and “public transport” systems, respectively. One of them reported that “transit planners flock to Hong Kong from across the globe to discover how its Mass Transit Railway delivers world-class service and reliability to the territory’s 7.4 million citizens”. And another added that “92 per cent of Hongkongers praised their city’s transit system”. 

         That’s as reaffirming as it is encouraging, ladies and gentlemen – as I’m sure it is to everybody in the MTR Corporation, too. 

         Today, the MTR railway network handles the daily commutes and travelling of more than 5 million passenger trips in our city. It also connects us to our country, via the Hong Kong Section of the high-speed rail. That strengthens the people-to-people bonds, and business ties, between Hong Kong and a great many cities across the Mainland. 

         More than that, the MTR Corporation is now an international entity, with its service spanning across the Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom and Sweden. Its network carries over 10 million passengers worldwide every weekday.

         And while we’re certainly not just getting going, not after 45 years, we’ve got a lot more in the works – plans built around “infrastructure-led” and “capacity-creating” principles, with railway forming the backbone of our public transport system.  

         Last year, the Government published the Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint, which presents a planning framework for Hong Kong’s transport infrastructure future, designed to meet transport and logistics demand up to 2046 and beyond.

         That includes two railway projects to help drive the full potential of the Northern Metropolis, our new engine of economic development. The Hung Shui Kiu Station and the Northern Link Main Line will begin construction this year and next year for tentative completion in 2030 and 2034, respectively.  

         And, as I noted in my Policy Address two weeks ago, the MTR Corporation will begin detailed planning and design for the Northern Link Spur Line early next year. This vital, cross-boundary railway will connect San Tin Technopole and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology (I&T) Park in the Loop, the area set to become an international I&T powerhouse – all the way to the new Huanggang Port in Shenzhen. That will certainly fast-track Hong Kong’s integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

         The Government has been working closely with the MTR Corporation to take forward the planning and design of these projects. And we will continue to co-ordinate their construction and project commissioning.

         The Government is also committed to realising three smart and green mass transit systems – in East Kowloon, Kai Tak and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area. We’re working to compress the implementation programmes, enabling the public to enjoy their social and economic benefits as quickly as possible.  

         And we’re pressing ahead, too, with the planning of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai).  

         Add it up, and it’s a hugely ambitious undertaking. On completion of our railway construction projects, our railway network is expected to increase from about 270 kilometres today, to nearly 390km. 

         The long-term profits and the long-term benefits are equally huge. They include the capacity to drive territory-wide developments, deepen cross-boundary integration, expand commuting options, improve traffic conditions, reduce journey time and realise long-term, far-reaching, socio-economic benefits for Hong Kong. For us all. 

         My congratulations, once again, to the MTR Corporation on your milestone 45th anniversary. My presence here is to reiterate once again how I personally feel proud of our MTR. I am sure each one of you shares this pride. I look forward to your continued success in the next 45 years, and more.   

         Thank you.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport (with photo)
    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport (with photo)
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         Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 27) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 10 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.9 million.     A 62-year-old local woman arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cannabis buds was found concealed inside her check-in baggage. The woman was subsequently arrested.       After a follow-up investigation, a local man, aged 26, who was suspected to be connected with the case, was also arrested at the airport on the same day.     An investigation is ongoing.      Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     
    Ends/Monday, October 28, 2024Issued at HKT 20:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News