Category: MIL-OSI

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Waikato Expressway, Huntly

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One person has died following a crash on the Waikato Expressway at Huntly this afternoon.

Emergency services responded to a report of a crash in which a motorcycle had collided with a median barrier, at around 3pm today.

Sadly, the motorcyclist died at the scene of the crash.

The road was closed while emergency services attended and Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. The road has now re-opened.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

If you were traveling in the area at the time of the crash and have dashcam footage that could assist with the investigation, please contact Police via 105, referencing event number P060198944.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Aleftina Evdokimova, People’s Artist of Russia

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the theater and film actress on her anniversary.

The telegram, in particular, notes:

“A bright, unusually talented and charming actress, you have dedicated your life to serving art and made a worthy contribution to the development of national culture. Thanks to your high professionalism, you have managed to create multifaceted images on the famous stage of the Maly Theater and in cinematography that have left a mark in the hearts of millions of fans.

I wish you good health, prosperity and all the best.”

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://government.ru/gov/persons/151/telegrams/52916/

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Children in west Africa are often sent to live with other families to help them get ahead – but fostering may be doing the opposite
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Pearl S. Kyei, Senior lecturer, University of Ghana

In west Africa, it’s common for families to foster children informally. This helps ease the burden on parents and can give children from poorer families a chance to improve their lives.

An estimated 20% to 40% of mothers in the region have sent at least one child to live with another household for an extended period. That household acts as a “social parent”.

Education is one of the leading reasons for the practice: children can be in households with more resources for schooling or closer to schools.

Whether this fostering is beneficial or harmful depends on how much the host families are willing to support and invest in the fostered children.

The practice of child fostering differs from the formal foster care systems that are common in many parts of the world. Fostering arrangements in sub-Saharan Africa are typically informal and unregulated. Without legal or economic incentives, there’s a risk that host households may not be as invested in the welfare of fostered children, including their education, as they are in their own.

My research studied the relationship between fostering and school attendance. I looked at how this has changed over time and whether it is affected by how wealthy a fostering household is.

I found that in some west African countries, fostered children were less likely to attend school than children who were not fostered. And children fostered by wealthier households were the least likely to attend school compared to their non-fostered counterparts.

The findings highlight the need to set up or improve systems to monitor how fostered children are doing. They also suggest more research is needed to understand fostering in wealthier families.

Comparing change over time

The research used data from five countries that conducted similar surveys about a decade apart, in 2005/06 and 2017/18. The countries were The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Togo.

The sample comprised 86,803 children aged 6 to 12 whose biological parents were alive. The analysis compared school enrolment of fostered children with children who were not fostered over the two periods.

In 2005/06, 16.7% of the children in the sample were fostered. In 2017/18, 19.4% were fostered.

I expected to find that fostered children would be less likely to attend school than children who were not fostered. This is because it is possible that the purposes for which parents send their children away may not align exactly with the reasons the host households agree to have them.

I also expected that the difference in school attendance between fostered and non-fostered children would decrease over time, because free primary education policies were being introduced.

But instead, the findings showed that in 2017/18, children who were fostered were much less likely to have ever attended school than was the case in 2005/06. In 2017/18, fostered children were 0.49 times as likely to have ever attended school compared to children who were not fostered. In 2005/06, there was no difference between fostered and non-fostered children.

I also expected that wealthier households would be able to invest more in children – both fostered and their own.

However, this was not the case. It was only in the poorest hosting households that foster children were more likely to attend school in 2005/06 and in 2017/18 compared to children who were not fostered. In wealthier households, foster children faced greater disadvantages in school attendance as the household’s wealth increased.

Worrying inequalities

The findings are worrying because they suggest that wealthier families might take in children not necessarily to improve their welfare, but to use them for household chores. There is some research suggesting that households’ decisions to foster in children are driven by demand for child labour. This could prevent foster children from attending school regularly.

It is also possible that poor parents might not have the power to step in if the wealthier hosting households are disrupting their children’s education.

The results indicate that there has been an increase in the proportion of children who have ever attended school over the two periods. However, the finding that more than one-tenth of children in the sample have never attended school in the most recent period is suggestive of challenges in the implementation of free education policies.

The challenges include:
- competing demands for children’s time in households where child labour is required
- the inability of households to pay for transport, books and uniforms.
The observed disparity in school attendance by foster status, particularly for richer households, highlights inequality in education. This has implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which targets equitable education. The African Union declared 2024 the Year of Education, further highlighting the importance of ensuring all children on the continent attend school.

Pearl S. Kyei 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.

– ref. Children in west Africa are often sent to live with other families to help them get ahead – but fostering may be doing the opposite – https://theconversation.com/children-in-west-africa-are-often-sent-to-live-with-other-families-to-help-them-get-ahead-but-fostering-may-be-doing-the-opposite-239865
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Conservation – Luxon escalates War on Nature with mining-heavy Fast Track list – Greenpeace
Source: Greenpeace

Christopher Luxon’s bleak vision of New Zealand as a giant open-cast mine comes one step closer as the Government announces eleven mining projects it will push through under the controversial fast-track approvals process, says Greenpeace.

Greenpeace spokesperson Juressa Lee says, “This is no surprise, but it’s still a shock to hear that amidst the climate and biodiversity crises, this Government is going to forge ahead with eleven new mines using the much-maligned fast track approvals process.

“It’s especially concerning to see that the Trans-Tasman Resources Taranaki seabed mining project is on the list after being such an abject failure in the environment court and Supreme Court and attracting such widespread opposition from mana whenua, the environmental movement and the offshore wind industry.”

By attempting to fast track seabed mining the Luxon Government is blocking one of New Zealand’s most important new renewable energy projects – offshore wind. The offshore wind industry has said seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight will prevent an offshore wind generation project being established there.

“With this announcement, Christopher Luxon, Chris Bishop and Shane Jones are running roughshod over expert advice, and all of those New Zealanders who don’t want to see the forests and oceans of Aotearoa turned to open cast mines, rivers and lakes turned to sewers and more precious species pushed to extinction.”

Greenpeace says the projects won’t go ahead without a fight, citing the 20,000-plus-strong protest March for Nature and over 12,000 people signing on to an open letter of resistance to the fast track bill.

“Any company seeking to use the fast track bill to get around existing environmental protections and the wishes of iwi, hapū and local communities who want nature protected should have a good hard think about how badly that will reflect on them and their shareholders, and the resistance they will face.

“There are some worthy projects on the list but they are tainted by the process and the presence of Trans-Tasman Resources at the bottom of the barrel. The fast track is the wrong track and will be a poisoned chalice for those companies who risk it.”

Greenpeace says there are many other notorious projects causing ecological destruction in the list including:

The Hawkes Bay Tukituki Water Security Project, formerly known as the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme, which seeks to dam the Makaroro River to recreate a water storage reservoir is also on the list. Greenpeace fought against the Ruataniwha dam for several years before it was shelved.

The Waitaha Hydro Scheme will flood high conservation land, a project previously declined because of the widespread destruction of nature.

The Hurunui irrigation scheme will kill a wild river and result in more intensive dairy operations with associated pollution.

Mining on the Stockton Plateau will cause immense environmental destruction. The International Energy Agency has said there can be no new investment in oil, gas and coal if governments are serious about stopping climate change.

Waimate waste-to-energy incineration

And others

Greenpeace occupied the Straterra building last month in a protest against the possibility of its client’s Trans-Tasman Resources seabed mining project being included. The action resulted in several arrests but Greenpeace says it was a sign of things to come and “a demonstration of the resistance promised” in the recently published open letter to all companies considering using the Fast Track Approvals process which has since increased from 7,500 signatories to over 12,000.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fast Track Megaprison for Auckland a Disgrace Says Criminologist

Source: People Against Prisons Aotearoa

The government has today announced the projects slated to go ahead under the controversial Fast Track Bill, which will bypass consultation and approval processes.

One project is a previously unannounced construction at Auckland Prison (Paremoremo), which will almost double its capacity up to 1,200 people. University of Auckland lecturer in Criminology and People Against Prisons Aotearoa spokesperson Dr. Emmy Rākete says the plan is unnecessary and unrealistic.

“Auckland Prison is already so overcrowded and understaffed that prison management is unable to cope,” says Dr. Rākete. “Turning Paremoremo into a megaprison will inevitably result in abuse, violence, and riots.”

Auckland Prison is primarily for high and maximum security prisoners. It includes the “Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit,” which the Office of the Ombudsman recently found had kept a prisoner in solitary confinement for almost three years.

“As a 600 person prison, Paremoremo is sloppily-run, dangerous, and violent. As a megaprison, Paremoremo would be a pit as dangerous to the staff as to the people inside it.”

“New Zealand’s prison system is actually well below its maximum capacity right now. At the same time as the coalition of cuts are defunding hospitals to give tax cuts to landlords, it is ramming billions into prison expansion. Who will these new prisons be built for? The government knows that austerity creates violence and crime, and is choosing austerity anyway. The rich will get richer and the poor will get prisons.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: KASM slams government decision to fast-track dangerous seabed mining

Source: Kiwis Against Seabed Mining

Kiwis Against Seabed Mining today slammed the government for putting a failed and hugely dangerous and experimental project like Trans Tasman Resources bid to mine the seabed in the South Taranaki Bight on the fast track list.

“It’s a sad day for Aotearoa New Zealand when an experimental industry that has been examined in detail and ultimately failed by this country’s Supreme Court, gets to be rushed through with limited consideration,” said KASM Chairperson Cindy Baxter.

“This 100% Australian-owned company is in a terrible financial state: it has no idea how to extract the so-called ‘critical minerals’ out of the ironsands, and it hasn’t been able to prove seabed mining safe. It cannot be allowed to go ahead. There will be nothing in it for the people of Taranaki, and it would set a huge and dangerous precedent.”

“This is a long way from over: we will do everything we can to stop this monstrosity from going ahead, and we have tens of thousands of Kiwis behind us,” she said.

The TTR’s failed bid to dig up 50 million tonnes of the South Taranaki Bight every year for 35 years – in a 66 square kilometre area – would be the first off the ranks, but it could set the precedent to grow into a massive 877 square kilometre seabed mining zone. (The company already has a mining licence for a 242 sqkm area and is already touting this area plus another 635 square kms to its investors).

The resulting sediment plume from seabed mining will spread right across the Bight, interfering with feeding grounds for seabirds and marine mammals.

The Bight is home to a population of pygmy blue whales unique to New Zealand, with whales experts describing the impact of the noise from seabed mining as “like living next to a vacuum cleaner for 35 years.”

Also affected will be little blue penguins, or Kororā, some of whom swim 100kms from the Marlborough Sounds to feed at the Patea Shoals.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – HMNZS Manawanui crew and passengers rescued after ship runs aground in Samoa

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

Crew and passengers of Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Manawanui were rescued in the early hours of the morning on Sunday in Samoa after the vessel was grounded off the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening while conducting a hydrographic survey 1 nautical mile from shore.

The 75 crew and passengers from other government agencies began evacuating into lifeboats at 7.52 pm on Saturday 5 October.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) worked closely with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) who led the rescue effort. Numerous vessels responded to provide assistance, and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon was also deployed to assist.

Rescuers battled currents and winds that were pushing the life rafts and sea boats toward the reefs, and swells made the rescue effort particularly challenging.

“We are very grateful for the assistance of everyone involved, from RCCNZ who coordinated rescue efforts, to the vessels which responded and took our crew and passengers from Manawanui to safety,’’ Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell said.

Those on board the life boats and sea boats from HMNZS Manawanui were transferred to vessels that responded to the rescue call and were transported ashore.

At this stage the exact cause of the grounding is unknown and this will need further investigation. At 6.40 am Sunday, the ship was listing heavily and smoke was visible from the ship. At 9.00 am it was known to have capsized and was below the surface. The NZDF is working with authorities to understand the implications and minimise the environmental impacts.

Support is being provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Samoan authorities to the crew and passengers from Manawanui and they are being accommodated in Samoa. The NZDF will be sending aircraft to Samoa to bring them back to New Zealand.

This was HMNZS Manawanui’s third deployment to the South West Pacific this year. The ship had a series of activities scheduled including in the Kermadec Islands, Samoa, Tokelau and Niue. They sailed from Devonport on 28 September and were due to return home on 1 November.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Ahipara vegetation fire: Update #2

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The vegetation fire near Ahipara is now contained.

There is no active fire front. Crews from Fire and Emergency New Zealand are working with forestry firefighters with heavy machinery and supported by helicopters to ensure the containment holds.

Tonight specialist drone crews will be conducting thermal imaging to check for hotspots.

From tomorrow crews will be on the ground checking for any smouldering hotspots.

The fire has burned 177 hectares and has a perimeter of 7.1 kilometres.

There will be a final update tomorrow afternoon.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mining Sector – Straterra says Mining belongs on fast-track list

Source: Straterra Inc

Today’s release of the first projects for the fast-track list acknowledges the regional and national significance of mining, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.

“At a time when manufacturing and processing plants are closing in the regions, mining brings much needed jobs and money into regional communities, and exports to boost our trade deficit. Mining belongs on the fast-track list,” Vidal says.

“There is a lot of misinformation about the fast-track process. The value is in the ‘one-stop shop’ approach to consenting projects which saves time and money by allowing applications to be considered by a group of experts, once. We hope a similar approach will continue through all the Resource Management Act reforms eventually doing away with the need for a separate fast-track bill.

“Responsible mining in New Zealand will still meet the same high employment and health and safety standards, and strict environmental conditions as it does now. Those conditions include paying bonds and having full mine closure plans to return the mined land to how it was before, if not better.

“Gold and coal, as well as the minerals on the recently released draft critical minerals list, are all vital to our high-tech, low emissions future. It is right that if they can be mined in New Zealand, that they should be.

“New Zealand needs the Fast-track Approvals Bill to deliver on the Government’s promise. Once the bill is passed, more mining projects can apply for inclusion.

“We urge people with any concerns about mining or the fast-track bill to do their research, talk to experts, and think about life without mining those minerals in New Zealand. We don’t have an economy to sustain importing everything.

“There is real value in the Coalition Government’s goal of doubling mineral exports by 2035.”

Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese filmmaker unveils forgotten WWII tragedy, eyes MH370 mystery

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

In a world where history often fades into obscurity, Fang Li, a 70-year-old Chinese filmmaker and oceanic expert, is on a mission to revive forgotten stories from the depths of the sea and the annals of time. His latest documentary, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” has not only captivated audiences but was also recently selected as the submission from the Chinese mainland for the best international feature film Oscar.

Fang Li with Lisbon Maru survivor Dennis Morley during an interview. Morley, the last survivor in the U.K., died in 2021 at age 101. [Image courtesy of Laurel Films]

The film explores the lesser-known tragedy of a Japanese cargo ship carrying 1,816 British prisoners of war (POWs) from the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941. In October 1942, while en route to Japan without POW markings, the ship was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine. When it sank near the Dongji Islands in Zhoushan, eastern China’s Zhejiang province, Japanese soldiers locked prisoners below deck or shot at them, resulting in 828 deaths. Despite the danger, 255 local Chinese fishermen bravely rescued 384 British prisoners amid gunfire.

Fang’s documentary is a testament to his dedication to uncovering these hidden stories. “From the beginning, I felt a deep responsibility to bring this story to light,” Fang told China.org.cn. “If I had not pursued this, I would have been a sinner of history.”

Concept art to reenact the sinking scene from “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru.” [Image courtesy of Laurel Films]

As both a marine technologist and a filmmaker, Fang faced numerous challenges in producing this film. Over eight years, he invested his time and personal finances, selling all his properties and accumulating a large amount of debt. Despite the financial burden, Fang remained undeterred.

“For those of us living in a peaceful era today, making this film is about prioritizing history over profit,” he stated. “We want to widely publicize it, allowing more people to remember this segment of history so that it is never silenced again.”

Since its debut a month ago, “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” has grossed nearly 40 million yuan ($5.7 million) and holds the highest score for any domestic film this year on Douban, China’s major review aggregation website. The film’s 9.3/10 rating, based on more than 84,000 reviews, has helped sustain its box office performance.

Sonar image of the Lisbon Maru wreckage. [Image courtesy of Laurel Films]

“This cruel massacre has been buried under the sea and denied by the Japanese military for 82 years,” Fang noted. “No one has yet challenged the Japanese government’s account, which was only addressed once in 1943.”

The documentary explores how historical events are remembered or forgotten. Fang and his team interviewed nearly 150 people across continents and engaged with about 380 families, bringing personal stories to life. Their efforts illuminated a forgotten chapter of history and provided solace to affected families. Fang also organized memorial events at the sinking site with descendants of those involved.

Descendants of British prisoners of war hold a memorial at the coordinates of the sunken Lisbon Maru. [Image courtesy of Laurel Films]

Fang shared several poignant stories cut from the film. One described a POW diving into the water to bid a final farewell to a dying comrade trapped in the ship’s hull. Another depicted a POW’s wartime romance with a Hong Kong girl; though they never reunited, he later named his daughter after her. “Regardless of race, time, or distance, emotions remain timeless,” Fang said.

Fang hopes the local government will establish a maritime anti-fascist memorial museum near the sinking location. He has also discussed with Brian Finch, a retired major and the film’s military consultant, the possibility of salvaging the sunken ship or repatriating the remains of the POWs.

“The British tradition is that if you die there, you are buried there as in a war grave,” he explained. “I argued this is not a war grave; this is a prison. These are imprisoned souls, not killed in combat but massacred. Should we free the souls that had been imprisoned?”

Fang Li (right) poses with Lin Agen (center), a fisherman who helped rescue British prisoners of war. [Image courtesy of Laurel Films]

Fang’s next documentary project likely involves MH370, the Malaysia Airlines flight that vanished in 2014, becoming one of aviation’s biggest mysteries. The fate of the plane as well as its 239 passengers and crew, mostly Chinese, remains unknown. Malaysia said earlier this year it may renew the search.

The director revealed that the project has been under consideration for years and that he’s actively seeking funds, assistance, resources and collaborators.

People hold flowers at an event marking the 10th anniversary of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in Subang Jaya, Selangor state, Malaysia, March 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Fang was previously known for finding the black box of a passenger plane that crashed off Dalian, a port city in northeastern China, in 2002 using a sonar beacon locator. “Life is about curiosity and exploration,” he said. “I look forward to uncovering more truths and sharing them with the world.”

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge sees record high daily vehicle passage

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

The Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) saw more than 20,000 inbound and outbound vehicles on Saturday, a daily record since the bridge’s opening in 2018.

This photo taken on April 6, 2024 shows cars on Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in south China. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 55-km HZMB links China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR, and the city of Zhuhai in Guangdong Province. It is the world’s longest bridge-and-tunnel sea crossing.
According to the border inspection station of the HZMB, 453,000 passengers and 93,000 vehicles crossed the bridge’s Zhuhai port from Tuesday to Saturday, the first five days of the week-long National Day holiday, up 34.33 percent and 56.38 percent respectively year-on-year.
Among the traffic, vehicles carrying plates from Hong Kong and Macao surpassed 56,000 in number, marking a yearly increase of 73 percent.
Border inspection officials said driving to the Chinese mainland for sightseeing and consumption is surging in popularity among Hong Kong and Macao families, especially during holidays.
According to official data, more than 20 million inbound and outbound passengers have traveled through the Zhuhai port of the bridge so far in 2024, exceeding the total volume of the whole of last year.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Smokers have a higher level of harmful bacteria in the mouth – new study

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Yvonne Prince, PhD in Biomedical Science (Microbiology), Cape Peninsula University of Technology

A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 8 million people die annually from smoking related complications. Despite efforts by governments and various organisations to create awareness about the dangers, around 1.3 billion people still use some form of tobacco and 80% of them live in low to middle income countries.

There is no safe level of smoking. Even second-hand smoke can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The mouth (oral cavity) is the first port of entry to the rest of the body and is home to a complex and diverse community of microorganisms, known as the oral microbiome. These organisms live in harmony with one another. They protect the normal oral environment, aid digestion, regulate the immune system and promote health.

If this balance is disturbed however, it can lead to the development of periodontitis (gum infections), inflammation and serious diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, liver and renal disease.

Changes to the bacterial composition of the mouth can be caused by several factors, such as bad oral hygiene, diet, alcohol and smoking.

We’ve looked into exactly what types of bacteria are affected. Our research did this by examining the oral health of 128 individuals who had participated in a 2014/2016 study of vascular and metabolic health.

We found clear differences in the bacteria present in the mouths of smokers compared to non-smokers.

Smokers had higher levels of harmful bacteria – like Fusobacterium, Campylobacter and Tannerella forsythia – in their mouths.

These bacteria can cause gum disease and may increase the risk of heart disease because they can trigger inflammation and other harmful effects in the body.

How smoking affects the oral biome

Tobacco and cigarettes contain several toxic substances which include nicotine, tar, radioactive chemicals, lead and ammonia. Many of these are formed from burning the tobacco. As a cigarette is smoked, these chemicals enter the oral cavity and change the surrounding environment by reducing oxygen levels, changing the pH (level of acidity) and preventing adequate production of saliva.

Saliva not only keeps the mouth moist and helps digestion, but also has important antibacterial properties which assist in destroying dangerous germs and keeping the oral cavity healthy.

A dry mouth together with low oxygen levels in the mouth allows harmful bacteria to multiply.

The overgrowth of these organisms destroys the balance of the healthy bacteria normally found on the surfaces of the teeth, tongue and palate.

Nicotine

One common chemical found in cigarettes is nicotine. This toxin can increase the number of proteins on the surface of certain harmful bacteria such as P. gingivalis.

These proteins or receptors give the bacteria an advantage over the normal microorganisms and allows them to attach firmly to surfaces where they multiply into colonies and form biofilms. Dental biofilms are a complex community of microorganisms which can form on the teeth and other hard surfaces. If not controlled, they can lead to plaque formation, periodontitis, gum disease and tooth decay.

Smoking and serious diseases

These abnormal colonies can influence the immune system, leading to slow healing, inflammation and even antibiotic resistance. The chronic inflammation caused by gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the destruction of gum tissue, which has been linked to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Another bacterium, Streptococcus mutans, can also become abundant in people who smoke heavily. This organism is often present in healthy conditions but when the environment is disrupted, it can multiply and form part of dental biofilms, leading to tooth decay and oral cancer.

Vaping and e-cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes or vapes operate with a battery and heating element which heats up a liquid. This produces an aerosol which is inhaled by the user. The liquid contains different flavourings as well as harmful chemicals such as nicotine and lead.

Early research seems to suggest that e-cigarettes are not a good alternative to smoking tobacco. Although their effects on the oral microbiota have not been well studied, the increased growth of bacteria such as Fusobacterium and Bacteroidales has been observed in people who vape.

Both of these bacteria can cause periodontitis (gum disease).

Can these changes be reversed?

It is clear that the harmful chemicals in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco can lead to serious diseases which often begin in the oral cavity. The good news is that these can be prevented and the risk reduced.

Although it may take time, the healthy diversity of the oral biome can be restored by quitting smoking. This reduces the risk of gum disease, promotes the production of saliva and improves health.

Prevention is better than cure and governments and organisations such as the WHO need to continue to create awareness around the dangers of smoking, particularly among the youth.

– Smokers have a higher level of harmful bacteria in the mouth – new study
– https://theconversation.com/smokers-have-a-higher-level-of-harmful-bacteria-in-the-mouth-new-study-239250

MIL OSI Africa –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 1,000 UK troops show commitment to eastern Europe in NATO exercise
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

More than 1,000 British troops have begun one of the largest exercises this year in the Balkans, showing the UK’s commitment to the region’s security.
More than 1,000 British troops have begun one of the largest exercises this year in the Balkans, showing the UK’s commitment to the region’s security.

The training will develop the UK’s ability to operate alongside NATO allies and underlines Britain’s commitment to eastern Europe.

With 18 activities taking place across three months, one of the standout training exercises under Operation Chelonia involves the UK’s deployment of troops to Kosovo. These troops arrived via amphibious landing on a beach with no established infrastructure, via a world-leading motorised floating platform.

This training exercise takes place close to Pasha Liman Naval Base in Southern Albania.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:

These exercises show our unwavering commitment to standing united with our allies and working hand in hand to boost our collective security. The UK has always had a major presence in the Western Balkans, and it’s important we demonstrate a united front to ensure regional security.

Working closely with our NATO partners, we are demonstrating our combined efforts to safeguard peace, stability, and security in the region.

The landing was led by the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF), a group of 600 Army personnel held at readiness to deploy at two weeks’ notice should pressures in the region escalate. In 2024, the SRF is led by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

The scenario required the services of the Mexeflote, a world-leading modular motorised floating platform that can dock on the stern ramp of a ship, load with heavy military hardware (including trucks and main battle tanks if required), ferry the cargo to the beach and enable the cargo to be unloaded.

To put into context the scale of the operation, 26,000 linear metres of vehicles and equipment were landed on the beach. All equipment was brought to Albania from the UK aboard the 13,500 tonne Ro-Ro vessel, Hartland Point.

The Royal Air Force have also undertaken training in the region to ensure all personnel have the training they need to keep us secure at home and strong abroad.

The British Army have previously deployed at pace in Kosovo, with 200 personnel from the (1st battalion) of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (PWRR) sent to the country last year under NATO command, following an increase in tensions in the north of the country.

Other nations involved in these key exercises with the UK include Serbia, Romania, Kosovo, Georgia, Croatia, and Moldova.

This exercise reaffirms the UK’s commitment to our allies in the region. Whilst Putin continues his illegal and reckless invasion of Ukraine and aggressive posturing, it is vital that the UK works consistently alongside our NATO allies to display a united front of our collective strength.

From our continued presence in Kosovo, to our counter-disinformation support in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK remains completely committed to upholding democracy and supporting our allies in the Western Balkans.

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Updates to this page

Published 6 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Children in west Africa are often sent to live with other families to help them get ahead – but fostering may be doing the opposite
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Pearl S. Kyei, Senior lecturer, University of Ghana

In west Africa, it’s common for families to foster children informally. This helps ease the burden on parents and can give children from poorer families a chance to improve their lives.

An estimated 20% to 40% of mothers in the region have sent at least one child to live with another household for an extended period. That household acts as a “social parent”.

Education is one of the leading reasons for the practice: children can be in households with more resources for schooling or closer to schools.

Whether this fostering is beneficial or harmful depends on how much the host families are willing to support and invest in the fostered children.

The practice of child fostering differs from the formal foster care systems that are common in many parts of the world. Fostering arrangements in sub-Saharan Africa are typically informal and unregulated. Without legal or economic incentives, there’s a risk that host households may not be as invested in the welfare of fostered children, including their education, as they are in their own.

My research studied the relationship between fostering and school attendance. I looked at how this has changed over time and whether it is affected by how wealthy a fostering household is.

I found that in some west African countries, fostered children were less likely to attend school than children who were not fostered. And children fostered by wealthier households were the least likely to attend school compared to their non-fostered counterparts.

The findings highlight the need to set up or improve systems to monitor how fostered children are doing. They also suggest more research is needed to understand fostering in wealthier families.

Comparing change over time

The research used data from five countries that conducted similar surveys about a decade apart, in 2005/06 and 2017/18. The countries were The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Togo.

The sample comprised 86,803 children aged 6 to 12 whose biological parents were alive. The analysis compared school enrolment of fostered children with children who were not fostered over the two periods.

In 2005/06, 16.7% of the children in the sample were fostered. In 2017/18, 19.4% were fostered.

I expected to find that fostered children would be less likely to attend school than children who were not fostered. This is because it is possible that the purposes for which parents send their children away may not align exactly with the reasons the host households agree to have them.

I also expected that the difference in school attendance between fostered and non-fostered children would decrease over time, because free primary education policies were being introduced.

But instead, the findings showed that in 2017/18, children who were fostered were much less likely to have ever attended school than was the case in 2005/06. In 2017/18, fostered children were 0.49 times as likely to have ever attended school compared to children who were not fostered. In 2005/06, there was no difference between fostered and non-fostered children.

I also expected that wealthier households would be able to invest more in children – both fostered and their own.

However, this was not the case. It was only in the poorest hosting households that foster children were more likely to attend school in 2005/06 and in 2017/18 compared to children who were not fostered. In wealthier households, foster children faced greater disadvantages in school attendance as the household’s wealth increased.

Worrying inequalities

The findings are worrying because they suggest that wealthier families might take in children not necessarily to improve their welfare, but to use them for household chores. There is some research suggesting that households’ decisions to foster in children are driven by demand for child labour. This could prevent foster children from attending school regularly.

It is also possible that poor parents might not have the power to step in if the wealthier hosting households are disrupting their children’s education.

The results indicate that there has been an increase in the proportion of children who have ever attended school over the two periods. However, the finding that more than one-tenth of children in the sample have never attended school in the most recent period is suggestive of challenges in the implementation of free education policies.

The challenges include:
- competing demands for children’s time in households where child labour is required
- the inability of households to pay for transport, books and uniforms.
The observed disparity in school attendance by foster status, particularly for richer households, highlights inequality in education. This has implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which targets equitable education. The African Union declared 2024 the Year of Education, further highlighting the importance of ensuring all children on the continent attend school.

– Children in west Africa are often sent to live with other families to help them get ahead – but fostering may be doing the opposite
– https://theconversation.com/children-in-west-africa-are-often-sent-to-live-with-other-families-to-help-them-get-ahead-but-fostering-may-be-doing-the-opposite-239865

MIL OSI Africa –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Charge Stemming from Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PORFIRIA MARIBEL RAMOS SANCHEZ, 47, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Vernon, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a charge stemming from her involvement in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the U.S., harbor them at Hartford area residences, force them to work, and threaten to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest, and other living expenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed several Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford. The investigation revealed that victims typically arranged with Ramos, her co-conspirators in Connecticut, and associates in Mexico to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S. In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico. They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death.

After the victims arrived in Connecticut, they were told that they would have to pay $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay Ramos and her co-coconspirators for rent, food, gas and utilities. The co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area. In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform housework and yardwork without compensation and without having their debt reduced.

Victims were rarely provided with an accounting of their debt. If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that the co-conspirators expected, they were sometimes threatened, including with threats to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments.

To date, investigators have identified 18 victims of this scheme.

Ramos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2025.

As part of her plea agreement, Ramos has agreed to a restitution order of $494,608. In partial satisfaction or her restitution obligation, Ramos and her husband have agreed to sell a property they own at 74 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford, which was used to facilitate this criminal offense.

Ramos has been detained since her arrest on October 5, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: The CPR gathers in Vientiane, kick-starting the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits

Source: ASEAN

The Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) gathered at the National Convention Center in Vientiane today for their tenth regular meeting of the year, signalling the start of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits series. During the session, the CPR engaged in in-depth discussions on matters related to ASEAN Community-building efforts and external relations issues, among others.

The post The CPR gathers in Vientiane, kick-starting the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Palestinians want to choose their own leaders – a year of war has distanced them further from this democratic goal

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Maha Nassar, Associate Professor in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies, University of Arizona

A Palestinian university student casts a ballot in Gaza City in 2006. Abid Katib/Getty Images

Over the summer as Israel continued to bombard Gaza, representatives from 14 Palestinian factions, including the two main parties – Hamas and Fatah – met in China. Following the most inclusive talks in years, all the parties agreed to a future unity government and to hold national elections.

Such talk of “day after” governance may seem fanciful as the current war marks its first anniversary. The idea of holding Palestinian elections seems a long way off given the current destruction and humanitarian crisis, especially in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, any democratic process including Hamas – whose leadership Israeli forces have spent a year trying to eliminate following the the group’s attack of Oct. 7, 2023 – would be vehemently opposed by Israel. As such, it should come as little surprise that 72% of Palestinians recently polled said they saw no hope of the provisions agreed to in China being implemented any time soon.

But the alternative “day after” plan for Gaza reconstruction being pushed by the United States – “revitilzing” the Palestinian Authority, the Fatah-led body that semi-governs parts of the West Bank – also seems like a non-starter. Critics of that plan warn that a simple reshuffling of existing figures would further delegitimize the deeply unpopular authority.

As a scholar of Palestinian history and politics, I see talk of reforming existing bodies or propping up a unity government made up of the same players as missing a larger point: Palestinians are increasingly frustrated by their political representation; they want the opportunity to choose their own leaders.

Even before the attack of Oct. 7, surveys showed that Palestinians were dissatisfied with governance they viewed as corrupt and dysfunctional. And as the war drags into a second year, the latest polls indicate that support for Hamas has dropped moderately; yet support for its main rival, Fatah, has risen only slightly. More than a third of those polled do not support either party.

Divided leadership

Despite talk of a unity government, Palestinian leadership is as bitterly divided as it has been for decades.

Following a brief conflict in 2007, the Palestinian Authority split into two. The secular Fatah party, led by Mahmoud Abbas, controlled the authority in the West Bank, while its Islamist rival, Hamas, governed in Gaza.

Since then, Palestinian representatives have held over a dozen reconciliation talks to try to bridge the divide, the last taking place in Beijing in July 2024. While several of these meetings have yielded joint agreements, such as the recent “Beijing Declaration,” none have led to the different factions working more closely together.

A generation of Palestinians have never experienced a national vote.
Hani Alshaer/Anadolu via Getty Images

The current Palestinian Authority president, 88-year-old Abbas, is especially unpopular. First elected in 2005 to a four-year term, he unilaterally extended his term in 2009, declaring he would remain in office until the next election. But he has not allowed elections to be held since then. Summing up the views of many, analyst Khaled Elgindy described Abbas today as “an erratic and small-minded authoritarian with a virtually unbroken record of failure.”

That helps explain why, according to a September 2024 poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 84% of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip want Abbas to resign.

When asked about a hypothetical presidential election between the leaders of both Hamas and Fatah, 45% of Palestinians reported they would rather just sit out the election. The question had to be hypothetical – elections are not even on the horizon. In fact, Palestinians in the West Bank or Gaza have not voted in presidential or legislative elections since 2006. And three-quarters of Palestinians see no prospect of elections taking place any time soon.

Absence of elections

That pessimism among Palestinians over having a democratic say in how they are governed has grown in recent years. It has no doubt been knocked further by a year of relentless Israeli bombardment and internal political dysfunction.

A glimmer of hope for greater democratic representation had appeared in January 2021, when Abbas announced that legislative elections would be held later that year.

Many on the candidate lists then were third-party figures and independents. Young Palestinians were especially excited – half of all eligible voters would have been aged 18 to 33, and it would have been their first opportunity to chose leaders who could claim to speak for them.

But with less than one month before election day, Abbas postponed the vote indefinitely. While he blamed Israel for the postponement, other Palestinians also pointed to interference from Egypt and Jordan.

Palestinian men cast ballots in 2006, the last time Palestinians were able to vote in national elections.
Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

With no elections in sight, Palestinians have undertaken several grassroots initiatives to try to enact democratic reforms from the ground up.

For example, in November 2022, a Palestinian Popular Conference was held in several cities. It called for reforming Palestinian institutions to be more democratically representative of the 14 million Palestinians living around the world. Meetings were held in Gaza and Haifa, and Palestinians from around the world joined in person and virtually.

But Palestinian Authority forces in the West Bank violently cracked down on the gathering in Ramallah and detained several conference leaders. The harsh repression signaled to many that Abbas and the Palestinian Authority were scared of an alternative, democratically elected Palestinian leadership emerging.

Maintaining the occupation

Many Palestinians see Abbas and his government as a “puppet authority,” propped up by Israel and the United States.

Despite its name, the body does not have the “authority” that governments typically have. It cannot collect its own taxes, control its own border or protect its own citizens. Rather, Israel collects taxes in the West Bank and decides when – and whether – to hand them over to the Palestinian Authority. Israel has to authorize what enters and exits the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

And, as has been evident throughout the current war, the Israeli military has pretty much free rein to invade “Area A”, the parts of the West Bank that are supposed to be under full Palestinian Authority security control.

Yet Palestinians in the West Bank are not even able to express their opposition to these measures. In recent years, the Palestinian Authority has grown increasingly repressive, arresting a growing number of Palestinians on political grounds.

Moreover, in the year since the Oct. 7 attacks, the Palestinian Authority has allowed Israel to arrest and detain over 7,000 Palestinians in the West Bank. Many are held for months without charge or trial and subjected to widespread torture and sexual abuse, according to Israeli human rights group B’Tselem.

As such, the Palestinian Authority is viewed by many Palestinians as little more than a “subcontractor” of the Israeli occupation.

Looking ahead

So what does the the “day after” the conflict look like for Palestinians, and their hopes for democratic political representation?

The International Court of Justice’s recent ruling that Israel’s occupation is illegal and that settlers must withdraw from the West Bank has given added legitimacy to Palestinians’ demand to end the occupation once and for all.

But a future Palestinian government will only be credible if it represents the will of the people.

Mussa Abu Marzuk, a senior member of Hamas, signs the Beijing Declaration as China Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Fatah Vice Chairman Mahmoud al-Aloul look on.
Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images

To be sure, holding Palestinian elections to achieve this aim would be difficult given the ongoing Israeli occupation and the widespread destruction in Gaza. But it is clear that elections are what Palestinians want. When elections were last touted in 2021, 93.3% of eligible voters registered – only to have their hopes later dashed.

At the reconciliation talks held in Beijing, all 14 Palestinian parties agreed to “prepare for the holding of general elections under the supervision of the Palestinian Central Elections Committee as soon as possible.”

While Israel, the U.S. and regional actors worry that elections could legitimize Hamas’ rule over the Gaza Strip, that would not necessarily be the case. The latest polls show that only 36% of respondents in Gaza said they would prefer that outcome.

For now, many Palestinians believe the first step should be the formation of a national reconciliation government that can negotiate reconstruction.

But to have any chance of succeeding, such a body would need to be Palestinian-led. A government consisting of the same old actors forced upon Palestinians by the U.S. or Israel would suffer from crippling legitimacy problems.

One thing is certain: The death and destruction of the past year have shown that the old approaches to Palestinian politics have not worked. Perhaps it is time for a new approach, one that centers Palestinian representation.

Maha Nassar was a 2022 Palestinian non-resident fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace and currently serves on its board of directors.

– ref. Palestinians want to choose their own leaders – a year of war has distanced them further from this democratic goal – https://theconversation.com/palestinians-want-to-choose-their-own-leaders-a-year-of-war-has-distanced-them-further-from-this-democratic-goal-239463

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: It’s LIFE changing!

Source: US Army (video statements)

: AEMO

About the U.S. Army:

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Connect with the U.S. Army online:
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#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #ROTC #Shorts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5zKUHDr8VI

MIL OSI Video –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $44 million (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 88 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $44 million at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 5). One man was arrested.

     Through risk assessment, Customs yesterday inspected an air consignment consisting eight boxes, declared as carrying gifts and souvenirs and arriving in Hong Kong from Kyrgyz Republic, at the airport.

     Upon inspection, Customs officers detected suspicious X-ray images on the consignment and found that the wooden protective frames of the batch of goods had been altered. With detailed examination, it was uncovered that there were false compartments in the inner layers of the overlapping positions of the wooden slates and a total of about 88kg of suspected methamphetamine was concealed inside.

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday arrested a 54-year-old man who was suspected to be connected with the case in the airport. The investigation is ongoing.

     Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: VATICAN/ANGELUS – Middle East, the Pope: Let us unite in prayer against the diabolical plots of war

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

Source: The Holy See in Italian

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Vatican Media

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Let us unite with the power of Good against the diabolical plots of war”. This is the invitation that Pope Francis addresses to the entire planet at the end of the Angelus. An Angelus prayed on the eve of what the Pontiff himself has indicated as a day of prayer, fasting and penance to invoke from God the gift of peace. The date, obviously, is not chosen by chance: on October 7 of a year ago, with the terrorist attack against the population in Israel, to which the Bishop of Rome renewed his closeness, the conflict in the Holy Land was reignited. “Let us not forget that there are still many hostages in Gaza, for whom I ask for their immediate release” adds Francis who recalls how “since that day the Middle East has fallen into ever more serious suffering, with destructive military actions that continue to affect the Palestinian population. This population is suffering greatly in Gaza and in other territories. These are mostly innocent civilians, all people and they must receive all the necessary humanitarian aid”. “I ask for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon”, the new appeal of the Pope who invites us to pray “for the Lebanese, especially for the inhabitants of the south, forced to leave their villages”. “I appeal to the international community to put an end to the spiral of revenge and to never repeat attacks, like the one carried out by Iran a few days ago, which can plunge that region into an even greater war”, the Pontiff underlines. “All nations have the right to exist in peace and security, and their territories must not be attacked or invaded, sovereignty must be respected and guaranteed by dialogue and peace, not by hatred and war”, continues the Pope who recalls this afternoon’s appointment. Francis will in fact go to Santa Maria Maggiore, with the Synod Fathers, to pray the Rosary for peace in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. (FB) (6/10/2024)Share:

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Sector St. Petersburg sets Port Condition Whiskey

Source: United States Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/06/2024 08:30 AM EDT

10/06/2024 08:10 AM EDT

Clearwater, Fla. — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for St. Petersburg (COTP) set Port Condition Whiskey for the Ports of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Seaport Manatee, and Ft. Myers, Saturday, at 1:00 p.m., due to the expectation of sustained winds greater than 39 mph generated from Tropical Storm Milton that may arrive within 72 hours.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: First Lady Tammy Murphy Hosts 21st Successful Family Festival in Vineland

Source: US State of New Jersey

VINELAND – First Lady Tammy Murphy today hosted her 21st Nurture NJ Family Festival in Vineland, creating a one-stop-shop for 1,500 attendees to access crucial resources to aid them in growing their families and raising children in the Garden State. The event connected families with information on accessing state, county and local resources spanning from health and child care to housing support and food assistance, among many more supports to help new parents.

“Our Family Festivals have proven to be a powerful tool in connecting New Jerseyans with the resources necessary to help support their growing families,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “We know that raising children comes with a whole host of challenges and rewards, and we are committed to being there every step of the way through our innovative initiatives to uplift mothers and babies. In a rural county like Cumberland, accessing care can be burdensome. That’s why I am thankful to our dedicated partners for helping to make today a success and for their constant partnership as we all work to make Cumberland County – and all of New Jersey – the safest and most equitable place in the nation to have a baby and raise a family.”

Vineland has a 43 percent Hispanic and Latino population. New Jersey’s Maternal Mortality Report for the years 2016-2018 showed that Hispanic mothers were three and a half times more likely to die of maternity-related complications than white mothers. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mortality rate for Hispanic babies is nearly one and a half times that of white babies. Among all demographics, Cumberland County has the highest infant mortality rate and teen pregnancy rate in the state.

Launched by First Lady Tammy Murphy in 2019, Nurture NJ is a statewide program committed to reducing the maternal and infant mortality crisis in New Jersey and ensuring equitable care among women and infants of all races and ethnicities. Since its inception, Nurture NJ has seen over 60 pieces of maternal and infant health legislation signed by Governor Murphy. The initiative has also developed and implemented groundbreaking programs and policies, such as the first-of-its-kind in the nation Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MIHIA), which is tasked with overseeing the groundbreaking New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center based in Trenton, and will be the arm of government that continues the vital work of Nurture NJ past the Murphy Administration.

Under First Lady Murphy’s leadership over the past six years, Nurture NJ has made significant policy achievements including: developing the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan – of which over half of its more than 80 recommendations have been started or completed; becoming the second state to expand Medicaid coverage to 365 days postpartum; establishing Medicaid reimbursement for doula care; increasing all perinatal Medicaid provider reimbursements to 100 percent of Medicare rates; and launching the most robust-in-the-nation universal nurse home visiting program so that every new parent is visited by a nurse in their home for free within weeks after bringing home a new baby. Through these innovative policies and more, Nurture NJ has positioned New Jersey as a national leader in the fight against the maternal and infant health crisis.

The Vineland Family Festival was hosted in partnership with the Office of First Lady Tammy Murphy, Nurture NJ, Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, Assemblyman Erik Simonsen, Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci, Vineland Public Schools, Vineland Health Department, CompleteCare Health Network, Community Foundation of South Jersey, Family Health Initiatives, Gateway Community Action Partnership, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Inspira Health, The Cooperative, and The Burke Foundation.

“It was truly a privilege to host the First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Family Festival right here in Cumberland County. In these challenging times, this festival served as a beacon of hope and unity, bringing families together from across the region to access invaluable resources all in one place. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for orchestrating such an inspiring and impactful event for our kids,” said Senator Michael Testa.

“The First Lady’s Nurture NJ initiative is a beacon of hope for maternal and infant health, especially in Cumberland County which has the unfortunate statistic of having the highest mortality rate in the state,” said Assemblyman Antwan McClellan. “By raising awareness, providing essential resources, and fostering partnerships with community stakeholders and government entities, we are paving the way for a healthier future for our children and their mothers.”

“The Nurture NJ initiative exemplifies the power of strategic cooperation between local hospital networks and social services agencies. By working together, we are able to address health disparities and ensure that all our residents have access to the care and resources they need. This collaborative approach is essential for improving health outcomes and building a healthier future for our communities,” said Assemblyman Erik Simonsen.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the many organizations and individuals including the Vineland Health Department, who helped bring the Family Festival to Vineland,” said Mayor Anthony Fanucci. “It is critically important that we support families, especially those with young children, by making available information regarding the variety of programs and services available to help them when needed. By doing so, families are stronger, and have a better opportunity to stay healthy, and achieve their individual goals and aspirations.”

“We are thrilled to be part of the Vineland Family Festival. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together to provide families with easy access to valuable resources. This event is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved, and we’re proud to have been part of an effort that prioritizes the well-being of families in our area,” said Mr. Alfonso Q. Llano, Vineland Public Schools’ Superintendent.

“The Family Festival was such a great opportunity to bring county resources together with the families of our youngest and most vulnerable population, our children. Gateway was pleased to be part of an event designed to improve the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency,” said Bonnie Eggenburg, Head Start Vice President, Gateway Community Action Partnership.

“It has been an honor to host the First Lady here in Vineland. This event fostered connections and created lasting memories,” said Meghan Spinelli, Vice President of Community Services & Infection Control Prevention, CompleteCare Health Network.

“The Burke Foundation is proud to support the First Lady’s Nurture NJ Family Festivals,” said Atiya Weiss, Executive Director of The Burke Foundation. “We’re committed to improving maternal and child health in New Jersey by investing $15 million over the next five years in programs that will improve families’ health and well-being, and these festivals bring together so many of the community resources families need to thrive. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and we’re honored to be part of that village by supporting today’s community celebration in Vineland.”

“A thriving South Jersey isn’t possible if it isn’t a safe, equitable place to birth and raise our next generation of neighbors,” said Andy Fraizer, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of South Jersey. “We appreciated the opportunity to partner with Nurture NJ in bringing together so many of the great nonprofit and community partners who support our South Jersey families every day.”

“We are heartened and humbled to join First Lady Tammy Murphy at her Vineland Family Festival. Through the Nurture NJ Strategic Plan, Mrs. Murphy has been a steadfast leader and tireless advocate of maternal-child health reform in New Jersey,” said Helen Hannigan, President & CEO of The Cooperative and Family Health Initiatives. “The Cooperative has made meaningful investments in Cumberland County as we work to improve health outcomes in the community. New and notable – our Family Connects NJ program, which offers home visits by specially trained nurses to check the health of mom and baby, screen for potential complications, answer questions and address any unexpected changes the family may be experiencing during the first two weeks after delivery.”

“Inspira Health is committed to creating greater access to vitally important health care and services to mothers, babies, parents and families in underserved areas like Cumberland and Salem Counties. It takes a collaborative effort to help make life a little easier for our South Jersey residents. We applaud First Lady Tammy Murphy in her tireless work and leadership in this area and especially for bringing these essential resources to our region at the Vineland Family Festival,” said Amy Mansue, President and CEO of Inspira Health.

“Improving maternal and infant health is central to creating a healthier New Jersey and that is what the Family Festivals are all about. Everyone deserves access to affordable healthcare no matter who they are or where they live and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the Governor and First Lady. As New Jersey’s health solutions leader, Horizon is meeting our neighbors where they live and helping them achieve their best health through partnerships like this one,” said Wendy Morriarty, VP and Chief Medicaid Officer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Translation: Prime Minister to attend ASEAN Summit and 25th Meeting of Contact Group on Ukraine’s Defence

MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced that he will participate in the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

For nearly half a century, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have worked in partnership to promote peace, prosperity, and progress. As we create well-paying jobs, fight climate change, and grow our economies, Canada and ASEAN are working together to improve the lives of people in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

At the Summit, to be held on October 10-11, 2024, Prime Minister Trudeau will underscore Canada and ASEAN’s longstanding commitment to building a fairer and more prosperous future for people on both sides of the Pacific. As work continues toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, the Prime Minister will highlight progress made under the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and emphasize the importance of long-term sustainable growth that focuses on the well-being of all, empowers women and girls, and is anchored in the clean energy transition.

ASEAN is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world. That is why Canada is working to increase trade and investment with ASEAN and to put Canadians at the forefront of this immense opportunity. Together, ASEAN member states were Canada’s fourth-largest merchandise trading partner in 2023, with increased progress in agriculture, agri-food, and people-to-people digital trade. Indeed, increased trade and investment fosters jobs, innovation, and growth.

As part of theCanada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Prime Minister Trudeau will also meet with ASEAN partners at the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit to strengthen collaboration and effectively support prosperity and stability across the region. The Prime Minister will also highlight Canada’s constructive role in addressing new and emerging challenges to peace and security, including malicious cyber activity and cybercrime threats.

This visit will mark the first official visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Laos. As Canada and Laos celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations this year, Prime Minister Trudeau will seek to advance shared interests and further strengthen ties between our two countries.

The Prime Minister will then participate in the 25th meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine, which will take place at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, on October 12, 2024.

At the meeting, which will be hosted by United States President Joe Biden, international leaders will reaffirm global solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression. Building on progress made at the NATO Summit in Washington DC, United States of America, earlier this year, Prime Minister Trudeau will emphasize the importance of maintaining international support for Ukraine and finding a just and lasting peace for Ukrainians.

The Prime Minister will also highlight the importance of addressing Ukraine’s immediate defence and security needs, including providing the country with military equipment, security assistance and training, and economic support. He will also highlight Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, as demonstrated by theCanada-Ukraine Security Cooperation Agreement, which was concluded earlier this year.

Canada will continue to work closely with its international partners to support Ukraine and Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom, independence and democracy.

Quote

“To meet common challenges, we need to find common solutions, and the ASEAN Summit and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group are helping us do just that. Whether it’s fighting climate change, creating good-paying jobs or strengthening democracy, Canada is playing a leading role in creating a better, safer and more just future for people around the world.”

Highlights

ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization with 10 member states. Its objectives are to: Accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development. Promote regional peace and stability, and respect for justice and the rule of law. Enhance regional collaboration in a range of economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields. The ASEAN region as a whole is Canada’s fourth largest trading partner. In 2023, bilateral trade reached more than $38.8 billion. Last year, Canada and ASEAN launched a Strategic Partnership to strengthen collaboration in strategic areas of mutual interest, including peace and security, and economic and socio-cultural cooperation. Canada became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner in 1977 and is one of 11 partners to have achieved this designation. Dialogue partners engage with ASEAN on political and security issues, regional integration, economic interests, interfaith dialogue, transnational crime and counter-terrorism, disaster risk reduction, and other areas. Other dialogue partners include Australia, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy advances and defends Canada’s interests, helping to build a more secure, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable region, and protects Canada’s national and economic security at home and abroad. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group was established by the U.S. Secretary of Defense in April 2022 to enable Allies and partners to synchronize donations, consult, and coordinate military assistance to Ukraine, while strengthening the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which meets monthly at the ministerial level, now includes representatives from more than 50 countries. Since the launch of theOperation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has trained more than 43,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Canada announced an extension of the mission until March 2026, so that the CAF can continue to meet Ukraine’s training needs. Since 2022, Canada has provided more than $19.5 billion to support Ukraine in a variety of ways, including more than $12.4 billion in financial assistance, which allows the Ukrainian government to continue to function, including providing essential government services and pensions to Ukrainians. Other assistance includes more than $4.5 billion in military aid and military equipment donations, $358.2 million in humanitarian assistance, $442 million in development assistance, and more than $210 million in security and stabilization programming. According to expert estimates, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian children have been deported, forcibly transferred or relocated from the territory of Ukraine to the temporarily occupied territories, and to Russia, in order to erase their identities. To date, hundreds of children have been repatriated to Ukraine and reunited with their families. Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,000 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine for their complicity in violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and their gross and systematic violations of human rights. Many of these sanctions have been implemented in coordination with Canada’s partners.

Related links

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Replacement Benefits Available for Food and Nutrition Services Recipients Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Replacement Benefits Available for Food and Nutrition Services Recipients Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Replacement Benefits Available for Food and Nutrition Services Recipients Impacted by Hurricane Helene
stonizzo
Sun, 10/06/2024 – 08:45
People in 23 Western North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene who are enrolled in Food and Nutrition Services now have access to replacement benefits on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The United States Department of Agriculture approved North Carolina to allow current FNS participants in the 23 counties to receive 70% of their total monthly September benefit back on their EBT card. The benefit replacement is automatic and does not require action from the FNS participant. This impacts more than 200,000 people in North Carolina and more than $24 million in replacement benefits.

“We’ve worked quickly with the federal government to have $24 million in SNAP benefits restored to 200,000 individuals’ EBT cards, in light of the fact that due to power outages and worse, many families have lost their food,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “We will creatively use every tool we have to support folks impacted by Hurricane Helene now and for the long-haul.”

The approval is for FNS recipients in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. The replacement benefits were automatically credited to impacted FNS recipients Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards Sunday morning and are available now.

There are three ways to check your FNS balance 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Visit www.ebtedge.com. Click on More Information under EBT Cardholder. You will be prompted to login and/or register your account.
- Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
- Call 1-888-622-7328 and follow the prompts to activate your PIN.
NCDHHS recently received approval for FNS participants to temporarily use their benefits to purchase hot food, including food prepared for immediate consumption, from authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) retailers using their EBT card. FNS participants statewide will be able to purchase hot food through Nov. 3, 2024, and do not have to apply for the benefit.

Additionally, NCDHHS is actively working with USDA to receive federal authority to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. D-SNAP allows more people impacted by Hurricane Helene to qualify for food assistance benefits who are not already FNS recipients. More information will be communicated once NCDHHS has approval to implement the D-SNAP program.

NCDHHS recommends people using EBT cards check their balances regularly for unauthorized charges and take the following actions to keep their EBT card and account secure:
- You can check your balance and/or replace a lost or stolen EBT card by visiting http://www.ebtedge.com, using the EBT Edge mobile app or contacting the North Carolina EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.
- Block out-of-state and online purchases using the EBT Edge website or mobile app.
- If you suspect card skimming, freeze your EBT card when not shopping so fraudulent purchases cannot be made using your card.
- Select a “difficult” PIN (i.e., not 1234 or 1111) for the EBT card and change the PIN regularly.
For information about the FNS program, visit http://www.ncdhhs.gov/fns or visit epass.nc.gov.

For information regarding Hurricane Helene and additional resources and flexibilities in place, please go to http://www.ncdps.gov/Helene and http://www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.

Las personas en 23 condados del oeste de Carolina del Norte afectadas por el huracán Helene que están inscritas en los Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición ahora tienen acceso a beneficios de reemplazo en sus tarjetas de transferencia electrónica de beneficios (EBT, por sus siglas en inglés). El Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos aprobó que Carolina del Norte permita que los participantes actuales del programa de Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición (FNS, por sus siglas en inglés) en los 23 condados reciban el 70% de su beneficio mensual total de septiembre en su tarjeta EBT. El reemplazo de beneficios es automático y no requiere la acción del participante de FNS. Esto afecta a más de 200,000 personas en Carolina del Norte y más de $ 24 millones en beneficios de reemplazo.

“Hemos trabajado rápidamente con el gobierno federal para restaurar $ 24 millones en beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria a las tarjetas EBT de 200,000 personas, teniendo en cuenta que, debido a cortes de energía y cosas peores, muchas familias han perdido sus alimentos”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “Utilizaremos de manera creativa todas las herramientas que tenemos para apoyar a las personas afectadas por el huracán Helene ahora y a largo plazo”.

La aprobación es para los beneficiarios de FNS en los siguientes condados: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transilvania, Watauga, Wilkes y Yancey. Los beneficios de reemplazo se acreditaron automáticamente a las tarjetas de transferencia electrónica de beneficios (EBT) el domingo por la mañana a los beneficiarios de FNS afectados, y ya están disponibles.

Hay tres formas de verificar su saldo de FNS las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana:
- Visite http://www.ebtedge.com. Haga clic en Más información en Titular de tarjeta EBT. Se le pedirá que inicie sesión y/o registre su cuenta.
- Descargue la aplicación móvil ebtEDGE . La aplicación está disponible como descarga gratuita en Apple Store y Google Play.
- Llame al 1-888-622-7328 y siga las instrucciones para activar su PIN.
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) recibió recientemente la aprobación para que los participantes de FNS utilicen temporalmente sus beneficios para comprar alimentos calientes, incluidos los alimentos preparados para su consumo inmediato, de minoristas autorizados de transferencia electrónica de beneficios (EBT) utilizando su tarjeta EBT. Los participantes de FNS en todo el estado podrán comprar alimentos calientes hasta el 3 de noviembre de 2024, y no tienen que solicitar el beneficio.

Además, el NCDHHS está trabajando activamente con el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos para recibir la autoridad federal para operar un Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria por Desastre (D-SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés). D-SNAP permite que más personas afectadas por el huracán Helene califiquen para los beneficios de asistencia alimentaria que aún no son beneficiarios de FNS. Se comunicará más información una vez que el NCDHHS tenga la aprobación para implementar el programa D-SNAP.

El NCDHHS recomienda que las personas que usan tarjetas EBT revisen sus saldos regularmente para detectar cargos no autorizados y tomen las siguientes medidas para mantener su tarjeta y cuenta EBT seguras:
- Puede verificar su saldo y/o reemplazar una tarjeta EBT perdida o robada visitando http://www.ebtedge.com, utilizando la aplicación móvil EBT Edge o comunicándose con el Centro de llamadas EBT de Carolina del Norte al 1-888-622-7328.
- Bloquee las compras en línea y fuera del estado utilizando el sitio web o la aplicación móvil EBT Edge.
- Si sospecha de skimming (robo o clonación) de tarjetas, congele su tarjeta EBT cuando no esté comprando, de modo que no se puedan realizar compras fraudulentas con su tarjeta.
- Seleccione un PIN “difícil” (es decir, no 1234 o 1111) para la tarjeta EBT y cambie el PIN regularmente.
Para obtener información sobre el programa FNS, visite http://www.ncdhhs.gov/fns o visite epass.nc.gov.

Para obtener información sobre el huracán Helene y los recursos y flexibilidades adicionales existentes, visite http://www.ncdps.gov/Helene y http://www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.
Oct 6, 2024

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will participate in the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the U.S. air base in Ramstein, Germany.

For almost half a century, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been partners in promoting peace, prosperity, and progress. As we create good-paying jobs, fight climate change, and grow our economies, Canada and ASEAN stand united to make life better for people in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

At the Summit, from October 10 to 11, 2024, Prime Minister Trudeau will highlight Canada and ASEAN’s long-standing commitment toward building a fairer, more prosperous future for people on both sides of the Pacific. As work toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement continues, the Prime Minister will note progress on last year’s ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and underscore the importance of sustainable long-term growth that works for everyone, empowers women and girls, and is anchored in the clean energy transition.

ASEAN is one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions. That’s why Canada is increasing trade and investment with ASEAN and putting Canadians at the forefront of this immense opportunity. As a group, ASEAN member states represented Canada’s fourth largest merchandise trading partner in 2023, with increased progress in agriculture, agrifood, and digital trade between our peoples. Greater trade and investment mean more jobs, more innovation, and more growth.

Building on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Prime Minister Trudeau will also meet with ASEAN partners at the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit to enhance collaboration so we can effectively support prosperity and stability throughout the region. He will emphasize Canada’s constructive role in addressing new and emerging challenges to peace and security, including malicious cyber activity and threats from cybercrime.

This visit will mark the first official visit of a Canadian Prime Minister to Laos. As Canada and Laos celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations this year, Prime Minister Trudeau will work to advance shared interests and forge even stronger ties between our two countries.

The Prime Minister will then participate in the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the U.S. air base in Ramstein, Germany, on October 12, 2024.

Hosted by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, leaders from the international community will reaffirm global solidarity with Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression. Building on the progress made at the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., United States of America, earlier this year, Prime Minister Trudeau will emphasize the importance of sustained international support for Ukraine and a just and lasting peace for Ukrainians.

The Prime Minister will highlight the importance of addressing Ukraine’s immediate defence and security needs, including the provision of military equipment, security assistance and training, and economic support. He will also highlight Canada’s commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, as evidenced by the Agreement on security cooperation between Canada and Ukraine, which was concluded earlier this year.

Canada will continue to work closely with its international partners to support Ukraine and Ukrainians as they continue to fight for their freedom, independence, and democracy.

Quote

“Shared challenges require shared solutions – that’s what the ASEAN Summit and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group are all about. Whether it’s fighting climate change, creating good-paying jobs, or strengthening democracy, Canada is playing a leadership role in creating a better, safer, and fairer future for people across the world.”

Quick Facts
- ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 member states. The objectives of ASEAN are to:
  - Speed up economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
  - Promote regional peace and stability and respect for justice and the rule of law.
  - Increase collaboration across a range of economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative spheres.
- Together, ASEAN as a regional bloc represents Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner, with over $38.8 billion in bilateral trade in 2023.
- Last year, Canada and ASEAN launched a strategic partnership for further collaboration in strategic areas of mutual interest, including peace and security and economic and socio-cultural co-operation.
- Canada became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1977 and is one of 11 partners with this designation.
- ASEAN Dialogue Partners co-operate on political and security issues, regional integration, economic interests, inter-faith dialogue, transnational crime and counterterrorism, disaster risk reduction, and other areas. Other Dialogue Partners include: Australia, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy advances and defends Canada’s interests by supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific region while protecting Canada’s national and economic security at home and abroad.
- The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) was created by the United States Secretary of Defense in April 2022 to allow Allies and partners to synchronize donations to Ukraine, consult and co-ordinate military assistance, and build up the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Convening monthly at the ministerial level, the UDCG now brings together more than 50 countries.
- Since the launch of Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has trained more than 43,000 members of the AFU. Canada has announced the extension of this mission until March 2026 so the CAF can continue to respond to Ukraine’s training needs.
- Since 2022, Canada has committed over $19.5 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine. This includes over $12.4 billion in financial assistance, which has helped the Ukrainian government to continue to operate, including by delivering essential government services and pensions to Ukrainians. Other assistance includes over $4.5 billion in military aid and equipment donations, $358.2 million in humanitarian assistance, $442 million in development assistance, and over $210 million in security and stabilization programming.
- Experts estimate that since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian children have been deported, forcibly transferred, or otherwise displaced from Ukraine to temporarily occupied territories and to Russia, for the purpose of erasing their Ukrainian identity. To date, hundreds of children have been returned to Ukraine and reunited with their families.
- Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,000 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine for their complicity in the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as gross and systematic human rights violations. Many of these sanctions have been implemented in co-ordination with Canada’s partners.
Associated Links

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Dim Sum without Distance”: a cultural journey unveiled at Nuit Blanche in Toronto (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     â€‹Internationally renowned digital media artist Dr Hung Keung from Hong Kong joined Nuit Blanche, the largest overnight contemporary art festival Toronto, Canada, and presented a cross-cultural collaboration project with Canadian dance artist Lauren Runions. The art project gave visitors a taste of the new realm of digital media art creation through traditional Chinese landscape painting theory, new media and the culinary art of dim sum on October 5 and 6 (Toronto time).

     The project, entitled, “Dim Sum without Distance”, reimagines the traditional Chinese painting theory of the “Three Distances,” which explores depth through perspectives of looking up, down and across. The installation was inspired by these viewpoints and the culinary art of dim sum, a term that may also be interpreted as “to touch the heart”, and aligned with the theme of this year’s Nuit Blanche, which is “Bridging Distance”.

     The art piece was showcased at Love Park along Toronto’s waterfront, creating a unique cultural dialogue that transcends geographical boundaries. The video content follows Runions’s journey through Hong Kong, where dim sum-making becomes a form of performance art. Through a captivating multimedia experience, Dr Hung and Runions explore the intricate relationship between food, culture and art, encouraging audiences to reflect on the shared experiences that unite diverse communities.
     As audiences moved through the park, the work invited them to experience different perspectives and explore the profound connection between the traditional and contemporary.

     Dr Hung is a digital media artist and professor at the Education University of Hong Kong. He blends Chinese philosophy with digital media in an innovative artistic practice, which explores interactive performance and experimental art. This innovative installation is one of highlights of Nuit Blanche this year, captivating art lovers and curious minds alike with its rich storytelling and immersive visuals.

     Nuit Blanche is Toronto’s annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community. The “Dim Sum without Distance” project was sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board with the support of Hong Kong Arts Centre.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Minister Sajjan on Fire Prevention Week

Source: Government of Canada News

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada issued the following statement:

OTTAWA – October 6, 2024 – Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada issued the following statement:

“This year’s Fire Prevention Week runs from October 6-12 across Canada. Fires can spread within seconds and have devastating impacts, leading to injuries, destruction of property, and loss of life. This week is about learning about the dangers of fire and what to do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

People in Canada know all too well about the impact of fires. This year alone, over 5 million hectares of land burned across the country; uprooting families, destroying homes and communities. The impacts of climate change are vast and expected to worsen in the coming years.

This year’s theme from the National Fire Protection Association is Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you.^TM.The week is about the importance of working smoke alarms in the home and how to react when a smoke alarm sounds. There should be smoke alarms inside and outside every bedroom, and on every level of your home, including the basement. It is equally important to test smoke alarms at least once a month and to replace them when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested.

In times of tragedy, we often witness remarkable acts of hope and bravery. With Fire Prevention Week in mind, I am grateful to firefighters, fire safety leaders, first responders, emergency workers, volunteers, and military personnel. They all work tirelessly to keep people and communities safe, to prevent fires and minimize damage when disaster strikes. We value their courage and skill.

Fire Prevention Week brings communities together to learn about fire safety and create a stronger sense of preparedness. Each of us has a part to play in making our homes and communities safe. Together, we can significantly reduce the risk of fires including the many human-caused wildfires.

This week, I encourage everyone to test your smoke alarms and replace them if they don’t work or are over 10 years old. Find out how you can prepare for other emergencies and disasters by consulting http://www.GetPrepared.gc.ca. If you live in a wildfire zone, listen to your local authorities, have a wildfire emergency plan, and clean up around your home, as recommended by https://firesmartcanada.ca/.”

Joanna Kanga
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Joanna.Kanga@kpc.cpr.gc.ca

MIL OSI Canada News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard sets port conditions for northern Florida

Source: United States Coast Guard

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
Office: 904-714-7606/7607
After Hours: 786-393-4138
PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

10/06/2024 09:04 AM EDT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Coast Guard captain of the ports for (COTP) Jacksonville and Fernandina set Port Condition Whiskey, Saturday, due to forecasted sustained tropical storm force winds generated by Tropical Storm Milton that may arrive within 24 to 48 hours.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Protect Your Identity. Be Alert to Fraud and Scams.
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Protect Your Identity. Be Alert to Fraud and Scams.

Protect Your Identity. Be Alert to Fraud and Scams.
BRISTOL, Va.— After a natural disaster, it is important to protect yourself against fraud and identity theft. In some cases, criminals may try to get information by pretending to be disaster workers. Scam artists may try to apply for FEMA assistance using names, addresses and Social Security numbers they have stolen from people affected by the disaster.

Protect your identity and stay informed by doing these easy things:
- Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money. Don’t trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money.
- Do not disclose information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails from individuals claiming to be FEMA or federal employees. FEMA will only contact you if you have called FEMA first or registered for assistance. If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or email is legitimate.
- Always ask to see I.D. FEMA personnel will always have an official identification badge. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof of identity.
- Do not offer any personal information, including your Social Security number and bank information, unless you are speaking with a verified FEMA representative.
- Be on alert if someone asks for your 9-digit registration ID, which you receive when you apply for disaster assistance through FEMA.
- Stay tuned to trusted local media for updates from local officials on disaster fraud and scams.
- After you apply for FEMA assistance, a home inspection may be necessary. FEMA inspectors will make an appointment before coming to your house. They may verify your identity using the last four digits of the 9-digit registration number but will not ask for all nine numbers. FEMA inspectors will also not ask you for your Social Security number.
- FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. A FEMA inspector’s job is to verify damage.
To report scams, fraud, and identity-theft contact:

Residents of Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe counties and the city of Galax are eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

You can register for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response | FEMA.gov.

For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.

###

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).
erika.osullivan
Sun, 10/06/2024 – 14:34

MIL OSI USA News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Christmas Markets – location lowdown for festive markets in Santa’s favourite city

Source: City of Manchester

Manchester Christmas Markets return on 8 November

With only a month to go until the opening of Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets on Friday 8 November, the location lowdown for this year’s festive markets in Santa’s favourite city reveals even more stalls, more choice and more space for visitors to tackle their Christmas shopping, or to simply soak up the sights and sounds of the season.

Open daily for a six-week seasonal take-over of the city centre until Sunday 22 December, this year’s markets will include seven weekends of festive fun for visitors and Christmas shoppers instead of the usual six, due to the way dates fall.

Taking place in the city now for over a quarter of a century, with the city’s very first festive market held in December 1998, Manchester’s annual Christmas markets are known across the globe, each year bringing millions of people into the city centre to spend time with friends and family and fill up on fantastic festive treats.

This year’s markets will see over two hundred of the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls across nine different locations throughout the city centre.

New for this year is an expanded Winter Gardens at Piccadilly, with more space and stalls to enjoy along with two fabulous festive marquees fit for the Santa season and festooned with twinkling fairy lights, to provide more of the all-important under-cover space for Christmas shoppers to get cosy if the weather turns cold.

Also new this year at the Winter Gardens is an expanded seasonal offer from next-door neighbours Piccadilly Street Food Market, with stalls there also staying open until 9 pm each night, serving up their unique flavours from around the world – mouth-watering pictures of which are regularly to be found picking up the likes on social media.

With the Winter Gardens at Piccadilly at the heart of this year’s Christmas Markets, the markets will also see the transformation of Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Square, The Corn Exchange, and King Street into Manchester’s very own magical Christmas wonderland.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice at Manchester’s Christmas markets

Here’s the full lowdown on each of Manchester’s nine Christmas market locations this year and what to expect:

The Winter Gardens at Piccadilly
Piccadilly Gardens will be transformed into a bigger and better Winter Gardens this year with two twinkling light filled marquees providing more under-cover space for Christmas shoppers.
All the festive food and drink favourites are back for 2024 – expect pancakes, bratwursts, churros, and more, with bars serving continental and foreign ales. Plus, the much-loved Piccadilly Street Food Market will also stay open until 9pm each night, serving up flavours from across the globe.
Winter Gardens will offer live entertainment and music everyday beneath the shelter of marquees and under-cover seating areas – perfect for taking the weight off your feet and cosying up with family and friends.

Market Street
Get your Christmas shopping all wrapped up on Market Street with even more stalls lined up there for this year.
Expect a Santa’s sack full of goods on offer from stalls offering bespoke crafts, gifts and produce – from tweed hats to spiced rum, Christmas decorations to candles, freshly baked coconut macaroons and jewellery, to gift sets of cheese truckles, and much more.

Cathedral Gardens
Families will find there’s plenty for all ages – particularly our youngest visitors – to enjoy at Cathedral Gardens.
Experience Skate Manchester’s huge, covered ice rink (open daily) and free live entertainment hosted every Thursday to Sunday all the way up to New Year’s Eve. Plus, warm up with authentic crepes, gourmet hotdogs, hot chocolate, and much more.

St Ann’s Square and Exchange Street
St Ann’s Square was the original site of Manchester’s first-ever Christmas Market
Take in the atmosphere, cosy up for a drink in the undercover bar and enjoy a selection of authentic German goods from some of our longest-standing traders. Think German beers and cherry glühwein, bratwurst, salt and pepper chicken from Northern Quarter favourite, Yard and Coop, or hot chocolate cones poured right from the chocolate taps.

Plenty of stalls for foodies to enjoy

New Cathedral Street
New Cathedral is your go-to spot for high end gifts and foodie favourites.
Craft-lovers will be enchanted by the selection of handmade candles, ceramics, local spirits, and thoughtful keepsakes on offer – a must-visit destination for Christmas shopping. And when your shopping’s all done, savour a cold beer and currywurst from The Witch House or a hearty burrito from Wrap Up.

Exchange Square
One of the largest market locations in the city Exchange Square is where Christmas shoppers will find a host of seasonal stalls selling everything from clothing, soaps, boutique babywear, local crafts, and handmade gifts.
Feeling chilly? Warm up at The Mill Exchange with their Mancunian mulled wine made on site and enjoy the legends of Manchester artwork adorning their walls. This is also the place to try the much-loved Yorkshire pudding wrap from Porky Pig, as well as everything from birria bowls and hot curries to mini pancakes and fresh fudge.

King Street
King Street is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike.
Authentic Italian deli, Ballaro, will be serving up fresh cannelloni and arancini, and El Gato Negro will bring some Mediterranean menu flavours to their seating area. Plus, a range of stalls to browse selling crafts including the always popular French soap stall, personalised tree decorations, handmade wooden furniture and beautifully illustrated bottles from local distillery, Salford Rum.

The Corn Exchange
Situated between Corn Exchange and Shambles Square, you’ll find some of the most unique gifts available from our crafters.
Expect handmade pies, Nepalese woollen jumpers, handmade jewellery, Christmas decorations made from recycled wood, plus photo frames, artisan chocolates and much more.

Lots of tasty treats on offer

Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester Christmas Markets are by a million miles the very best in the world and the phenomenal number of festive visitors we get each year flocking into the city centre specially to visit them one hundred per cent proves this.

“2024 looks set to be Manchester’s best-ever Christmas yet ,and with an extra weekend this year to really make the most of our legendary Christmas Markets, I can already smell the cinnamon and churros, and just can’t wait!”

Manchester’s Christmas Markets will be open daily from Friday 8 November to Sunday 22 December.
Craft stalls and stalls selling seasonal goods will be open each day from 10 am – 8 pm, whilst food and drink stalls will be open from 11 am – 9 pm each day.

The markets wrap for Christmas at 6pm on Sunday 22 December, except for the food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will stay open until December 31 alongside the ice rink.

Stalls selling all kinds of crafts and gifts .

More information on Christmas in Manchester here

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