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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New measures tackle housing issues

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee said the Government would strive to “improve livelihoods in pursuit of happiness” as he announced in today’s 2024 Policy Address that the Monetary Authority (HKMA) will adjust the maximum loan-to-value ratio for all properties to 70% and that a new system will be devised to raise standards in subdivided units (SDUs).

    Mr Lee also gave an update on efforts to increase the supply of public housing, and said steps will be taken to widen access to the housing ladder, combat public rental housing tenancy abuse, and create land to build more housing.

    The Chief Executive said that taking into account the current economic and financial environment, the HKMA will adjust the maximum loan-to-value ratio for residential and non-residential properties to 70%, regardless of the value of the properties, whether the properties are for self-use or held by companies, and whether the purchasers are first-time home buyers. The maximum debt servicing ratio for properties will be adjusted to 50%.

    Acknowledging that “housing is an issue of great public concern”, Mr Lee said public housing supply in the coming five years to 2030 will reach 189,000 units, about 80% higher than in the five years to 2027. He added that in the past two years, the average waiting time for public rental housing dropped by half a year, from a peak of 6.1 years to the current 5.5 years, and is expected to fall to 4.5 years in 2026-27.

    On the issue of SDUs in residential buildings, Mr Lee said that the Government has decided to put in place, through legislation, a new system with regard to their rental. SDUs that meet required standards will be categorised as Basic Housing Units (BHUs), and owners of substandard SDUs that are upgraded to meet these standards can apply for BHU recognition. However, following a grace period, owners who continue to rent out substandard SDUs will be held criminally liable.

    The Government will set up a system allowing owners of pre-existing SDUs under rental to register for the grace period. The Government will allow time for those registered owners to carry out the necessary conversion works. New SDUs entering the market must be recognised as up-to-standard BHUs before they can be rented out.

    The Secretary for Housing will be empowered by law to decide, upon expiry of the grace period, when to take enforcement actions against substandard SDUs by batches in an orderly manner in light of actual circumstances.

    The Government proposes that the standards of BHUs should include the provision of windows, an individual toilet and a floor area of no less than 8 sq m. The Deputy Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Housing will announce the details and seek the views of LegCo and stakeholders for drawing up the legislative proposals and related measures, such as the timetable for registration.

    Addressing the public aspiration for home ownership, Mr Lee said the Housing Authority (HKHA) is aiming to gradually adjust the ratio between public rental housing (PRH) units and subsidised sale flats (SSFs) from the current 7:3 to 6:4. Meanwhile, the ratio between Green Form and White Form in respect of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats will be revised from 4:6 to 5:5 to encourage more PRH tenants to buy HOS flats. The HKHA will tighten up its Well-off Tenants Policies by raising the additional rent limit and lowering the income limit for well-off tenants, so that public resources are appropriately allocated to applicants in need.

    With regard to PRH tenancy abuse, the HKHA will launch the “Cherish Public Housing Resources Award Scheme” in January next year to offer rewards to persons who provide concrete intelligence that leads to identification of tenancy abuse.

    Mr Lee also outlined plans to create more land for housing. He said that in order to streamline land development procedures and cut red tape, the Government has promulgated an internal circular stating that all approving departments should take a facilitating role.

    He added that the Government will outsource drone inspections of external walls of buildings and unauthorised building works to enhance speed and efficiency. The purview of the Development Bureau’s Development Projects Facilitation Office will be expanded to facilitate co‑ordination with departments in expediting the approval of land use and related matters in the Northern Metropolis.

    Mr Lee gave an update on the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project, reporting that the statutory environmental impact assessment process for the reclamation works will commence by the end of this year. Completion of the relevant approvals is targeted for next year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Wild Bunch AG: BaFin imposes administrative fine

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    Annual financial reports / halfyearly financial reports are available in the Company Register. However, companies must provide information about when and where their financial reports are published in addition to this.

    An appeal may be lodged against the administrative fine order.

    Background information:

    Financial reports provide information on companies’ assets, financial position and results of operations. This information is important to investors because it allows them to make informed investment decisions.

    Companies such as Wild Bunch AG that are domiciled in Germany and issue securities that are traded on an organised market in Germany must publish an announcement about the date from which and the website where their annual financial reports and half-yearly financial reports are made publicly available, in addition to their availability in the company register.

    For annual financial reports, the announcement must be published no later than four months after the end of each reporting period and before the annual financial report; for half-yearly financial reports, the announcement must be published no later than three months after the end of each reporting period and before the half-yearly financial report.

    Failure to publish financial reports and announcements stating when and where these reports are made publicly available, or failure to publish such reports and announcements within the prescribed period, constitutes a contravention of sections 114 et seq. of the WpHG. BaFin may in each case impose administrative fines on companies that fail to comply with this obligation. The maximum amount for this fine is 10 million euros or up to 5% of total revenue.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Mr Jon Dean has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in succession to Ms Harriet Cross who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Dean will take up his appointment during December 2024.

    Mr Jon Dean

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Jon Mark Dean

    2022 to 2024 N’Djamena, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2020 to 2022 New York, Counsellor Internal
    2018 to 2020 United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Secondment, New York
    2015 to 2018 FCO, Head of Iraq Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2015  Juba, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul
    2013 Yaoundé, Deputy High Commissioner and Consul (3 months)
    2012 New York, UK Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Second Secretary Political (3 months)
    2009 to 2012 Brasília, Second Secretary Political
    2007 to 2008 FCO, Desk Officer, Kosovo
    2005 to 2007 FCO, Desk Officer, EU Environment Policy
    2005 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Globally Unveils Intelligent Campus 2030 White Paper Oct 16, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Globally Unveils Intelligent Campus 2030 White Paper
    Oct 16, 2024

    [Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2024] During GITEX Global 2024, Huawei released the Intelligent Campus 2030 white paper for markets outside China at the forum Redefining Intelligent Campus with ICTs, Maximizing Enterprises’ Intelligent Productivity with Xinghe Intelligent Campus. This white paper envisions the future of the intelligent campus.
    David Shi, Vice President of Huawei’s ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Dept, delivered an opening speech at the forum. He highlighted that as digital technology advances, the intelligent connectivity of everything will become a reality, which will allow campuses to be fully digital and intelligent. He added that future campuses will become fully perceptible, collaborative, and constantly online smart buildings that are capable of self-learning, self-troubleshooting, and making decisions and executing them independently. “Huawei is committed to bringing digital to every campus for pervasive intelligence and has been deeply involved with intelligent campuses for many years. We have proposed to redefine campuses with ICTs and have leveraged the advantages of our product portfolios to reshape campus connectivity, platform, and business. Up to now, we have helped over 1000 customers worldwide build secure, green, digital, and intelligent campuses,” said David Shi.
    David Shi, Vice President of ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Dept, Huawei

    Eric He, CEO of Huawei Campus Team, said in his speech that revolutions in energy and information take us closer to the intelligent world, where campuses will play a crucial role. As Eric He explains, we have entered the stage of intelligent campus 2.0, which is 10 Gbps, digital, intelligent, and green. During this stage, campus networks will evolve from simply transmitting data to providing quality connections, campus platforms will move beyond integrating IoT to providing data intelligence, and extensive business management will be upgraded to low-carbon operations. “Relying on ICTs to redefine campuses, Huawei looks forward to working with customers and industry peers to innovate as well as envision and build intelligent campus 2030,” he said.
    Eric He, CEO of Huawei Campus Team

    Hawn Zhao, President of the Campus Network Domain, Data Communication Product Line, Huawei, introduced Huawei’s Xinghe Intelligent Campus Solution at the forum. As enterprises are witnessing a surge in the number of devices and video conferences, their digital and intelligent office requires improved network performance, security, experiences, and O&M. Huawei’s all-scenario Wi-Fi 7 products can strengthen signals by 100% and improve concurrency by 50%. In addition, Huawei’s application experience assurance solution ensures smooth video conferences and protects VIP services from being compromised, while the Wi-Fi Shield prevents data eavesdropping to ensure 100% network security.
    Helping Customers Advance Digital and Intelligent Transformation
    Ibrahim Al Kindi, IT Director of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), shared AAAID’s experience in intelligent campus construction. AAAID and Huawei have collaborated to enhance its office experiences in five areas: seamless access, intelligent office conferences, full wireless network coverage, AI-based building control, and centralized IoT device access. Ibrahim Al Kindi stated that this is just the beginning of a new era of intelligent office, and AAAID will continue to explore the digital and intelligent transformation of the office field.
    Fahad Daghriri, Chief Information Officer of Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) in Saudi Arabia, shared how TVTC built an intelligent campus network with the help of Huawei. This network allows for wide coverage, high performance, and efficient O&M, improving mobile office for teachers and studying for students. “Our collaboration aims to achieve a win-win situation, promote digital transformation, build a one-stop campus network, create a smart education platform, and lay a solid foundation for long-term development,” said Fahad Daghriri.
    Releasing the Intelligent Campus 2030 White Paper
    Huawei globally unveils the Intelligent Campus 2030 white paper

    The campus is a basic unit in the making of a city. It is the main place where people live and work. It acts as an important carrier to boost the digital economy, and a key point to realize green and low-carbon transformation. In recent years, the industry has conducted in-depth exploration and cultivated practices surrounding the intelligent campus. Huawei, along with industry experts and scholars, provides insights into its future in the Intelligent Campus 2030 white paper.
    Based on the insights into and practices of global intelligent campuses, this white paper proposes a far-sighted definition of future intelligent campus along with visions for its advancement. It outlines five trends that affect intelligent campus development, systematically depicts 10 typical future scenarios, and defines six key technical features of future intelligent campuses for the first time. Innovatively, the white paper proposes a unique reference architecture for the intelligent campus and 22 quantitative indicators to predict the prospects of intelligent campuses, guiding their implementation and construction.
    Click the link to read more about the white paper: https://www.huawei.com/en/giv/intelligent-campus-2030

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Training course on market access for governments acceding to WTO concludes in Geneva

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Training course on market access for governments acceding to WTO concludes in Geneva

    The governments represented were Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belarus, Bhutan, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Participants were given guidance on how to prepare initial goods offers, consolidate bilateral market access agreements and verify schedules of concessions and commitments on goods.
    Speaking at the opening session, the Director of the WTO Accessions Division Maika Oshikawa emphasised the importance of the training programme in strengthening acceding governments’ negotiation capacities. “Managing market access negotiations on goods alone can be a challenging task, even for the biggest economies with capacities,” she told participants. “This training is designed not only to equip you to start negotiations but, more importantly, to successfully conclude them.”
    The curriculum included lectures and interactive exercises organized by WTO experts. A roundtable took place with representatives of selected WTO members active in accessions and another with negotiators from recently acceded governments. The objective was to gain insights on market access negotiations with specific WTO members, known as “bilateral negotiations”. Participants also simulated the negotiation of bilateral market access agreements on goods.
    Participating in the course was Bokhodirjon Bobokulov, Chief Inspector at Uzbekistan’s State Customs Committee, who said: “I gained practical knowledge on negotiating market access, analysing non-tariff barriers and aligning trade policies with WTO principles. This training has equipped me with essential tools to engage more effectively in international trade discussions.”
    Another course participant, Sharmarke Abdi Jama, Senior Trade Advisor in the Office of the President of Somalia, underlined the importance of preparation and strategy in market access negotiations: “The course significantly enhanced my understanding of tariff schedules and taught me how to find a balance when it comes to stakeholders’ interests in the negotiations, while also aligning with global trade rules. The combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises will be particularly beneficial to my work.”
    Also taking part in the course was Diveen Abduraheem, Head of the Trade in Goods Division at Iraq’s Ministry of Trade. Underscoring the comprehensive nature of the training programme, she stressed: “Through this course, I improved my understanding of WTO rules and trade agreements. It enhanced my negotiation skills and taught me how to analyse trade data effectively. Overall, the course has prepared me for real-world trade negotiations.”
    A training course on navigating WTO rules in accession negotiations took place in December 2023.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government funding secured to bring forward disused site for new homes 16 October 2024 Isle of Wight Council secures government funding to bring forward disused site for housing

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council has been awarded £150,000 to help bring forward a prime brownfield site for development.

    The windfall will be used to demolish the former police station in Fairlee Road, Newport, and prepare the council-owned site so that it is ready for the building of up to ten new homes.

    The funding comes from the government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund which supports councils in unlocking small and medium sites that have been previously developed and where viability issues due to abnormal costs, such as site levelling, demolition, and groundworks, are likely to prevent their future development.

    Councillor Ian Stephens, deputy leader and Cabinet member for housing and finance, said: “We are delighted to have secured funding from the Brownfield Land Release Fund.

    “This will enable us to demolish a disused building, in a prime location close to the town centre. The cleared site will speed up the delivery time for much needed new homes.”

    Council leader, Councillor Phil Jordan, added: “This scheme, using government funding, is part of a wider council project to deliver homes for residents of the Isle of Wight.

    “In clearing this site in preparation for housing, we are enabling another development to be built on and provide the homes we desperately need.

    “This is the third site we have obtained government funding for and along with other sites we are bringing forward for provision, are positively adding to the housing availability numbers on this Island at a time when demand is outstripping supply.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Michelle named Teacher of the Year by SEND group

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Michelle Madziak, who works at Green Park School, was nominated by colleagues for being an advocate who ensures that the voice of pupils is heard and acted on, even when pupils are non-verbal, and for finding solutions to potential barriers in order for pupils to progress.

    Headteacher Lorraine Dawney said: “We and the Governors want to celebrate the positive impact Michelle has made and the joy and successful outcomes pupils have in their learning.”

    Assistant Headteacher Heather Martin added: “We are so proud of Michelle. Her positive attitude helps her motivate and lead many people at Green Park.

    “Her love of learning is evident in her everyday work and is passionate about the key skills pupils need to learn. Seeing that work experience opportunities for our learners are minimal, she has created ‘Deals on Wheels’ – a school shop that pupils run to increase their independence and life experience.

    “As part of the school improvement team, she also leads on whole school priorities, ensuring and assuring that all teams are achieving ambitious standards.

    “The school community love working with Michelle; she is a role model to all colleagues and we are delighted she has been named Teacher of the Year.”

    Michelle said: “It feels amazing to be recognised by my colleagues and a national association. I feel honoured to work with the pupils and they were just as excited as I was. The pupils teach me something new every day!”

    Phil Leivers, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Head of Service, Educational Excellence, said: “This is a tremendous accolade for Michelle and I would like to congratulate her on her achievement. Teachers help students learn, grow, and develop into their best selves, and Michelle has demonstrated what an excellent job she is doing for young people at Green Park.”

    The National Association for Special Educational Needs is a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.

    It provides free resources and support for all members, leading targeted programmes and projects to deliver widespread improvements, offering a structured programme of professional development, accredited training and conferences as well as a package of SEND services throughout the UK and internationally.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on FIAT (105.76%), CONY (101.35%), ULTY (100.99%), YMAX (51.97%), YMAG (62.33%) and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker    1    		 ETF Name Reference
    Asset    		 Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4,5    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield    3    		 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple $0.1747 Weekly 51.97% 62.93% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple $0.2261 Weekly 62.33% 50.85% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN $1.1098 Every 4 Weeks 101.35% 3.70% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    FIAT   YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN $1.4513 Every 4 Weeks 105.76% 3.22% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF MSFT $0.5077 Every 4 Weeks 33.76% 3.33% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF AMD $0.9212 Every 4 Weeks 84.48% 3.24% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF NFLX $0.7929 Every 4 Weeks 59.84% 3.45% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF ABNB $0.8003 Every 4 Weeks 61.67% 2.84% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF PYPL $1.1042 Every 4 Weeks 75.73% 2.94% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Multiple $0.8267 Every 4 Weeks 100.99% 0.00% 10/17/2024 10/18/2024
    Scheduled for next week: YMAX YMAG MSTY YQQQ AMZY APLY AIYY DISO SQY SMCY


    The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling     (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH and YQQQ are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs”.

    Distributions are not guaranteed.   The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1All YieldMax™ ETFs (except YMAX,YMAG and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and YMAG have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.24% but the investment adviser has agreed to a 0.10% fee waiver through at least February 28, 2025.

    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on October 15, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3 The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended September 30. 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. As of such date, the ULTY subsidized and unsubsidized 30-Day SEC Yields were 0.00% and 0.00%, respectively. The subsidized yield reflects fee waivers in effect while the unsubsidized yield does not adjust for any fee waivers in effect.

    4 Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    5 As of the date hereof, distributions for the following ETFs have included return of investor capital: TSLY, OARK, APLY, AMZY, NVDY, GOOY, JPMO, XOMO, PYPY, CONY, DISO, FBY, MSFO, NFLY, SQY, AMDY, MRNY, AIYY, MSTY, ULTY, YMAX, YMAG, YBIT, SNOY, CRSH,GDXY and FIAT. For additional information, please visit http://www.YieldMaxETFs.com/TaxInfo.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX and YMAG generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTY), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We respond to your thoughts on nature

    Source: City of Plymouth

    We’re reflecting on a fabulous Summer of Nature.

    From the end of July to the beginning of September, we delivered over 50 events alongside many different communities and partner organisations and engaged with over 1,000 people.

    We ran youth projects; we played Minecraft; we planted trees; we went swimming; we met the Poole Farm animals and all the while, we asked you how you felt about nature in Plymouth.

    We had an incredible response and nearly 500 of you gave your views on the places you love and how they should be cared for in the future.

    Below, we’ve drawn out some of the key themes and provided a response to your suggestions.

    Image by Chris Parkes Photography
    You said… you wanted us to plant more trees

    Of course we will.

    Did you know that in the last three years, we have planted over 17,204 trees across 135 different sites as part of our involvement in the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest? That’s an area equivalent to 85 football pitches! And it is something that we are proud of, with our team winning a national local government award for their efforts on this.

    Each year we make sure that we plant the right tree in the right place by careful consideration of the location including talking with local people about the plans. We also know about the challenges a changing climate will bring and the need to diversify the types of trees in the city and so we consider the tree species in this.

    We plant whips – young and slender trees, often just a few feet tall at the time of planting, maidens, which are smaller, usually three to five foot tall and standards, large trees that at the time of planting is already six to ten feet tall.

    This autumn we’ll be announcing our plans for the tree planting season ahead, with plenty of chances to get involved in planting and caring for trees throughout the year.

    You said… we need to educate young people about the benefits of nature

    Many people who fed back to our survey suggested that more could be done to educate young people about the natural world and how very important it is to look after it. We absolutely agree – we’d love to do even more outreach with young people!

    But did you know that we already run several programmes across the city?

    At Poole Farm, we run regular youth clubs focussed on outdoor skills and we run Junior Ranger sessions where young people can earn digital badges for set programmes of work.

    We run the Forest Rising programme, a youth forum which allows young people to feed into the delivery of tree planting across the city.

    Our Green Communities team is delivering a programme of nature education sessions in primary schools, secondary schools, and with youth groups, too.

    Our Climate Connections team regularly provide resource for schools and appoints Young Climate Ambassadors for carbon-conscious volunteers.

    Meanwhile, this year our National Marine Park are inviting all key stage two classes across the city to take part in the Sea in our Schools programme.

    Do we want to do more? Absolutely, and we will continue to work with partners and funding bodies to explore as many education options as possible, and give young people the chance to gain employment and build careers in looking after and improving nature sites across the city.

    You said… that the water quality of the Sound and rivers needs improvement

    It’s a hard agree from us – the water quality around Plymouth is not good enough. And although the issue is not of our making, we are determined to support improvements in the Tamar Catchment, in the Sound and along the Plym.

    Earlier this year, we held and hosted a Water Quality Select committee, which was supported by partners from the Environment Agency and South West Water.

    Representatives from the National Marine Park, University of Plymouth, Tamar Catchment Partnership, Ocean Conservation Trust and a local swimming group were also in attendance to provide insight and answer questions.

    Amongst the actions for the Council were an increased drive in education (see above!) as to what communities can do to improve water quality and to lobby government to allow Plymouth to be a pilot for an area of water quality improvement.

    South West Water, meanwhile, were tasked with ensuring their existing drainage infrastructure investment plans align with the city aspirations while the Environment Agency were asked to make water quality data from a new pilot monitoring scheme available more quickly.

    The partners involved in the select committee will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their commitments and actions to water quality for the next ten years.

    You said… you wanted us to take better care of grass in the city.

    We hear what you’re saying on grass-cutting and we know that this year, we didn’t quite get it right. The very wet weather at the start of the year meant we couldn’t start on time and then when we did start, the rain continued to fall, and we couldn’t keep on top of the growth.

    Full disclosure; 60-40, our policy of cutting most of our grass regularly, but managing the minority for nature, is here to stay. If we want to make a difference to the biodiversity crisis; if we want nature to thrive in our city, then we have to do what we know is right.

    But what we can do is manage it differently. One of things that you said to us was that there was too much grass and not enough colour. Fair challenge. Over the winter, we’re going to look to fix that by improving a whole range of sites across the city.

    We are also going to look at how the cutting schedules are managed, how we can do more regular cuts on areas we know are prone to quick growth. This year, despite the issues, we doubled the regularity of cuts on roadside verges and playgrounds. This is something we can build on.

    You said… that litter can spoil some of our best green and blue spaces

    We agree. Littering really is the pits and the only people to blame for litter are the litterers themselves. Litter annoys us too and takes resource away from other services.

    We do carry out litter picks where we can, particularly in our larger parks and there are also some amazing local volunteer groups who help out, too, and we do our best to support them to do that. But the fact is, none of these would be needed if people took responsibility for their own waste.

    Did you know that there are 1,078 litter bins across the city and that 381 of those are in our parks or green spaces?

    You said… we need more dog poo bins in our parks and nature reserves

    Whilst we think we have generally got the right balance of bins in our parks right for the level of demand we will always listen to feedback and review provision at specific locations where concerns are raised.

    Did you know that dog poo can be put in any public litter bin?

    You said… you wanted more opportunities to get involved

    Good news in this department… we’ve got more opportunities to get involved than you can shake a stick at!

    Green Communities
    Regular opportunities to get involved across Central Park, Devonport Park and Keyham.
    Find out more: Green Communities webpage

    Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
    Get involved in a full range of volunteering programmes across Plymouth’s varied waterfront.
    Find out more: National Marine Park website

    BRIC
    Sign up a voluntary Community Flood Responder role, and our Adopt a Drain scheme. We provide training and/or equipment for the voluntary activities.
    Find out more: BRIC webpage

    Community Forest
    Regular Community Tree Nursery Volunteering every Thursday at Poole Farm.
    Community tree planting days within the city across the winter.
    Forest Rising winter programme open for registration now for young people aged 16 – 28 years old.
    Find out more: Community Forest website

    Plymouth Natural Grid
    Regular volunteer opportunities across reserves and greenspaces in the city. Practical conservation work and infrastructure/ access improvement work.
    Find out more: PNG LinkedIn

    Poole Farm
    Weekly volunteering opportunities at the farm
    Find out more: Poole Farm Facebook page

    Climate Connections
    Adults can join the Climate Ambassador volunteers programme. There is also a youth version to join as well.
    Find out more: Climate Connections website

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Cathay Cargo Leveraged Descartes Air Cargo Tracking Solution to Help Support Safe Journey of Giant Pandas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia and ATLANTA, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Cathay Cargo, a global provider of air freight services, leveraged Descartes’ Bluetooth® Low Energy air cargo tracking solution for real-time condition and location monitoring of Giant Pandas An An and Ke Ke as they were safely transported from Chengdu, China to Hong Kong. The pandas arrived at Hong Kong’s international airport on September 26, 2024.

    “We’re excited that our technology played a role in the safe arrival of such a special shipment from Chengdu to Hong Kong,” said Frank Hung, VP Sales and Marketing at Descartes. “With our advanced IoT-based tracking capabilities, our customers are not only able to monitor the location of their shipments in real-time, but also shipment conditions such as temperature, light, vibration and humidity—which takes on an even more important dimension for Cathay Cargo in this unique situation.”

    Cathay Cargo has used the Descartes solution as part of its Ultra Track cargo tracking service since 2021. The solution helps the air cargo carrier provide customers with real-time shipment location and condition status for airport-to-airport moves of high value goods such as electronics, perishables and pharmaceuticals. The Ultra Track service is available in 29 airports across Cathay Cargo’s network.

    The Descartes air cargo tracking solution is designed to help airlines and ground handling agents (GHA) provide forwarding and shipper customers with end-to-end shipment visibility. Descartes Bluetooth® Low Energy powered tags placed on Unit Load Devices (ULD) or pallets provide location and condition status data that is captured by Descartes Bluetooth® Low Energy readers. Readers are part of the Descartes global Internet of Things (IoT) network and a Descartes Global Logistics Network™ service. Shipment status can be tracked whether goods are in the air or on the ground to help the air cargo community automate the end-to-end tracking of freight location and shipment status information such as precise temperature, movement, shock, light and humidity.

    “We’re pleased to have supported Cathay Cargo in this extraordinary endeavor,” said Scott Sangster, General Manager, Logistics Service Providers at Descartes. “Customers with temperature-controlled, time-sensitive and other specialized cargo expect to be kept informed of the location, condition, and chain of custody of their air shipment throughout its journey. By building out our IoT network in more geographies, deploying active readers across more locations and expanding the reach of the network, we’re helping the air cargo industry meet requirements for real-time, multi-dimensional cargo visibility and facilitate more secure, efficient, and responsive logistics operations.”

    About Cathay Cargo

    Cathay Cargo is the air-freight business division of the Cathay Group and one of the leading air-cargo operators in the world, operating from its hub in Hong Kong. Cathay Cargo provides services to more than 90+ cargo destinations around the world, operating a dedicated freighter fleet of 14 Boeing 747-8F and six 747-400ERFs (Extended Range Freighter) aircraft, in addition to cargo space on Cathay Pacific’s large fleet of passenger aircraft. The Cargo division also includes Air Hong Kong, an express cargo carrier operating in partnership with DHL, and manages Cathay Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport. It is also the cargo general sales agent for the Cathay Group’s low-cost carrier HK Express. Cathay is a member of the Swire Group and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). For more information, please visit http://www.cathaycargo.com.

    About Descartes

    Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at http://www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Global Media Contact
    Cara Strohack                                                                     
    Tel: +1(800) 419-8495 ext. 202025                                 
    cstrohack@descartes.com  

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ air cargo solution offerings and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of School Education & Literacy Convenes National Advisory Council Meeting

    Source: Government of India

    Department of School Education & Literacy Convenes National Advisory Council Meeting

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan reaffirms commitment to strengthening the implementation of the RTE Act in Line with National Education Policy 2020

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 9:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the National Advisory Council meeting, focusing on strengthening the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which primarily emphasises access to school education. The National Education Policy 2020 highlights the revision and revamping of the education structure, including its regulation and governance, to create a new system that is aligned with the aspirational goals of 21st century education by providing holistic, inclusive and multidisciplinary growth in school curriculum.

    In his keynote address, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised the Government of India’s dedication to guaranteeing universal access to quality education and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening of school education in the country guided by the Implementation of the RTE Act,2009 and the holistic and  transformative provisions of  National Education Policy 2020. He focused on developing a thorough plan to integrate innovative teaching methods and significantly enhance learning outcomes to strengthen the educational framework in the forthcoming years. He stressed on providing a special focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) that ensures the cognitive development of children according to the NEP 2020. Additionally, the Minister highlighted the need to formulate a comprehensive strategy for effective pedagogy and teaching methodology, with a strong emphasis on ensuring quality education, accessibility, affordability, equity and inclusivity in the implementation of educational interventions.

    Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (DoSEL), addressed the transformative journey of the education policies and the commitment to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat through the National Education Policy, 2020. He urged the council members to examine the advancements in the education sector and provide their insightful feedback to the participants.

    Shri Vipin Kumar, Additional Secretary (DoSEL), highlighted the current state of the government’s initiatives under the RTE Act of 2009, particularly the provision of free textbooks, uniforms, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and many other interventions related to it.

    Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these initiatives form the core of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of education and promoting equity and inclusivity. By integrating these components, Samagra Shiksha promotes holistic development and improves learning outcomes, ensuring that every child has the necessary interventions for a seamless transition from elementary to secondary education. It was also mentioned during the discussion that while RTE Act 2009 talks about the elementary education upto class 1 to class 8 but NEP-2020 takes care of the holistic developmental needs of 15 years of school education.

    The National Advisory Committee members shared their valuable insights to create a more cohesive and equitable education system. The committee members highlighted the need to strengthen the school ecosystem, teacher education and socio-economically disadvantaged groups, as underscored in the NEP 2020. The meeting was attended by distinguished dignitaries and senior officials from the Department of School Education and Literacy and autonomous bodies of the Department.

    Additionally, Director, NCERT mentioned that 79 Primers have been developed in scheduled languages of the respective State/ UTs. These Primers are in accordance with NEP 2020, which fosters education in child’s native language to facilitate their overall development. This meeting marks a crucial step towards further strengthening the education system in India, ensuring that every child receives their right to free and compulsory education and reinforcing the principles of equity and inclusivity in education.

                                                                           

    *****

    MV/AK

    (Release ID: 2065192) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Jal Shakti and its various arms highlights Special Campaign 4.0 Achievements

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 10:22AM by PIB Delhi

    The Special Campaign 4.0, a Government of India initiative to cleanliness, review & simplification of rules & procedures, review of record management system, productive use of space, and disposal of waste materials for enhancing work place experience, is being undertaken in true spirit by the Department. Nodal Officers appointed by Department as well as its field organizations are working out to remove the pendency and to complete other indicators pertaining to the offices as per the parameters of DARPG’s guidelines.

    A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Shri Subodh Yadav, Additional Secretary to review the progress under Special Campaign 4.0.  Shri Yadav expressed satisfaction to the efforts being done by the Department and its organisations to meet the targets for the campaign.  The officer emphasized that the achievements regarding cleanliness campaigns being higher in number than the targets are always welcomed.

    ‘Before’ and ‘After’ images of the sites are being videographed and photographed and shared with Geo coordinates.

    The Department and its organizations would continue to make all efforts to meet the Targets by the end of Special Campaign 4.0.

    The achievements of the Department during the Special Campaign 4.0 till date are as follows.

    Achievements for Special Campaign 4.0 as on 14.10.2024

     

    Sl. No

    Parameters

    Target

    Achievements

    %age
    1.  

    MP References

    72

    53

    74%
    1.  

    PMO References

    21

    10

    48%
    1.  

    IMC (Inter Ministerial Consultations)

    1

    1

    100%
    1.  

    Parliament Assurances

    11

    0

    0
    1.  

    Public Grievances

    47

    40

    85%
    1.  

    PG Appeals

    34

    12

    35%
    1.  

    Review of Physical Files

    6255

    5166

    82.6%
    1.  

    Review of e-Files

    3662

    1268

    35%
    1.  

    Cleaning of sites

    350

    115

    33%

     

    Beside above:

    • A rain water harvesting structure at  premises of Sharm Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi has been renovated and made functional as part of the ongoing campaign.
    • Rs 3,01,120/- revenue has been generated through scrap disposal.
    • About 14520 Sq ft area has been freed through cleaning of sites/ scrap disposal.

    ****

    DSK

    (Release ID: 2065203) Visitor Counter : 102

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Citizen Centric approach: Comprehensive guidelines for sensitive, accessible and meaningful redressal of Central Government Pensioners’ grievances

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Citizen Centric approach: Comprehensive guidelines for sensitive, accessible and meaningful redressal of Central Government Pensioners’ grievances

    Ministries and Departments strive for redressal of Pensioners’ grievances within 21 days on CPENGRAMS

    Root cause analysis of the Pensioners’ grievances for checking the incidences of grievances

    All the Pensioners’ grievance applications to be redressed in online mode through CPENGRAMS

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 11:18AM by PIB Delhi

    Central  Government  has  issued  comprehensive  guidelines  after  reviewing    its    Pensioners’ grievance  redressal  mechanism  i.e.  Centralized  Pension  Grievances  Redress  and  Monitoring System  (CPENGRAMS)  to  make  it  more  sensitive,  accessible  and  meaningful  in  line  with  the vision of the Prime Minister.

    The guidelines envisage expeditious and efficient redressal of the grievances, bearing a  testimony to the citizen-centric approach of the Government of India.

    The  main  highlights  of  the  comprehensive  guidelines  for  handling  Central  government  Pensioners’ grievances are as follows:

    1.     Ministries/Departments  should  strive  to  redress  the  Pensioners’  grievances  within  21  days.  In the cases, where redressal of   the grievances requires longer time, an  interim reply may  be furnished on the portal.

    2.     The   grievance   shall   be   redressed   under   ‘whole   of   the   Government   approach’.   In   no   case, grievance shall be closed summarily by stating, ‘it does not pertain to this Office’.

    3.     The  grievance shall  not  be closed  without  its conclusive  redressal  and the  Action Taken  Report (ATR)  should  be  filled  in  with  the  supporting  information  and  documents  at  the  time  of  closure  of grievance.

    4.     Ministries/ Departments  shall  undertake  monthly  review  of  Pension  related  grievances,  pending on the portal to ensure the qualitative redressal of grievances within the prescribed time limit.

    5.     The Nodal PG Officer   shall analyze the trend of grievances and conduct a root cause analysis to check the incidence of grievances.

    6.     The applicant can file an appeal   against the redressal of his grievance within  30 days of closure of    the  grievance  and  it  shall  be  disposed  of  within  30  days  by  the  Appellate  Authority.  A speaking order shall be passed, attaching relevant documents, if any.

    7.     The  grievance  applications,  filed  in  the  physical  form  with  the  Ministry/ Department,  shall  be uploaded on the CPENGRAMS portal to ensure proper monitoring of these grievances.

    *****

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE PRIME MINISTER FOR HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK – PARADE

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    Thursday 10th October, 2024 (9:00am – 10:00am – Infront of the Government Building)

    Captain Eric Turner (Regional Leader of Salvation Army, Samoa),

    Hon. Deputy Prime Minister,

    Hon. Cabinet Ministers,

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

    Heads of Government Ministries and Corporations, NGOs,

    Distinguished guests,

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    Talofa Lava! And a Warm Welcome!

    It is a great honor to stand here and address you today on a topic that is vital for our individual well-being, our workplaces, and ultimately, our nation – ‘MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE’.

    Today, we rally to not only recognize the importance of mental health but to ensure that it becomes a pillar of how we work, how we lead, and how we care for one another in the workplace.

    Today, the 10th of October is the commemoration of the World Mental Health Day globally including Samoa, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world, on its theme – ‘Healthy Minds, Healthy Workplaces’. It is also the last day that ends the commemoration of the activities for the Mental Health Awareness Week in Samoa, which started on Sunday 6th October, 2024.

    As this year’s World Mental Health Day puts more emphasis on the

    importance of Mental Health in the Workplace, I am humbled indeed to speak not only as a leader and as an employer but an employee of the Government of Samoa.

    Mental health is not something that exists in isolation. It is deeply tied to every part of our lives, including the workplace. The workplace is where we spend a large part of our days. It is where we contribute to our communities, earn a living, and grow professionally. But the workplace can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and pressure.

    In Samoa, the demands of work, the increasing pace of change, and the responsibilities we all carry, whether as employees or leaders can take a toll on our mental well-being. When stress becomes overwhelming and mental health is not prioritized, the results are clear. There will be a decrease in productivity, an increase in absenteeism, and a general decline in workplace morale.

    However, mental health challenges do not just impact the workplace, they impact individuals, families, and communities. When an employee is struggling mentally, it affects their ability to engage fully at work, their relationships at home, and their overall quality of life. This is why it is essential that we take a proactive approach in addressing mental health in our workplaces. It is not just good for business; it is good for people.

    Samoa, like many other nations, is facing a rise in Non-Communicable Diseases or NCDs including those related to mental health. NCDs accounts for over 80% of all deaths and more than half the premature deaths in Samoa. Therefore, mental health conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout are no longer issues we can ignore. In fact, mental health conditions are among the leading causes of lost workdays, lower productivity, and long term-disability worldwide.

    The Ministry of Health in Samoa has integrated mental health into our national health strategy, recognizing the importance of both physical and mental well-being for a healthy Samoa. In the workplace, we must follow suit. We cannot build a prosperous Samoa if our workforce is unwell, both mentally and physically.

    A lot of organizations including our Health Sector Partners who are

    gathered here today, both public and private have recognized the

    importance of mental health through their combined efforts such as awareness campaigns, advocacy, offering of coping platforms and mechanisms for our people to be more resilient. More workplaces are adopting policies that address mental health and are working to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

    However, we need to accelerate these efforts and ensure that all

    workplaces, no matter the size or sector, are places where mental health is supported.

    Let us commit to making mental health a priority in every Samoan

    workplace. We can take practical steps such as raising more awareness on mental health; develop and implement supportive policies; foster a culture of care by showing compassion and understanding toward each other; and collaborate with Mental Health Services in Samoa for counselling and support.

    In Samoa, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example. By

    prioritizing mental health in the workplace, we not only improve the lives of our employees but also enhance productivity and success of our businesses and institutions. Let us move forward with the spirit of fa’aaloalo, valuing and respecting the mental well-being of every

    individual.

    I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our partners and stakeholders from government, the guidance and support of the World Health Organization, development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and civil society. Thank you for your continuous support towards the work of mental health in Samoa. Your commitment demonstrates your dedication to the health of our people.

    Ladies and Gentlemen – Together, we can build workplaces that not only contribute to Samoa’s economy but also to the happiness, health, and well-being of our people.

    SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

    SAUNOAGA AUTU: AFIOGA FIAME NAOMI MATA’AFA – PALEMIA O SAMOA I LE SAVALI FA’APITOA – FA’ATAUAINA O LE VAIASO O LE SOIFUA MALOLOINA O LE MAFAUFAU

    Aso Tofi, 10 Oketopa 2024

    9:00am – 10:00am – Luma Maota o le Malo

    Lau Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga, Captain Eric Turner,

    Lau Afioga i le Sui Palemia, Afioga i le Saoali’i, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio,

    Paia o Minisita o le Kapeneta,

    Sui o Malo Aufaatasi ma Faalapotopotoga mai Fafo,

    Le paia ma le mamalu ua aofia potopoto,

    O le asō, ua fa’ailogaina ai e le lalolagi atoa e aofia ai ma Samoa le Aso Fa’apitoa o le Fa’atauaina o le Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau. Ua fa’ai’u ai fo’i ma polokalame e pei ona tapisaina ai e Samoa le Vaiaso Faapitoa mo le fa’alauiloaina o le taua o le Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau, e pei ona sa amata mai le Aso Sa 6, Oketopa 2024.

    Tatou ave lea o le vi’iga i le Atua, ua livaliva le foe a le tautai, ua a’e manuia taumafaiga o lenei vaiaso.

    O le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau e aofia i le fa’atulagaga fa’asaienisi o sē tasi o gasegase tumau, ua to’atele nisi ua a’afia ma maumau ai le soifua. E tusa ai ma fa’amaumauga fa’asoifua maloloina, e sili atu ma le 80% o tagata Samoa ua a’afia i gasegase tumau e a’afia ai totoga e pe’i o le suka, toto maualuga ma o’o ai ina maua i gasegase o le fatu, kanesa ma isi. O lo’o aofia ai i totonu ma le faitauga o tagata ua a’afia tumau le mafaufau i le faitauga o nei gasegase tumau. O fa’amaumauga lata mai, o le to’atele ua a’afia le mafaufau ma fa’amauina e mafua mai ona o le soona tagofia o le ava malosi. Ma ua mafuli i tupulaga talavou o lo’o nonofo i nu’u tu taulaga, o i latou fo’i nei e faigaluega.

    O le sini autū o lenei tausaga ma lona fa’amoemoe, ua ave le fa’amamafa i le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau i totonu o fale-faigaluega. O se tasi o mataupu ua le Pau, le Vau, a ua fa’atāfea i le auau e nisi tagata. Atonu e malamalama gofie pe a tatou talatala iai, ae faigata lona fa’atinoga ma e le’o lagonaina e le to’atele.

    Afai o le tele o le taimi o le tagata faigaluega e alu i totonu o le fale-faigaluega, e tatau ona tapena fa’afafine to’aga le silasila mamao i le mafaufau manuia o le aufaigaluega. E lē masino o le a si’itia se auaunaga, tele tupe maua ma fa’afiafiaina le ta’ita’i o le fale-faigaluega, o le aufaigaluega faapea ma aiga o lo’o tapua’i mai.

    E le o pō malaē le to’atele o e pele ia tatou uma, o fanau, uso ma tuafafine faapea tua’ā ua a’afia mafaufau. E le gata o i latou ua iloa āuga ma iai foliga va’aia,ae fa’apena ma nisi o lo’o a’afia i nisi o gasegase ua avea ma mafuaaga ua a’afia ai ma le mafaufau. O le popōlega tele, o le to’atele o lo’o a’afia e le’o mafai ona iloa, ma o nisi ua a’afia ma ma’imau ai le soifua ona o le pule i le soifua. Ua taotaomia le saili o se fesoasoani ona o le to’atele o lo’o a’afia i sauaga ona o le fefe ma le tusitusilima.

    E le māmā lenei mataupu, ma o le tele o lu’itau pe a a’afia le mafaufau, e le gata o le a afaina ai le auaunaga o se fale-faigaluega, ae faapēnā ona a’afia ai aiga, o fanau, faapea ma nu’u ma le atunu’u. O Samoa o lo’o fa’avae ana auaunaga tausili i so’o se fale-faigaluega i ana tu ma aganu’u, e pei o le fa’aaloalo, alofa ma le tautua matavela. O nei tu ma aga a Samoa e mafai ona fa’alautele e fai ma vaifofō ina ia maua le mafaufau maloloina o le tagata faigaluega.

    O se fa’amalosi mo fale-faigaluega uma faapea ma ta’ita’i o Samoa, e tāua tele la tatou pitolaau fai fa’atasi. Afai e lagonaina e so’o se tagata faigaluega o lo’o iai tu ma aga e pei o le alofa ma le fa’aaloalo, e ta’ita’itama ai le fa’atinoga o le galuega, o le a si’itia ma maoa’e so’o se auaunaga, o le a telē le lagolago a le aufaigaluega, ma fa’atuatuaina ta’ita’i o so’o se fale-faigaluega.

    O le fesili – O a nisi taumafaiga tatou te galulue ai ina si’itia le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau i totonu o se fale-faigaluega? Ia tatou:

    • Lagolago ma fai le fale-faigaluega o se nofoaga e fiafia ai tagata e galulue.

    • Ia saogalēmū le fale-faigaluega mo tagata uma, e aunoa ma le tusitusi lima ma le fa’ailoga tagata

    • Ia amanaia le taimi e tatau ona mālōlō, ma mafuta ai le tagata faigaluega i lona aiga

    • Ia fa’atino ni a’oa’oga e si’itia ai le malamalama o ta’ita’i o fale-faigaluega i le tāua o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau.

    E toe fia fa’aleo le tele o taumafaiga a Samoa ua iai, e pei ona iai le saunoaga a le Afioga i le Sui Palemia i lana saunoaga autū i le Aso Sa, na tatalaina ai lenei Vaiaso Faapitoa mo le mafaufau maloloina.

    – O galuega ma auaunaga e tauala atu le Matagaluega a le Soifua Maloloina, ua amanaia ma tu’ufa’atasia ai vaega o le siakiina o so’o se gasegase, e le gata i le tino ae ua aofia ai ma le mafaufau. O lenei taumafaiga, ua tatau ona fa’ata’ita’i ma fa’atino e fale-faigaluega, e le gata o le ausia o galuega a le aufaigaluega, ae ia silasila toto’a i a’afiaga o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau.

    – Ua tele polokalame fa’alauiloa, o auaunaga mo le fa’atalatalanoaina o i latou ua a’afia, faapea ma faigafa’avae ma tulafono mo le unaia o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau.

    – Ua tele polokalame ma auaunaga e taofi ma fa’atonutonu ai mafuaaga fa’avae o le a’afia ai o le mafaufau e pei o le ava malosi ma le tagofia o fualaau fa’asaina.

    Ae peita’i, o lo’o mana’omia ona fa’aauau ona tapisa lenei mataupu i auala saogālēmū, alofa lē fa’atuāoia, ma aua ne’i iai se tusitusilima. E mo’omia na lalago fa’atasi auaunaga fa’asoifua-maloloina ina ia si’itia faigafa’avae ma tulafono e aofia ai vaega o le mafaufau manuia e aunoa ma le fa’aitū-au.

    O le pitolaau a aiga, āoga, fale-faigaluega, nu’u aemaise ekalesia o le ogatotonu lea o le fa’avae o le soifua maloloina e aofia ai ma le mafaufau manuia.

    E toe momoli le agaga fa’afetai i a tatou auaunaga ma fale-faigaluega ua potopoto lenei aso, i lā outou lagolago i lenei fa’amoemoe. E fa’afetaia a tatou paaga uma fa’asoifua maloloina faapea ma auaunaga o lo’o fa’aauau ona galulue mo le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau.

    Ou te fiafia tele e fa’alauiloa ai fo’i le fa’amae’a ai o fa’atinoga uma o le Vaiaso Faapitoa o le Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau i Samoa i le asō.

    Agalelei le Atua i fuafuaga o lenei aso, aemaise fo’i le aga atu mo le Aso Sa faapitoa o le fanau.

    SOIFUA

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HON. TUALA TEVAGA IOSEFO PONIFASIO, HON. ACTING PRIME MINISTER/ DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER/ ACTING MINISTER OF HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH WEEK – OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY (EFKS AAI-O-NIUE @ 3.30PM)

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    Rev. Efu Efu,

    Cabinet Ministers,

    Members of the Parliament,

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

    Heads of Governments and Non-Government Organizations,

    Members of the National Mental Health Committee

    Congregation,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I am humbled to stand before you today to address a topic that touches the very core of our society – mental health in Samoa. As we gather here today, we are united by a shared commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our people.

    In Samoa, our culture and sense of community – our ‘Fa’asamoa’ – are our greatest strengths. Our traditions of togetherness, family, and spirituality have sustained us through many challenges. Yet, mental health is a challenge that requires us to confront uncomfortable truths and break the silence that surrounds it.

    Starting today until the 10th of October is the Commemoration of the Mental Health Week in Samoa, with the main objective of raising awareness on mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This week’s celebration is parallel with the World Mental Health Day that is commemorated every year globally.

    The theme for this year’s Mental Health Week is– ‘Healthy Minds, Healthy Workplaces’. It is an issue that is often overlooked but is increasingly essential in today’s world. We all know that our work plays a significant role in our lives. It is not only a source of income, but also a place where we spend much of our time, contribute to society, and build our identities. However, while we talk a lot about productivity, performance, and success in our workspaces, we don’t talk enough about something just as important, our mental health.

    In Samoa, mental health is often misunderstood or hidden. Many of our people suffer in silence, believing that mental illness is a sign of weakness or a curse. But mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, and stress, are not signs of personal failure – they are illnesses that require care and compassion. These mental health issues have become increasingly common in the workplace, yet many still go unaddressed. In fact, globally it is estimated that one in five employees will experience a mental health challenge in any given year. And yet, many people are hesitant to talk about their mental health at work for fear of being judged, overlooked, or even discriminated against.

    When workplaces neglect mental health, the consequences can be costly, not just in human terms, but financially as well. When an employee is struggling with mental health, their performance may suffer, leading to missed deadlines, errors, or conflicts with colleagues.

    Beyond the economic cost, the personal toll is immense. Employees who face mental health challenges in silence can feel isolated, stressed, and burnt out.

    Our country has seen rising rates of mental health issues, particularly among our youth. The pressures of modern life, unemployment, academic stress, and family conflicts contribute to feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Suicide has tragically become a reality for too many of our young people. The fact that Samoa has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the Pacific should give us all pause. The recent reports stated that majority of people at risk of developing mental disorders are middle aged men living in urban areas and working. Other recent studies indicate that males of less that 30years who were unemployed and living in Apia urban area, were more likely to experience psychological distress due to contributing factors such as alcohol use. Young adults aged 18-29 years living in Apia urban area were more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress than those in other areas. Women were more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress compared to men. Therefore, most of us working and employed are at risk of developing mental disorders and psychological stress.

    Behind these statistics are real stories of our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, whose lives could have been saved with better mental health support.

    We cannot talk about mental health in Samoa without addressing the stigma. Mental illness is often perceived through a lens of shame, leading many to avoid seeking help. In many cases, mental health conditions are seen as a spiritual or supernatural issue, which delays access to proper care. This stigma prevents open conversations, leaving people feeling alone in their suffering.

    Samoa has made significant strides in addressing mental health, recognizing it as a crucial component of public health. Mental health has been integrated into its national health strategy, reflecting a commitment to addressing mental health as a public health priority. One of the key efforts is the integration of mental health services into primary health care in ensuring that mental health is treated alongside physical health, allowing people to seek help within their local health facilities. The Samoa government and various NGOs launched public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and encourage open discussions about mental health.

    Samoa works closely with international organizations such as the World Health Organization to enhance its mental health services. Some of the local organizations have launched suicide prevention programs, particularly focused on vulnerable groups such as youth. Treatment and care are provided through the Mental Unit at the main hospital in Apia which offers inpatient and outpatient care for those with severe mental health conditions. With extensive care of these patients, service is supported and provided by the GOSHEN Trust. Churches and other organizations such as the Salvation Army have played a pivotal role in promoting mental health particularly programs that focus on building resilience, emotional intelligence, and coping mechanisms. These programs aim to empower our people especially the youth to manage stress, anxiety and reducing the risk of more severe outcomes such as suicide.

    Despite these combined efforts, Samoa still faces several challenges in addressing mental health. These include the resource limitations including shortage of trained mental health professionals in Samoa. Mental Health services are often concentrated in urban areas. There are also geographical barriers and cultural stigma, making it hard for individuals to seek help openly.

    There is still much work to be done, particularly in expanding access to services and reducing stigma. Continued collaboration, investment, and community engagement will be essential to ensure that every Samoan can receive the mental health care they need.

    I would like to reiterate that there is no health without mental health. Therefore, I would like to invite everyone who is present here today, to show your support by joining the National Mental Health Committee and the Health Sector, to the Mental Health Parade. This will be held on Thursday 10th October, which starts from the Fire and Emergency Station and ends in-front of the government building, to end the activities of this important event.

    I acknowledge the support of all our development partners, churches, NGOs, civil society and the wider community towards the work of mental health in Samoa.

    SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA.

    SAUNOAGA AUTU ALE AFIOGA TUALA TEVAGA IOSEFO PONIFASIO

    AFIOGA ILE SUI PALEMIA / SUI MINISITA OLE SOIFUA MALOLOINA

    O LE POLOKALAME O LE “FA’ATAUAINA O LE SOIFUA MALOLOINA O LE MAFAUFAU”

    (EFKS, AAI-O-NIUE I LE 3:30 ILE AOAULI)

    Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga,

    Lau Susuga i le Faifeau Toeaina, Susuga i le Fa’afeagaiga

    o le EFKS i Aai-o-Niue nei, Rev. Efu Efu,

    Sui Mamalu o le Kapeneta,

    Le paia o Sui o Malo Aufaatasi,

    Ta’ita’i o Matagaluega ma Faalapotopotoga Eseese,

    Paaga uma a le Soifua Maloloina,

    Le mamalu o le Ekalesia nei i Aai-o-Niue, i ona tupu ma e’e faapea ma le potopotoga,

    O paia ma mamalu, o lā le Atua ia, aua o Samoa ua uma ona fa’ataotooto ana tofiga. Nu’unu’u atu ia fa’atini o tausala.

    Ua tala mai le lagi le mamalu o le Atua, o lē e ou vi’iga na sa’afi ma talatala i ai le susuga i le fa’afeagaiga toeaina. Mua ia le fa’apolo i le taliuta, aua o le Atua o Samoa ma lona vi’iga.

    E fia momoli le agaga fa’afetai i lau susuga i le toeaina, mo le taulaga osi o lenei aso, ma fa’anōnōmanū ai aua lenei fa’amoemoe taua. O le Atua pulepule tetele na te fa’afo’i le mau e tele i lau Susuga aua faiva o tapuaiga mo si o tatou atunu’u.

    O tausaga ta’itasi i le aso 10 Oketopa e fa’amanatuina ai e le lalolagi e aofia ai ma Samoa, le Aso Faapitoa o le “Fa’atauaina o le Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau”.

    Ua tolu ai nei o tausaga, ua fa’amanatuina ai e Samoa lenei aso fa’apitoa i le vaiaso atoa. E amata atu nei e tau le Aso Tofi, 10 Oketopa, ua fa’ailogaina ai e Samoa lenei vaiaso taua. O le sini autu o lenei fa’amoemoe, ina ia fa’aauau ona tapisa ma talanoaina le taua o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau.

    O le anavatau po’o le sini autū o lenei tausaga, ua ave le fa’amamafa i le ‘Soifua Maloloina o le Mafaufau i Totonu o Fale-faigaluega’. O le fale-faigaluega, o se nofoaga po’o se vaipanoa lea o lo’o tele ina mafuta ai tagata faigaluega i aso uma. E ave ai lana fa’amuamua ona o lo’o maua mai ai le alagātupe mo le tausiga o lona aiga. O lo’o mafai ona fa’aauauina ai le maua o tomai ma agava’a, ma toe si’itia ai le malamalama. E mafuta ma feiloa’i ai le tele o tagata eseese. O le nofoaga e tausi ina ia mamā lona si’osi’omaga, ma ia mautinoa o lo’o fa’atino galuega a le aufaigaluega ina ia si’itia tupe maua a le fale faigaluega.

    Ae pe’ita’i e tele ina galo ona talatala ma tali le fesili – “O a mai oe?” O tua atu o lenei fesili o lo’o afīfī ai i totonu le ‘anofale o le fale-faigaluega, o le mafaufau manuia o le tagata faigaluega. Po’o le a le lelei o le totogi, mautū ta’iala ma faigafa’avae, lelei le tino-i-fale o le fale-faigaluega, ae a a’afia le mafaufau o le tagata faigaluega, e faia fua le galuega. A la’ititi fo’i le totogi e le tusa ai ma le galuega fa’atino, e ono o’o ai ina a’afia le mafaufau, ona ua tele mea fai ae le lava le fa’asoa. Ona fa’asolo ai lava lea i le li’o lea, ma ono o’o ai ina le faigaluega le isi tagata, ona o a’afiaga o le mafaufau. O se fa’afitauli fa’amata e le o iloa atu, ae se’iloga ua talanoa ma fa’asoa ai, ona fa’atoa lagona lea e le tagata o le mea moni o lo’o tupu.

    Ua to’atele tagata ua a’afia le mafaufau ona o le tele o mafua’aga. O se mataupu e tele ina lē amana’ia ma leai se fa’amamafa. O le to’atele o tagata ua a’afia le mafaufau, fa’atoa iloa lava ona ua i ai foliga va’aia, ma ua o’o i o’oo’oga. Ae o le to’atele o lo’o a’afia, e le o mafai ona iloa ona o mafua’aga e pei o le; leai o se malamalama i āuga o le a’afia o le mafaufau, o le māasiasi ona o le tusitusilima ua le mafai ona alu e saili ai se fesoasoani, ua fai ma vaisū tu ma aga o lo’o mafua ai e pei o le tagofia o le ava malosi ma laau faasaina, ua leai se lagolago a aiga, matua, nu’u ma le ekalesia. I totonu o le fale-faigaluega ua leai se lagolago a le pule, o tagata faigaluega, faapea isi tagata.

    O le to’atele o lo’o noanoatia ma tutupu ai fa’afitauli e pei o le sauāina i totonu o aiga, nu’u po’o le fale-faigaluega. Ona tupu ai lea o le musuā e talanoa ma fa’asoa e saili fesoasoani. Ua sili atu le mā ma fefe e talanoa atu ona o le popole i le tusitusi lima, ma ua leai se fa’atuatuaga o nisi tagata e ono maua ai le fesoasoani. O nisi o āuga o le mafaufau ua a’afia, a tele galuega ona saili lea o le mea e mapu i ai e pei o le tagofia o le ava po’o laau fa’asaina e tua iai. Ae peita’i, o ī tonu o lo’o amata ai lava le vaisu ma le masani lea ma ono o’o ai i se tulaga ua le mafai ona tu’u, ma i’u ina a’afia ai le mafaufau.

    O fa’amaumauga lata mai i totonu o Samoa, o le toatele lava ua a’afia mafaufau e mafuli aga’i i tupulaga talavou. Ona o le tele o fesuiaiga o tu ma aga, o fa’alavelave i totonu o ā’oga, o āiga, fa’apea ma fale-faigaluega, o lo’o mafua ai le tele o a’afiaga o le mafaufau. O le to’atele o i latou ua maualuga le tulaga o le ono a’afia ai o le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau e mafuli i le itupa o ali’i mai le vai-tausaga 30 aga’i luga le matutua. O le to’atele foi, e nonofo i nofoaga tu taulaga.

    O nisi o tupulaga talavou e i lalo ifo o le 30 tausaga le matutua o lo’o faamauina le a’afia o le mafaufau ona o le tagofia o le ava malosi, ma e le faigaluega. E tusa ai ma fa’amaumauga, o le to’atele o tinā ma tama’ita’i ua o’o le tulaga o le a’afia o le mafaufau pe a fa’atusa i ali’i. O le popolega, ona o nisi ua a’afia le mafaufau ua o’o ina a’afia ai le soifua, aemaise lava i le tulaga o le pule i le soifua.

    O nei fa’amaumauga, e fa’amausalīina ai le tatau ona una’ia ma ave le fa’amuamua i le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau. E le gata i ona a’afiaga, ae o mafua’aga fa’avae e ala ai ona fa’atino e tagata soifua tu ma aga ma o’o ai ina a’afia.

    Ua tele taumafaiga a le Malo o Samoa e tauala atu i le tatou Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina ma ana pa’aga galulue, ina ia una’ia le soifua maloloina o le mafaufau. E ui ua i ai ta’iala ma faigafa’avae e ta’ita’itama ai le galuega, o auaunaga e pei ona iai togafitiga ma fa’atalatalanoga, o fa’alauiloa ma polokalame i nu’u ma afio’aga. Ae peita’i, e le o mafai ona fa’aitiitia ai le tele o fa’afitauli.

    O le agaga maualuga, e manuia a tatou taumafaiga, pe afai e lalago fa’atasi tagata uma. O se mafaufau manuia e afua mai totonu o aiga, ekalesia, nu’u, fale-faigaluega ma le Malo. Ia tatou opogi fa’atasi ma fa’asoa, ia taofi le tusitusilima ma le fa’alumaluma, ia saili avanoa e lagolago ai so’o se tagata soifua. Ae aua le sili musa ia tatou ona toso i lalo le isi uso a tagata ma ana taumafaiga. Po’o totonu o le fale-faigaluega, o ekalesia, totonu o le aiga, e taua le galuega a ta’ita’i, o matua, o matai, fa’apea ma le lagolago a tagata ta’ito’atasi, ina ia manuia tagata uma, ma ia sapaia mea uma i le alofa. O le alofa lea o le Atua e lē fa’atuāoia.

    E momoli le fa’amālō i le lagolago a tatou pa’aga galulue, o ekalesia, o so’o se fa’alapotopotoga fa’apea nu’u ma alalafaga aua lenei fa’amoemoe taua.

    E tatalo atu ai i le paia ma le mamalu o le auvala’aulia, ina ia fa’ailoa lau lagolago e ala i lou auai i le “Savali mo le Mafaufau Manuia”, Aso Tofi, 10 Oketopa 2024, e amata atu luma o le Ofisa o Tinei Mu fa’asolo atu luma o le Maota o le Malo i Matagialalua i le 7.30 i le taeao.

    Manuia tele toe taimi o le Aso Sapati Paia o le Atua soifua. Faafetai

    Soifua ma ia manuia !!

    Ata Pueina – Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs presents Elite Enterprise Partnership Award 2024 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs today (October 16) held an award presentation ceremony of the Elite Enterprise Partnership Award 2024 at the Customs Headquarters Building to commend 18 stakeholders of logistics and intellectual property industries for their proactive co-operation and contribution to Customs. Established in 2022, this year marks the third round of the Award. In the past two presentation ceremonies, eight and 13 enterprises were awarded. Among the awardees this year, four have been presented with the award for three consecutive years. Hong Kong Customs expresses sincere gratitude for their unfailing support to the work of the department.

         At the ceremony, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, said that the prevalence of e-commerce and online shopping has provided business opportunities for the industry, and brought new challenges to customs work at the same time. Hong Kong Customs attaches great importance to the participation of the private sector to strengthen its enforcement capabilities and recognises the instrumental role played by the industry for the department in striking a balance between clearance efficiency and enforcement effectiveness. Customs will maintain close co-operation with various industries to consolidate the role of Hong Kong as an international transport and logistics hub. 

         The awardees this year came from various sectors, including those of express couriers, logistics companies, container and terminal companies, logistics associations, and trademark representatives. The diversity of stakeholders showcases the close co-operation and connections between Customs and different enterprises.

         The World Customs Organization (WCO) has long been encouraging customs administrations to actively strengthen ties with partners. As the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific Region of the WCO, Hong Kong Customs will spare no effort to reinforce the collaborative relationship between customs administrations in the region and the industry. In addition, Hong Kong Customs will promote new collaborative partnerships between regional customs authorities and other stakeholders to tackle the new challenges under the ever-changing enforcement environment.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Campaign 4.0 in full swing in CBIC, aims to institutionalize Swachhata at workplace

    Source: Government of India

    Special Campaign 4.0 in full swing in CBIC, aims to institutionalize Swachhata at workplace

    Nearly 289 cleanliness campaign events organized across various locations, targeting both office spaces and public areas

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 3:48PM by PIB Delhi

    The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is making significant strides in its “Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 4.0,” which is being actively implemented across all its offices nationwide. Launched on 2nd October 2024 and running through 31st October 2024, the campaign is designed to institutionalize cleanliness (Swachhata) at workplace and surrounding areas while also reducing backlogs in key areas such as record management, file weeding, scrap disposal, and creating more available space.

    As of 15th October, 2024, CBIC has successfully resolved over 75% of public grievances and public grievance appeals. Additionally, it has reviewed 12,464 physical files, weeding out 1283 files, and closed 260 e-files. Around 289 cleanliness campaign events have been organized across various locations, targeting both office spaces and public areas.

    Another key focus area has been the disposal of old or unused office equipment and scrap materials. This has resulted in the freeing up of 5,070 square feet of office space and the generation of revenue of ₹96,390. One such endeavor is from the CGST Faridabad Commissionerate which developed a cafeteria and creche within the building premises by reclaiming two abandoned rooms filled with old records and used furniture. The creche is named ‘Mukesh’ in the loving memory of Shi Mukesh Kumar, IRS (C&IT) 2014 officer, who lost his life during COVID-19 Pandemic. The officer worked as Deputy Commissioner with CGST Faridabad for more than two years. His parents were also present at the inauguration of the creche.

    Glimpses of certain activities performed are as under:

     

    Hyderabad CGST zone

     

    Cleanliness drive by Bhopal CGST Zone

     

    – Disposal of waste at Ahmedabad Customs Kandla

     

      Disposal of e-Waste and Waste furniture By Department of Labour (DoL) and 100 sq.ft. area space freed for office use.

    *****

    NB/AD

    (Release ID: 2065338) Visitor Counter : 25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Leased Premises Reinstatement and Allowances for Buildings and Structures) Bill 2024 to be gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Leased Premises Reinstatement and Allowances for Buildings and Structures) Bill 2024 will be gazetted on October 18. The Bill seeks to implement two profits tax enhancement measures in the 2024-25 Budget, which include introducing a tax deduction for expenses incurred for reinstating the condition of premises under a lease to their original condition, and removing the time limit for claiming annual allowances in respect of industrial/commercial buildings or structures.

         Under the Bill, if a lessee is obligated to reinstate or pay for the reinstatement of his/her premises to their original condition at the end of the lease term or on early termination of the lease, and the relevant costs have been incurred and are reasonable, the lessee can claim tax deduction for the relevant costs.

         Furthermore, currently a qualifying taxpayer may claim an annual allowance in respect of the expenditure incurred on the construction of an industrial/commercial building or structure during a specified period (usage period). If the building or structure is sold before the expiry of the usage period, the buyer may claim annual allowances over the remaining years of assessment within the usage period. However, if the building or structure is sold after the expiry of the usage period, the buyer will not be entitled to claim any annual allowance even if there is residue of expenditure. The Bill proposes removing the time limit for the relevant claims in order not to discourage the purchase of old or second-hand buildings or structures. If a building or structure is sold in the basis period for a year of assessment beginning on or after April 1 this year, the buyer will be entitled to claim annual allowances until the residue of expenditure has been fully claimed, regardless of whether the usage period of the building or structure concerned has expired.

         A Government spokesman said, “The two enhancement measures will alleviate the tax burden of taxpayers and promote the business environment. As reinstatement costs generally represent a small part of a taxpayer’s turnover, it is envisaged that the proposed tax deduction would not impact on government revenue. Regarding the removal of the time limit for claiming annual allowances for buildings or structures, based on the statistics for the year of assessment 2022/23, it is expected that it will reduce the annual government revenue by about $164 million.”

         The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on October 30 with a view to implementing the above measures in the year of assessment 2024/25.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Healthcare system set for reform

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee announced in his Policy Address that the Government will conduct a comprehensive review on the positioning and objectives of the healthcare system.

    “The review will cover the following areas: reforming the functions and division of work among the Hospital Authority (HA), the Department of Health and the Primary Healthcare Commission, strengthening health promotion and disease prevention in primary healthcare, and improving public healthcare services.

    “In parallel, we will reform private healthcare services in terms of their quality, cost effectiveness and price transparency.”

    Advancing primary healthcare development

    Elaborating on the measures, Mr Lee said primary healthcare development will be carried out in 10 ways:

    (1) formulating legislation to strengthen the regulatory framework of primary healthcare and authorise the Primary Healthcare Commission to set up quality assurance and monitoring mechanisms;

    (2) developing a community drug formulary and launching a community pharmacy programme to help the public obtain affordable, primary-healthcare drugs;

    (3) devising health promotion strategies by adopting a life course framework to formulate health management plans for the public according to age and health conditions;

    (4) revamping maternal and child health and family planning services to strengthen pre-pregnancy counselling and parental education and promote healthy fertility;

    (5) strengthening the Whole School Health Programme to recommend targeted school-based measures for physical activities, meals and other matters to improve students’ physical and psychological well-being;

    (6) upgrading more District Health Centre Expresses into District Health Centres, and expanding the service network, and integrating the services of Woman Health Centres and Elderly Health Centres;

    (7) expanding the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme to cover blood lipid testing; positioning the HA’s general out-patient services as the comprehensive, primary healthcare service providers for the underprivileged;

    (8) formulating risk-based screening programmes for prevalent cancers, and implementing hepatitis B screening to prevent liver cancer;

    (9) launching a Primary Dental Co-Care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents to encourage the prevention of dental diseases, as well as rolling out a Community Dental Support Programme to enhance dental services for underprivileged groups; and

    (10) continuing efforts in tobacco control.

    Enhancing healthcare services

    In his Policy Address, Mr Lee highlighted that the Government will strengthen the HA’s public healthcare services by the following means:

    (1) reviewing the structure and levels of the HA’s fees and charges to encourage prudent use of services and direct resources to patients who need them most, while increasing the support for patients with financial difficulties and strengthening the financial sustainability of the targeted subsidisation of public healthcare services;

    (2) strengthening the centralised procurement of drugs and medical devices by various clusters of the HA system in order to enhance their bargaining power and expedite the introduction of new drugs;

    (3) formulating a directory for inherited and rare diseases by using the Hong Kong Genome Institute’s genomic data, while supporting research and clinical trials to promote precision medicine;

    (4) fully integrating the paediatric services of various clusters at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and developing more advanced healthcare services to make the best use of the Children’s Hospital;

    (5) finalising the projects and timetable of the Second Hospital Development Plan to dovetail with the development of the Northern Metropolis and address local districts’ needs;

    (6) setting up the first stroke centre and the second chest pain centre;

    (7) enhancing the triage system and referral arrangements for specialist out-patient services, including setting up inter-specialty, integrated, out-patient clinics to avoid the need for multiple referrals; and

    (8) increasing the service capacity for cataract surgeries by at least 20%.

    As regards the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, the Chief Executive said that the Government will establish a professional platform for developing evidence-based clinical protocols and explore the feasibility of devising service quality and efficiency standards for public and private healthcare sectors.

    In addition, quality indicators will be developed for public and private healthcare systems.

    To enhance service efficiency and address the issue of medical inflation, the Government will explore legislating for private healthcare price transparency.

    Furthermore, the Government will seek amending relevant legislations to require all healthcare providers to deposit essential health data in the personal eHealth accounts of citizens, so that people can have more complete electronic health records and better continuity of medical care.

    Bringing in healthcare professionals

    The Government will promote the use of the legislation passed earlier to proactively admit more non-local doctors, nurses and dentists to enhance manpower, Mr Lee said, adding that a bill on the admission of qualified non-locally trained supplementary medical professionals will be introduced next year.

    Establishing third medical school

    The Chief Executive pointed out in the Policy Address that the Government supports the plan by local universities to establish a third medical school in Hong Kong.

    “A task group will be set up, inviting universities interested in establishing the new medical school to submit proposals. The Government will set aside sites in the Northern Metropolis Ngau Tam Mei to develop the new medical school campus and build an integrated medical teaching and research hospital.”

    Promoting development of Chinese medicine

    The Government will publish the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint next year to take forward measures that helps Hong Kong develop into a bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine (CM), Mr Lee said.

    One of the measures relates to exploring the application of big data to foster international research collaboration on herb-drug interaction to discover more evidence of clinical significance, promoting the internationalisation of CM.

    The blueprint will also promote the expansion of integrated Chinese-Western medicine services to cover more diseases in which CM has an advantage, including respiratory diseases and knee osteoarthritis, and to progressively extend the cancer care programme to all hospital clusters.

    Furthermore, the first Chinese Medicine Hospital and the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute are expected to be completed and begin phased operation next year, while the first edition of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Cultural Festival will be held, Mr Lee added.

    Promoting mental health

    The Chief Executive also outlined measures, based on a medical-educational-social collaboration model, to promote mental health.

    The Government will develop a stepped care model for mental health, which comprises a multi-disciplinary framework with tiers, from dealing with general emotional problems in the frontline to handling cases requiring follow up and more serious mental illnesses cases.

    “The framework sets out the roles of different professionals and their division of work in the provision of mental health services for cases in each tier, enabling them to work together and perform their respective roles smoothly,” Mr Lee explained.

    An annual promotional theme will be set for the Mental Health Workplace Charter, and recognition will be given to participating organisations for achieving targets. The 4Rs Mental Health Charter in schools will also be campaigned to promote the mental health of students, teaching staff and parents in a more holistic manner.

    The Government will extend and enhance the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism, and launch the Mental Health Literacy resource packages for senior secondary and lower primary levels. A real-time, online youth emotional support platform will be set up in the second quarter of next year.

    A Transitional Support Service Teams for Persons in Mental Recovery will be set up, offering support to discharged patients waitlisted for halfway house service. The Social Welfare Department will also launch an additional Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness.

    The Government will also strengthen teachers’ capacity in the early identification of, and support for, students with mental health needs, and assist parents in acquiring the knowledge and skills in addressing children’s mental health.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CHP retail crime task force recovers more than $8 million in stolen goods

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 15, 2024

    What you need to know: In September, California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force continued its high rates of enforcement and is already well on its way to surpassing enforcement totals for all of 2023. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations leading to 1,123 arrests and recovered 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million. Since inception, the task force has made 3,223 arrests, and recovered 880,276 stolen items valued at more than $46 million.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF), led by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), continues its work to tamp down on organized retail theft operations statewide. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations statewide leading to 1,123 arrests and recovered 269,992 stolen items valued at $8.1 million. 

    “California will continue to hold thieves accountable — helping to ensure the state’s historic low crime rates remain that way. I thank the California Highway Patrol for their work with local agencies throughout the state to protect our communities and businesses.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Since the inception of the task force in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 3,000 investigations leading to the arrest of 3,223 suspects and the recovery of over 880,276 stolen goods valued at nearly $46 million.

    “The California Highway Patrol commends our retail theft investigation teams for their exceptional work in dismantling organized theft rings and protecting businesses across the state,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “They prevent significant losses and ensure that those who target retailers are brought to justice. Their dedication, skill, and teamwork are critical in keeping our communities and economy safe.”

    In September alone, CHP recovered 1,995 stolen items worth more than $306,553.  

    This effort led by the CHP is part of Governor Newsom’s comprehensive approach to combat organized retail crime, which includes new measures to crack down on property crime and creates unprecedented funding for police and prosecutors in local communities.

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    Recently, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills establish tough new penalties for repeat offenders, provide additional tools for felony prosecutions, and crack down on serial shoplifters, retail thieves, and auto burglars.

     

    Local support to fight organized retail crime

    Governor Newsom has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. Today’s announcement demonstrates the success of the Governor’s Real Public Safety Plan – which focuses on strengthening local law enforcement response, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, and getting guns and drugs off our streets, including by increased deployment of California Highway Patrol to hot spots such as Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Francisco.

    The Governor announced that last year the state distributed $267 million to 55 local law enforcement agencies to help communities combat organized retail crime. These funds have enabled cities and counties to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects. In just the first six months of the grant cycles, local law enforcement agencies that received the grants reported more than 6,900 arrests for retail theft, motor vehicle theft, and cargo theft offenses.

    Last year, the California Highway Patrol reported an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: California exceeds another clean energy milestone

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 15, 2024

    What you need to know: California’s battery storage capacity has surged by more than 3,000 MW in the last six months alone, now exceeding 13,000 MW total — a 30% increase as the state endured its hottest summer on record. 

    SACRAMENTO – California’s battery storage capacity has expanded rapidly, increasing by 3,012 megawatts (MW) in just six months to reach a total of 13,391 MW. This growth marks a 30% increase since April 2024, underscoring the state’s swift progress in building out clean energy infrastructure, especially during a summer marked by record-breaking heat. 

    Within the past five years, California has grown its battery storage capacity by more than 15 times, up from just 770 MW in 2019. To put this progress into perspective, it took the state nearly five years to reach 10,000 MW in early 2024 but just six months to add the most recent 3,000 MW.

    “We’re cutting pollution by adding more clean power to our grid. That means rapidly expanding battery storage to capture more of this clean energy that’s produced during the day, like solar, for when it’s needed when the sun goes down. These are the essential resources that we’ll continue needing more of as the climate crisis makes heat waves hotter and longer.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Deploying battery storage is a critical component of the state’s climate and clean energy goals. The state is projected to need 52,000 MW of energy storage capacity by 2045. Today, it’s a quarter of the way there.

    Increasing storage allows California’s grid to store energy from clean energy sources like solar during the day and use it during peak demand in the evening. Ramping up battery storage is a key part of Governor Newsom’s energy roadmap for achieving the state’s ambitious climate goals and a 100% clean electric grid.

    Strengthening grid stability and clean energy resources

    The recent surge in battery storage has significantly enhanced California’s ability to maintain grid stability during extreme weather. Throughout the summer of 2024, battery storage reliably discharged to support the grid during the net peak hours – a critical stretch of the day when the sun sets and solar resources rapidly go offline.

    Battery storage discharge to the grid increased from 6,000 MW this spring to more than 8,000 MW this summer. 

    Programs like the California Energy Commission’s Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) are also playing a crucial role in grid reliability. This summer the program reached 515 MW of capacity to reduce grid stress during extreme conditions. The program includes one of the largest storage virtual power plants in the world with a capacity exceeding 200 MW. The virtual power plant works by tapping into a network of customer-owned battery storage systems which are typically paired with solar. Together, the individual devices provide power back to the grid. By leveraging energy assets, DSGS helps reduce the use of fossil-fuel power and supports California’s transition to a 100% clean electric grid. 

    California’s clean energy leadership

    The state continues to set clean energy records. From January through September, clean energy supply equaled or exceeded demand in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) service area for 1,084 hours over 179 different days. That’s equivalent to more than 45 days of meeting demand with 100% clean electricity. In August, solar energy serving the grid reached a new peak of 19,600 MW. 

    Governor Newsom has committed billions of dollars to accelerate clean energy infrastructure development across the state and it is making an impact, helping to fast-track projects needed to meet California’s climate and energy goals.

    Governor Newsom has taken unprecedented action to streamline clean energy infrastructure and invest billions of dollars to build more faster. Find clean energy projects in your community at build.ca.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Expanded Salton Sea restoration project breaks ground

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 15, 2024

    What you need to know: The state today broke ground on a project that expands ongoing restoration work at the Salton Sea to improve conditions for wildlife and surrounding communities. Most recently, $175 million in federal funding was made available to accelerate this effort as part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act. This complements the more than $500 million in state funding secured to date. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the expansion of restoration work at the Salton Sea that broke ground today. The 750-acre expansion builds on the state’s ongoing work to enhance wildlife habitat, protect public health and improve water quality at the Salton Sea. The current project footprint is set at nearly 5,000 acres.

    California was granted $175 million from the Biden-Harris Administration this summer and $70 million in December 2023 as part of a $250 million commitment from the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate Salton Sea restoration efforts. This complements the more than $500 million in state funding secured to date.

    The Salton Sea, California’s largest inland water body, has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, resulting in an exposed lakebed that releases small dust particles that worsen air quality in the Imperial Valley, a region already burdened by poor air quality. The reduced water levels and increased salinity also negatively impact habitat for wildlife, including birds traveling the Pacific flyway.

    “California is making major strides on restoration efforts at the Salton Sea, and we’re expanding this critical work to create habitat on hundreds more acres and help improve air quality in neighboring communities. Our progress to date is a testament to the strong partnerships underpinning these efforts and I look forward to the work ahead to deliver on our ecological, health and economic goals for this important region.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The federal support enables the expansion of the ongoing Species Conservation Habitat Project at the southern edge of the sea. Located near the community of Westmorland, the expanded project will create a network of ponds and wetlands to provide habitat for fish and birds and reduce dust in the area that impacts air quality.

    State and federal officials held a groundbreaking at the site today and surveyed work on the Species Conservation Habitat Project.

    Species Conservation Habitat Project expansion at the Salton Sea breaks ground

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  • MIL-OSI USA: San Gabriel Mountains National Monument project gets boost to improve access and water quality

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 15, 2024

    What you need to know: A $3.5 million federal grant will fund cleanup efforts at the recently expanded San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to improve access to the site and enhance water quality on the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, a key Southern California water source and recreational site within the national monument. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted a $3.5 million federal investment to improve access to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and enhance a key Southern California water source that provides Los Angeles County with one-third of its water supply.

    Federal, state, tribal and local partners celebrated the announcement today, which will support trash removal projects, create new walking trails and install additional restrooms on this popular stretch of the San Gabriel River used primarily for recreation by surrounding underserved communities.

    The state this month marked the 10-year anniversary of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which was expanded by President Biden in May along with the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. This action increased protected lands in California by 130,000 acres. California has conserved more than 25% of its land to date and is on track to reach its 30×30 goal in collaboration with federal, state, tribal and community partners.  

    “This collaborative effort is a win-win that will improve an important source of water for Southern California communities, deliver a healthier watershed for native species and enhance outdoor access for millions in the Los Angeles Basin. California will continue working with partners across the board to protect and preserve our common home.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The State Water Board awarded an initial $1.5 million grant for the San Gabriel project and is planning an additional $2 million investment over the next three years through funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program. The investments support a multi-phase project that will enhance river access, protect fragile forest and riparian habitat and improve conditions for sensitive species, including the endangered Santa Ana sucker. Construction on the project’s first phase is expected to start early next year and will include an access trail and stairs to the riverbank, native plant restoration, increased trash bins and dumpsters and an asphalt parking lot.  

    San Gabriel Mountains

    California’s ongoing work to conserve biodiversity and natural resources includes the state’s first-ever ancestral land return effort through the Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Grant Program, which provided more than $100 million in funding for the return of roughly 40,000 acres to indigenous communities. The state is also advancing Nature-Based Solutions that support the ability of lands to absorb more carbon than they release, helping to combat the climate crisis. Earlier this year, the state opened the first new state park in nearly a decade, Dos Rios, which conserves approximately 1,600 acres of land and is the largest public-private floodplain restoration project in California.

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    News What you need to know: In September, California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force continued its high rates of enforcement and is already well on its way to surpassing enforcement totals for all of 2023. This year, the task force has conducted 621 investigations…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Acting Secretary Julie Su on increased worker organizing

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The National Labor Relations Board today announced that union election petitions more than doubled in fiscal year 2024 compared to FY 2021. Following the announcement, Acting Secretary Julie Su issued the following statement: 

    “The NLRB reports that union representation petitions have more than doubled in this administration is a welcome sign of power tilting toward working people in this country of workers finding their power. 

    “Workers are demanding their fair share more, and they are forming unions because they know they are stronger when they act collectively. And these demands did not come out of nowhere. For decades, workers have been left out, left behind and let down by the failed economic policies of the past.

    “Now, these workers have been bolstered by the strongest labor market in living memory, with record-low unemployment, wages climbing and over 16 million jobs created under President Biden and Vice President Harris. 

    “It’s no mistake that under the most pro-union, pro-worker administration, America’s workers are exercising their organizing rights, and have the leverage to demand what they’ve always deserved.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Skunk Captured Last Night at Honolulu Harbor

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Skunk Captured Last Night at Honolulu Harbor

    Posted on Oct 15, 2024 in Main

    October 15, 2024
     NR24-30

    HONOLULU – A live skunk was captured at Honolulu Harbor last night by agriculture inspectors from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) after several days of tracking the animal.

    Last Thursday, inspectors from HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch received a report at about 3:00 a.m. that stevedores spotted a skunk running around the parking lot at Pier 1. Inspectors set traps in the area that day.

    At midnight Friday, security personnel from the U.S. Immigration Office (USIO) at Pier 1 contacted inspectors and reported that the skunk was seen on a security camera entering and exiting the property through a fence. Inspectors responded to the area and attempted to capture the skunk but were not successful.

    Last night at 8:30 p.m., USIO security personnel reported the skunk was seen taking shelter under a cargo container used for storage. Three inspectors responded and were able to capture the skunk using a net, pole and wooden boards to scare it out its hiding place, while braving the animal’s odoriferous natural defense system. The skunk is being tested for rabies.

    It is not known how long the skunk had been in the area or what vessel it may have hitchhiked on.

    Live skunks have been captured at Pier 1 in February 2018 January 2021, July 2021 and June 2022. On Maui, a live skunk was captured at Kahului Harbor in December 2020 and one was captured at a trucking company in August 2018. All previously captured skunks have tested negative for rabies.

    Skunks are prohibited in Hawai‘i and are only allowed by permit for research and exhibition in a municipal zoo. Skunks inhabit the U.S., Canada, South America, Mexico and other parts of the world. In the U.S., they are recognized as one of the four primary wild carriers of rabies, a fatal viral disease of mammals that is often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Hawai‘i is the only state in the U.S. and one of the few places in the world that is free of rabies.

    Sightings or captures of illegal and invasive species should be immediately reported to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

    ###

    Skunk found at Honolulu Harbor

    Skunk captured at Honolulu Harbor

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW sets target to boost billion-dollar screen and digital games industries, supporting thousands of jobs

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 16 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for the Arts

    Supporting Australian storytelling, developing the next generation of creative talent, and a plan to grow the digital games sector are the key priorities of the new three-year screen and digital games strategy.

    The NSW screen industry added almost $1.1 billion to the state economy in 2021-22 and is currently home to 51% of Australia’s screen production, and 49% of post-production businesses. To ensure NSW remains the leading screen state, the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy will:

    Invest in developing local talent and audiences, including:

    • $1 million pilot program to address skills shortages will be developed and rolled out with TAFE, AFTRS and NIDA to fast-track entry level and mid-career below the line practitioners in the below the line workforce.
    • $200,000 IP option fund to give producers the ability to purchase IP rights to turn home-grown novels, non-fiction work and podcasts into screen and gaming content, so we have more Australian stories on screen.
    • $200,000 Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will support communities share the vibrancy of screen stories with audiences from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, by bringing them together to enjoy screen community film festivals.

    Role of Screen NSW

    • New film friendly legislation will be introducedto ensure a strengthened standard of working.
    • Address impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the sector: Screen NSW will convene an industry working group to help develop an Australian industry response to AI, and review funding guidelines.
    • Priority hotline: The Head of Screen NSW will be given the authority to escalate critically urgent production issues for an urgent government response.

    Supporting infrastructure

    • Addressing the critical shortage of filming infrastructure in NSW, the NSW Government will develop new partnerships with the private sector to explore alternate options for studio space, including a second studio and Callan Park.
    • Centre for Screen culture and digital innovation. Working with local government and industry partners, the NSW Government will support plans to establish a hub for creative workers across the industry.

    Focus on developing digital games industry

    The $466 billion global digital gaming industry is highlighted as an enormous opportunity. New incentives to support games production and increase NSW revenue for digital games to $406.39 million in 2027-28 include:

    • Reducing Digital Games Rebate NSW expenditure minimum from $500,000 down to $350,000. The Rebate is designed to nurture homegrown developers, attract and retain work and talent to the state, and accelerate growth in the NSW digital games sector. While many larger, established studios currently access the Rebate, the lowered threshold mean it will now be more accessible to a broader range of digital games companies in NSW, including many independent studios that currently operate in the state. 
    • Increased investment in the Digital Games Seed Development Program and Market Travel Programs. A flourishing games industry is one that includes large and small developers, an investment of$1.5 million over three years will support digital games producers to essential skills and build their industry networks and knowledge.

    Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

    “Our people, our stories, and our skills – these are the reasons why more than half of Australian screen production happens here in NSW. This strategy sets out how the government and the industry could work together to build on that.

    “While there has been a recent slowdown in global screen production, the Federal Government’s increased location offset will see Australia gain a greater share of that market. This strategy recognises the opportunities that brings, as well as the pressure that puts on NSW production facilities.

    “We have identified ways of cutting the red tape that has made NSW a ‘No’ state when it comes to attracting productions. Backed by the introduction of a NSW Screen and Digital Games Act, we aim to make NSW a ‘Yes’ state.

    “For the first time in NSW, we are putting digital gaming front and centre. This strategy sets out a ‘hothouse’ approach that backs existing high performing producers to support the ambitious target of 20% compound annual growth in the sector.”

    Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said:

    “I am thrilled to be able to drive this strategy and provide a path forward for our sector, working towards a vibrant and sustainable future for all screen practitioners and game makers in NSW.

    “Storytelling has the power to unite and inspire, and as a state with such a rich depth of talent, we strive to be known as the place to create compelling stories. This is an exciting time for our sector as, while developing this strategy, we have taken stock of where the industry is at and looked forward to where we want to be in the next three years. This has informed our strategy and with this vital support we want to move forward with the industry and take it to new heights.

    “I am confident this strategy will provide assurance that Screen NSW are committed to supporting NSW stories and storytellers.”

    Background

    The strategy outlines four strategic priority focuses to support and sustainably grow the screen and digital games sector. These include:

    • Creating stories: We lead the way in making enriching, high calibre stories and cultural content for local and global audiences.
    • Building sustainable growth: Our businesses are globally recognised, connected and competitive. High quality, accessible spaces help them grow and create jobs that are future proofed and sustainable.
    • Improving capacity and capability: We set best practice standards to ensure workers have career pathways, are respected, safe, appropriately remunerated and supported in their career ambitions.
    • Developing audiences to increase demand: Local content finds and delights diverse audiences locally and around the world.

    New legislation: The strategy includes proposed new legislation to ensure screen friendly approaches across local councils and state government agencies.

    In 2025, the NSW Government will introduce the NSW Screen and Digital Games Act to strengthen NSW as a film-friendly jurisdiction, reduce red-tape and provide the highest level of cooperation across government with filmmakers to maximise opportunities for the sector. This will strengthen elements of the Making NSW Film Friendly Premier’s Memorandum and incorporate an updated Local Government Filming Protocol.

    Renewed Screen NSW agency: The strategy will provide Screen NSW with greater independence and will build its capacity to continue to strengthen and grow the industry. This will mean:

    • Shortening investment approval timeframes, contracting and payment terms.
    • Legislation will be introduced for the Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee to include digital games representation and renaming the board to reflect this update.
    • The Head of Screen NSW will be given the authority to escalate critically urgent production issues for an urgent government response.

    The full strategy available is here: Screen NSW – NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Labor to hold online seminars for current, prospective federal contractors on prevailing wage requirements in fiscal year 2025

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that its Wage and Hour Division will offer online seminars for contractors, contracting agencies, unions, workers and other stakeholders on prevailing wage requirements in fiscal year 2025 for federally funded construction and service contracts.

    In the division’s ongoing effort to increase awareness and improve compliance, the division will host two-day seminars with sessions on the Davis-Bacon Act, Service Contract Act and other related topics. Participants can choose among the sessions offered either of the two days. 

    Seminars are scheduled on Nov. 13-14, 2024, and from March 18-19, June 25-26 and Sept. 24-25 in 2025. Learn more about related federal wage regulations and check for updates on the seminars.

    “Prevailing wage laws empower workers by ensuring federally funded construction and service jobs are good jobs with fair wages and benefits,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “The Biden-Harris administration’s historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure have significantly increased the number of federal and federally funded projects, and the Wage and Hour Division is committed to ensuring stakeholders understand the labor standards protections critical to these investments.” 

    Seminar attendance is free, but registration is required. Additional information, including links to the sessions for each date, will be provided to participants after registration. 

    For more information about the Davis-Bacon Act, the Service Contract Act and other federal wage laws, please call the division’s toll-free helpline at 1-866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Judge orders Pennsylvania contractor to pay $85K in wages, benefits, overtime owed to 6 workers on federal projects in New York, New Jersey

    Source: US Department of Labor

    NEW YORK – An administrative law judge has ordered a Pennsylvania-based federal contractor to pay $85,284 in back wages for failing to pay prevailing wages, fringe benefits and overtime pay owed to workers employed on multiple federal construction projects, after an investigation and litigation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

    A decision by the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges found that JRW Service Group LLC and its owner, Jason Winters, violated the Davis-Bacon Act by classifying and paying six workers as laborers improperly when they did the work of carpenters, pipefitters and other trades at three worksites for the U.S. General Services Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard. Specifically, the work was performed at federal court buildings in Brooklyn and Central Islip and the U.S. Coast Guard training center in Cape May, New Jersey. The judge also found the company failed to pay workers fringe benefits, as required in federal contracts.

    In addition, the judge found the employer did not pay employees the required overtime rates for hours over 40 in a workweek at all three worksites in violation of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. The case was referred to the department’s Office of the Solicitor when JRW Service Group refused to pay the workers’ back wages. 

    “Employers who fail to pay required prevailing wages and fringe benefits because they classify employees improperly cause financial harm to workers on government-funded projects,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Jorge Alvarez in New York. “The Wage and Hour Division is committed to ensuring that these employees are made whole using all available enforcement tools.”

    The order also debarred the company and its owner from working on future federal and federally funded construction projects for three years.

    “This decision and debarment should make clear that the U.S. Department of Labor will pursue all necessary legal actions to ensure that employers are held accountable when they violate federal prevailing wage laws,” said Regional Solicitor of Labor Jeffrey S. Rogoff in New York. 

    The division’s New York City District Office conducted the investigation. Trial attorneys Susannah Kroeber, Susan Jacobs and Stacy Goldberg of the regional Office of the Solicitor in New York litigated the case.

    Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division and the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division and how to file an online complaint. Workers and employers can call the division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243) confidentially with questions, regardless of immigration status. The division can speak with callers in more than 200 languages.

    Download the agency’s Timesheet App for iOS and Android devices – available in English and Spanish – to ensure hours and pay are accurate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County

    A Disaster Recovery Center will be open in Laurens County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene.  

    Laurens County
    Laurens County Public Library
    1017 W. Main St.
    Laurens, SC 29360

    Open Oct. 16-19 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.  

    This location joins the centers previously opened in Aiken, Anderson, Greenville, Lexington and Pickens counties.

    Aiken County 
    Nancy Carson Library
    135 Edgefield Road
    North Augusta, SC 29841 

    Open Oct. 14-17 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 

    Anderson County 
    Anderson County Library
    300 N. McDuffie St.
    Anderson, SC 29621 

    Open Oct. 14-17 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.  

    Greenville County 
    Freetown Community Center 
    200 Alice Ave. 
    Greenville, SC 29611 

    Open daily from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. 

    Lexington County 
    Batesburg-Leesville Fire Station 
    537 W. Church St.  
    Batesburg, SC 29006 

    Open Oct. 13–16 from 8 a.m.–7 p.m.  

    Pickens County
    Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library
    304 Biltmore Road
    Easley, SC 29640

    Open Oct. 15-19 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.   

    Additional Disaster Recovery Centers will open soon in more affected areas. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the state of South Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. To find other center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362. 

    Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.

    The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.

    FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

    kwei.nwaogu

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister salutes NSG personnel on occasion of NSG Raising Day

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 11:39AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed the unwavering dedication, courage and determination of NSG personnel on occasion of NSG Raising Day. 

    The Prime Minister posted on X:

    “On the occasion of NSG Raising Day, India salutes all NSG personnel for their unwavering dedication, courage and determination in safeguarding our nation. Their commitment to protecting our nation against threats is admirable. They embody valour and professionalism.”

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    MJPS/SS/TS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –