Category: Politics

MIL-OSI USA: M.O.R.E Work Fund ‘elevates’ Boilermaker work

Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

Before the 1980s, Boilermakers were the craft that constructed most elevated water towers in cities and municipalities. That was before nonunion contractors stepped into the market with rock-bottom bids. Now, thanks to the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, Boilermakers are regaining some of that work. And even better, the next five years look promising for additional projects.

“We had a great portion of that work, and it’s slowly gone away over the last 30 years,” said Local 1 BM-ST Eric Davis. “I don’t even know the last time Local 1 has sent one of our members out who wasn’t a traveler.”

Ray Moen, a sales manager at CBI Services, is working on a project where Boilermakers are building a water tower for the village of Grayslake, Illinois. Moen said a lot of elevated water tower work used to go union.

“When some of [the cities] contract low price work, this process is repeated by other cities,” he said. “Since the ’80s it’s been a tough market for a union contractor.”

But that’s changing. According to Moen, Grayslake wanted a union contractor to do the work. And thanks to the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund, the CBI Services bid was competitive enough to secure it.

“Having an owner that actively wants union labor helps,” Moen said.

Davis said he gets bid notifications through associations that alert the local of governmental work, and when he saw the request for bids for the water tower, he jumped at the opportunity. Initially he called CBI Services’ labor relations manager to alert him to bid the project. The manager met with engineers and the village, then created a proposal.

“I do not believe we would have gotten the [Grayslake] job without the help of the M.O.R.E. Fund,” Davis said, noting the M.O.R.E. Work Fund also secured the bid for an elevated water tower in the village of Gardner, Illinois, completed around three years ago.

Moen said he appreciates the cooperation between CBI Services and Local 1 to find work. “They help us sell the work. They help me see some of the other prospects.” The good news is that union work on elevated towers will continue.

“I think there’s a lot coming out,” Moen said. “We have a lot with L-1 in the Chicago area. Over the next five years, for elevated water tanks, there’s a lot to look at.”

That’s work Local 1 apprentice, David Dishman, can get behind. He’s currently working on the Grayslake tower project with around seven travelers, tankies from the National Transient Division, and an operating engineer. He worked nonunion for 10 years, so he’s not new to tank construction. He indentured into the Boilermakers three years ago because he wanted better working conditions, better tools and better benefits, and he said he found all these in the Boilermakers.

On this job, Dishman’s first elevated tower work, he’s found that working up high comes with unique working conditions. He said it’s essential to be focused and deliberate when working, especially when workers are 150 to 200 feet in the air. “A huge part is communication,” he said. That’s why he appreciates the daily safety meetings. It’s why communication is essential, so everyone can go home at the end of the day.

Boilermakers are welding and rigging on this project. On a typical day, following the safety meeting, three members stay on the ground working on assembly and sending tools and steel to the top to the rest of the crew. Dishman said there are challenges to elevated work, with the height of the tower being one.

“We go over safety a lot because it’s always changing,” he said. “Every Wednesday we have a longer safety meeting.” Workers don’t have room for all their tools while working on the tower. If someone needs a tool they didn’t bring to the top, the ground crew needs to send it up. Dishman said it’s essential to think through the day’s work to determine what will be needed before climbing.

Weather is unpredictable. Moen said if the wind is too high—and it’s always stronger on the tower than on the ground—they might have to shut down. They must be creative with ground assemblies if it’s snowing, raining, or the wind is too high.

“You’re up 150 feet in the air so you’re really exposed,” he said. To get to the tower, members climb a ladder to reach the first floor before climbing a taller ladder 60 to 75 feet to a manhole that leads to three to five scaffolds. Then Boilermakers climb to the overhead cone ladder, a half oval that attaches at the top, so they can weld the vertical sections.

When welding the outside of the tower, workers use a derrick—a machine that lifts heavy weights using a long beam with pulleys and cables—that connects to the shaft in the middle.

“There’s so much going on and so many things that are dangerous,” Dishman said. “All the things that are dangerous on the ground are 10-fold more in the air.”

Even so, he’s happy to be on the job. He’d heard for years that CBI Services was the “epitome of Boilermaker work.” And now on his first job with CBI Services, he understands why.

“No one is questioning the need for safety or a need for tools to get the job done. And there’s no need to cut corners to get the job done [with CBI Services],” he said.

Dishman is looking forward to more tower work in the future. It gives him a sense of pride to know the M.O.R.E. Work Investment Fund is opening the door to work the union hasn’t done for years.

“It’s something we’ve been wanting to have back, and now we’re getting the chance to get that back,” he said. “It’s a motivating factor to get it done on time and do quality work.”

MIL OSI USA News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: A series that’s got parliament talking and an artist who influenced the civil service – what you should watch, see and play this week

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Joseph, Arts + Culture Editor

The “manosphere” is an online realm comprising social media accounts, websites and blogs. It’s a place where innocuous advice around men’s issues like health and fitness sits alongside violent and dangerous misogynistic rhetoric. It’s where “incels” were born and where Andrew Tate became a household name. The effect of this side of the internet on young men is becoming an increasingly worrying and urgent issue, one which has been powerfully explored in the Netflix series, Adolescence.

It follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller and his family after he is arrested on suspicion of the murder of a girl from his history class. Over its four episodes, it explores the rise of toxic masculinity, incel culture and the UK’s youth justice system.

It’s a harrowing show that its writer and star Stephen Graham and co-writer Jack Thorne hope “causes discussion and makes change”. I’d say it’s been pretty successful in that aim as it’s already been talked about by politicians who have called for it to be aired in parliament and schools. Our reviewer Megan Smith-Dobric, an expert in the treatment of young offenders, found it to be a deeply affecting drama that challenged the stereotypes of young offenders and exposed the broken youth justice system.

Read more:
I research the dehumanising treatment of young offenders – Netflix’s Adolescence gets it spot on

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Art in Oxford, theatre in Bristol

Art and culture can influence real-world change. Just look at the impact of Mr Bates vs The Post Office. The artist Barbara Steveni (1928 to 2020) harnessed the power of creativity when she set up the Artists Placement Group in 1966. This initiative sought to place artists in unlikely industries and institutions, like the civil service, with the idea that they could help solve problems and inform decisions from an outsider’s perspective.

A new exhibition at Modern Art Oxford, Barbara Steveni: I Find Myself, explores the impact of such an approach to art and social activism in Steveni’s work and life. It features collaborative works, pieces where human interaction is key and an archive that spans her 70-year career. Our reviewer Martin Lang, an expert in visual art, found it to be a thought-proving show exploring her pioneering contributions and her lasting impact on the art world.

Barbara Steveni: I Find Myself is on at Modern Art Oxford till June 8 2025

Read more:
Barbara Steveni: I Find Myself – a pioneering artist who influenced the civil service

If you’re in Bristol or plan on visiting in the next week, why not spend a night at the theatre watching the Bard’s tragi-comedy A Winter’s Tale at The Tobacco Factory? It seems an opportune moment to see this play about the healing power of time, nature and the turn of the seasons, as we start to experience the first few moments of spring.

Our reviewer Jo Lindsay Walton, a research fellow in arts, climate and technology, loves the original text but was relieved to find that theatre director and writer Robin Belfield had made some judicious cuts to some of the slower pastoral scenes. All in all, Walton found it to be a “secure, energetic, and richly nuanced” production.

A Winter’s Tale is on at The Tobacco Factory in Bristol until March 29 2025

Read more:
The Winter’s Tale at The Tobacco Factory, Bristol – a marvellous production with much to say about the modern world

Samurai and demons

If you want to travel further afield, without leaving your home, can we suggest Assasin’s Creed Shadows?

This new instalment takes on the Japanese civil war (1477 to 1600), where samurai and ninjas (known as shinobi) were fighting each other, the warlord Oda Nobunaga (aka “Demon King of the Sixth Heaven”) dominated and Japan as a whole was changing quickly. This provides for some truly sensational historical fiction and some wonderful wandering opportunities in the beautifully rendered world.

However, not everyone has been happy. The creators’ choice to make a protagonist of Yasuke, a slave turned samurai under Nobunaga, has garnered criticism from those who see his presence as a black man in the period as historically inaccurate. Fynn Holm, an expert in Japanese studies, writes that Sasuke existed and such criticisms ignore evidence of foreign influence in 16th-century Japan.

Read more:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a black samurai – that’s not as unprecedented as critics claim

If you and the family want to do something together, the record-breaking animated film Ne Zha 2 is finally hitting UK and Irish cinemas today. The film is about a legendary child warrior from Chinese mythology. Ne Zha was born a demon and is doomed to only to live three years. In this film, Ne Zha and squire Ao Bing must rebuild their souls after the epic events of the first film. However, before they can recover, a demon attacks their town.

This tale of a feisty demon child has taken the box office by storm, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Ming Gao grew up with the tales of Ne Zha. He writes about the Chinese-language film as a showcase of the country’s ambitions to expand its soft power while growing economic and strategic influence.

Ne Zha 2 is in cinemas now

Read more:
Ne Zha 2: the record-breaking Chinese animated film showcases China’s ambition on the global stage

– ref. A series that’s got parliament talking and an artist who influenced the civil service – what you should watch, see and play this week – https://theconversation.com/a-series-thats-got-parliament-talking-and-an-artist-who-influenced-the-civil-service-what-you-should-watch-see-and-play-this-week-252763

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Heathrow closure: what caused the fire and why did it bring down the whole airport? Expert panel

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kirk Chang, Professor of Management and Technology, University of East London

Heathrow Airport, the busiest airport in Europe, was shut down following a fire at a single electricity sub-station on the night of March 20. The fire at the North Hyde substation in Hayes, about 1.5 miles from Heathrow, seriously disrupted the local area’s power supply, including that of the airport.

The closure has caused chaos, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. More than 1,300 flights have been affected, according to the plane tracking website Flightradar24. About 120 of these were already in the air.

Below, a panel of experts offer their insights – and consider the implications of such a major incident. (Elements of this panel were sourced by the Science Media Centre, which published a version here.)

Power in west London is highly constrained

Barry Hayes, associate professor in electrical power systems, University College Cork

It appears that a transformer fire in the North Hyde 275kV substation caused the power outage (videos from the scene clearly show one of the large power transformers ablaze). This is a large electrical substation which supplies the area to the northeast of Heathrow airport as well as the Heathrow airport site. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, the local electricity distributor, said 67,000 homes and businesses in the area were cut off overnight as a result of this issue.

While the North Hyde substation is a very important part of the west London electricity grid, it is generally not expected that this would cause such a big impact at Heathrow airport. There are also dedicated supplies to other parts of the airport site.

Typically, a critical electricity load such as Heathrow would be served from multiple supply points in the electricity grid, and therefore there would be an option to feed the loads at Heathrow from an alternative supply point. There are some reports that parts of the airport (for example, Terminal 5) have power.

The exact reasons for such a big impact are unclear at this point, but we do know the North Hyde substation is in a highly constrained area of the UK electricity grid – an area where there has been “a steep increase in the number of new electricity connection requests across west London, driven by new housing developments, commercial investment and datacentres”.

The UK power grid (as in many developed countries) is generally old or outdated, with many of its components at the end of their anticipated service lifetime and in urgent need of modernisation. These issues may be a factor in the power outage affecting Heathrow. However, it will take some time before the exact causes of this incident are established.

Weather, ageing equipment or malicious attacks could be to blame

Chenghong Gu, professor in smart energy systems, University of Bath

This is a very rare event. Substations are built and operated according to very strict standards, and they are monitored 24/7. There are also many automatic devices in substations like this one to deal with faults.

A substation has many components including transformers, circuit breakers, an isolator, busbars and measuring equipment. Transformers are the most vulnerable to fire. There is insulation oil in them and in high-temperature, high-pressure situations, they can explode – meaning the insulation oil leaks and can catch fire.

However, it is very unusual for big substations like this to catch fire. One cause can be extreme weather such as lightning strikes, which could cause extreme high voltage on the equipment. Extreme hot weather together with high demand can also cause transformers to become overheated, thus leading to faults.

Another factor is the ageing of transformers. The insulation gas can degrade, which could cause an explosion inside a transformer. Or there could be a malfunction of other auxiliary devices such as the insulator, switch gears or circuit breakers inside the substation.

Other possible causes include a malicious attack on the substation – someone setting fire to it deliberately, for example. Cyber-attacks on IT systems can also cause a malfunction of devices in the substation, leading to fire.

Serious questions about Heathrow’s back-ups

Kirk Chang, professor of management and technology, University of East London

The airport lost power because of the fire – we understand that. But the back-up system didn’t work. It’s difficult to understand how that could happen.

There are two things we need to look at. Number one is the technical part. Why did the back-up machines not work? Maybe the machines did not have sufficient fuel, or for some reason the system was not linked to the grid. The backup should kick in immediately.

The second point is more the human side. Who is responsible for the power management, and what intervention strategies were attempted? I would assume they would need a second back-up system if the first fails. It’s very unusual to see both Plan A (the back-up) and Plan B (the back-up to the back-up) not working.

Usually, a main back-up (Plan A) will supply about 90% of the power the facility usually receives. Whereas Plan B will usually only supply a fraction of the power – maybe 50% or 30%. The reason is that Plan B is usually expensive to maintain all the time. It may be outsourced to a third party – either the power company or a software company which manages their power distribution network.

Critical infrastructure arguably needs more security

Paul Cuffe, assistant professor, School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin

An airport like Heathrow requires a lot of electricity to operate, equivalent to a large town. As such, it would be typical for it to be given a dedicated connection from the substation at Hayes.

There is likely a dedicated power line and transformer there that connects the airport to the wider grid. When a major fire severs that link, it will no longer be possible to bring bulk electricity to the airport.

I would anticipate that a major airport like Heathrow would have some on-site emergency capability to ride through a grid disturbance. I would hope the traffic control tower and runway lights weren’t totally plunged into darkness!

However, processing planeloads of passengers requires Heathrow in its totality to consume a town’s worth of electricity, and the inability to meet this requirement is probably why the flights had to be cancelled.

The failure is not overtly abnormal. We can anticipate that, from time to time, substation equipment will fail and downstream power outages will result. But one could argue that a critical piece of national infrastructure like Heathrow deserves special grid connection arrangements to secure its supply of electricity further. For instance, sometimes critical loads like this are fed from two separate substations to provide redundancy when outages happen.

It is ultimately a political and economic question to determine the right level of capital investment into grid infrastructure to avoid the problems that outages like this cause. Redundant power supplies for an airport the size of Heathrow do not come free.

Climate change means the grid will face more threats like this

Hayley J. Fowler, professor of climate change impacts;
Colin Manning, postdoctoral research associate in climate science; and
Sean Wilkinson, professor of structural engineering, Newcastle University

The closure of one of the world’s largest airports due to a failure of just one electricity substation underlines how important it is that critical national energy infrastructure – pylons, substations and so on – keeps functioning. This is only becoming more important as demand for electricity increases, thanks to transport and domestic heating switching to lower-carbon electrified alternatives – notably electric cars and heat pumps.

Yet the UK’s energy system is facing growing threats from unprecedented risks. We still don’t know what caused the Heathrow fire, but it appears to be unusual in this regard, as threats to energy systems come mainly from extreme weather. In the UK, that tends to mean windstorms, flooding, heatwaves and associated wildfires, and cold spells.

2024 was the warmest calendar year on record, and the “fingerprints” of climate change are increasingly evident in more intense and frequent extreme weather events. It is crucial to ensure the energy network can handle this weather.

Gas and electricity operators in the UK have established protocols for managing networks in adverse weather, investing large amounts to protect critical assets. But recent events have exposed vulnerabilities. The storms Arwen and Éowyn left thousands without power for days, underscoring the previous UK government’s admission that the country is underprepared for extreme weather events.

Read more:
Heathrow fire shows just how vulnerable UK energy infrastructure is – we’ve simulated the major climate-related risks

Barry Hayes has an active research collaboration with ESB Networks, and is an academic member of ESB Networks’ Innovation Stakeholder Panel.

Colin Manning receives funding from UKRI.

Hayley J. Fowler receives funding from UKRI, NERC, EPSRC, and the EU Horizon 2020 Programme. She is a member of the UK Climate Change Committee and was a member of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero Science Expert Group (E-SEG) from 2021 to 2025. This article represents her own work and views, not the position of either of these organisations.

Paul Cuffe has no direct links with the electricity industry in the UK. As an Irish academic, he has had occasional collaborations with Eirgrid, the transmission system operator, and ESB Networks, the distribution network operator. He has received funding as part the ESIPP and NexSys projects; these were co-funded by stakeholders in the Irish energy sector.

Sean Wilkinson receives funding from EPSRC and DESNZ.

Chenghong Gu and Kirk Chang do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Heathrow closure: what caused the fire and why did it bring down the whole airport? Expert panel – https://theconversation.com/heathrow-closure-what-caused-the-fire-and-why-did-it-bring-down-the-whole-airport-expert-panel-252834

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

**Guest

Alright. Good afternoon, everyone. As you know, tomorrow [22 March] is World Water Day. I will be joined here shortly by Bhanu Neupane, the Process Coordinator for the UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] World Water Development Report, who will talk to you about the report.

**Secretary-General’s Travel

The Secretary-General is about to leave Brussels. Earlier today, he was in Leuven, where he accepted an honorary doctorate given to the United Nations by the universities KU Leuven and UC Louvain. In his remarks, Mr. [António] Guterres said that by bestowing this honour, the universities are sending a message of support for the mission of the United Nations — a message of solidarity to all those working to make it real — and a message of inspiration for us to keep up the fight.

He said the universities’ 600^th anniversary coincides with a moment of reflection for the United Nations, which marks its own eightieth anniversary as an organization at the epicentre of multilateralism. Standing here in Europe, the Secretary-General added, we know this same commitment to multilateralism is the beating heart of the European Union – a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to the world’s most vulnerable people, and proof that isolationism is an illusion, never a solution.

Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Secretary-General renewed his appeal for the ceasefire to be restored, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be reestablished and for the remaining hostages to be released immediately and unconditionally. His full remarks have been shared with you.

This afternoon, the Secretary-General also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever. I believe the readout of this meeting had just been made available. The Secretary-General will be back in the office on Monday morning.

**Security Council

Sigrid Kaag, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, briefed the Security Council this morning on Israel and Palestine, and she said that hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. She strongly condemned the reported ill-treatment of hostages, as well as the fact that there are reasonable grounds to believe that hostages may be subjected to sexual violence and abuse.

Ms. Kaag unequivocally condemned the widespread killing and injury of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, she said. She mourned the UN staff killed in Gaza and strongly condemned the killing of all humanitarian personnel and called for the full investigation of all such incidents.

The Special Coordinator reiterated her call for a sustained ceasefire and urged the parties to redouble efforts to end human suffering. She rejected the forced displacement of the Palestinian population from any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which would constitute a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Ms. Kaag added that the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank is deeply troubling. Alongside the rising death toll, Palestine refugee camps in the northern West Bank are being emptied and are sustaining massive infrastructure damage during Israeli operations.

**Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that as hostilities continue across the Strip, the Israeli closure of all crossings for incoming cargo has entered its twentieth day — the longest shutdown since 7 October 2023. As a reminder, the crossings were also completely closed for two weeks starting on that date. This latest closure is having a devastating impact on people already facing catastrophic conditions. Each passing day further erodes the progress made by the UN and our humanitarian partners during the first six weeks of the ceasefire.

Beyond the depletion of stocks, OCHA warns that humanitarian operations are now being severely hampered by hostilities. Civilians, including aid workers, and civilian assets have come under attack. The UN is seeking concrete assurances for the safety of our staff and operations in Gaza, following the killing of six UN personnel and injury of several others this week, including in the attack on a clearly designated UN compound. As Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, said Wednesday, we demand answers on their behalf and for those who continue the work.

As attacks continue across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, OCHA warns that the steady flow of trauma injuries is putting even more pressure on an already shattered healthcare system. Our humanitarian partners estimate that more than 120,000 Palestinians have been displaced once again this week, driven by intensified attacks and new Israeli evacuation orders across the Gaza Strip. That’s about 6 per cent of the surviving population. A new evacuation order covering areas in northern Gaza was also issued today, following reports of rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups.

And turning to the West Bank, OCHA has just released the findings of a rapid survey of movement obstacles across the occupied territory. It recorded nearly 850 checkpoints, gates and other physical obstacles — the highest number documented in any of the 16 surveys OCHA has conducted over the past two decades. In just the past three months, three dozen new movement obstacles have been established — most of them following the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire in mid-January. Road gates account for a third of all obstacles — and most of them are frequently kept closed.

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), noted that today marks 60 days since Israeli began its military operations in Jenin Camp in the West Bank. He said that such large-scale, militarized operations cannot become the new norm in the West Bank. This trend of escalating violence — which started even before 7 October 2023 — must be reversed. OCHA adds that it has received just over 4 per cent of the roughly $4 billion required to meet vast needs across the Occupied Palestinian Territory — in the West Bank and Gaza — this year.

**Democratic Republic of the Congo

Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that clashes continue in parts of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. In North Kivu Province, fighting continued yesterday in several areas of Walikale Territory, damaging a humanitarian partner’s logistics base and other civilian infrastructure. We and humanitarian organizations in the area have relocated staff to Kisangani, in the neighbouring Province of Tshopo.

In South Kivu, people from Burembo and Fizi-Centre have fled fighting among armed groups in several waves since 5 March. And in Ituri, clashes in the town of Fataki yesterday continued to displace people. Since 18 March, many humanitarian partners have suspended their activities there due to the ongoing insecurity. OCHA reiterates that all parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in military operations.

**Sudan

Turning to Sudan: Today, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned in the strongest terms the looting of vital humanitarian supplies from Al Bashair Hospital in Jabal Awlia in Khartoum. These supplies are intended to support malnourished children and provide critical healthcare to mothers and newborns.

The Al Bashir Hospital is one of the last functioning medical facilities in Jabal Awlia. UNICEF had managed to deliver these critical supplies on 20 December 2024, marking the first successful humanitarian shipment to Jabal Awlia in over 18 months. The looting of these supplies will compound an already dire humanitarian catastrophe for children and families in the area. We reiterate our urgent call for an unimpeded humanitarian access to reach children and families in need and we call for the protection of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law.

**South Sudan

Our peacekeeping colleagues in South Sudan have an update on the intensive diplomacy that is under way in the country. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, is working with international and regional partners, including Heads of States, the African Union and others, to try and de-escalate tensions and stop the aerial bombardment of civilian areas in Upper Nile State, which could spill over into wider conflict.

Mr. Haysom is also engaging with influential national partners to promote a peaceful resolution. He is urging the parties to adhere to the ceasefire and peace agreement, and to resolve tensions through dialogue rather than military confrontation. Mr. Haysom stresses that the already troubled region cannot afford another war. And in fact, on Monday, our guest will be Nicholas Haysom. He will join us virtually to brief on the situation in South Sudan.

**Ukraine

Today in Ukraine, authorities and our humanitarian partners confirmed that hostilities across multiple regions killed a dozen civilians and injured many others, with widespread damage to homes. In Odesa, a large-scale drone attack injured children and damaged shops, warehouses and vehicles. Most casualties were reported in the Donetsk region, while in the Kharkiv region, local authorities report intensified hostilities and disrupted electricity in Kupiansk town and neighbouring villages.

Yesterday, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned an attack in the central Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi, in which children were among many civilians injured. Apartment buildings were also damaged. Mr. Schmale stressed that international humanitarian law is clear: Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

Amid relentless hostilities, evacuations from high-risk areas continue, with scores of people leaving front-line areas each day. Humanitarians are supporting the most vulnerable — especially families with children and people with limited mobility — through medical evacuations, psychosocial support and basic items. Most evacuees have remained within their home regions, while some have been relocated to central and western Ukraine.

OCHA reports that in the first two months of the year, seven humanitarian staff were injured in six separate incidents near the front line. Attacks also damaged humanitarian assets and facilities in the Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolai, and Sloviansk regions, further hampering the response.

**Haiti

Turning to Haiti, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that the recent United States funding freeze is having a devastating impact on the overall HIV response, including treatment and prevention. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) says that, as a result of the freeze, most pre-exposure prophylaxis services, also known as PrEP — which are key to reducing HIV infections — had to be suspended, affecting 80 per cent of interventions.

The National HIV Programme estimates that at least 35,000 people living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral treatment are being affected by the freeze on USAID-funded health services. The Programme also foresees an increase between 30 and 50 per cent in new HIV infections in the absence of prevention activities. HIV/AIDS affects an estimated 140,000 people in Haiti.

The health sector, as part of the broader humanitarian response, needs $43.5 million to address the urgent needs for healthcare services and support to vulnerable people in Haiti. The Government, World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS are exploring alternatives to ensure that health services can continue.

**International Days

Today we have multiple International Days. It’s the Day of Days, as we call it. Starting off with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In a message, the Secretary-General says that the poison of racism continues to infect our world. He urges everybody, including business leadership, civil society and ordinary people to take a stand against racism in all its forms.

Today is also the International Day of Nowruz. In his message, Mr. Guterres says that Nowruz celebrates new beginnings and the arrival of spring.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. People with Down syndrome need support to live and be included in the community, like everyone else.

Today is also World Poetry Day. On this Day, we celebrate one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity.

And moving on to environment-related days. Today is the World Day for Glaciers, and coincidentally, this year was declared the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.

And if that’s not enough, today is also the International Day of Forests, and the theme this year is “Forests and Food”.

And tomorrow is World Water Day and the theme this year is glacier preservation. Our guests will be here to talk more about this, but I just want to mention that in his message, the Secretary-General said that glaciers may be shrinking, but we cannot shrink from our responsibilities.

And Sunday is World Meteorological Day and the theme is “Closing the early warning gap together”. So, those are all the days; anything before we go to our guest? Yes, Edie.

**Questions and Answers

Question: Thank you, Farhan. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on the Israeli Defence Minister’s announcement ordering an increase in an intensified military operation in Gaza?

Deputy Spokesman: This is completely contrary to what the Secretary-General has been calling for days. And even today, in Belgium, and in the previous days, he’s said repeatedly that what we need is to get back to a ceasefire. In what I just read at the first part of this briefing, it’s clear that all of our efforts to help the people of Gaza are at a standstill as long as this goes on. There are millions of people who need for this to end now.

Question: On Sudan, with the Government forces claiming they’re back in the Presidential Palace in Khartoum and other areas, is Mr. [Ramtane] Lamamra going to make any kind of a fresh effort to bring both sides together for peace talks?

Deputy Spokesman: Yeah. On that, regarding Mr. Lamamra’s efforts, he continues to engage the parties with the aim of bringing them closer to a peaceful resolution. He’s intensifying consultations with the parties and other key stakeholders on modalities to strengthen the protection of civilians and to deescalate the conflict. A sustainable resolution to this devastating conflict can only be achieved through an inclusive political process. And from the Secretary-General’s side, I can say that he, the Secretary-General, renews his appeal for the parties to immediately cease the fighting and take steps towards the lasting peace that the people in Sudan demand. Benno?

Question: Thank you, Farhan. There has been quite a number of stories of people that were either denied entrance to the United States recently or have been arrested and deported or tried to being deported. I want to focus on these last cases. In many cases, they were not based on actual crimes, but the authorities said the people were parts of protests that they deemed as antisemitic or dangerous for the United States’ security. Do you have any comment on this ongoing situation in the United States?

Deputy Spokesman: I think it’s important that all of the basic rules in terms of dealing with entrants into the United States, including migrants, including refugees and others, follow the accepted norms of international law. And part of what you’re saying is that there are many cases where people were moved without sufficient due process, and it’s important that everyone’s due process rights be respected.

Question: Do you see that there is an implication for free speech in the United States, especially when we see the Columbia [University] protest and other university protests last year? Does the UN have an opinion or a standpoint if pro-Palestinian protests are also antisemitic protests at the same time? This is how the US Government obviously portrays it right now.

Deputy Spokesman: Well, certainly for us, it’s important that freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly be protected. So, obviously, if there are expressions of racial hatred, of actual antisemitism, those are things that authorities need to respond to. But, that shouldn’t impede the rights of people to conduct peaceful protest. Yes, Denis?

Question: So, there are reports that head of UNCTAD [United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), Rebeca Grynspan, will head to Moscow. So, when will she go to Moscow, and what is her programme in here?

Deputy Spokesman: Yes, I can confirm that Rebeca Grynspan and her team will have their next consultation in Moscow on 24 March. That’s part of regular consultations to discuss the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the UN and the Russian Federation on food security.

Question: So, will she discuss alleviating sanctions from Russian fertilizers — so, easing the access of Russian fertilizers to world markets?

Deputy Spokesman: I think I’ll wait for the discussions to take place before we provide more details. But, like I said, it’ll concern the various aspects of the memorandum of understanding. Yes, please?

Question: Thank you. Do you have any updates on the condition of the UN staff who were wounded in Gaza and their whereabouts? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman: They’re receiving hospital assistance. As you know, there were five people who were injured. One of them was lightly injured; two of them, I believe, have ever remained in intensive care, and their condition is being monitored. And we hope that they will all recover.

Question: Could you help with the nationality of the two who remain in intensive care, please?

Deputy Spokesman: I believe we’ll provide those details further down. The hiring organization, the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), I believe is in touch with the respective Governments and family members at this stage. Benny, I think you have a question online, and then we’ll go to Ephrem. Are you there? Are you there?

Question: Thank you, Farhan. The ban on UNRWA, it’s been a few weeks now since it entered into effect. How would you say it is being felt on the ground so far?

Deputy Spokesman: It’s affected the ability of UNRWA staff to move in and out in terms of getting visas for UNRWA personnel. But, to the extent that UNRWA is capable of going about its work, including in Gaza and the West Bank, UNRWA continues to go about its work. And Benny, are you online?

Question: I have a question, Farhan. Can you hear me?

Deputy Spokesman: I can hear you.

Question: Should I go ahead? Farhan, I want to ask you about the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in Gaza, which was built by Türkiye, and it was actually operated by local authorities as a cancer treatment centre. You may have seen images online. It was completely blown up by Israel. And Israel argued that it was used being used by Hamas. But, in fact, you may recall that after 7 October [2023], there are also many images that showed Israel deploying many military vehicles around the hospital. So, I would just like to ask you, why is there no mention of this in your briefing today? I mean, have we become so accustomed to Israel blowing up hospitals that we don’t need to bring it up? And does the Secretary-General have a reaction to this hospital being blown up? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman: Yes. On that, we certainly are against any of the attacks on medical infrastructure. All attacks against medical infrastructure by any of the parties is a violation of international humanitarian law, and we stand opposed to this. And we have reported, as you know, regularly on the fact that all of the hospitals in Gaza have sustained at least some damage over the course of this conflict, and that is an intolerable situation for the suffering population. And with that, let me go to our guest.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Queens Man Charged With Perpetrating Visa Fraud Scheme By Pretending to Be a Federal Agent

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant Drove a Red Hummer Bearing a Vanity License Plate with the Acronym “ICE”

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Tommy Aijie Da Silva Weng, also known as “Tommy Weng Da Silva” and “Jacky,” with wire fraud, mail fraud and impersonating a federal law enforcement officer in connection with a scheme to defraud an individual by claiming that he could assist her in obtaining a green card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program (the EB-5 Program). Weng was arrested this morning and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi.

John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and Leslie Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges.

“As alleged, Weng falsely represented himself as a member of federal law enforcement to gain the trust of an unsuspecting victim,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “The defendant preyed on the victim’s desire to become a United States citizen and pursue the American dream, then stole not only that dream, but also hundreds of thousands of dollars. Today, real law enforcement agents put the handcuffs on this fraudster and he will now have to answer for his crimes.”

“For nearly eight years, Tommy Weng allegedly curated a false persona of a federal law enforcement officer with flashy props and empty assurances of guaranteed lawful status to swindle a vulnerable victim of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Backschies. “This alleged imposter twisted a respected profession into an elaborate scheme while violating the public’s trust in law enforcement. The FBI will continue to apprehend any individual who exploits an authoritative position to garner illicit profits.”

According to court filings, the fraud scheme began in April 2016, shortly thereafter Weng falsely claimed to the victim (Jane Doe) that he was a federal law enforcement agent, explaining that he was able to use his law enforcement connections to assist her with obtaining a green card through the EB-5 Program on an expedited basis if she invested $500,000 with him. Weng showed Jane Doe a law enforcement badge and gave her a business card from the “Federal Officers Police Association” bearing his name. On another occasion, Weng told Jane Doe that he worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security and that he was transferring to a new law enforcement position with INTERPOL in Italy. Weng drove a red Hummer vehicle with the vanity license plate that included the acronym “ICE,” an apparent reference to the federal law enforcement agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Based on Weng’s representations, Jane Doe provided Weng with $500,000 for a visa. Instead of investing the money that Jane Doe provided him, or submitting a visa application on her behalf, Weng pocketed the money and strung the victim along with a series of lies about why the process was delayed for approximately eight years.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 43 years’ imprisonment.

Anyone with information about crimes committed by Weng should contact the FBI at NY_WengTips@fbi.gov

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nadia E. Moore and Daniel J. Marcus.

The Defendant:

TOMMY AIJIE DA SILVA WENG
Age: 49
Queens, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-94 (NGG)

MIL Security OSI –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Thirty-third session of the Specialized Section on Standardization of Meat (GE.11)

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

The session is open for participation by all UN Member States. Representatives from relevant international organizations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector can also participate as observers. This session will be held with simultaneous interpretation into English, French and Russian. Prior registration is required, please register through the registration button.

An audio channel will be available in English, French, and Russian on the days of the event, at: https://listen-live.unog.ch/en/

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: The governments of Canada and British Columbia finalize an agreement for the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund

Source: Government of Canada News (2)

Richmond, British Columbia, March 21, 2025 — The governments of Canada and British Columbia have finalized an agreement under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).

The agreement provides $250 million in federal funding over five years for phase one of the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant project to enable more homes and improve densification. The funding is an equal cost match of the Province’s contribution toward the project in 2023 and helps secure the funding required for phase one of the project. The funding will support the Metro Vancouver Regional District to improve the facility for the health and safety of the residents in Metro Vancouver and the surrounding coastal waters.

In reaching this agreement, the governments of Canada and British Columbia negotiated terms that better support communities across the province. These terms are designed to pave the way for the construction of more homes for people, as well as support infrastructure investments to address the growing population of the province.

The terms include actions to reduce upfront costs for homebuilders that assist in paying for essential infrastructure. The Province is intending to change the installment payment timing of development cost charges (DCCs) that will give homebuilders more time to pay. It will in turn make life more affordable and help build more homes, faster.

Thanks to this ambitious partnership, the Province is also working on extending the existing in-stream protection for housing projects that are subject to Metro Vancouver’s DCCs. These measures provide homebuilders with greater certainty and reduce financial pressures by lowering project costs, which keeps homes more affordable for people.

The Province is also considering providing an avenue for local governments to waive DCCs for non-market homes within market housing projects, which could encourage the development of more affordable housing. This change would apply province-wide, helping local governments secure additional affordable housing options in their communities, making housing more accessible for people. The Province will share more details when this work is finalized.

These measures are part of B.C.’s work to support growth in a balanced way to help more homes get built and address key infrastructure needs during uncertain financial times.

The remainder of the $590-million allocation to B.C. will be redirected to the direct delivery stream under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Canada Strengthens Wildfire Response Through Training

Source: Government of Canada News

On March 21, 2025, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced a $16.3-million investment in 25 projects through the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Training Fund to increase fire management capacity across the country.

Project Name: Peerless Trout First Nation Firefighter Training
Recipient: Peerless Trout First Nation
Location: Peerless Lake, Alberta
Funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan): $93,000
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 12 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training, as they requested support to train additional crew members to ensure in-house capability to combat fires within their community.

Project Name: Prince Albert Grant Council – Fire Guardians Pilot Project
Recipient: Prince Albert Development Corporation Management Co. Ltd.
Location: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Funding from NRCan: $946,330
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 20 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing opportunities for skills development and job coaching in the wildland fire industry. This will aim to address the need identified by the communities to improve local and regional capacity in northern fire prone regions.

Project Name: Firefighter Training in the Whitefeather Forest
Recipient: Whitefeather Community Resource Managment Authority
Location: Red Lake/Pikangikum, Ontario
Funding from NRCan: $1,579,655
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 144 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training in Pikangikum, which aims to address the identified need to develop a firefighting workforce that can be quickly mobilized to increase community preparedness and to support Indigenous-led approaches.

Project Name: Firetack Training
Recipient: Sturgeon Lake Resources Ltd.
Location: Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Alberta
Funding from NRCan: $214,272
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 48 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training that is needed to address the low firefighter numbers available within the local community.

Project Name: Wildland Firefighters TrainingRecipient: Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island)
Location: Agassiz, British Columbia
Funding from NRCan: $161,912
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 20 youth participants in Indigenous communities in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing opportunities for skills development in the wildland fire industry, addressing a gap identified by the community to offer opportunity for youth to learn about wildfires, receive training and learn about career paths in this area.

Project Name: Fire for the Future
Recipient: Muskeg Lake Cree Nation
Location: Marcelin, Saskatchewan
Funding from NRCan: $204,093

Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 community members in wildland fire training to address the need of the community to alleviate and mitigate the dangers of a wildfire by building capacity of First Nations in the region.

Project Name: Community-led Wildfire Risk Assessments and Mitigation Strategies
Recipient: Yukon First Nation Wildfire (YFNW)
Location: Whitehorse, Yukon
Funding from NRCan: $1,508,000
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 126 community members across various Yukon First Nations communities, situated in remote and forested areas, in basic wildfire training including traditional land management practices and emergency training to identify wildfire-risks and to host workshops to collaboratively develop mitigation strategies. This aims to address YFNW’s need to empower Indigenous communities to respond to wildfires.

Project Name: IFNA Wildland Interface Firefighter Project
Recipient: Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA)
Location: Sioux Lookout, Ontario
Funding from NRCan: $1,999,999
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 50 participants in Type I Wildland Firefighter Training, while also leveraging partnerships, technology and youth engagement, and will aim to address the identified need for additional trained staff and crews in IFNA’s remote communities to increase the capacity to manage wildfires locally.

Project Name: Enhancing Wildfire Resilience in KO Communities
Recipient: Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO)
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
Funding from NRCan: $329,109
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 25 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing opportunities for skills development and job coaching in the wildland fire industry, addressing the community’s need to build local fire management practices and enhance community resiliency to wildfires.

Project Name: Lil’wat Forestry Wildland Firefighting Training
Recipient: Lil’wat Forestry Ventures LP
Location: Mount Currie, British Columbia
Funding from NRCan: $1,232,460
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 72 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training, which aims to address Lil’wat Nations’ identified need to enhance resiliency to wildfire through the development of a community-based workforce with the skills to both prevent and respond to wildfires in the local area.

Project Name: Firetack Training Retreat – Treaty 7
Recipient: Piikani Employment Services
Location: Brocket, Alberta
Funding from NRCan: $466,110
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 32 Treaty 7 First Nations and Métis community members in Type I Wildland Firefighter Training, addressing Piikani Employment Services’ identified need to have more trained and experienced wildland firefighters to respond to wildfires, both within Treaty 7 communities and Alberta.

Project Name: Youth Wildfire Training
Recipient: National Indigenous Fire Safety Council
Location: Tyendinaga, Ontario
Funding from NRCan: $909,100
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 420 youth across Canada in wildfire prevention and mitigation, addressing the pressing needs of Indigenous communities facing with the escalating threat of wildfires and bridging the gaps in the shortage of trained Indigenous peoples in wildfire management roles.

Project Name: Mamow Wuskaweewin – Moving Together
Recipient: Metis Settlements General Council
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Funding from NRCan: $499,330
Project Summary: This project supports training 320 participants in wildland firefighting, wildfire resiliency and reconciliation to address the need to involve and engage Metis Settlements people in wildfire management dialogues.

Project Name: Fire Crew Training
Recipient: Geraldton Community Forest Inc. in partnership with Matawa First Nations Management
Location: Geraldton, Ontario
Funding from NRCan: $933,312
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 36 community members to a Type II standard across the nine Matawa Tribal Council communities, which aims to address the need for enhanced trained crews within Indigenous communities that have a real need for increased forest fire safety.

Project Name: OKIB Wildland Fire Training
Recipient: Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB)
Location: Vernon, British Columbia
Funding from NRCan: $868,201
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 firefighters to a Type II and III standard, responding to OKIB’s need for improved wildfire response and addressing the shortage of certified Type II and III wildland firefighters within the community.

Project Name: Responding to the Interface-Wildfire Training
Recipient: International Association of Fire Fighters
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Funding from NRCan: $1,077,661
Project Summary: This project is in addition to a 2024 budget announcement and supports the training of wildland firefighter training to up to 925 structural and community-based fire personnel to address the need to better prepare and equip structural firefighters to fight wildfires, with a focus on the wildland urban interface.

Project Name: MLTC Community Wild Fire Preparedness
Recipient: Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC)
Location: Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
Funding from NRCan: $278,000

Project Summary: This project supports the training of 170 participants to a Type II and III standard to address the communities’ identified need for additional support for wildfire training to increase their capacity to prepare for and respond to wildfire events.

Project Name: Firetrack Community Training Initiative
Recipient: Neyaskweyahk Wildland Firefighting
Location: Maskwacis, Alberta
Funding from NRCan: $93,078
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 16 community members in Type II Wildland Firefighter Training in Ermineskin Cree Nation, which aims to address the community’s need to have fully trained and skilled community members to join the workforce to respond to wildfires within the nation and support the efforts of the provincial government.

Project Name: Building Wildfire Response Capacity Through Engagement With Local Wildfire Response Agencies
Recipient: Thompson Rivers University

Location: Kamloops, British Columbia
Funding from NRCan: $1,692,156
Project Summary: This project supports the training of up to 260 firefighters. In partnership with BC Wildfire Service, Thompson Rivers University aims to address the need to enhance wildfire response capacity, particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

Project Name: St’at’imc Climate Emergency Response and Preparation
Recipient: Lillooet Tribal Council
Location: Lillooet, British Columbia
Funding from NRCan: $612,916
Project Summary: This project supports the training of five firefighters to a Type II standard and 90 firefighters to a Type III standard in five St’at’imc communities of Bridge River, Cayoose Creek, Ts’kw’aylaxw First Nation, Tsal’alh and Xaxli’p that are continually and increasingly impacted by climate emergencies with annual risks of wildfires continuing to increase in severity.

Project Name: Onion Lake Cree Nation Wildland Fire
Recipient: Onion Lake Cree Nation
Location: Onion Lake, Saskatchewan
Funding from NRCan: $31,050
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 16 firefighters to a Type II standard to address the identified need of Onion Lake Cree Nation for a well-trained local response team aiming to enhance community capacity and ensure an effective response to future wildfire events.

Project Name: St’at’imc Youth Wildfire Pathways Project
Recipient: Sqwem Sqwem Consulting Services
Location: Lillooet, British Columbia
Funding from NRCan: $88,211

Project Summary: This project supports the training of 20 youth in wildfire prevention and mitigation by providing youth with opportunities for skills development and job coaching in the wildland fire industry, which aims to address the identified need of St’at’imc nations to increase local capacity and resources available.

Project Name: Wildfire Training
Recipient: Lower Similkameen Indian Band
Location: Keremeos, British Columbia
Funding from NRCan: $188,083
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 participants in pre-burn and post-burn assessments, traditional ecological knowledge and community engagement in order to address the identified need of Lower Similkameen Indian Band to increase wildfire management capacity to better respond to wildfire events within their community.

Project Name: SP100 Training for Bimose Member Communities
Recipient: Bimose Tribal Council
Location: Kenora, Ontario
Funding from NRCan: $157,033
Project Summary: This project supports the training of 48 firefighters in SP-100 Wildland Fire Fighter Certification in the 10 member First Nations: Eagle Lake First Nation, Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, Shoal Lake #40 First nation, Washagamsis Bay First Nation, Wabuskang First Nation, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Wabaseemoong Independent Nations and Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek. The project aims to address the pressing need for enhanced wildfire response capabilities within Bimose First Nation communities.

Project Name: Riding Mountain Indigenous Fire Guardians
Recipient: Keeseekoowenin First Nation
Location: Elphinstone, Manitoba
Funding from NRCan: $135,000

Project Summary: This project supports the training of 30 Indigenous community members working towards becoming Indigenous Guardians, in collaboration with Parks Canada. This training will aim to provide participants with a variety of skills and competencies with the aim to increase the Nation’s capacity to actively and more efficiently manage wildfire on the traditional territory.

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New Calwell townhouses ready for tenants

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The townhouses are ready to welcome tenants and families most in need of housing support.

Construction is now complete on 30 new public housing homes in Calwell.

The townhouses are ready to welcome tenants and families most in need of housing support.

The 30 two- and three-bedroom townhouses are built to Class C Adaptable standards. This means they can be easily adapted to meet changing accessibility needs and support tenants to remain at home as they grow older.

The new homes are located close to schools, shops, services and transport.

They add to the category of public housing in highest demand – with approximately 80 per cent of all housing applicants able to be housed in a two-bedroom dwelling.

Construction took less than nine months for this project, which began in November 2022.

The project is a positive example of government and industry collaborating to deliver for the community.

More than 500 homes have been delivered under the ACT Government’s commitment and another 700 homes are currently underway in design or construction.

This is another step towards providing more people in need with safe, secure public housing.

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE joins US Department of the Treasury in announcing sanctions against Mexico-based transnational criminal organization leader responsible for smuggling migrants into the US

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement joined the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control in announcing sanctions against Jumilca Sandivel Hernandez Perez, a prominent leader of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization, March 18. Hernandez Perez has coordinated smuggling operations with members of the violent, U.S.-sanctioned drug trafficking group La Linea and engaged in criminal activity tied to some of the most reprehensible acts in recent history, including the 2019 murders of nine American citizens, six of them children, in the Mexican state of Sonora. The Lopez HSO is a Guatemala-based transnational criminal organization responsible for smuggling thousands of migrants from Guatemala, through Mexico, and into the United States.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations El Paso special agents, along with the assistance of multiple law enforcement partners, initiated an operation against the Lopez HSO in 2023 that spanned three states and resulted in a series of indictments and arrests. On July 25, 2024, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico announced additional indictments against the Lopez HSO and a La Linea cartel member who has assisted in the organization’s human smuggling operations across Mexico and into the United States. La Linea, also known as the Juarez Cartel, was most recently designated pursuant to Treasury’s counternarcotics authorities in 2021.

“ICE is committed to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling Transnational Criminal Organizations that exploit vulnerable individuals and jeopardize border security,” said ICE HSI acting Executive Associate Director Robert Hammer. “These sanctions, targeting a key leader of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization responsible for orchestrating the illegal smuggling of thousands of migrants across the U.S. Southern Border, hold accountable those who profit from human trafficking and other illicit activities, while reinforcing our efforts to safeguard the security and integrity of our communities.”

Hernandez Perez coordinated with La Linea to bring illegal aliens into the United States. The Lopez HSO smuggled illegal aliens from Guatemala to the United States via Mexico. The organization has primarily smuggled illegal aliens to New Mexico, Arizona, and California but also has run operations through parts of Texas and transported illegal aliens to Virginia and other states far from the U.S.-Mexico border.

Members of the Lopez HSO, including Hernandez Perez, have exploited the U.S. financial system with their criminal activity, utilizing U.S. banks to receive and issue payments as part of their human smuggling operations. The Lopez HSO is believed to have generated between $104 million and $416 million in illicit proceeds from their human smuggling activities between September 2020 and 2023, charging smuggled persons between $13,000 and $16,000 each.

This sanctions reflect a whole-of-government effort to counter the smuggling illegal aliens into the United States, which included collaboration between ICE HSI El Paso Field Office, the ICE HSI Human Smuggling Unit, OFAC, the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force program.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Research improving brain cancer treatment

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Professor Leonie Quinn, Canberra Brain Cancer Collaborative Lead and Research and Innovation Fund recipient

Canberra Brain Cancer Collaborative has created Canberra’s first Brain Cancer Biobank.

Headed by Professor Leonie Quinn and her team, the collaborative has been able to develop this with a $300,000 grant awarded in the 2022 Research Innovation Fundround.

The biobank stores brain cancer biospecimens and genomic data from patients treated at Canberra Hospital.

It contributes to Brain Cancer Biobanking Australia – a virtual biobank hub that allows researchers around the country to access brain cancer tissue, samples and data.

The information gathered by the biobank enables researchers at ANU’s John Curtin School of Medical Research to create 3D bio-printed ‘mini brains’.

This allows them to analyse how tumours grow and respond to treatment, and to trial new therapeutic drugs tailored to each patient. It is hoped this will help develop new cancer treatments and improve clinical care.

“The ACT Health Research Innovation Fund has provided us with an exciting opportunity to explore the complex environment where brain cancer occurs and ultimately develop new treatments,” Professor Quinn, Canberra Brain Cancer Collaborative Lead and Research and Innovation Fund recipient, said.

“The biobank will enable more personalised treatments, which are critical to improving survival rates and quality of life for people diagnosed with the disease. It will secure the ACT as a health research hub and improve the clinical experience of cancer patients around Australia.”

The Research and Innovation Fund is guided by Better Together: A strategic plan for research in the ACT health system 2022-2030.

Five fellowships through the Research Innovation Fund2023 have recently been announced, supporting early and mid-career Canberra health researchers.

The diverse research projects selected include enhancing post-diagnostic care for dementia patients, supporting community response to voluntary assisted dying, and studying allergies and immunodeficienciesof patients in the ACT.

For more information about the fund go to health.act.gov.au/research/centre-health-and-medical-research.

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New rebate to help small businesses electrify

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Downer Community Centre recently received a rebate to replace gas heating with efficient reverse cycle heating.

ACT small businesses can now access rebates of up to $10,000 to help transition their workplaces and work practices away from fossil-fuel gas to efficient electric appliances.

The rebates will support businesses to be more sustainable, in reducing both their emissions and operating costs.

Small to medium business can take advantage of the rebate, to upgrade to efficient electric appliances.

The rebates can pay for up to half the upfront cost of upgrading.

The ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program complements the new rebate. The program provides expert advice at no cost, helping businesses identify areas of their business they can improve and act in the smartest, most cost-effective way.

The Downer Community Centre is using the new rebate to switch from gas heating to efficient reverse cycle heating. This change will help them save $1900 per year in bills and two tonnes per year of CO₂ emissions.

ACT businesses with fewer than 20 employees are eligible for up to $10,000 in support through energy efficiency rebates.

The maximum rebate for electric-to-electric upgrades is $5,000 (incl GST), while fossil-fuel gas-to-electric upgrade rebates are capped at $10,000 (including GST).

To find out more, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website, or contact the Sustainable Business team at sustainablebusiness@act.gov.au.

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Heritage refresh to tell Canberra’s stories
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Historic Brayshaws Hut in Namadgi National Park
Canberrans are invited to give input on a proposed refresh of the ACT’s heritage system.

A comprehensive external review has resulted in a range of recommended reforms, intended to better identify, protect and celebrate places of natural and cultural significance in the territory.

The community is encouraged to share feedback on the review, specifically on issues like transparency in decision-making, access to information and risks or unintended consequences.

The review contains two key themes:
1. establishing ACT Aboriginal People as the decision makers on their cultural heritage
2. the need to strengthen the governance and administration of the ACT’s heritage arrangements.
Ensuring the ACT has well-functioning heritage arrangements that recognise and conserve natural, cultural and First Nations heritage for current and future generations is the priority.

Canberrans can have their say via two online surveys or thought online or in-person consultation sessions to encourage more in-depth discussion.

First Nations Canberrans, general community and industry members are all invited to participate.

The review, announced in December 2022, has involved exploring best practice models for heritage laws, frameworks and arrangements from other jurisdictions and proposing a fit for purpose model for the ACT.

The ACT Government appointed an interim Heritage Council in April to continue to deliver council responsibilities under the Heritage Act 2004 and to support this comprehensive review and reform process.

View the full report and have your say on the ACT heritage system reforms through the YourSay Conversations website.

Find out more about heritage in the ACT on the ACT Environment website.

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MIL OSI News –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Kingston park name commemorates Mr Alfred Stafford MBE

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Mr Stafford was the official driver of Prime Minster Robert Menzies for many years.

A park in Kingston has been named in commemoration of Gamilaroi and Darug man Mr Alfred George Stafford MBE.

The park, located adjacent to Trevillian Quay at the Kingston Foreshore estate, has been officially named Alf Stafford Park.

This honours Mr Stafford for his significant contributions to Canberra through his public service, sporting achievements and association with early Kingston.

Mr Stafford was an avid sportsman and the official driver of Prime Minster Robert Menzies for many years. An enduring friendship developed between the two men and their families.

He worked as a parliamentary driver and as a Ministerial Attendant at Parliament House, serving numerous Australian prime ministers before retiring in 1972.

Mr Stafford was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his dedicated service to several of Australia’s prime ministers.

Originally from Binnaway, NSW, Mr Stafford moved to Canberra in the 1930s and quickly became a prominent member of the Kingston community as a local business owner and cricketer.

He was captain of the Kingston district cricket club team and captained Federal Capital Territory Cricket Association representative team matches.

Alf Stafford’s family said they are proud of his achievements and are looking forward to his memory living on through the naming of Alf Stafford Park.

“Alf was a much loved and respected father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,” Mr Stafford’s family said.

“There was a saying around Old Parliament House: ‘Prime Ministers come and go, but Alf Stafford goes on forever’, to which Alf would reply ‘I wish it was true’.

“Today, our family is proud to honour his wish. Through the unveiling of ‘Alf Stafford Park’, we pay respect to a true gentleman (the last of the hat tippers!) providing a legacy, ensuring Alf’s memory lives on,” his family said.

^{A portrait of Mr Stafford as a young man.}

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Electric mowers join the fleet for mowing season

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Electric mowers offer many benefits beyond low emissions.

The ACT Government is charging up Canberra’s rapid response mowing team who are equipped with new electric ride-on mowers this mowing season.

The ACT’s mowing season generally runs from September until March. This gives the team ample opportunity to monitor the new mowers’ effectiveness.

One electric mower was trialled successfully last mowing season.

This season, the new electric models will replace four diesel-powered mowers, to mow over five thousand hectares of grass each mowing cycle.

The change will support the ACT Government’s commitment to achieve zero net emissions from Government operations by 2040.

The new mowers offer benefits beyond low emissions. They require minimal maintenance with no grease points or belts.

They have tubeless tyres which help achieve excellent cutting results and increase rider comfort.

They are also lighter than other machines in the fleet and so have less chance of becoming bogged.

The mowers take about six hours to charge and provide eight hours of run time.

Last season, the mowing team spent more than 35,000 hours on machines mowing across Canberra.

After a busy couple of seasons with high rainfall, this season is not expected to be as wet. It will still be a busy one, however, as a well-watered landscape will provide plenty of moisture for strong grass growth in the coming months.

The mowing team is well prepared to manage grass growth across Canberra this season.

They will be supported by the rapid response mowing team of 10 extra staff and eight additional mowers to help bolster mowing capacity.

There will be a focus on higher priority areas such as those presenting safety issues.

Canberrans can keep up to date on when their suburb will be mown with the mowing map displayed on the City Services website at cityservices.act.gov.au

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Government electric vehicles on show ahead of World EV day

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Transport Canberra and City Services’ electric operational vehicles were displayed at King Edward Terrace on Thursday.

ACT Government electric operational vehicles were displayed at King Edward Terrace on Thursday, ahead of World EV Day on 9 September.

While most Canberrans would be familiar with the territory’s electric buses, they may have been surprised to also see electric mowers, a street sweeper, excavator, tipper truck and mini-bus.

Transport Canberra and City Services’ growing electric fleet demonstrates the ACT Government’s commitment to achieve zero net emissions from government operations by 2040.

Next year, these vehicles will be joined by an electric litter collection truck, which will replace a diesel utility vehicle. Another 94 electric buses are also set to be added to the fleet over coming years.

The bus transition, combined with the introduction of light rail, means 20 per cent of overall public transport trips in Canberra are powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.

The addition of electric buses to Canberra roads is having an impact on Transport Canberra staff, as well as the environment.

Trainer Assessor Jeff works in bus operations, carrying out licence upgrades and in-house training.

This includes showing bus drivers how to operate the new vehicles.

“After extensive familiarisation training at the beginning of the year, I then spent the first initial six weeks teaching drivers how to work the electric buses. Within that six weeks I drove over 200 kilometres just in the Tuggeranong depot training staff, before handing the training over to my colleagues to continue the education,” he said.

To Jeff, the buses present both a big and little change. “Someone asked me how to describe it once and I said they are wonderfully normal.

“They have lots of power, they go very well compared to diesel buses. They are like any new car, it’s always nice to drive something that’s brand new. They go very nicely, they drive and steer like any other bus and are quite comfortable,” he said.

In addition to buses and maintenance vehicles, Transport Canberra and City Services is also ensuring all newly leased government passenger vehicles are zero emissions where fit for purpose.

The target is to transition the entire passenger fleet to zero emission by 2025.

World EV Day presents a great time to showcase the electric vehicles in Transport Canberra and City Services’ fleet and highlight what’s next for the transition.

In its fourth year, World EV Day helps to unite companies, individuals, governments and others for a day of announcements that continue to propel e-mobility around the world.

More information on World EV day can be found online at WorldEVday.org

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MIL OSI News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Wyoming Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Wyoming of the April 21, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning Aug. 19, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Albany, Goshen, Laramie and Platte in Wyoming, as well as Larimer and Weld counties in Colorado, and Banner and Kimball counties in Nebraska.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 21.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Iowa Private Nonprofits Affected by April Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Iowa of the April 21, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring April 26-27, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby and Union.

Under the declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 21.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Four Individuals Sentenced in Sophisticated, Wide-Spread Fraud Schemes
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

The defendants defrauded CARES Act and other programs out of more than $4.8 million
PROVIDENCE – Four Florida residents convicted in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for executing one of the largest schemes in the country to defraud Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act programs, including in Rhode Island, have been sentenced to federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

Court documents illustrate that the defendants defrauded various federally funded programs of more than $4.8 million.

Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The schemes involved obtaining and using stolen personal identifying information to submit fraudulent applications to multiple state unemployment agencies, including the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, and to submit fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications, for pandemic-related benefits made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Additionally, the defendants submitted fraudulent applications in the names of other persons to federal and state agencies to obtain tax refunds, stimulus payments, and disaster relief funds and loans.

The scheme also involved using the stolen personal identifying information to open bank accounts that were used to receive, deposit, and transfer fraudulently obtained government benefits and payments and to obtain debit cards for the fraudulently opened bank that were used to withdraw the fraudulently obtained funds.

U.S. District Court Judge Mellisa R. DuBose sentenced
- Tony Mertile 33, of Miramar, FL, identified in court documents as the leader of the conspiracy, to a term of 72 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release;
- Junior Mertile, 35,of Pembroke Pines, FL, to a term of 54 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.
- Allen Bien-Aime, 33, of Lehigh Acres, FL, to a term of imprisonment of 48 months to be followed by three years of supervised release;
- James Legerme, 33, of Sunrise, FL, to a term of imprisonment of 48 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release; and
In accordance with signed plea agreements filed with the court, the government moved to forfeit a total of $4,857,191 in funds, or $1,214,294.75 from each defendant, that constitutes proceeds of the conspiracy. The defendants have also forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of Rolex watches and assorted jewelry, and over $1.1 million dollar in cash seized from the residences of Tony Mertile, Junior Mertile, and James Legerme at the time of their arrests. Each defendant is also jointly and several liable for $4,456,927.36 in restitution to be paid to agencies and financial intuitions that were defrauded.

The case was jointly prosecuted in U.S. District Court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Denise M. Barton and Stacey A. Erickson and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Rhode Island Assistant Attorney General John M. Moreira, Chief of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Public Integrity Unit.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Rhode Island State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, with substantial assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service, and United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General/Office of Investigations.

Acting United States Attorney Bloom, FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen, and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General thank the Miami Division of the FBI, the Fort Myers Resident Agency of the FBI Tampa Division, the FBI’s Complex Financial Crimes Unit, and the U.S. Marshal Service in Florida for their assistance at the time the defendants were arrested and detained in Florida.

Acting United States Attorney Bloom also extends her gratitude to prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida and the Southern District of Florida for their assistance.

Rhode Islanders who believe their personal identification has been stolen and used to fraudulently obtain unemployment benefits from the RIDLT are urged to contact the Rhode Island State Police at financialcrimes@risp.gov or the FBI Providence office at (401) 272-8310.

###
MIL Security OSI –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: Volta Finance Limited – Net Asset Value(s) as at 28 February 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Volta Finance Limited (VTA / VTAS)
February 2025 monthly report

NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION, OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES

Guernsey, March 21^st, 2025

AXA IM has published the Volta Finance Limited (the “Company” or “Volta Finance” or “Volta”) monthly report for February 2025. The full report is attached to this release and will be available on Volta’s website shortly (www.voltafinance.com).

Performance and Portfolio Activity

Dear Investors,

Volta Finance’s net performance for the month of February established at +1.6%, taking the Aug 2024-to-date performance at +13.1%. Both our investments in CLO Debt and CLO Equity performed positively over the course of the month, with European CLO Equities benefiting from a strong price appreciation despite market volatility.

Volatility intensified in February as US policy and mixed economic data releases triggered a repricing of risk across the board. The pursuit of a tariff strategy from the US administration sent a cautionary message regarding the near-term inflation outlook, and raised concerns regarding the sustainability of US growth in the context of current expansion being supported by a steady consumer spending momentum. The interest rate on 10-year U.S. government bonds fluctuated, going up to 4.60% and then dropping back to 4.20%. Additionally, the number of people filing for unemployment benefits hit its highest level this year due to job cuts in companies and federal agencies. Following unsuccessful mediation talks between the US and Ukraine at the White House on February 28th – and the radical shift in US foreign policy strategy – the European Commission suggested allowing countries to spend more on defense without strict budget rules for four years. Germany also announced plans to change its Constitution to borrow €900 billion for defense and infrastructure projects. As a result, European government bond yields changed noticeably, while the Euro and European stock markets improved. The uncertainty in politics and the economy led to increased volatility in credit markets: the European High Yield index (Xover) took a “V” shape over the month and closed around 15bps wide of the tights. On the Loan side, Euro Loans closed c. 30cts up at 98.70px (Morningstar European Leveraged Loan Index) on the back of strong technicals, while US Loans were down 45cts at 97.15px. Primary CLO markets remained busy, although we noticed softer subscription levels. In terms of performance, CLO markets performed in line with broader Credits on a rating adjusted basis: BBs total returns stood at +0.9% while US High Yield returned +0.65% in the same period, Euro High Yield was up +1% and Global Loans gained +0.3%.
Looking at Volta Finance’s cashflow, the portfolio generated c. €28m equivalent of interests and coupons over the last six months, representing c.20% of February’s NAV on an annualized basis.

Over the month, Volta’s CLO Equity tranches returned a 2.4% performance** while CLO Debt tranches returned +1.7% performance**, cash representing c. 9.8% of the NAV.

Volta is around 21% exposed to USD, the February currency moves had no meaningful impact on the overall performance (+0.02%) although we anticipate FX moves to have a greater impact next month.

As of end of February 2025, Volta’s NAV was €283.5m, i.e. €7.75 per share.

*It should be noted that approximately 4.49% of Volta’s GAV comprises investments for which the relevant NAVs as at the month-end date are normally available only after Volta’s NAV has already been published. Volta’s policy is to publish its NAV on as timely a basis as possible to provide shareholders with Volta’s appropriately up-to-date NAV information. Consequently, such investments are valued using the most recently available NAV for each fund or quoted price for such subordinated notes. The most recently available fund NAV or quoted price was 4.38% as at 31 January 2025, 0.11% as at 30 September 2024.

** “performances” of asset classes are calculated as the Dietz-performance of the assets in each bucket, taking into account the Mark-to-Market of the assets at period ends, payments received from the assets over the period, and ignoring changes in cross-currency rates. Nevertheless, some residual currency effects could impact the aggregate value of the portfolio when aggregating each bucket.

CONTACTS

For the Investment Manager
AXA Investment Managers Paris
François Touati
francois.touati@axa-im.com
+33 (0) 1 44 45 80 22

Olivier Pons
Olivier.pons@axa-im.com
+33 (0) 1 44 45 87 30

Company Secretary and Administrator
BNP Paribas S.A, Guernsey Branch
guernsey.bp2s.volta.cosec@bnpparibas.com
+44 (0) 1481 750 853

Corporate Broker
Cavendish Securities plc
Andrew Worne
Daniel Balabanoff
+44 (0) 20 7397 8900

*****
ABOUT VOLTA FINANCE LIMITED

Volta Finance Limited is incorporated in Guernsey under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market for listed securities. Volta’s home member state for the purposes of the EU Transparency Directive is the Netherlands. As such, Volta is subject to regulation and supervision by the AFM, being the regulator for financial markets in the Netherlands.

Volta’s Investment objectives are to preserve its capital across the credit cycle and to provide a stable stream of income to its Shareholders through dividends that it expects to distribute on a quarterly basis. The Company currently seeks to achieve its investment objectives by pursuing exposure predominantly to CLO’s and similar asset classes. A more diversified investment strategy across structured finance assets may be pursued opportunistically. The Company has appointed AXA Investment Managers Paris an investment management company with a division specialised in structured credit, for the investment management of all its assets.

*****

ABOUT AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with 2,700 professionals and €844 billion in assets under management as of the end of December 2023.

*****

This press release is published by AXA Investment Managers Paris (“AXA IM”), in its capacity as alternative investment fund manager (within the meaning of Directive 2011/61/EU, the “AIFM Directive”) of Volta Finance Limited (the “Volta Finance”) whose portfolio is managed by AXA IM.

This press release is for information only and does not constitute an invitation or inducement to acquire shares in Volta Finance. Its circulation may be prohibited in certain jurisdictions and no recipient may circulate copies of this document in breach of such limitations or restrictions. This document is not an offer for sale of the securities referred to herein in the United States or to persons who are “U.S. persons” for purposes of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or otherwise in circumstances where such offer would be restricted by applicable law. Such securities may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration from the Securities Act. Volta Finance does not intend to register any portion of the offer of such securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of such securities in the United States.

*****

This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The securities referred to herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

*****
This press release contains statements that are, or may deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “anticipated”, “expects”, “intends”, “is/are expected”, “may”, “will” or “should”. They include the statements regarding the level of the dividend, the current market context and its impact on the long-term return of Volta Finance’s investments. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Volta Finance’s actual results, portfolio composition and performance may differ materially from the impression created by the forward-looking statements. AXA IM does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements.

Any target information is based on certain assumptions as to future events which may not prove to be realised. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these future events, the targets are not intended to be and should not be regarded as profits or earnings or any other type of forecasts. There can be no assurance that any of these targets will be achieved. In addition, no assurance can be given that the investment objective will be achieved.

The figures provided that relate to past months or years and past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance or construed as a reliable indicator as to future performance. Throughout this review, the citation of specific trades or strategies is intended to illustrate some of the investment methodologies and philosophies of Volta Finance, as implemented by AXA IM. The historical success or AXA IM’s belief in the future success, of any of these trades or strategies is not indicative of, and has no bearing on, future results.

The valuation of financial assets can vary significantly from the prices that the AXA IM could obtain if it sought to liquidate the positions on behalf of the Volta Finance due to market conditions and general economic environment. Such valuations do not constitute a fairness or similar opinion and should not be regarded as such.

Editor: AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS PARIS, a company incorporated under the laws of France, having its registered office located at Tour Majunga, 6, Place de la Pyramide – 92800 Puteaux. AXA IMP is authorized by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers under registration number GP92008 as an alternative investment fund manager within the meaning of the AIFM Directive.

*****

Attachment
- Volta – Monthly report-February 2025
The MIL Network –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Federal Law Enforcement in Chicago Seizes $214 Million in Alleged “Pump and Dump” Investment Fraud Investigation; Seven Defendants Indicted

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CHICAGO — Seven individuals have been indicted on criminal charges as part of a federal investigation that disrupted an alleged “pump-and-dump” investment fraud scheme and resulted in government seizures of approximately $214 million.

From November 2024 to February 2025, the defendants engaged in misleading promotion and coordinated trading of shares of China Liberal Education Holdings, Ltd., a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands that purported to provide educational services in China, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The scheme, known as a “pump-and-dump,” allegedly involved individuals in China posing as U.S.-based investment advisors on social media and messaging platforms and falsely promising significant returns from investments in the company. The misleading promotion and coordinated trading caused the stock price to artificially rise, at which point the defendants sold thousands of shares and made millions of dollars in profits, the indictment states. The stock price ultimately decreased significantly, at the expense of other investors, some of whom lost almost the entirety of their investment.

Charged with wire fraud and securities fraud are LIM XIANG JIE CEDRIC, 50, of Malaysia, MING-SHEN CHENG, 36, of Taiwan, KO SEN CHAI, 57, of Malaysia, KING SUNG WONG, 39, of Malaysia, SIONG WEE VUN, 37, of Malaysia, CHIEN LUNG MA, 54, of Taiwan, and KOK WAH WONG, 56, of Malaysia. The defendants are not in custody and warrants have been issued for their arrests.

During the investigation, federal law enforcement seized approximately $214 million in alleged proceeds from the fraud scheme. The funds are currently in U.S. custody. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago on Thursday filed a civil complaint seeking to have the money permanently forfeited to the United States, which would allow the government to return the money to victim investors.

The indictment and forfeiture complaint were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the SEC’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten represents the government.

Each count of securities fraud is punishable by up to 25 years in federal prison, while the maximum sentence for each count of wire fraud is 20 years. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by the fraud scheme charged in the indictment, you are encouraged to notify the FBI by completing this online form or calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

MIL Security OSI –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Avoiding your neighbor because of how they voted? Democracy needs you to talk to them instead

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Betsy Sinclair, Professor and Chair of Political Science, Washington University in St. Louis

As Americans’ social worlds grow further apart, stereotypes intensify – driving an even deeper wedge between red and blue America. wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Are you angry about politics right now? Seething? You’re not alone. According to the Mood of the Nation Poll by researchers at Penn State, 9 in 10 Americans can name a recent news event or something about American politics that made them angry.

Political scientists Steven Webster, Elizabeth Connors and I have investigated what happens to people’s social networks – their friends, family and neighbors – when partisan anger takes over. For example, suppose your neighbor is a member of the opposite political party. You’ve always watered their plants when they go on vacation. Given the news these days and how angry you’re feeling, what will you say when they ask for help during their next trip?

We found that when someone is angry with the opposite party, they avoid people with those views. That can include not assisting neighbors with various tasks, avoiding social gatherings attended by people from the other side, and refusing to date people who vote differently. It means being disappointed if your son or daughter marries a supporter of the opposing party, and even severing close friendships or distancing yourself from close relatives.

We see that political anger disrupts ordinary life – coffee with a friend – as well as more major life decisions. Political anger breaks our social networks.

People rely on their relationships to understand our world – and to vote. The more we isolate ourselves from people who see things differently, the easier it is to misunderstand them, pushing us to separate even more.

Stereotype vs. reality

During the Obama administration, my collaborators and I asked a nationally representative sample of voters to describe their stereotypes about the opposite party. Our questions were intended to tap into perceptions of the other side’s lifestyles and cultural values, in addition to policy attitudes.

First, we wanted to establish each side’s actual views. Our 2012-2016 study asked around 1,300 Americans whether they agreed with statements that are often associated with one party or the other – including creationism, guns, taxes and eco-friendliness.

For example, 42.5% of all Republicans we surveyed agreed with the statement that “this country would be safer if every law-abiding citizen possessed a firearm,” versus 25.1% of independents and 14.2% of Democrats. Meanwhile, 38.7% of Democrats agreed that “this country would be better if every citizen drove an electric car,” compared with 22% of independents and 11.4% of Republicans.

Which party do you associate with these cars?
3alexd/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Two months later, we went back to the same voters and asked them a different question: What percentage of Democrats and Republicans did they think would agree with these statements?

We saw dramatic evidence of stereotypes. For example, only 19% of Democrats agreed that all Americans should pay more taxes, but more than 80% of Republicans believed the percentage to be higher. The same pattern occurred with electric cars and firearms. Just over 42% of Republicans agreed that all “law-abiding” citizens should have a gun, but the typical Democrat believed the percentage to be 60%-80%.

Americans do not understand each other across the red-blue divide. Importantly, respondents with more ideologically extreme views themselves had less accurate perceptions of the other party.

Avoiding the Joneses

The more extreme our beliefs become, the harder it will be to understand our neighbors.

Suppose you are a Republican. You learn that your Democratic neighbors believe that everyone should drive an electric car, marijuana should be legal in all states, and universal health care should be available to all citizens. Or suppose you are a Democrat, and you learn that your Republican neighbors believe that humans and dinosaurs walked the Earth at the same time, that elementary school students should be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, and that a fence should be built between the U.S. and Mexico.

Would you want to be friends?

These hypothetical neighbors have stereotypical beliefs – and most Americans say they do not want those neighbors in their social networks. Specifically, according to our 2023 study, they reported not wanting to become friends, not having this neighbor over for a family meal, and not feeling comfortable allowing their children to play with the neighbor’s kids, among other activities.

Stereotypes don’t just drive individual people and families apart; they make neighborhoods less cohesive. We ascribe stereotypical beliefs to people who are members of the opposite party – and then we react to these stereotypes, not to our neighbors themselves.

You’re still neighbors, no matter how you vote.
monkeybusinessimages/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Social citizens

Cutting off those in-person relationships isn’t just a problem for safety and friendliness around the block. It’s a problem for democracy because Americans need relationships with people whose politics are different than their own.

A majority of Americans have social circles that are politically homogeneous. Even in 2020, 53% of Republicans said that their network was exclusively composed of Donald Trump supporters, and 55% of Democrats said that their network was exclusively composed of Joe Biden supporters.

In her book “Through the Grapevine,” political scientist Taylor Carlson documents that approximately 1 in 3 American voters mostly learn about politics from socially transmitted information: news they get from talking with friends or scrolling on social media. Relying on these sources is particularly problematic in social networks that are homogeneous, as exposure to information from someone in your own party can lead people to have more extreme positions. Carlson’s work highlights that voters who rely on friends to shape their views rely upon a resource that is heavily biased.

In my own book “The Social Citizen,” I investigated the influence peers have on political decisions, from voting and donating to identifying with a political party. For example, if a neighbor knocks on your door and asks you to turn out to vote, you are 4%-11% more likely to go cast a ballot than if a stranger knocked on your door.

Democracy in action

What can we do to remedy the fractures? We need to understand each other.

The U.S. has a long tradition of political dialogue. Indeed, after a brutal election tested their friendship, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson did not exchange letters for 11 years. But the pair resumed their correspondence in 1812 with Adams’ statement – later echoed by Jefferson – “You and I, ought not to die, before We have explained ourselves to each other.”

What Adams and Jefferson understood in the 19th century still applies to the divisions in American society today: Reconciliation requires understanding. These conversations are frequently painful and hard; data scientists have noted that Thanksgiving dinners with guests who cross party lines are frequently shorter. But as my own research shows, we are most able to persuade people with whom we have the closest ties.

Democracy challenges us to participate in more ways than simply by voting. It challenges everyone to understand those around us and seek what is in the collective best interest.

And we have the most influence over people in our social networks. So that friend you’re really angry with about their politics? It’s time to give them a call and have a conversation.

Betsy Sinclair does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Avoiding your neighbor because of how they voted? Democracy needs you to talk to them instead – https://theconversation.com/avoiding-your-neighbor-because-of-how-they-voted-democracy-needs-you-to-talk-to-them-instead-250376

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister address to the CBI

Source: Scottish Government

Economic growth essential for future prosperity.

First Minister John Swinney has today set out his commitment to continue working with the business community to grow Scotland’s economy, during a speech to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Speaking at an event to mark the CBI’s 60^th anniversary, Mr Swinney also called on their representatives to join the mission to deliver a Scottish Graduate Visa and retain top talent in Scotland.

First Minister John Swinney said:

“Scotland consistently ranks as the UK’s top investment destination outside of London and the South East of England. We have significant offshore renewables resources, and we’re ranked first amongst the UK’s nations and regions for green growth potential and opportunity.

“There are many reasons to be optimistic about Scotland’s economic potential and Scotland’s economic performance, but there’s also a need to be realistic about the challenges and the issues that the business community and the Scottish economy faces at this time.

“Since I came into office, I’ve set out a clear and focused agenda for the government around eradicating child poverty, about supporting the transition to Net Zero, about improving our public services, and particularly our National Health Service, which are fundamentally anchored on delivering higher levels of economic growth within Scotland, because we cannot hope to achieve our objectives on Net Zero, or on eradicating child poverty, or on improving our public services without generating the wealth that is going to be at the heart of future success for our country.”

He added:

“We have to act to take steps to boost the working age population in Scotland. The proposals I’ve put forward around a dedicated Scottish graduate visa where we enable international students who come to Scotland to be able to develop longer routes and stay for a longer period, will help to encourage the growth of our working age population and also to boost economic activity within Scotland.

“And we pursue those proposals with the United Kingdom Government because for Scotland, measures of that type are critical, mission critical, for enabling us to fulfil our growth ambitions and your support in persuading the UK Government within that step would be enormously welcome.”

Background

First Minister’s address to the CBI

Scottish Graduate Visa proposed – gov.scot

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Middle East crisis spirals amid mounting civilian deaths, aid blockade

Source: United Nations 2

21 March 2025 Peace and Security

The Israel-Palestine conflict is descending further into violence, with mounting civilian casualties in the West Bank and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the UN’s top envoy for the region warned on Friday.

Sigrid Kaag, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (ad interim) briefed the Security Council on the latest report relating to resolution 2334 (2016), which calls for an immediate halt to Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

She detailed continued violations, escalating military operations and rising attacks against civilians, including deadly assaults by both Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.

Between 7 December 2024 and 13 March this year, at least 3,897 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, according to the enclave’s Ministry of Health, and 59 Israeli hostages are still being held captive by Hamas and other groups, according to Israeli sources.

In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli military operations during the same period led to the deaths of 123 Palestinians, while 10 Israelis were killed in Palestinian attacks. Women and children were among the victims on both sides.

Israeli settler violence also continued to displace Palestinian communities.

“The Secretary-General is alarmed by the lethal attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including sometimes in the proximity and with the support of Israeli security forces, as well as by Palestinians against Israelis,” Ms. Kaag said.

“All perpetrators must be held accountable,” she stressed.

Settlement expansion continues

She also reported that Israeli planning authorities advanced or approved about 10,600 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank, including 4,920 in East Jerusalem. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures also accelerated in the region.

“Citing the lack of Israeli-issued building permits, which are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, Israeli authorities demolished, seized, sealed or forced people to demolish 460 structures, displacing 576 people, including 287 children and 149 women,” Ms. Kaag said.

Israel’s aid blockade of Gaza

Ms. Kaag further reported that the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to remain dire.

Though 57,000 metric tons of food aid were delivered in the first month of the ceasefire, Israel halted all humanitarian and commercial supply entries on 2 March, worsening food, water and medical shortages.

At least 600,000 Gazans now lack access to clean water after Israel cut power to a desalination plant.

In addition, between 12,000 and 14,000 people, including over 4,500 children, require urgent medical evacuation, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

Echoing the Secretary-General’s call for the urgent resumption of negotiations to reinstate a ceasefire, Ms. Kaag also underscored the need for unimpeded humanitarian access across the Gaza Strip and for the immediate and unconditional release of remaining hostages.

Two-State solution

Concluding her briefing, Ms. Kaag reiterated the UN chief’s call to establish a political framework that outlines tangible, irreversible and time-bound steps to be taken by Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

“The occupation must end as rapidly as possible,” she said, stating that a viable two-State solution – Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side-by-side in peace and security, “is long overdue”.

“The United Nations will continue to support all efforts towards that goal.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Party Leader welcomes ban of executive parties from Belfast Pride

Source: The Green Party in Northern Ireland

Green Party Leader welcomes ban of executive parties from Belfast Pride
Mal O’Hara, Green Party Leader said “This is a welcome decision by Belfast Pride. LGBTQ+ people have been betrayed and gaslit by the executive parties for too long. An lgbtq+ strategy has been promised since 2007 but never delivered. The most recent Programme for Government fails to mention lgbtq+ inequality beyond a vague commitment to bringing forward ‘social strategies’. Funding for our life saving lgbtq+ organisations has been piecemeal and ad hoc rather than strategic and focused. Almost all progress on lgbtq+ equality has come from Westminster or the Courts. The final straw was the announcement of the puberty blocker ban via tweet, which removes healthcare from trans and non-binary young people meanwhile the Executive have done precious little on the crises of trans healthcare.”
Mal continued “Pride started as a riot. It is our biggest public event to demonstrate for liberation, equality and celebration. If the Executive Parties make progress on trans healthcare, fund our sector organisations, stands up to backlash and bring forward a strategy, then I will be the first to advocate welcoming these parties back.”
Mal finished by saying “Pride is not a photo opportunity for political parties who have had power for 27 years and not used that power to make the lives of lgbtq+ people better.”
ENDS
Press enquiries – Mal O’Hara on 07540790663

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Family Hub opening in North Prospect
Source: City of Plymouth

The new North Prospect Family Hub is opening this month, with families invited to come along to the official launch event.

Located on North Prospect Road, the new Family Hub is celebrating with an afternoon of free games, activities and entertainment for children and young people on Thursday 27 March between 1pm and 4pm.

The new hub is run by LARK, which also manages Morice Town Family Hub, and is the eleventh and final hub to open in Plymouth.

In 2023, Plymouth City Council was awarded a share of £300 million from the Government to help develop the Family Hubs and establish Start for Life, a programme providing support to parents for the first 1001 days of their child’s life, starting from pregnancy.

Family Hubs have developed the support previously offered by children’s centres and help families from conception until children are 19 years old, or up to 25-years-old for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). 

The aim is to provide a safe, welcoming and friendly environment to families and there’s a range of support on offer including antenatal classes, activity sessions, parenting programmes, breastfeeding support and practical help from a wide range of professionals. 

Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our Family Hubs are so important, providing a supportive environment and professional advice to families with children of all ages within their communities.

“I’m delighted about the launch of the new North Prospect Family Hub, which is the final hub to open in the city. We now have eleven hubs across Plymouth and I would encourage all parents and carers to find their local hub and reach out to see what support is available – our Hubs are here to make sure you get the help you need in the right place, at the right time.”

Kirsty Mole, Family Hub Lead at LARK, said: “We are so excited after a busy few months with our move from The Beacon, to be opening on North Prospect Road in the heart of our community.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us with this move, from volunteers to local councillors, and a huge thank you to our local families for their patience whilst we have been moving.

“We welcome children, young people and families into our Hub and have a range of support available as well as providing links with other agencies for help and advice. Our team have lots of knowledge and are experienced in working in our area for many years. We are really proud of our new Hub and hope that you will come along and celebrate with us.”

The other Family Hubs in Plymouth are:
- Nomony Family Hub, Cattedown 
- The Barn Family Hub, Barne Barton 
- Rees Family Hub, Plympton 
- Four Woods Family Hub, Crownhill Road 
- Green Ark Family Hub, Devonport  
- Manor Street Family Hub, Stonehouse
- Southway Family Hub 
- Whitleigh Family Hub at Four Greens Community Trust
- Efford Family Hub at High View Primary School
- Morice Town Family Hub 
- Southway Family Hub 
For more information, please visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/family-hubs or follow Plymouth Family Hubs on Facebook.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New MBA Residential series focuses on supply chains The latest trends in global supply chains will be the focus of a three day event hosted by the University of Aberdeen Business School this summer.

Source: University of Aberdeen

The latest trends in global supply chains will be the focus of a three day event hosted by the University of Aberdeen Business School this summer.
From exploring the use of AI and Blockchain, understanding supply vessel logistics and establishing new supply chains in emerging markets; through to raising awareness of the environmental, social and governance requirements in value chain planning, the event is part a new MBA Residential series.
Supported by the Development Trust Student Experience Fund, it will bring together MBA students from Aberdeen, Qatar and those studying online for a comprehensive programme of lectures and on-site industry visits.
In addition to visiting the National Decommissioning Centre, ANM Group and Peterhead Port Authority, delegates will hear from speakers including Rex Gu, Global Head of Finance, Contract Logistics and E-Commerce Logistics at A.P. Moller – Maersk; Alan Buhamba, Executive Assistant to the Minister of Energy in the Government of Uganda; Cyril Bruce-Cathline, New Business Management for Europe and Africa at Fugro; and Yingli Wu, Managing Director (China) at Wrist Ship Supply. They will also be joined by Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

This event provides a unique opportunity for students across the MBA cohort to network, engage and enhance their understanding of supply chain resilience directly from industry.” John Storm, Director of MBA Programmes at the Business School

“In today’s interconnected world, supply chain resilience is not just a strategic advantage but a necessity,” said John Storm, Director of MBA Programmes at the Business School and event moderator.
“The challenges of geopolitical instability, resource scarcity and technological integration demand agile and adaptable networks. Yet, these very challenges also present opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and enhanced collaboration, paving the way for more resilient and efficient global supply chains.
“This event provides a unique opportunity for students across the MBA cohort to network, engage and enhance their understanding of supply chain resilience directly from industry.”
Supply Chain Resilience in the Age of ESG takes place at the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College campus from 4-6 June 2025. Free to attend, register to express your interest here.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New posts to strengthen links between University and industry Bridging the gap between academia and key industry sectors at the heart of the North East of Scotland’s economy is the key aim for three new business development executives at the University of Aberdeen.

Source: University of Aberdeen

Bridging the gap between academia and key industry sectors at the heart of the North East of Scotland’s economy is the key aim for three new business development executives at the University of Aberdeen.
The three new posts have been created by the 430-year-old institution in order to build and strengthen links and partnerships with the business community across energy, health and life sciences, and digital and creative industries.
It’s hoped that the initiative will foster greater collaboration as part of a wider drive by the University to support regional economic development.
Responsible for the health and life sciences portfolio is Dr Marina Kovaleva who boasts 25 years in the sector working within academia and biotech and pharma companies.
Marina pioneered the discovery of new drug therapies developed from the shark immune system, leading to the first preclinical study on shark-based drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and designing targeted tumour therapies. This research was spun out into the biotech company Elasmogen Ltd in 2016, of which Marina is a founding team member.
Marina has degrees in Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine obtained from universities in Russia and Germany.
Taking on the digital and creative industries brief is Dr Allison Noble who has held various roles in both government and the charity sector.
Following roles involving helping NHS health boards address vaccine hesitancy and develop clear travel guidance during the pandemic and sustainability research with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Allison comes to the University after two and a half years with Research Data Scotland (RDS). With RDS, Allison helped restructure the organisation’s information architecture and implemented AI safely at an institutional level whilst working with bodies such as National Records of Scotland, Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland.

These appointments demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for the region’s ambition to be an innovation-driven economy, leveraging our world-class research expertise to support business.” Professor Pete Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement

Her doctorate from the University of Southampton investigated how music streaming platforms and their algorithms impact the creation, distribution, and consumption of music.
Aberdeen Geology and Petroleum Geology graduate, Dr Ian Brightmore, will be the lead for energy. He returns to the University, where he also obtained his PhD, with 15 years of international operator experience in the UK continental shelf, Norwegian continental shelf, Kurdistan and Barents.
Ian worked as geologist with ExxonMobil in Norway and Houston before returning to Aberdeen to take a position with Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) and has worked for numerous international operators since in the capacity of exploration geologist.
Dr Liz Rattray, University of Aberdeen Interim Chief Operating Officer and Director of Research and Innovation, said: “There is an abundance of cutting-edge research being carried out at the University of Aberdeen which could have real and immediate benefits for industry.
“The challenge is having key individuals in place with an overview of vital areas – such as energy, health and life science and digital and creative industries – who can act as a single point of contact between industry requirements and our researchers they could be collaborating with.
“The appointment of our three new business development executives to cover these key industry sectors is crucial to maximising collaboration, fostering long-term industry links and promoting the expertise that the University of Aberdeen boasts – to the benefit of all parties.”
Professor Peter Edwards, Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement, said: “These appointments demonstrate the University’s ongoing support for the region’s ambition to be an innovation-driven economy, leveraging our world-class research expertise to support business.
The University of Aberdeen hosts the largest concentration of academic researchers in the North of Scotland and the new business development executives will work with industry to understand their problems, before connecting them to the relevant academic experts, and providing advice on the most appropriate mechanism to facilitate joint work.”
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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NRS apprentice Keely Salter wins top national award
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

NRS apprentice Keely Salter wins top national award

Keely Salter, a Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) apprentice, has been named the UK’s nuclear skills apprentice of the year 2025.
Craig Boothy from Westinghouse and host Colin Murray present Keely Salter with her overall apprentice of the year award

A plant technician at Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire, Keely won the intermediate level apprentice of the year award at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards, before also going on to be named overall UK nuclear apprentice of the year 2025.

The UK Nuclear Skills Awards, organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Skills, take place to highlight excellence in the sector and showcase stars of the present and future. Winners were announced at an event in Manchester on 20 March 2025.

Chris Lloyd from Ureno, host Colin Murray and NRS mentor Sav Lagana present Keely Salter with her intermediate level apprentice of the year award

Keely, who focused on health physics and radiation protection during her apprenticeship, said:

To have won these awards shows that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. I am appreciative and grateful for everyone who has supported my journey in the nuclear sector.

NRS Chief People Officer John Vickerman added:

We are truly proud of Keely for the work she’s put in to make her apprenticeship such a success. She deserves all the recognition these awards bring, alongside her mentor Sav Lagana and all the Oldbury team who show commitment to support and develop those who will take forward delivery of our nationally important decommissioning mission in the future.

Our NRS apprenticeship programme represents a strong investment in our early careers skills pipeline, supporting the national nuclear skills goal to double the number of apprentices and graduates every year.

Hear from Keely as she talks about her apprenticeship and how she aspires to take her nuclear decommissioning career much further.

Recruitment is currently open for apprenticeship opportunities at NRS sites across the UK, with up to 40 positions available in 2025. This is in addition to 23 opportunities already advertised for the Dounreay site in Caithness. The full list of vacancies and information about how to apply is available on the Energus website here.

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Published 21 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Children, refugees pay hefty price of global aid funding crisis

Source: United Nations 2

21 March 2025 Humanitarian Aid

Children, refugees and displaced people worldwide are paying the price for the deep-seated funding crisis that has engulfed the international aid sector, made worse by pronounced cuts in Washington, the UN children’s and refugee agencies said on Friday.

Spokespersons for UNICEF and UNHCR in Geneva warned that the liquidity crunch has jeopardized lifesaving work, including progress in reducing child mortality, which has fallen by 60 per cent since 1990.

By slashing severe acute malnutrition by one-third since 2000, UNICEF’s efforts have kept 55 million children alive, through simple interventions, it insisted.

“There are ways in which we can still be optimistic if we know that we can do it,” said Kitty van der Heijden, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director said from Abuja, Nigeria.

But that work can only get done with the support of a “conveyor belt” of partners in government, philanthropy, and the private sector.

Donors are essential to delivering lifesaving assistance to children and mothers worldwide, Ms. Van der Heijden insisted: “We never do this alone.”

Advances being rolled back

But these gains are now at risk of being rolled back by recent pullouts, she warned, adding that the issue does not lie with a single benefactor.

“It is the fact that it’s a cumulative set of donors that are doing this. That really risks rolling back that progress,” she said.

“These decisions have impacts on real children, real lives every day in the here and now.”

Due to funding shortages, around 1.3 million children could lose access to life-saving support and ready-to-use therapeutic foods this year in Nigeria and Ethiopia.

In 2025, some 213 million children in 146 countries will need lifesaving humanitarian support, according to the UNICEF spokesperson.

Supply chain break down

In the Afar region of northeast Ethiopia, UNICEF runs 30 mobile clinics – which Ms. van der Heijden visited last week and described as a “sheet under a shaded tree”.

The facilities, aimed at supporting impoverished pastoralist communities that are on the move, provide pregnant and lactating mothers as well as children with the “bare minimum”, she said, including supplementary vitamin A, iron deficiency, malnutrition and malaria treatments.

Only seven out of these 30 clinics remain, with the others shut by the wave of financial cutbacks.

“Without new funding, we will run out of our supply chain by May,” she said. “And that means that 70,000 children in Ethiopia depend on this type of treatment cannot be served.”

Similarly, in Nigeria, UNICEF could run out of supplies between this month and May.

Beyond treatment, prevention

Investing in prevention, nutrient supplementation and early screenings is also crucial to preventing more unnecessary deaths.

“It’s not just about the treatment. We have to be able to prevent it getting to this stage.”

Earlier this week, Ms. van der Heijden visited a Nigerian hospital and saw a child so malnourished that his skin was peeling off.

“That’s the level of malnutrition that we’re seeing here,” she said, stressing the importance of prevention.

“As needs are rising, we need the global community to step up to the plate, to rise to the occasion, to keep investing in the art of the possible,” Ms. Van der Heijden stressed, adding that UNICEF will not retreat.

“All over the world, the price is the same. It’s children that bear the brunt of decisions in capitals.”

Failing the children

“If you’re holding a child that is about to die of a totally preventable, treatable disease. It is nothing short of heartbreaking,” said Ms. van der Heijden. “We should not allow the global community to fail children in this way.”

The severe financial crisis underway is also posing a security risk to staff, hampering humanitarians’ ability to deliver.

UNHCR downsizing operations

Finding itself in a similar position, UNHCR has also announced cuts to operations and programmes.

It is the latest agency to face painful cutbacks in the field and at headquarters following the announcement of a drastic drawdown in funding from the United States Government.

“The biggest concern that we have is, of course, in all of this for refugees, for the displaced, they will be feeling the brunt of these cuts,” said Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for UNHCR.

Mr. Saltmarsh said the agency was conducting a review to determine how many staff would have to be let go.

UNHCR has already has to halt multiple initiatives including in South Sudan, Bangladesh and Europe, and closed offices in countries like Türkiye.

In Ethiopia, the organization has suspended operations at a safehouse for women facing death threats, Mr. Saltmarsh said.

“In South Sudan, only 25 per cent of the dedicated spaces supported by UNHCR for women and girls at risk of violence are currently operational. That has left some 80,000 people without access to services like emergency psychosocial support and legal and medical assistance.”

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MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 22, 2025