NOTICE is hereby given that, pursuant to the provisions of the trust deed dated 30 November 2012 (as amended), constituting the Issuer’s ETP securities under its Programme, between (1) the Issuer, (2) The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. and (3) WisdomTree Multi Asset Management Limited, that:
The Determination Agent in respect of the Programme will be changed from WisdomTree Europe Limited to WisdomTree UK Limited on 17 April 2025.
Notice is also given that the Issuer has appointed WisdomTree UK Limited to act as its process agent in respect of certain documents related to the Programme; this change shall be effective on 17 April 2025.
Terms used in this announcement and not otherwise defined bear the meanings given in the Prospectus.
For further information, please contact:
WisdomTree Multi Asset Issuer plc europesupport@wisdomtree.com.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Queers Past presenter Zev Aviv says the podcast production process has been transformative.
In brief:
A new podcast about Canberra’s queer history is now available.
The podcast was supported by funding through the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs’ Capital of Equality grants program.
The latest round of grants funding is open now.
From Gorman Arts Centre to the Braddon car yards, a new podcast, Queers Past, explores iconic and overlooked LGBTQIA+ sites around the ACT.
Sita Sargeant received an ACT Government Capital of Equality grant in 2023 to produce the podcast.
Her company, She Shapes History runs popular walking tours around Canberra.
One of these, a tour revealing the city’s queer secrets, fuelled her next project.
About Queers Past
Zev Aviv, also from She Shapes History, presents the podcast and brings a trans perspective to the conversation.
Once they started researching and writing the podcast, Zev realised they couldn’t simply reproduce the tour.
“Unlike a tour, where you can gauge your audience’s knowledge and adjust in real-time, a podcast doesn’t allow that interaction. You don’t know what your audience already knows or what gaps need to be filled in, which fundamentally changes the storytelling process,” Zev said.
“So, turning the tour into a podcast wasn’t as straightforward as we’d imagined – it meant adapting and transforming it into something entirely new.”
Sita and Zev’s hopes for Queers Past echoes the program’s aim of supporting and strengthening Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ communities.
“I really hope it helps LGBTIQA+ Canberrans feel more grounded in this city – more connected to its history and the knowledge that people like them have always been here,” Zev said.
“LGBTIQA+ people have always been part of this community, contributing, pulling their weight, and often going above and beyond to support one another.”
How the grants work
The Capital of Equality grants program offers funding across three streams:
The goal is to create a sense of community and belonging for LGBTIQA+ people, through:
improved understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences
improved wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people
increased participation of LGBTIQA+ communities
increased capacity and leadership.
Zev says the podcast would not have existed without the Capital of Equality grant.
“It has allowed us to pay for all the recording equipment. As a small business I’m not sure we could have justified the spend otherwise,” Sita said.
The application process
Sita found the grant application process simple, with plenty of support available.
“This grant was the second I’d applied for – I was unsuccessful the first time, and I took away some key learnings from that. I’d really encourage people to apply for a grant, but not to be discouraged if they don’t get it the first time,” Sita said.
While the production process had its ups and downs, both Zev and Sita are extremely proud of the result.
“I love Canberra and the ACT so much. We often get a bad rap, but this place is so special. I want those who feel connected to it to feel even prouder and more rooted in its past, while also inspired by the possibilities for its future. My hope is that the podcast helps people feel more at home here – more connected, more proud, and more at ease in their place in this story,” Zev said.
Applications for the Connection Fund and Partnerships and Capacity Building are open until Monday 27 January 2025. Applications for the LGBTIQA+ Leadership Grant are open until 5 January 2025.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
When CJ worked in a patient-facing role, it was common for staff to accept occupational violence as just part of the job.
Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe public health care setting.
Nurses make up half of the healthcare workforce, with roles in clinical care, leadership, education, and research. It is without question that nurses are pivotal to the healthcare system and wellbeing of communities.
Of course, when you’re a nurse, there are plenty of not-so-pleasant things you may encounter during a shift. From blood and other bodily fluids to challenging conversations, and an entire range of germs – it all comes with the job of helping people and making a positive difference to the health of others and the broader community.
But there’s something else nurses are likely to encounter in a shift that should not be a part of the job: violence and unacceptable behaviours. It was when working in different settings, such as on the ward, the emergency department, and outpatients that CJ* really witnessed and experienced it first-hand.
“It happens every day. Some members of the public might think violence is typically perpetrated by people who are intoxicated, or it is related to mental health. But the truth is, what we see is that perpetrators of occupational violence and unacceptable behaviours can be anyone,” she said.
The violence not only comes from the patients, but can come from relatives, carers, partners, visitors and other members of the public who engage with the health service. And it’s not always as clear cut and obvious as physical assault or verbal abuse.
Occupational violence also includes unacceptable behaviours such as snide comments, undermining and gaslighting, sexism, racism, sexually inappropriate behaviours, intimidation, and discrimination. It can also take the form of defamatory comments on social media, or filming staff without their consent.
“I have brown skin and I have an Asian background and I’ve had people ask for a white nurse. Another example – people try to pretend they can’t understand what I’m saying, when you know that they can understand,” says CJ.
“Verbal aggression and inappropriate behaviours are more common than physical assault, and they’re just as hurtful and detrimental to our wellbeing.”
Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe and positive health care setting. This includes nursing and clinical staff, and patients and members of the public being kind and respectful when communicating.
“I always try to do my best to deliver quality care in an imperfect system, but sometimes, I just felt like it’s not enough,” says CJ.
“Say you look after five people, and four people you had positive interactions with, and they were thankful. But then all it takes is that one person to make an awful comment. For some reason, it’s always the negative comment that would stick with me.”
CJ says when she worked in a patient-facing role, it was common for staff to accept that occupational violence was just part of the job, and nurses didn’t always speak up. CJ’s passion for trying to shift this culture and make a positive change to violence against health workers led her to complete a PhD in the area, with a focus on preventing occupational violence in emergency departments.
She is now Director of Occupational Violence Prevention and Management for Canberra Health Services and is working hard to effect change in the industry and be part of the solution.
“In our research, we found that nurses want a comprehensive strategy to feel safer at work. For example, a good strategy should at least strive to identify and meet patients’ health needs, have education and training for nurses, include a team response to occupational violence, and ensure that nurses are supported to recover from incidents if they occur. This is what we are actively working on at Canberra Health Services, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
She closely consults and collaborates with health workers, managers and agencies in patient-facing roles to ensure everyone feels supported and safe to report incidents, and that appropriate action is taken to prevent incidents. She also works to influence policies and procedures to help prevent incidents happening in the future and to reduce the harmful impacts of occupational violence on nurses. This work contributes to the Towards a Safer Culture ‘The Next Steps’ Strategy – a government funded initiative supporting the fundamental rights of nurses and midwives working in ACT public health services to be safe and protected in their workplaces.
“I really try to be the support that I wished for when I was facing violence and unacceptable behaviours as a nurse,” says CJ.
“What I would also like to tell other nurses is that their safety is just as important as patient safety! Don’t be afraid to call out violence and unacceptable behaviours. And don’t be afraid to report incidents, as each report helps us to better manage these risks and make decisions on what is best and safest for both patients and health care workers”.
* For personal privacy, surnames of interviewees have been removed.
Environment Agency officers, together with West Yorkshire Police, have been undertaking site checks at the Mineral Processing Ltd site.
Environment Agency and West Yorkshire Police Officers
The Environment Agency joined forces with the police this week to carry out checks outside a waste site that is subject to a suspension notice in West Yorkshire.
The suspension notice served on Mineral Processing Ltd in South Elmsall means the environmental permit does not currently authorise waste being brought on to the site.
The notice also requires the staged removal of waste that had been brought onto the site by the operator in breach of its environmental permit conditions.
The breaches of the environmental permit result in an increased risk of pollution, including the potential for odour, which has been impacting on the local community over recent months.
This week Environment Agency officers, together with West Yorkshire Police, followed up on concerns raised by the community about vehicles still arriving at the site while the suspension notice is in force.
The operation was to monitor vehicle movements to and from the site. While none arrived while partners were present, the Environment Agency will continue to act upon the information it receives.
The notice does not prevent non-waste products being imported.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said:
We understand the impact the odour from this site is having on the community and our increased regulatory response continues.
This includes ongoing odour monitoring and regular site inspections, as well as action to proactively monitor vehicle movements at the site while the suspension notice is in force.
During our inspections of the site breaches of the environmental permit conditions and suspension notice have been identified, and we are assessing all our enforcement options.
Mineral Processing Ltd has appealed the suspension notice via the Planning Inspectorate. The appeal decision has not been issued to date. The suspension notice remains in force while the Environment Agency waits for this decision.
If an operator does not comply with a suspension notice then it is committing an offence. This is the case even if it has submitted an appeal against the notice.
To build a detailed picture of air quality around the site the Environment Agency is using a handheld gas analyser, which monitors for hydrogen sulphide, and installed a Mobile Monitoring facility (MMF) nearby, which will be in situ for four months.
It’s also working with Wakefield Council – which is responsible for making sure planning conditions are complied with – to ensure that joint regulatory powers are used to bring about improvements.
Odour issues should be reported to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour Incident hotline on 0800 807060. To protect the safety and wellbeing of the public and ensure timely capture of information, any other information relating to the site should be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via or via or via crimestoppers-org.uk using the “Environmental Crime” tag.
BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Kelvin Emanuel Granados-Sorto, 30, an illegal alien and Honduran citizen April 11 after he was transferred to ICE custody by the Maryland Department of Corrections. Granados has been convicted of a third-degree sex offense.
“This arrest sends a clear message: when jurisdictions cooperate with ICE, communities are safer,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “A criminal alien sex-offender was taken into ICE custody because law enforcement worked together. Today, there is one less predator in our neighborhoods and one less victim tomorrow. This is what public safety looks like when we prioritize the protection of our communities over politics.”
Granados entered the United States on an unknown date at an unknown location and without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration official.
The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County convicted Granados May 12, 2023, of a sex offense and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Granados with the Maryland Department of Corrections July 12, 2023.
A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Granados removed from the United States to Honduras Oct. 24, 2023. Granados remains in ICE custody pending his removal.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBaltimore.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On April 16, 2025, Julian Paul Gerdeman, 26, currently of Blount County, Tennessee, was sentenced to 189 months in prison by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following Gerdeman’s imprisonment, he will be on lifetime supervised release and will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Gerdeman agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with two counts of receipt of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2) and one count of possession of and access with intent to view child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(5)(B).
According to filed court documents, on August 7, 2023, Maryville Police Department (MPD) received a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cybertip reporting a Google user that uploaded child pornography to the user’s Google storage drive. During the investigation it was determined the IP address of the Google user came back to the home address of Gerdeman’s mother. Gerdeman was living in the unattached garage of his mother in Maryville, Tennessee at the time of the Cybertip.
On August 21, 2023, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for the Gerdeman’s electronic devices. Forensic examinations on those items determined they contained 4,324 images of child pornography. Further, the exams found that Gerdeman had received child pornography videos on several different dates.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by several local and federal agencies. The investigation was headed by task force officer Detective Thomas Evans of the Homeland Security Investigations Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (HSI-ICAC) and Detective Clayton Hall of the MPD. Also assisting in the prosecution were Knoxville Police Department and Alcoa Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Defendant Signed Medically Unnecessary Orders and Prescriptions Resulting in Over $41 Million in Fraudulent Claims
NASHVILLE – Dr. John R. Manning, 64, of Ashland City, Tennessee, was sentenced last week to three years in federal prison for his participation in a health care fraud conspiracy, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee
Manning, a licensed medical doctor, was indicted in July 2022, with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and eight counts of health care fraud. In August 2023, Manning pled guilty to the conspiracy count. As part of his guilty plea, Manning admitted to allegations in the indictment, including that he worked for multiple “telemedicine” companies and signed doctor orders or prescriptions for durable medical equipment (DME), topical creams, and cancer genetic tests (CGx) based on only a brief conversation with a patient, or often no conversation at all. Manning signed those orders and prescriptions in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes.
From approximately June 2016 through April 2019, Manning signed orders and prescriptions that caused the submission of at least $41,083,490.62 in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and Medicare paid over $19 million of those claims. Manning accepted the payment of kickbacks in connection with these orders and prescriptions totaling over $812,000.
“This doctor ignored his oath to help people and bilked the taxpayers out of almost $20 million,” said Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney, “now he faces accountability for his actions and the taxpayers get some justice for being taken advantage of.”
“Health care providers that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws and regulations meant to protect the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid program,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and hold providers accountable when they do not follow the law.”
“Health care fraud is a crime that hurts all of us and drives up health care costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the Nashville Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “The FBI is committed to fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars, and with our law enforcement partners we will continue to identify, investigate and bring to justice the criminals who, driven by greed, manipulate the system for personal benefit.”
As part of the sentence, Manning was ordered to pay $19,780,565.44 in restitution to the Medicare program. Manning was also ordered to pay criminal forfeiture in the form of a money judgment totaling $812,303.41.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services-Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, with the assistance of the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Levine and Trial Attorney Kathryn Furtado of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
On April 5, the Leadership in Diversity (LID) student organization held its annual multicultural education conference at UConn Storrs, offering space for dialogue and discussion among educators across Connecticut. The event, titled “Empowering Education: Strength in Opportunity and Equity,” was free and coordinated by students in the Neag School of Education’s Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s teacher preparation program who lead LID.
Founded in 2014 by two Neag School students, LID aims to equip aspiring educators with the necessary tools, networks, and knowledge to become competitive, well-rounded, and culturally responsive professionals.
“Our annual spring conference is a staple to our community,” said Carter Newman ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, vice president and treasurer of LID. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
“Our annual spring conference is a staple to our community,” said Carter Newman ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, vice president and treasurer of LID. “We have the privilege of hosting this event for students, faculty, and the greater education community to spread the joy of working in this field. Each conference features a diverse set of presenters who share their impact in the educational field and creates space for guests to engage with one another, sharing their own expertise.”
Daniel Lozano ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, secretary of LID, emphasized the organization’s importance in promoting inclusion.
“Understanding and supporting Leadership in Diversity is vital because it fosters inclusive leadership and challenges us to confront systemic inequities in our schools and communities,” Lozano said. “We are deeply grateful to the educators who continue to support our organization’s mission and who work every day to create more just and inclusive learning environments.”
Held in the Charles B. Gentry Building, the conference featured eight rotating presentations, including:
Perspectives About Translanguaging Amongst Dual Language Educators, presented by Natalia Murphy ’25 (ED), ’26 MA
The Power of Mentorship in Education, presented by Terrell Huff, CEO of Dilligence Training Cares
Navigating Conflict: The Intersection of Cultural Competency and Effective Resolution, presented by Tonya Clairborne and Scott Hurwitz ’06 (ED), ’07 MA, ’19 Ed.D., ’21 ELP, Glastonbury Public Schools
Affinity Group in the Meriden Public Schools: Recruiting and Retaining Racially Diverse Educators, presented by Orlando Valentin Jr. ’13 (ED), ’15 MA, ’19 6th Year, Meriden Public Schools
Incorporating Social Justice into Curriculum, presented by Toby Way, Mansfield Public Schools
AAVE? Ebonics? Slang? Can We Call This a Language?, presented by Mikaya Robinson ’24 (ED), ’25 MA
Building Effective Relationships with Students with Challenging Behaviors, presented by Vilenti Tulloch, CEO of Academic Leadership Association
Disability Inclusivity in Elementary Education, presented by Lauren Midgette, Neag School adjunct professor
“The passion that comes from our presenters, attendees, and the team behind planning is something I love being able to witness,” said Camille Terrell ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, LID co-president. “The work and discussion that is done at this conference is meant to inspire, change, and equip current and future educators to provide students with the opportunity to forever learn and grow.”
The work and discussion that is done at this conference is meant to inspire, change, and equip current and future educators to provide students with the opportunity to forever learn and grow. — Camille Terrell ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, LID co-president
Logan McCallum Laval ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, co-president of LID, noted the event’s strong attendance despite a new format.
“We were especially pleased to see such a strong turnout,” Laval said. “We are thankful for those who attended, presented, came to learn, and be a part of such impactful conversations around education.”
Murphy presented a case study conducted at an elementary school in eastern Connecticut, exploring how dual language teachers work to bridge the gap between students’ natural language practices and the long-standing language separation policies of districts.
“It’s not just the English speakers or the non-English speakers, everyone is valued in this process,” Murphy said. “Every student’s language skills and the things they bring to the table are important to us.”
Hurwitz and Clairborne focused on how cultural competency strengthens conflict resolution by helping educators recognize and respond to different communication styles and ways of handling conflict.
“Sometimes, as a leader, listening is your most important skill that you can exhibit,” Hurwitz said. “You think as a leader that you have to talk, but sometimes not talking is the best way to begin solving the problem.”
Midgette highlighted the need for disability representation and inclusivity in education, as well as shared practical strategies to achieve it. She was joined by her 6-year-old daughter, helping illustrate how meaningful and respectful conversations about disability can be integrated into early learning environments.
“I am a secondary educator by training, but after having this beautiful little girl in 2019, I became more interested in elementary education and the ways that we are ensuring that our youngest get the same conversations but at an appropriate level,” Midgette said.
“Recognizing and embracing Black Language in educational spaces only strengthens our goals as educators to create an inclusive learning environment for every student,” said Mikaya Robinson ’24 (ED), ’25 MA at the conference. (Nicole Dobrzanski/Neag School)
Robinson discussed the work of April Baker-Bell, an academic scholar, in her research of Black Language. The presentation focused on how educators can champion linguistic justice in their classrooms through language, writing, and reading.
“Recognizing and embracing Black Language in educational spaces only strengthens our goals as educators to create an inclusive learning environment for every student,” Robinson said. “Change begins with knowledge — and with that, we can create safer spaces for Black students and speakers of Black Language.”
Alyssa Hadley Dunn, director of teacher education at the Neag School, praised the event and its organizers.
“I was so impressed and inspired by the LID conference, including the outstanding organizers and the individual presenters,” Dunn said. “Our Neag School students and alumni who presented their research were passionate about educational justice and did a wonderful job engaging the audience. They are wonderful examples of the type of educators we need in today’s world.”
Dominique Battle-Lawson, LID advisor and assistant director of student support at the Neag School, underscored the importance of fostering inclusive education and professional networks.
“LID is one of several initiatives to bridge this gap by supporting and encouraging prospective Neag School students of color throughout the UConn application process,” Battle-Lawson said. “We also strive to assist current Neag School students of color by offering networking opportunities, professional development, and a safe space to discuss educational issues. This work is essential for ensuring a more inclusive and representative future in education.”
Earth Day and sustainability initiatives at UConn Storrs were celebrated by students during the Earth Day Spring Fling and Zero Waste Barbecue on Wednesday, April 16.
Vendors and clubs set up shop along Fairfield Way to sell sustainable goods and involve members of the UConn community with green initiatives around campus.
“It’s a good way of getting people excited about sustainability,” said Ross Elliott ’26 (CLAS). “People are naturally drawn to free food and music and fun stuff, but at the same time, it actually gets them thinking about what this is all about.”
UConn students participate in goat yoga on the Founders Green during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
One of the featured events was a Party Peddler Bike Tour, where an Office of Sustainability intern shared facts about buildings around campus and how the architecture at UConn incorporates sustainability to help UConn in its strategic plan.
“Herbst Hall, for example, is a LEED-certified building. Every single new UConn building is LEED-certified,” said Amogh Chaubey ’25 (ENG), an intern at the Office of Sustainability. “That means leadership and environmental design.”
There is a bioretention basin beneath the building that helps with stormwater management, Chaubey told passengers. “A lot of the things you don’t really think about, like how come Fairfield Way doesn’t get flooded when it rains, are built into the architecture of our buildings.”
“The bike ride was my favorite part of today,” says Elliott. “It was a great way to learn more about how UConn has committed to sustainability. Everyone was talking, laughing, pedaling and pushing as hard as they can; it was silly, but it was really fun.”
UConn students ride on a party bike on Mansfield Way during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Elsewhere, the Spring Valley Student Farm gave out free marigolds in recycled newspaper pots; UConn Horticulture Club sold plants; the library had a display of sustainability books; and local vendors sold soaps, dog treats, pins, and more.
The annual class tree-planting ceremony took place as well. Members of the first-year student community planted a tree for the class of 2028. This year’s tree was planted near the Hawley Armory, facing Fairfield Way.
Another event that students participated in was goat yoga on Founders Lawn. “The goats are so friendly, they’ll jump on your back,” said Chaubey. “It gets filled up right away. Getting a seat for that is like getting a Taylor Swift concert ticket, it’s hard.”
The goal of the event is to provoke more conversations about sustainability at a high level, said Chaubey. “Right now, we’re working with Dining to bring the zero-waste barbecue and cupcakes to the celebration. Building that partnership could, down the road, help us work with them to bring zero-waste to our dining halls,” Chaubey says. “Our big goal here is to make sustainability centralized.”
The zero-waste barbecue was the main attraction of the celebrations. Students had a chance to enjoy locally sourced foods, many of which were vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. The food waste is run through food cyclers that the Office of Sustainability runs.
The view from the party pedal bike during the Spring Fling (George Velky / UConn Photo)
“It’s almost like a dishwasher,” said Chaubey. “It cycles overnight and gives you this composable dust.”
Students can purchase these composters personally or for their residence halls, Chaubey added. “Our pilot program put them in a bunch of off-campus apartments, and the idea is that students can deal with waste super easily wherever you want.”
And stretch: goat yoga on the Founders Green during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
One way Chaubey encourages students to get involved is by filling out a sustainability literacy survey. This gives the Office of Sustainability a gauge of how students are contributing to sustainability in Storrs and what it can do to improve environmental literacy and green programs around campus.
“I learned about zero-waste vegan food and how that can lead to a more sustainable society,” said Elliott. “I’m not a vegetarian, but I’ve always been interested in how we could shift towards a vegetarian society. It was cool to see how many people were enjoying the vegetarian and vegan barbecue. It surprised me.”
The student response to the festivities was overwhelmingly positive. “It’s windy, it’s cold, but look around, it’s packed,” said Chaubey. “Student engagement is a huge part of our mission, and sustainability can be a ton of fun.”
Despite the challenges faced by local democratic activists, Thailand has often been an oasis of relative liberalism compared with neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.
Westerners, in particular, have been largely welcomed and provided with a measure of protection from harassment by the authorities. Thailand’s economy is extremely dependent on foreign tourism. Many Westerners also work in a variety of industries, including as academics at public and private universities.
That arrangement now seems under pressure. Earlier this month, Paul Chambers, an American political science lecturer at Naresuan University, was arrested on charges of violating the Computer Crimes Act and the lèse-majesté law under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code for allegedly insulting the monarchy.
Chambers’ visa has been revoked and he now faces a potential punishment of 15 years in jail.
The lèse-majesté law has become a common tool for silencing Thai activists. At least 272 people have been charged under the law since pro-democracy protests broke out in 2020, according to rights groups.
Its use against foreigners has, until now, been limited. No foreign academic has ever been charged with it. Because of the law, however, most academics in Thailand usually tread carefully in their critiques of the monarchy.
The decision to charge a foreign academic, therefore, suggests a hardening of views on dissent by conservative forces in the country. It represents a further deterioration in Thailand’s democratic credentials and provides little optimism for reform under the present government.
Thailand’s democratic deficit
Several other recent actions have also sparked concerns about democratic backsliding.
Following a visit by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to China in February, the government violated domestic and international law by forcibly returning 40 Uyghurs to China.
The Uyghurs had fled China a decade earlier to escape repression in the western Xinjiang region and had been held in detention in Thailand ever since. They now potentially face worse treatment by the Chinese authorities.
Then, in early April, Thailand welcomed the head of the Myanmar junta to a regional summit in Bangkok after a devastating earthquake struck his war-ravaged country.
Min Aung Hlaing has been shunned internationally since the junta launched a coup against the democratically elected government in Myanmar in 2021, sparking a devastating civil war. He has only visited Russia and China since then.
In addition, the military continues to dominate politics in Thailand. After a progressive party, Move Forward, won the 2023 parliamentary elections by committing to amend the lèse-majesté law, the military, the unelected Senate and other conservative forces in the country ignored the will of the people and denied its charismatic leader the prime ministership.
The party was then forcibly dissolved by the Constitutional Court and its leader banned from politics for ten years.
In February, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission criminally indicted 44 politicians from Move Forward for sponsoring a bill in parliament to reform the lèse-majesté law. They face lifetime bans from politics if they are found guilty of breaching “ethical standards”.
Even the powerful former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, whose daughter is also the current prime minister, is not immune from the lèse-majesté law.
He was indicted last year for allegedly insulting the monarchy almost two decades ago. His case is due to be heard in July.
This continued undermining of democratic norms is chipping away at Thailand’s international reputation. The country is now classified as a “flawed democracy” in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, with its ranking falling two years in a row.
The lèse-majesté law has always represented something of a challenge to academic freedom in Thailand, as well as freedom of speech more generally. Campaigners against the law have paid a heavy price.
The US State Department has provided a statement of support for Chambers, urging the Thai government to “ensure that laws are not used to stifle permitted expression”. However, given the Trump administration’s attacks on US universities at the moment, this demand rings somewhat hollow.
Academic freedom is a hallmark of democracies compared with authoritarian regimes. With the US no longer so concerned with protecting academic freedom at home, there is little stopping flawed democracies around the world from stepping up pressure on academics to toe the line.
The undermining of democracy in the US is already having palpable impacts on democratic regression around the world.
With little international pressure to adhere to democratic norms, the current Thai government has taken a significant and deleterious step in arresting a foreign academic.
In the future, universities in Thailand, as in the US, will find it harder to attract international talent. Universities – and the broader society – in both countries will be worse off for it.
Adam Simpson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Doug Chafe has been a police telecommunications officer working in the Operational Communications Centre (OCC) with the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador for three years, and every day brings something new!
His job involves answering 911, emergency, and non-emergency calls from the public and anyone who needs police assistance. He’s also the direct link for police officers working the field; tracking their location, dispatching them to calls, conducting safety checks, and running important queries to support their work.
Doug says the most interesting part of his day is not knowing what’s on the other end of a call. Something that might sound routine at first can quickly evolve into a much more serious or complex situation – it definitely keeps you on your toes.
For Doug, the best part of working in the OCC is without a doubt the team. He says he’s lucky to work alongside some incredible OCC operators and police officers who all share the same goal of public safety. They rely on each other, especially during stressful situations, and sometimes see each other more than they see their own families. As a result, he’s built solid friendships.
So, what does it take to be a telecommunications operator? Doug says it takes someone who can stay calm under pressure and think quickly. In the OCC, they deal with a lot of emotionally charged or high stress situations, and it’s crucial to be able to provide steady, clear support to both callers, and officers.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GHISLAINE BARRIENTOS, a former corrections officer, was sentenced today to six months in prison, to be followed by six months of home detention, for her participation in a scheme to accept bribes in exchange for smuggling narcotics and other contraband into Rikers Island. BARRIENTOS previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who imposed today’s sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Ghislaine Barrientos smuggled drugs and other contraband into Rikers Island in exchange for more than ten thousand dollars in bribes. Barrientos not only abused her position of public trust as a corrections officer, she made Rikers Island less safe for inmates and officers alike. Corrupt corrections officers have no place in our jail facilities, and this Office will continue to work to rid our jails of those who take advantage of their positions to enrich themselves.”
As reflected in the Complaint, Information, and statements made in court:
BARRIENTOS, a former New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”) correction officer, conspired with others to smuggle contraband, including cocaine, smokeable synthetic cannabinoids (known as “K2”), and food to inmates housed at the Robert N. Davoren Complex on Rikers Island in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribe payments.
* * *
In addition to the prison sentence, BARRIENTOS, 37, of Mount Vernon, New York, was ordered to forfeit $11,866.
Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Narcotics Units. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Coyle is in charge of the prosecution.
Two men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 50 years for the murder of a man in Croydon as detectives continue appeal for the public’s help to locate an outstanding suspect.
David Walcott, 35 (18.08.89) of Turle Road, Norbury and Rammon Mali, 33 (08.12.91) of Valley Road, Croydon, were each sentenced on Thursday, 17 April at the Old Bailey to 27 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa.
They were convicted of his murder on Wednesday, 26 February at the same court, following a five-week trial.
A murder investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a man stabbed in Fellmongers Yard, Croydon on Friday, 12 April 2024.
A number of members of the public attempted to provide first aid, before police, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived at the scene. Sadly, despite their efforts, Rijkaard died at the scene only 30 minutes later.
In court, Walcott and Mali claimed that they were present, but were not the ones who stabbed Rijkaard. However, they were unanimously found guilty of murder by the jury.
Hassanatu Bah, Rijkaard mother, said:
“Anyone who knew Rijkaard would tell you how truly special he was. He had a soul so gentle and a heart so kind that his love and care touched everyone around him. His dreams were big, his zest for life unmatched. He was driven by hope and ambition, and his future was filled with endless possibilities – dreams that were cruelly stolen from him.
“But let me assure you, Rijkaard’s story doesn’t end here. I will carry his torch for as long as I live. Everything he dreamed of, everything he wanted to accomplish, I would do my best to see it through. His name will not be forgotten.”
The court heard that on the day of the murder Rijkaard had been at a friend’s flat near Fellmongers Yard, before leaving to meet his partner. Only a few minutes after leaving the flat, he had been stabbed 13 times.
After the attack, Walcott and Mali immediately fled the scene. They then went to a pub on nearby Katharine Street, where they ordered three pints of beer.
As part of the investigation, officers viewed more than 100 hours of CCTV and were subsequently able to identify both Walcott and Mali.
A fast-paced manhunt was launched and a few days’ later officers were able to track Walcott to an address on Lewin Road, SW16. He was arrested on Friday, 19 April 2024 and charged the following day.
Mali fled the country on Tuesday, 16 April 2024. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport upon his return on Sunday, 5 May 2024 and charged the following day.
Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:
“Our thoughts very much remain with Rijkaard’s family and friends, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his young life during the trial after the defendants failed to take responsibility for their actions.
“The defendants acted together, as a team. They had been looking for Rijkaard during the afternoon of Friday, 12 April and when they found him, they viciously attacked him.
“It’s clear Walcott and Mali are dangerous and unpredictable individuals and I am relieved they will remain behind bars for a significant period of time.
“I am extremely grateful to those who have come forward so far, however Jordan Vincent remains wanted for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa and my team remains determined to bring all of those responsible to justice.
“I am appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences and assist us with the whereabouts of Jordan Vincent. There is a £10,000 reward available for information which leads to his arrest and conviction. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is – please get in contact, it could be crucial.”
Alternatively, anyone who has information or footage can call 0208 721 4961 referencing Op Biscot. To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
Sadly, a 27-year-old woman has died and a 32-year-old man is in a serious condition after a two-vehicle crash on Johnston Road St Leonards, in Launceston this evening.The crash occurred on Johnston Road, St Leonards about 5.20pm. The woman was the driver and the man a passenger of a Mazda sedan which collided with a Subaru wagon. Luckily the sole female driver of the Subaru was not physically injured in the crash.Upon police arrival, CPR was provided to the woman however sadly, she died at the scene. Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.The man was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition.Police and emergency services remain on the scene, with Johnston Road remaining closed to allow crash scene investigations to be conducted.Police are calling for witnesses to the crash to come forward.Anyone with dash cam footage or information should contact Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.auA report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean: Simon Mustard
Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. He will take up his appointment during May 2025.
Simon Mustard
Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Simon will succeed Mr Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
Mr Mustard will take up his appointment during May 2025.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Simon Mustard
Year
Role
2021 to 2025
FCDO, Director East/Southern Africa
2019 to 2021
Freetown, British High Commissioner
2017 to 2019
FCO, Head, Southern and Central Africa Department and Special Envoy to African Great Lakes Region
2016
Lilongwe, British High Commissioner
2013 to 2016
Amman, Deputy Head of Mission
2011 to 2013
FCO, Head, Country-Casework Team and Deputy Head of Consular Assistance, Consular Directorate
2009 to 2011
FCO, Head, Regional Issues Team, Counter-Proliferation Department
2008 to 2009
FCO, Private Secretary to Minister of State, and also to the Secretary of State
2005 to 2008
Washington, Policy Lead on Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Threats
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested five adults and seized a large quantity of kava in the East Arnhem Region.
On Wednesday 16 April 2025, police received intelligence of a large quantity of kava expected to be transported to Ramingining and Gapuwiyak.
Dog Operations Unit (DOU) coordinated a response, creating a cordoned area to intercept the alleged offenders along the Stuart Highway. They subsequently evaded police and returned in the direction of Katherine.
Additional resources were then deployed from Katherine including, the DOU with Patrol Dog Boss and Drug Dog Rambo and their handlers, Specialist Response Division, Territory Safety Division, and the National Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk.
Two vehicles were apprehended on the Stuart Highway and officers conducted a lawful search, locating several bottles of spirits, 250g of cannabis and 121kg of Kava.
Two females and three males, aged between 47 and 59, were charged with:
Possess commercial quantity kava
Supply commercial quantity kava
Supply dangerous drug, schedule 2 to indigenous community
Senior Sergeant Meacham King said, “This operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the DOU in disrupting the flow of destructive substances into vulnerable communities.
“We will continue to target individuals who facilitate the illegal supply of regulated substances.
“This was an excellent collaboration between all our divisions, and I would like to thank all the officers involved in the swift action and apprehensions.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a structure fire that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday afternoon.
Around 5:10pm, police received reports of a fire at a residence on Woods Terrace in Braitling.
Police and Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service members attended, and the fire was extinguished. It was confirmed the premises was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
A crime scene was declared, and a fire investigator has attended the site.
While inspecting the building for safety reasons, police identified what was believed to be cannabis inside.
A search warrant was executed, and the Dog Operations Unit, including Drug Detection Dogs Yeva and Callen, were called to the scene, resulting in 1.8kg of cannabis being seized.
No arrests have been made at this stage and investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500039709. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force Search and Rescue Section (SRS) has been busy keeping their skills sharp between operational deployments.
The SRS respond to several high-risk land and marine search and rescue incidents across the NT.
To ensure interoperability, particularly as it relates to response times and technical aptitude, the SRS frequently train with other specialist agencies.
Over the past two weeks, the SRS has undertaken a range of specialised training activities, including:
Dive training focused on zero-visibility search techniques
Hi-line and rescue swimmer training
Deployment of remotely piloted aircraft systems for land search and rescue operations
Underwater helicopter escape and sea survival training
Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr of the Search and Rescue Section said, “Joint training initiatives form a critical part of our training framework.
“The SRS would like to thank ERGT, Toll Aviation, Surf Life Saving NT and the 1st Combat Engineers Regiment for their ongoing commitment in supporting the NTPF SRS capabilities.
“With the Easter break kicking off tomorrow, we want to remind Territorians that if you plan to go hiking or out on the water, your best chance of survival in a distress situation is with a registered EPIRB or Personal Locating Beacon.
“Enjoy the long weekend and make sure you are appropriately prepared for the adventures you set out on.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to a ram raid that occurred at a grocery store in Alice Springs earlier this morning.
Around 4:05am, police received a report of an alarm activation at a grocery store on Lyndavale Drive in Larapinta. Unknown offenders had allegedly attended the store in a white Toyota Hilux and used it to ram the front roller door of the building to gain access. The Hilux is believed to have been stolen earlier in the night.
Four male offenders allegedly stole a quantity of items, including cigarettes, before fleeing the scene in the Hilux.
Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25105093. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 24-year-old man in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Gapuwiyak yesterday afternoon.
Around 2:10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a stabbing at a residence within the community.
While police were enroute to the residence, they located a 66-year-old man with a stab wound to his stomach.
The victim was conveyed to the clinic for treatment in a serious but stable condition and was transported by Careflight to Gove District Hospital.
A short time later, a 24-year-old man known to the victim, was identified and arrested. He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.
Investigations into the assault remain ongoing.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25104232. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
The TAF activity, which was organised upon request from Egyptian and Cypriot authorities, brought together 35 participants from Algeria, Belgium, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Palestine*, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to share strategies and best practices in combating the illicit trade. The activity was officially opened and attended by the Ambassador of Cyprus to Egypt, the Deputy Head of the European Delegation in Cairo and high level representatives from Egypt. The Country representatives shared case studies and success stories, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of their efforts to protect cultural heritage.
The illicit trafficking of cultural goods has become a lucrative business for organised crime. It can be used for money laundering, sanctions evasion, and terrorism financing, and comes with a devastating cost. To combat this, the TAF activity facilitated cooperation and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
In addition to the sharing of case studies and success stories, the participants also gained insights from presentations delivered by the representative of the Eurojust Anti-Trafficking Team, as well as several international organizations (Council of Europe, UNICRI, and UNODC). Bilateral meetings were also arranged alongside the main activity.
By sharing knowledge and expertise, the gathering has set the stage for enhanced cooperation and collaboration to combat illicit cultural heritage trafficking.
The EuroMed Justice project aims to develop sustainable cooperation mechanisms for cross-border judicial cooperation in criminal matters between Member States of the European Union and the South Partner Countries. It organises TAF activities upon request of participating authorities in order to provide tailored support to activities and actions.
*This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight”, and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion”, for three consecutive days from April 14 to yesterday (April 16). A total of eight suspected illegal workers and two overstayers were arrested.
During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 17 target locations including commercial buildings, residential buildings and restaurants, and arrested two suspected illegal workers. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised two women, aged 41 and 43.
During operations “Champion”, enforcement officers raided 55 target locations in Central, Eastern and Western districts. Six suspected illegal workers and two overstayers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and two women, aged 29 to 55. The arrested overstayers comprised one man and one woman, aged 46 and 49.
An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years.”
The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman reminded all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is inviting a new round of applications under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Activity and Research Sponsorship Scheme (Sponsorship Scheme).
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been promoting the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law to members of the public through various channels. The Sponsorship Scheme aims to encourage different groups or organisations to promote the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law to the public and to conduct relevant research, with a view to enhancing public understanding of and support for the three laws and the “one country, two systems” principle.
To further enhance the synergy of promoting Constitution education at the community level and raise citizens’ awareness of the Constitution, in this round of applications, proposed promotional activities related to Constitution Day and to be held within two weeks before or after December 4, 2025, will be given higher priority.
To make research proposals under this funding scheme more focused, in this round of applications, proposals related to the following theme will be given higher priority: the success stories of implementing the “one country, two systems” principle in the HKSAR over the past 27 years, covering various aspects such as innovation and technology development, talent cultivation, shipping, trade and financial centre development, enhancement of new quality productive forces, integration into the national development, and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (please elaborate with specific examples and circumstances), as well as the major principles and theoretical system refined through the practical implementation of “one country, two systems”.
Starting from this year, the Sponsorship Scheme will accept applications once a year. To allow more time for interested organisations to prepare their proposals, the deadline for this round of applications is June 16, 2025. Application information can be downloaded from the Basic Law website (www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/committee/sponsorship.html).
For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Sponsorship Scheme at 2810 2106.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Lump Sum Grant Steering Committee announced The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, welcomed the appointments and also thanked the outgoing members, Mr Kirin Law Tsz-yeung, Mr Armstrong Lee Hon-cheung and Ms Wong May-kwan, for their contributions to the LSGSC in the past.
Chaired by the Director of Social Welfare, the LSGSC monitors the implementation of the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System (LSGSS) and identifies areas for improvement. It also facilitates the sharing of information and experiences among the Social Welfare Department, non-governmental organisations, their staff and service users on the implementation of the LSGSS.
The list of non-official members of the LSGSC in the new term is as follows:
Miss Vena Cheng Wei-yan Ms Cheung Kwok-chun Ms Cheung Lai-wah Miss Chow Tsz-ki Miss Chu Lai-ling Mr Thomas Chu Sai-ming Mr Dennis Fong Wai-kuk Mr Joseph Hung Hin-ching Mr Ip Chi-wai Ms Lai Chau-ha Mrs Patricia Lau Mr Lee Chi-hung Ms Yanmi Leung Ho-yan Dr Pamela Leung Pui-yu Ms Rachel Leung Wai-ling Mr Webster Ng Kam-wah Mr Sy Ching-tam Mr Tse Wah-wan Miss Alice Wan Ngai-teck Mr Roland Wong Ka-yeung Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung Issued at HKT 12:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted The Bill seeks to amend the Trade Unions Ordinance (Chapter 332) to strengthen the regulation of trade unions to safeguard national security and improve the trade union regulatory regime, thereby facilitating the healthy development of trade unions.
A spokesperson for the Labour Department said, “The proposed amendments will strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate trade unions to better fulfil the duty of safeguarding national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (6 of 2024). At the same time, the amendments give due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions, and will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions.”
The spokesperson added, “Subject to a smooth passage of the Bill, the amendment ordinance will come into operation on the expiry of six months after the day on which it is published in the Gazette. During this period, the Labour Department will further publicise and explain the amendments to trade unions to facilitate their understanding and compliance.”
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for first and second readings on April 30. The Government will fully work with the LegCo to scrutinise the Bill, with a view to seeking the LegCo’s support and passage of the Bill. Issued at HKT 9:30
Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in succession to Mr Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
Simon Mustard
Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in succession to Mr Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
Mr Mustard will take up his appointment during May 2025.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Simon Mustard
Year
Role
2021 to 2025
FCDO, Director East/Southern Africa
2019 to 2021
Freetown, British High Commissioner
2017 to 2019
FCO, Head, Southern and Central Africa Department and Special Envoy to African Great Lakes Region
2016
Lilongwe, British High Commissioner
2013 to 2016
Amman, Deputy Head of Mission
2011 to 2013
FCO, Head, Country-Casework Team and Deputy Head of Consular Assistance, Consular Directorate
2009 to 2011
FCO, Head, Regional Issues Team, Counter-Proliferation Department
2008 to 2009
FCO, Private Secretary to Minister of State, and also to the Secretary of State
2005 to 2008
Washington, Policy Lead on Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Threats
UAB “Atsinaujinančios energetikos investicijos” (the Company) publishes its audited annual consolidated and separate financial statements for 2024 together with Company’s and Group‘s annual report for 2024
Financial results
The Company’s objective is to earn a return for the Company’s investors from investments in renewable energy infrastructure facilities and related assets. The main financial indicators for the period were:
As at 31 December 2024, the Company’s total assets were EUR 189,795 thousand, total equity was EUR 100,476 thousand, and total liabilities were EUR 89,319 thousand.
As at 31 December 2024, the Company’s investment assets at fair value through profit or loss were EUR 159,902 thousand, which compared to 31 December 2023, decreased by EUR 20,158 thousand or 11.20%. The decline in fair value of the investment portfolio was mainly driven by the results of the independent annual valuation of the Company’s shares. Specifically, the value of the Company’s solar assets in Poland primarily decreased due to electricity price curve forecasts being significantly lower than the electricity price curve utilised in the Company’s valuation in the fourth quarter of 2023.
From January to December 2024, the Company reported a comprehensive loss of EUR 14,824 thousand, primarily attributed to the negative fair value change in the investment portfolio resulting from the independent annual valuation of the Company’s shares.
Review of performance and development
In December 2024, the Company successfully divested its 65.5 MW operating solar portfolio in Poland, Energy Solar Projekty sp. z o.o. This divestment marks the Company’s first significant exit in its core portfolio.
The construction of the 67.8 MW total capacity portfolio for PV Energy Projects sp. z o.o. is nearing completion. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, 44.8 MW of this capacity is operational, with a Commercial Operation Date (COD) anticipated for September 2025.
The construction of the PL SUN sp. z o.o. portfolio, with a total capacity of 114.7 MW, is progressing through two distinct development phases. The first phase, encompassing 66.6 MW, saw substantial completion in the second quarter of 2024, with 26.4 MW energized by the close of the fourth quarter. The remaining capacity of 40.2 MW is scheduled to be energized by the second quarter of 2025. Construction on the second phase, totalling 48.1 MW, commenced in the fourth quarter of 2024, with energization expected by the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Company holds 25% of shares of UAB Žaliosios investicijos, which manages the 185.5 MW portfolio, consisting of 34 wind turbines in Lithuania. The energy production license for the Anykščiai wind farm was secured in August 2024, and licenses for the Jonava and Rokiškis wind farms are anticipated in the second quarter of 2025.
The development permit for a hybrid power plant with a capacity of 100 MW of wind and 70 MW of solar, being developed by UAB Ekoelektra, has been granted. The technical design project has been initiated and submitted to the Transmission System Operator (Lidgrid) for coordination, ensuring adherence to grid requirements for effective integration into the national electricity network.
UAB JTPG submitted the grid connection technical project for a 70 MW solar PV project to Litgrid for approval in the third quarter of 2024, marking a significant step in the project’s development.
The development permit for a hybrid power plant developed by UAB KNT Holding, which includes 390 MW of wind, 250 MW of solar, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of 50 MW / 200 MWh, has also been granted. The technical design project has been initiated and submitted to the Lidgrid for coordination.
For the 112 MW wind park development project in Latvia managed by Zala Elektriba SIA, the grid connection deadline was extended in the third quarter of 2024, with balance of plant works commencing in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Shareholders’ meeting
According to the Law on Companies of Republic of Lithuania, the annual financial statements prepared by the Management are authorised by the General Shareholders’ meeting. The shareholders hold the power to not approve the annual financial statements and have the right to request new financial statements to be prepared.
The shareholders of the Company will vote on approving the Group‘s and Company’s 2024 financial statements at a shareholders’ meeting to be held on 30 April 2025. The meeting will also consider a proposal for the distribution of profits. The proposed profit allocation is as follows:
Article
Thousand,EUR
Retained earnings (loss) – at the beginning of financial year
31,450
Comprehensive income (loss) for the reporting period – net profit for the current year*
(14,824)
Profit transfer to the legal reserve
(250)
Retained earnings (loss) – at the end of financial year
16,376
Profit distribution:
Profit transfer to the legal reserve
–
Profit transfer to other reserves
–
Profit to be paid as dividends
–
Retained earnings (loss) at the end of the financial year for 2024 and previous financial periods
16,376
* The preliminary announcement contained an inaccuracy regarding the Company’s total losses for the year 2024
Contact person for further information: Mantas Auruškevičius Manager of the Investment Company Mantas.Auruskevicius@lordslb.lt
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Reappointment of the Ministry of Justice Lead Non-Executive Director
The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Mark Rawlinson as the Ministry of Justice Lead Non-Executive Director.
The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of Mark Rawlinson as the Ministry of Justice Lead Non-Executive Director for 12 months from 4 March 2025 to 3 March 2026.
The Lead Non-Executive Director is a senior figure from outside the department who brings expertise and skills from outside of the department. They:
support the Secretary of State in their role as Chair of the Board
give guidance and advice to MOJ leaders and ministers
support and challenge management on the department’s strategic direction
provide support in monitoring and reviewing progress
The appointment of the Lead Non-Executive Director is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and the reappointment process complies with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Biography
Mark Rawlinson was first appointed Ministry of Justice Lead Non-Executive Board Member on 4 June 2018.
Mark has over 30 years of commercial experience as an adviser – from 2016 to 2021 as Chairman of UK Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley and prior to that as a corporate partner for 25 years at international law firm, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.
The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau is inviting a new round of applications under the Constitution & Basic Law Promotion Activity & Research Sponsorship Scheme.
The scheme aims to promote the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law and to enhance public understanding of each of these, as well as the “one country, two systems” principle.
To enhance synergy with Constitution Day, held on December 4 each year, any proposed activities relating to that occasion and scheduled within two weeks either side of December 4, will be given higher priority.
Proposals relating to the bureau’s designated theme will also be given priority.
The theme will be success stories relating to the implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong over the past 27 years. Aspects to be covered include innovation and technology development, talent cultivation, shipping, Hong Kong as a trade and financial centre, new quality productive forces, integration into national development, the development of the Greater Bay Area development, and major principles and concepts relating to “one country, two systems”.
The success stories should be elaborated with specific examples and case studies.
Starting from this year, the sponsorship scheme will accept applications once a year. The deadline for applications in 2025 is June 16.
Click here for details. Call 2810 2106 for enquiries.