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  • MIL-OSI Europe: In Rome, in the Holy Land and throughout the World. Vademecum to obtain Indulgences in the Jubilee Year 2025

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 20 December 2024

    by Gianni ValenteRome (Agenzia Fides) – In 2025, the Catholic Church will once again celebrate the Jubilee Year, a special time of remission and forgiveness, designed as an opportunity to intensely experience healing and liberation from sins and debts that oppress life and soul.The possibility of requesting and obtaining indulgences constitutes a central aspect of the Jubilee tradition. As Pope Francis points out in the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee 2025 (Spes non confundit, § 23): «Not by chance, for the ancients, the terms “mercy” and “indulgence” were interchangeable, as expressions of the fullness of God’s forgiveness, which knows no bond».Below is a brief vademecum with the fundamental indications on how to request the gift of indulgences during the Jubilee, both in Rome, in the Holy Land and anywhere in the world.WHAT IS AN INDULGENCE«An indulgence is the remission before God of temporal punishment for sins whose guilt is already forgiven [i.e., for which absolution has already been obtained by confessing, ed.], which a properly disposed member of the Christian faithful gains under certain and defined conditions by the assistance of the Church which as minister of redemption dispenses and applies authoritatively the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints» (Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 992).WHAT IS TEMPORAL PUNISHMENTSin has a double consequence. Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the “eternal punishment” of sin. On the other hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the “temporal punishment” of sin” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1472).This second consequence of sin, that is, temporal punishment, to which one may still be obliged despite the forgiveness of sins obtained in Confession, can be fullfilled either here on earth (with voluntary prayers and penances, with works of piety, mortification and charity), or in the afterlife, in purgatory.WHAT IS PLENARY INDULGENCEPlenary indulgence in itself completely remits the temporal punishment resulting from sins that have already been forgiven as to guilt. This remission, in the case of mortal sins, necessarily requires sacramental Confession.WHO CAN OBTAIN INDULGENCESIndulgences can be obtained by all baptized persons who are not in a state of excommunication. However, to receive them, the faithful must be in God’s grace, that is, without mortal sin. This is because the debt of the temporal punishment can only be cancelled after the remission of the guilt and eternal punishment caused by sin, which is achieved through the sacrament of Confession.In cases where confession is not possible, sincere contrition, with the intention of accessing the sacrament of penance as soon as possible, may be sufficient to achieve remission.It is also essential to have the intention of obtaining the indulgence. The benefit of the indulgence is only granted to those who request it consciously and with the purpose of receiving it, with a positive attitude.HOW IS A PLENARY INDULGENCE OBTAINEDTo obtain a Plenary Indulgence, in addition to performing the specific act to which the Church has granted this grace, the following conditions must always be met:- Confession: confession must be individual and complete, that is, without deliberately omitting any sin.- Receive Eucharistic Communion.- Pray according to the Pope’s intentions: for example, an Our Father and a Hail Mary.HOW CAN EVERY FAITHFUL RECEIVE THE DAILY PLENARY INDULGENCE DURING THE JUBILEE OF THE YEAR 2025?The norms for granting the plenary indulgence during the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, published on May 13, 2024 by the Apostolic Penitentiary, presided over by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, establish the specific acts that can lead to the acquisition of the daily plenary Indulgence throughout the Holy Year.In addition to fulfilling the usual conditions (detachment from sin, even venial; sacramental confession; Eucharistic communion and prayer according to the intentions of the Holy Father), the faithful will be able to perform a series of specific acts that will allow them to receive the plenary indulgence each day of the Jubilee. These acts are listed below:* PILGRIMAGES AND VISITS TO HOLY PLACESThe faithful can obtain the Jubilee Indulgence if they make a pilgrimage to any holy Jubilee place. During this pilgrimage, they must actively participate in one of the following activities: Holy Mass, or Stations of the Cross, or the Recitation of the Holy Rosary or the Akathist hymn, or a Penitential Celebration, which concludes with the individual confession of the penitents.- IN ROME AND IN ITALYIf they are in Rome, to request the Plenary Indulgence, the faithful can make a pilgrimage to at least one of the four Major Papal Basilicas (Saint Peter’s – the Vatican Basilica, Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Basilica of Saint Mary Major and Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls).On the special occasion of the Jubilee Year, in addition to the places of pilgrimage mentioned above, it will also be possible to visit: Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem), Basilica di San Lorenzo al Verano (The Basilica of Saint Lawrence “Outside the Walls” lies next to the Verano Cemetery), Basilica di San Sebastiano (Basilica of Saint Sebastian, stops that complete the visit known as “the seven Churches”, so dear to St. Philip Neri), il Santuario del Divino Amore (The Sanctuary of Divine Love), la chiesa di Santo Spirito in Sassia (the church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia), la chiesa di San Paolo alle Tre Fontane (Church of St. Paul of Three Fountains – site of the Martyrdom of the Apostle), the Christian Catacombs; in addition, it will be possible to visit (and carry out the pious practices provided there) the churches on the jubilee routes dedicated to the Iter Europaeum and the churches dedicated to the Patronesses of Europe and to the Doctors of the Church, respectively: Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Santa Brigida in Campo de’ Fiori, the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, the church of Trinità dei Monti, Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Basilica of Sant’Agostino in Campo Marzio).In Italy, jubilee pilgrimages can also be made to the two minor Papal Basilicas of Assisi: Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi (Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi) and Santa Maria degli Angeli. And the papal basilicas of: Madonna di Loreto (Our Lady of Loreto) della Madonna di Pompei (Our Lady of Pompei), and Sant’Antonio di Padova (Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padu).- IN THE HOLY LANDIn the land of Jesus, it will be possible to make Jubilee pilgrimages and ask for plenary indulgence by visiting at least one of the three Basilicas of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, of the Nativity in Bethlehem, of the Annunciation in Nazareth.- WORLDWIDEIn other ecclesiastical circumscriptions, the faithful can obtain the jubilee indulgence if, individually or in a group, they devoutly visit any sacred place (minor basilicas, cathedral churches, Marian shrines) designated as a Jubilee place by each diocesan Bishop, as well as national or international shrines, indicated by the Episcopal Conferences. There, for an appropriate time, they must dedicate time to Eucharistic adoration and meditation, concluding with the Our Father, the Profession of Faith in any of its legitimate forms and invocations to Mary, Mother of God.Sincerely repentant faithful who, for serious reasons, cannot participate in pilgrimages and pious visits (for example, cloistered monks and nuns, the sick and those in prison) can obtain the Jubilee Indulgence under the same conditions if, united in spirit with the faithful present, especially at the moments when the words of the Supreme Pontiff or the diocesan Bishops will be disseminated through the media, they recite the Our Father, the Profession of Faith and other prayers in conformity with the purposes of the Holy Year.* WORKS OF MERCY AND PENANCEIn addition to making pilgrimages or pious visits to the Jubilee sites, the faithful can obtain the jubilee indulgence through:- Participation in POPULAR MISSIONS;- Participation in SPIRITUAL EXERCISES or FORMATION MEETINGS on the texts of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, held in a church or other suitable place.- Performing Corporal and Spiritual WORKS OF MERCY.- Performing PENITENTIAL ACTS, such as:a) Rediscovering the penitential value of Fridays, by abstaining for at least one day from useless distractions (induced, for example, by the media and social networks) and from superfluous consumption (for example, by fasting or practicing abstinence according to the general norms of the Church and donating a proportionate sum of money to the poor).b) Supporting works of a religious or social nature, especially in favor of the defense and protection of life in all its phases, of abandoned children, of young people in difficulty, of the elderly in need or alone, of migrants from various countries.c) Dedicate an appropriate part of one’s free time to voluntary activities of interest to the community or to other similar forms of personal commitment.Despite the general rule according to which only one Plenary Indulgence can be obtained per day (cf. Enchiridion Indulgentiarum, IV ed., norm. 18, § 1), the Instruction issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary with the norms for receiving Plenary Indulgences during the Jubilee Year 2025 states that “the faithful who have performed the act of charity in favor of the souls in Purgatory, if they legitimately approach the sacrament of Communion for the second time on the same day, may obtain a Plenary Indulgence twice on the same day, applicable only to the deceased (it is understood within a Eucharistic celebration). (Agenzia Fides, 20/12/2024)

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF condemns RSF violent attack on Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Khartoum – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) strongly condemns the violent incursion by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the emergency room of Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum, Sudan, on 18 December. The attackers fired weapons inside the emergency ward, directly threatened medical staff, and severely disrupted lifesaving care. MSF urgently calls on RSF to respect the neutrality of medical facilities and the safety of healthcare workers.

    This latest attack follows an earlier incident on 11 November, when armed fighters stormed the hospital, fired shots, and killed a patient receiving treatment. These repeated violations of the neutrality of healthcare facilities and the sanctity of medical care are unacceptable.

    “Several RSF soldiers entered the emergency rooms and some of them started firing against medical personnel, threatening patients and MSF and Ministry of Health staff,” says Samuel David Theodore, MSF’s head of mission in Sudan.  

    “Luckily, no one was injured but everyone is extremely affected by this traumatic aggression inside the hospital. Attacks against medical facilities and health personnel are unacceptable, hospitals must remain safe spaces, free from violence and intimidation. Staff cannot have their lives threatened whilst they provide care,” he says. 

    The bullet marks left by the Rapid Support Forces inside the emergency room of Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum, Sudan, 19 December 2024.
    MSF

    Bashair Teaching hospital is one of the last functioning healthcare facilities in South Khartoum amidst the ongoing conflict. MSF staff have tirelessly maintained lifesaving activities under exceptionally difficult conditions.

    “Bashair Teaching hospital is a lifeline for thousands of people in South Khartoum,” says Claire San Filippo, emergency coordinator for Sudan. “MSF support is critical for countless men, women, and children affected by this devastating conflict.  However, the safety of our patients and staff is paramount. Attacks like these severely compromise our ability to continue operating.”

    Since the beginning of June 2024, MSF has conducted 12,396 emergency consultations, 2,510 patients were admitted in the maternity ward, and 4,490 children were screened for malnutrition at Bashair Teaching hospital in South Khartoum. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Commends NDAA Passage, Inclusion of HFAC Provisions

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON — House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul released the following statement on the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The legislation passed the House with broad bipartisan support.

    “America’s adversaries are on the march. Around the world, we continue to see the fallout of the Biden-Harris administration’s disastrous foreign policy agenda, which has empowered tyrants and terrorist groups instead of projecting peace through strength. This year’s NDAA implements commonsense — and necessary — measures to promote U.S. national security, provide pay increases to our veterans, and support our partners and allies around the world while reversing the damaging policies implemented by woke bureaucrats. I am proud to support this bill and ensure our military, servicemembers, and nation are prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century.” — Chairman McCaul

    This year’s NDAA included H.R. 6727, a bill Chairman McCaul introduced with Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) to promote public-private conservation efforts and undercut entities that profit from illicit poaching, like Russia and the Chinese Communist Party. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) led the bill in the Senate.

    “I’m very pleased the NDAA included my historic, bipartisan legislation promoting public-private partnerships to strengthen global conservation efforts and counter the CCP’s malign influence. As chairman, I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world and see the importance of wildlife conservation firsthand. I’ve witnessed China and various international criminal organizations devastate communities for their own gain, and this bill has the power to undercut malign actors who profit from illicit wildlife trafficking. Conservation efforts have a long history of bipartisan support dating back to Teddy Roosevelt, and I’m glad to see this tradition continue. This foundation is more than just a way to leverage the power of private contributions – it is a diplomatic investment in the U.S. foreign policy toolkit that none of our adversaries can replicate.” — Chairman McCaul

    The bill also included language from Chairman McCaul to ensure the State Department is better organized for crises like the Afghanistan withdrawal by designating a senior official to lead international crises for the department, including non-combatant evacuation operations, and by requiring consistent tabletop exercises in consultation with the Department of Defense. It also includes language from Rep. Warren Davidson’s (R-Ohio) bill, H.R. 4517, bill, H.R. 4517, which requires the State Department to perform a feasibility study regarding reimbursement of private rescue groups who evacuated Americans from Afghanistan.

    “My investigation into the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal revealed the Biden-Harris administration had the information and opportunity to take necessary steps to plan for the inevitable collapse of the Afghan government, so we could safely evacuate U.S. personnel, Americans, and our loyal Afghan allies. At each step of the way, however, this administration picked optics over security. I am thankful Congress included these critical provisions in the NDAA to ensure our government has the tools it needs to prevent a similar catastrophe. These provisions seek to mitigate the administration’s failure to plan for the inevitable NEO and recognize the tireless efforts of volunteer organizations across the U.S. to bring evacuees to safety. The organizations worked at great expense to themselves – emotionally and financially – and the U.S. government owes them gratitude for their contributions.” — Chairman McCaul

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Wall Street Pepe Raises $32M in Presale for New Trading Insights Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LUZERN, Switzerland, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wall Street Pepe (WEPE), a new crypto project combining meme coin culture with trading tools, has raised $32 million during its ongoing presale.

    The project aims to offer retail traders market insights, trading signals, staking features, and a community-driven trading reward program.

    WEPE Token Presale: Early Staking Rewards

    Since its December 3 launch, the Wall Street Pepe presale has attracted attention. WEPE tokens are priced at $0.000365 during the current presale stage and can be purchased directly on the project’s website with crypto or card payments.

    According to Wall Street Pepe’s whitepaper, the team has allocated 20% of the 200 billion token supply to early buyers. Early buyers can also stake their WEPE tokens for rewards before the official launch. Staking rewards will be distributed over three years, with 3,044 WEPE tokens released per Ethereum block.

    https://twitter.com/WEPEToken/status/1869776758599303548

    Although the team has not set a hard cap or end date for the presale, their roadmap suggests an exchange listing is in the works for shortly after it concludes. Investors can also claim their purchased WEPE tokens once the presale ends.

    Updates on Wall Street Pepe’s presale and future developments are shared through X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram.

    Wall Street Pepe Introduces “WEPE Army” to Empower Retail Traders

    Wall Street Pepe is creating an ecosystem to provide retail traders with enhanced tools and resources. At the center of this ecosystem is the “WEPE Army” – an exclusive group where token holders can access trading signals, real-time market updates, and insights into new projects.

    The developers’ approach focuses on providing accessible trading knowledge. They will also host regular trading competitions with WEPE token rewards.

    To boost trust, Wall Street Pepe has also been audited by the team at Coinsult. Their audit found no issues with WEPE’s smart contracts or code.

    Wall Street Pepe’s mix of meme coin appeal and practical trading applications has drawn attention in the broader crypto community. For example, the project was recently featured in an analysis video from 99Bitcoins.

    About Wall Street Pepe (WEPE)

    Wall Street Pepe is a new cryptocurrency project that combines meme coin elements with a trading insights ecosystem for retail investors. The ecosystem integrates trading signals, educational resources, and competitions.

    Readers can visit the Wall Street Pepe presale here.

    Website: https://wallstreetpepe.com/

    Contact

    Wall Street Pepe

    https://wallstreetpepe.com/ 

    info@wallstreetpepe.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken participates in a UN Security Council Session on Sudan

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participates in a UN Security Council Session on Sudan in New York City, New York, on December 19, 2024.

    Transcript: https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-un-security-council-meeting-on-sudan/
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4_KCmexhFw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on Local Government Reform – Ten councils in Hertfordshire release update on local government reform

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Ten councils in Hertfordshire have released a joint statement on local government reform:

    “Following the publication of the Devolution White Paper, and subsequent statements by the leader of Hertfordshire County Council, we would like to make it clear that we do not support the creation of one unitary council for Hertfordshire. 

    “Our county is diverse and made up of over 1.2 million residents across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Any reform of local government in Hertfordshire should follow a period of proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders. Looking at the evidence, we should decide collectively what is best for our area. A single unitary council for the county risks diminishing local representation, with decision-making that is remote from the communities we serve.

    “We do not support postponing the county council elections scheduled for May 2025. The government has indicated that this will only happen in priority areas who have clear and agreed plans. This is not the case in Hertfordshire, so we cannot be in the first phase of these reforms. 

    “We recognise that the government’s white paper sets a clear direction of travel. As Hertfordshire’s district and borough council leaders, we want to work collaboratively with others to agree how we respond to this. Any changes must be carefully considered, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that residents and businesses are fully engaged in shaping the future governance of Hertfordshire.

    “Our objective must be to get this right for our residents and businesses. That cannot be achieved if we make rushed decisions that have not been given the serious consideration that they deserve.”

    Statement agreed by the following leaders:

    Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford (Watford Borough Council)
    Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council
    Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council
    Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council
    Councillor Paul de Kort, Leader of St Albans City and District Council
    Councillor Max Holloway, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
    Councillor Daniel Allen,  Leader of North Hertfordshire Council
    Councillor Adrian England, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council
    Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop, Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council
    Councillor Ben Crystal, Leader of East Herts District Council 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting the environment with tougher coal rules

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    [embedded content]

    Alberta’s government is developing rules that will prohibit mountaintop removal mining and ban new open-pit mines in the foothills, while substantially increasing coal royalties to benefit Albertans.

    The CIMI will guide responsible coal mining practices with a goal of ensuring that Alberta’s waters are protected from mining contaminants such as selenium. The CIMI also acknowledges the global critical mineral importance of metallurgical coal. Thoughtful coal development will result in increased investment and jobs for Albertans while respecting the existing property rights of freehold mineral rights holders.

    Based on the intent of the 1976 Coal Development Policy and picking up on the coal development work done by the 2021 Coal Policy Committee, the CIMI will build a long-term legislative and regulatory framework focused on environmental protections while allowing coal development under some of the most stringent protections in the world. The CIMI will do away with temporary fixes and half measures and provide a foundation for responsible coal mining for the 21st century.

    “Alberta deserves a modern coal policy that balances responsible resource development with strong environmental protections. Our job now is to develop a policy that respects the natural spaces in the foothills and protects water while allowing for responsible coal development that can attract investment and create jobs.”

    Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

    “Alberta has one of the best environmental management systems in the world. We have strong and effective monitoring and regulatory protections in place to protect our air, water and lands and these safeguards will only get stronger through this initiative.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    The world needs steelmaking coal to fuel economic growth and greater adoption of alternative energy sources and technologies. Alberta is blessed by an abundance of metallurgical coal that can be developed while adhering to world-leading environmental protections. Steel is an essential global component for infrastructure growth and development. This steel will also return to Alberta in products like passenger vehicles, home appliances, farm and industrial equipment, and building materials.

    To ensure Albertans are fairly compensated for the development of this important natural resource, Alberta’s government will be raising the coal royalty rates significantly on new coal mines.

    Alberta Energy and Minerals will begin targeted engagement in early 2025 to inform industry of Alberta’s plans for higher standards for coal mining, to set the new coal royalty amounts, and to develop strategies that align with Alberta’s commitment to balance regulatory improvement and environmental protection, with an emphasis on water protection. From this engagement, new coal regulations and legislation will be drafted for government approval later in 2025.

    Quick Facts

    • 1976 Coal Development Policy Land Categories Map

    Coal Development Policy Land Categories Map

    • The CIMI will protect water as our top priority. If coal mining is allowed, it will only be allowed to the highest standards:
      • Prohibit mountaintop removal mining as a coal mining technique.
      • No new open-pit coal mining in the Eastern Slopes (All four categories of the 1976 Coal Development Policy, subject to any further regulations flowing from land use planning work which is underway).
      • Any new coal mining proposals, regardless of location, must use techniques which use best water practices and prevent adding selenium into waterways. New proposals will either need to be underground mines or use mining technologies (such as highwall automated underground mining) that move minimal amounts of overburden, to prevent selenium leaching and siltation.
      • The protections set out in law and in the 1976 Coal Development Policy for national parks, provincial parks, wildland parks, wilderness areas, ecological reserves, and provincial recreation areas will continue.

    Related information

    • Coal Policy Committee
    • A coal development policy for Alberta (1976 Coal Development Policy)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces changes to the Ministry

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced changes to the Ministry. The new Ministry will deliver on what matters most to Canadians: making life more affordable and growing the economy.

    Building on the work done since 2015 to invest in Canadians, the team will continue to move forward on housing, child care, and school food while working to put more money back in people’s pockets.

    The changes to the Ministry are as follows:

    • Anita Anand becomes Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
    • Gary Anandasangaree becomes Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
    • Steven MacKinnon becomes Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
    • Ginette Petitpas Taylor becomes President of the Treasury Board

    The Prime Minister also welcomed the following new members to the Ministry:

    • Rachel Bendayan becomes Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety
    • Élisabeth Brière becomes Minister of National Revenue
    • Terry Duguid becomes Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
    • Nate Erskine-Smith becomes Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    • Darren Fisher becomes Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    • David J. McGuinty becomes Minister of Public Safety
    • Ruby Sahota becomes Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
    • Joanne Thompson becomes Minister of Seniors

    These new ministers will work with all members of Cabinet to deliver real, positive change for Canadians. They join the following ministers remaining in their portfolio:

    • Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services
    • Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
    • François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
    • Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
    • Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
    • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
    • Mark Holland, Minister of Health
    • Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
    • Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    • Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
    • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
    • Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
    • Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
    • Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
    • Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    • Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
    • Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
    • Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
    • Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
    • Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
    • Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
    • Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
    • Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

    Quote

    “Our team is focused on the things that matter most to you – making life more affordable, growing the economy, and creating good jobs for the middle class. Together, we will keep building a strong future for the middle class, and for all Canadians.”

    Quick Facts

    • Since 2015, the Ministry has made real progress for the middle class and those working hard to join it – from lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty with the Canada Child Benefit to delivering on our promise of $10-a-day child care and the National School Food Program.
    • With the changes announced today, the Ministry retains a total of 38 ministers, in addition to the Prime Minister. In keeping with the precedent set in 2015, there is an equal number of women and men.
    • The Cabinet is the central decision-making forum in government, responsible for its administration and the establishment of its policy. Its members are each responsible for individual portfolios or departments.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 399 Sea Turtles Rescued, Rehabilitated and Released Thanks to Community Partnerships

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: 399 Sea Turtles Rescued, Rehabilitated and Released Thanks to Community Partnerships

    399 Sea Turtles Rescued, Rehabilitated and Released Thanks to Community Partnerships
    jejohnson6

    The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has rehabilitated and released 399 sea turtles with the aid of several long-standing community partnerships on the Outer Banks. The turtles were initially brought to the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center at the Aquarium because of cold-stunning, a hypothermia-like condition that occurs when the water temperature drops quickly before the sea turtles can migrate to warmer water.

    More than 135 Aquarium staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to process intakes and provide care as 553 cold-stunned sea turtles were delivered to the Aquarium between Dec. 1-7, when temperatures on the Outer Banks fell dramatically.

    The response, rescue, and transport of sea turtles during a cold-stun stranding event relies heavily on the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.) and their nearly 25-year partnership with the Aquarium. Throughout this stranding event, the Aquarium, STAR Center, and N.E.S.T. have collaborated with multiple organizations, including Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the Outer Banks S.P.C.A. and local veterinarian clinics, Phideaux Fishing vessel, and the U.S. Coast Guard Stations Hatteras Inlet and Fort Macon, Sector North Carolina. Additionally, an outpouring of support has been offered by local groups, individuals, the N.C. Aquarium Society, and partners from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

    The hundreds of participants involved in this cold-stun event have provided multi-tiered support including leading logistics, holding sea turtles in the clinic, providing care, and transporting turtles throughout the facility. They provide land and sea transportation for turtle rescues and releases, run laundry, prepare veterinary supplies and salt water, assist with intakes and swim tests, and share updates with stakeholders. Additionally, a concerted effort from all parties has guaranteed the care of caretakers as well, by providing meals to participants and celebrating their time, energy, and commitment to saving sea turtles.

    As of Dec. 17, the Aquarium has received 576 sea turtles which include N.C.’s most common species: loggerhead, green and Kemp’s ridley. The STAR Center is currently caring for approximately 71 animals. Releases are planned for additional dates in December.

    Sea turtles that appear still or sluggish in the sound water or on a beach during winter months should not be pushed back into the water or moved. Instead, a sea turtle that appears to be in distress should be reported to the Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline via N.E.S.T. at 252-441-8622.

    Sea turtles in North Carolina are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act and managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island operates under NCWRC Sea Turtle Permit #24ST46.

    About the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
    The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, close to Ft. Raleigh National Historic Site, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: ages 3–12, $10.95; ages 13–61, $12.95; ages 62 +, $11.95. Children 2 and under and North Carolina Aquarium Society members are admitted free of charge.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Dec 18, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mountain Gateway Museum Opens Temporary Location

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Mountain Gateway Museum Opens Temporary Location

    Mountain Gateway Museum Opens Temporary Location
    jejohnson6

    The Mountain Gateway Museum has opened to the public at its temporary location at 78-C Catawba Ave., in Old Fort. Repairs have begun to the museum and grounds following damage from Hurricane Helene. The museum operates Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and is closed Sundays and Mondays and all state holidays.

    At the new location, a permanent exhibit on what makes Western N.C. unique to the rest of the state has been installed. From the people who live here to the fauna, flora, agriculture, and more, guests can learn what makes this region special. Visitors also can view a temporary exhibit, “A Place at the Polls,” to learn about the evolution of voting rights in North Carolina.

    For more information, or if you need to contact us, please call us at our new phone number, 828-785-9528, or email us at mgm@dncr.nc.gov.

    About Mountain Gateway Museum
    A regional branch of the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, the Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center (MGM) is the westernmost facility in the N.C. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources’ Division of State History Museums.

    Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of historic Mill Creek in downtown Old Fort (McDowell County), the museum uses artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, living history demonstrations, and special events to teach people about the rich history and cultural heritage of the state’s mountain region, from its original inhabitants through early settlement and into the 20th century.

    As part of its education outreach mission, MGM also assists non-profit museums and historic sites in 38 western NC counties with exhibit development & fabrication, genealogical research, photography archives, traveling exhibitions, and consultations.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Dec 19, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rapid Health Agrees to Pay $8.2M for Allegedly Billing Medicare for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests That Were Not Provided to Beneficiaries

    Source: US State of California

    Covid Test DMV LLC, doing business as Rapid Health (Rapid Health), a pharmacy located in Los Angeles, has agreed to pay the United States $8,242,860 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for over-the-counter (OTC) Covid-19 tests that were not provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

    Between April 2022 and May 2023, Rapid Health distributed OTC Covid-19 tests in connection with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) OTC Covid-19 Test Demonstration Project (Demonstration Project). During the Demonstration Project, Medicare Part B beneficiaries could request OTC Covid-19 tests from participating providers, and CMS would reimburse those providers for up to eight OTC Covid-19 tests per Medicare Part B beneficiary per month at a fixed rate of $12 per test.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Rapid Health knowingly submitted or caused the submission of claims to Medicare for OTC Covid-19 tests that Rapid Health never provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare patients could order OTC Covid-19 tests from Rapid Health during the Demonstration Project through Rapid Health’s website. When Rapid Health received an order, it was supposed to process the order, generate a shipping label, and send the OTC Covid-19 test to the beneficiary. The United States alleged that issues with Rapid Health’s processing procedures caused Rapid Health to bill orders to Medicare without shipping the test to the beneficiary, and that although Rapid Health was aware of these issues it nevertheless continued to bill Medicare for tests that were not shipped.

    “The Demonstration Project was designed to increase the availability of OTC Covid-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in an unprecedented time of need,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Providers that knowingly billed for tests that were never given to patients failed to support the goals of the project and defrauded the American taxpayers.”

    “This outcome serves as a reminder of our unwavering commitment to combat health care fraud and investigate those who allegedly attempt to exploit and defraud Medicare and other federally funded health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “With our local, state and federal partners, HHS-OIG will continue to work aggressively to ensure the dependability and the integrity of the Medicare program.”

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and HHS-OIG.

    Trial Attorney Lindsay DeFrancesco of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section handled the matter.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across the federal government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rapid Health Agrees to Pay $8.2M for Allegedly Billing Medicare for Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests That Were Not Provided to Beneficiaries

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Covid Test DMV LLC, doing business as Rapid Health (Rapid Health), a pharmacy located in Los Angeles, has agreed to pay the United States $8,242,860 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for over-the-counter (OTC) Covid-19 tests that were not provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

    Between April 2022 and May 2023, Rapid Health distributed OTC Covid-19 tests in connection with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) OTC Covid-19 Test Demonstration Project (Demonstration Project). During the Demonstration Project, Medicare Part B beneficiaries could request OTC Covid-19 tests from participating providers, and CMS would reimburse those providers for up to eight OTC Covid-19 tests per Medicare Part B beneficiary per month at a fixed rate of $12 per test.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Rapid Health knowingly submitted or caused the submission of claims to Medicare for OTC Covid-19 tests that Rapid Health never provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare patients could order OTC Covid-19 tests from Rapid Health during the Demonstration Project through Rapid Health’s website. When Rapid Health received an order, it was supposed to process the order, generate a shipping label, and send the OTC Covid-19 test to the beneficiary. The United States alleged that issues with Rapid Health’s processing procedures caused Rapid Health to bill orders to Medicare without shipping the test to the beneficiary, and that although Rapid Health was aware of these issues it nevertheless continued to bill Medicare for tests that were not shipped.

    “The Demonstration Project was designed to increase the availability of OTC Covid-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in an unprecedented time of need,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Providers that knowingly billed for tests that were never given to patients failed to support the goals of the project and defrauded the American taxpayers.”

    “This outcome serves as a reminder of our unwavering commitment to combat health care fraud and investigate those who allegedly attempt to exploit and defraud Medicare and other federally funded health care programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “With our local, state and federal partners, HHS-OIG will continue to work aggressively to ensure the dependability and the integrity of the Medicare program.”

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and HHS-OIG.

    Trial Attorney Lindsay DeFrancesco of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section handled the matter.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across the federal government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI and Cincinnati Police Announce $15,000 Reward in Death of Five-Year-Old Arty Stanford

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The FBI and the Cincinnati Police Department today announced a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the death of Artagist “Arty” Stanford III.

    “Arty’s family has suffered greatly since this shooting and anyone responsible for his death should be held accountable,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “Someone in our community knows what happened that night and who was involved. We need anyone with information to do the right thing and contact law enforcement.”

    “Silence protects the wrong people,” said Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge. “Someone knows what happened. Someone holds the key to bringing closure to Arty’s family. Please speak up and help us bring justice for Arty.”

    On October 24, 2024, at approximately 5:48 a.m., the Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center received a report of a drive-by shooting at a house on Holland Drive. Initially, residents believed there were no injuries and the house only received damage from the gunfire. When police arrived, family members found five-year-old Artagist “Arty” Stanford III suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in an upstairs bedroom. There were at least seven bullet impact marks or bullet holes in the front of the house. One of the bullets passed through the front exterior wall into a second-floor bedroom and struck Arty in the head.

    Arty was taken to the hospital for treatment which included multiple surgeries. On October 26, 2024, Arty succumbed to his injuries and his death was ruled a homicide.

    Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Historic Allestree Hall sold to Derby-based developer

    Source: City of Derby

    Grade II listed Allestree Hall has been acquired by property developer Staton Young with plans to transform it into a wedding venue.

    ‘Winterisation’ works to protect the hall are due to start 21 December and will include hoarding off the site, measures to protect the Hall from the elements and clearing the gutters.

    A key condition of sale was for the preferred bidder to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the historic property, and to maintain access to public toilets at Allestree Park.

    Built in the early 1800s on land once owned by the Mundy family of Markeaton Hall, Allestree Hall was commissioned by Bache Thornhill and designed by architect James Wyatt.

    By disposing of the building through a long lease, the council has paved the way for its renovation, safeguarding its future and preventing it from falling into further disrepair. A number of outbuildings were included in the sale.

    Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said:

    After years of searching for the right buyer, we’re thrilled to have found a Derby-based preferred bidder with experience of revitalising historic properties. Allestree Hall, a building rich in history and potential, is poised for a new chapter.

    Disposing of the long-lease interest generates much-needed income for the Council and an opportunity for the new owner to breathe new life into the building. With careful restoration, this stunning country house can reclaim its former glory.

    Staton Young has a proven track record in restoring and repurposing historic buildings, including Northgate House – the landmark former HMRC building in the city centre. Their portfolio also includes numerous serviced offices and modern co-working spaces across the Midlands.

    The company intends to apply for planning permission to re-purpose the Hall as a wedding venue. This would complement their recent acquisition of Horsley Lodge Golf Club, a Derbyshire complex which includes a golf course, country hotels and wedding venues.

    Marc Brough, managing director at Staton Young, said:

    Allestree Hall presents us with a great opportunity to restore a piece of Derby’s history. We’ve got some exciting plans and can’t wait to bring this beautiful building back to life and create a stunning wedding venue.

    Staton Young will work in partnership with the Council and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to make sure future use of the hall fits in with the ongoing community rewilding project at Allestree Park.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Des Moines Individuals Charged in Joint State and Federal Investigation of Fentanyl Trafficking Organization

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal grand jury in Des Moines returned a three-count indictment charging five Des Moines individuals with offenses related to fentanyl trafficking.

    The following individuals are charged in the Indictment:

    • Devonte Darnell Hassell, also known as “Domo”, “Dom”, and “Rose”, 28, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
    • Ryan Redmond, also known as “Chiefy”, 31, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum 5‑year prison sentence and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
    • Kevin Stanley Harris, Jr., also known as “Rylo” and “Big Hands”, 42, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and distribution of fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum sentence of life in prison, as he is alleged to have a prior serious drug felony conviction.
    • Adonis Angel Devora, 43, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
    • Ricky Jamall Ellis, 30, is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

    These individuals were all arrested on December 18, 2024: four in Des Moines, and one in Houston, Texas. The same day, thirteen federal search warrants were executed, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 610 grams of heroin/fentanyl mixture, approximately 135 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 260 grams of marijuana, as well as 19 firearms and more than $13,000 in U.S. currency.

    The charges stem from a months’ long investigation into fentanyl distribution within the Des Moines area.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Des Moines Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and FBI Des Moines Central Iowa Gang Task Force (CIGTF) are investigating the case, with assistance from the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE), Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Patrol SWAT, United States Marshals Service, Ames Police Department, West Des Moines Police Department, Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (MINE), Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Story County Sheriff’s Office, Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force (MIDTF), Central Iowa Drug Task Force (CIDTF), Suburban Emergency Response Team (SERT), Metro Special Tactics and Response (STAR), the Chicago, Illinois Police Department, and the Houston, Texas Police Department.

    This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dayton man charged federally with committing string of armed robberies

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton man appeared in federal court on Dec. 19 on charges alleging he committed at least eight armed robberies in the area this month.

    Timothy Farr, 43, allegedly brandished a firearm at local gas stations and drive thru stores, demanding cash and cigarettes.

    According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, from Dec. 3 through Dec. 15, Farr committed multiple armed robberies at area businesses.

    Specifically, it is alleged that on Dec. 3, Farr, wearing a dark jacket, pants and shoes, as well as gray two-tone style gloves and a black balaclava mask covering part of his face, entered a Sunoco gas station on Wayne Avenue in Dayton at around 10pm. Farr allegedly brandished a black firearm and demanded cash from both registers. It is alleged Far also demanded several packs of cigarettes and a box of Black and Mild Filter Tips. Farr allegedly brought a green plastic bag with him for the cash and items.

    The next day around 11:30pm, Farr allegedly committed an armed robbery at a Marathon gas station on Linden Avenue in Riverside. Farr allegedly wore the same clothing as the first robbery with the addition of an N-95 style mask.

    Farr is also accused of committing armed robberies on these dates and locations:

    • Dec. 6 at Ray’s Xenia Avenue Market on Xenia Avenue in Dayton
    • Dec. 7 at Free Pike Drive-Thru on Free Pike in Dayton
    • Dec. 8 at Sunoco gas station on Selma Road in Springfield
    • Dec. 10 at Mini Mart on N. Main Street in Dayton
    • Dec. 11 at Marathon gas station on E. Fifth Street in Dayton
    • Dec. 15 at Sammy’s Drive-thru store on Woodman Drive in Riverside

    During the investigation, law enforcement was able to identify a vehicle of interest using the Flock Safety Camera System and identified a 2011 red Ford Taurus linked to armed robbery locations.

    When Dayton police officers initiated a traffic stop of the red Taurus on Dec. 16, Farr was allegedly in the front passenger seat wearing the outfit described in the armed robberies, had an N-95 style mask on the floorboard and gray two-tone gloves in his pocket. Farr also allegedly had a 9mm pistol in his waistband.

    Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Daryl S. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott, Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal, and Riverside Police Chief Frank Robinson announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    Anyone with information regarding these incidents should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted to ATF using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Roseville Man Sentenced To 70 Months In Prison For Being A Felon In Possession Of Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Arnes Krajinic, 33, of Roseville, was sentenced Thursday by United States District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to 5 years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Krajinic in January 2023 because he was advertising fentanyl and firearms for sale via Instagram. On January 17, 2023, law enforcement arrested Krajinic and found him in possession of approximately 95 grams of fentanyl powder, miscellaneous prescription pills, over $7,000 in cash, a digital scale, and a privately manufactured 9mm firearm that did not have a serial number and was loaded with ammunition. Krajinic was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including for robbery, possession of controlled substances while armed, possession of a concealed weapon in a vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of controlled substances for sale.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, the ATF, and the Placer County Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Roseville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Miami-Dade Correctional Officer Indicted for Service in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MIAMI – On Dec. 18, Vernell Syrethia Lawson, 33, a former Miami-Dade Correctional Officer, and Gabrielle Nicole Bess-Mills, 35, made their initial appearance in court on a previously sealed indictment containing charges related to a continuing criminal enterprise led by co-defendant Terrance Carter, 31.

    According to the indictment, Carter led a drug trafficking organization which relied on the corruption of Lawson and other Miami-Dade Correctional Officers, along with drug trafficking associates, to introduce narcotics and other contraband for sale into Miami-Dade County jail facilities.

    Lawson and Bess-Mills are charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, participating in a conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, and racketeering promotion through bribery and drug trafficking. Lawson is also charged with Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right conspiracy. The indictment also charges Carter with operating the continuing criminal enterprise and use of interstate facilities to commit violence in furtherance of racketeering.

    The defendants are residents of Miami-Dade County.

    U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Stephanie Daniels, Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), Sherea Green, Director of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, Special Agent in Charge Jefferey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Division,  Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Dr. Judith Bernier, Chair of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by a Task Force formed by the Miami-Dade Police and Corrections Departments, with the support of federal, state, and local partners, to combat drug trafficking organizations operating in the Miami-Dade correctional facilities with the assistance of corrupt public officials. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Corrections provided significant assistance.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ignacio J. Vázquez, Jr. and Trial Attorney Melanie G. Wegner are prosecuting this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda is handling asset forfeiture.

    This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf.

    An indictment contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

    Individuals with information about corruption should contact the FBI Miami Area’s Task Force at https://tips.fbi.gov/. Anyone with information related to possible ethics violations is asked to contact the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust at 786-314-9560 or ethics@miamidade.gov.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-20543.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Prince Andrew and the British establishment’s ‘target-rich environment’ for spies

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Philip Murphy, Director of History & Policy at the Institute of Historical Research and Professor of British and Commonwealth History, School of Advanced Study, University of London

    A ruling by the UK’s Special Immigration Appeals Commission has revealed that a Chinese businessman with links to King Charles’ younger brother, Prince Andrew, has been banned from Britain. The commission was upholding a decision originally taken in 2023 by the then home secretary, Suella Braverman, to exclude a man subsequently named as Yang Tengbo.

    Britain’s Security Service, MI5, had advised the commission that Yang posed “a risk to UK national security”. Reports have noted Yang’s visits to royal events at the request of the prince and his communications with one of Andrew’s senior advisers, Dominic Hampshire.

    That Andrew might have been cultivated by an agent of the Chinese government will come as no surprise to anyone who has studied the work of intelligence agencies. Their ideal target will not necessarily be someone who sympathises with the regime they serve. Indeed with the collapse of the ideological certainties of the cold war, this has become increasingly unlikely.

    Rather, a target will probably be someone who has particular weaknesses that can be exploited, often revolving around money or sex. They are seldom at the very pinnacle of power. But that, in itself, can leave them resentful and hungry for affirmation.

    An exaggerated sense of self-importance can render them even more pliable. This can make for a complex relationship between intelligence predator and their prey.

    In Andrew’s case, there are indications that members of his circle actually talked up the prince’s importance as a political contact. The commission’s ruling quoted a message from Hampshire to Yang in March 2020 after the latter had been invited to attend the Prince’s 60th birthday party.

    Hampshire told Yang: “I also hope that it is clear to you where you sit with my principal and indeed his family. You should never underestimate the strength of that relationship. …outside of his closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.”

    Those more familiar with the workings of the British government might be sceptical about the height of the branches Yang had reached. King Charles is, after all, a constitutional monarch with few formal powers. And Andrew has become an increasingly marginalised figure within the royal family.

    A steady stream of revelations about his relationship with sex-trafficker and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has left him increasingly out in the cold. He was stripped of his role as UK trade envoy in 2011 and was then forced to step down from public duties in 2019. So why bother trying to court him?

    Clues are provided in an important survey of the links between the royal family and the intelligence community published by international history specialists Richard Aldrich and Rory Cormac in 2021. As they note, before 2011, Andrew had enjoyed a long career in the royal navy and then as a British trade envoy, becoming closely involved in the sensitive and secretive world of UK arms sales.

    In 2010, the Wikileaks revelations suggested Andrew had been fiercely critical of the Serious Fraud Office for almost derailing a deal with Saudi Arabia and that his inside knowledge might have extended to some dark corners of the arms trade and its methods. There were also reports that the UK’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, was concerned that a former US deputy police chief close to the investigation into the Epstein affair might have leaked details to Russia, leaving Andrew open to blackmail.

    So Andrew probably was a tempting target, combining personal vulnerability with knowledge that could, at the very least, be embarrassing to the UK. But then, to borrow former US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s vivid phrase about Iraq, the British establishment has long provided foreign intelligence agencies with “a target-rich environment”. And the waters tend to be muddied by the ease with which legitimate contacts based on cultural and trade diplomacy can morph into something more sinister.

    Broader concerns

    The ruling of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission quoted from a statement by the director-general of MI5 from July 2022 which distinguished between legitimate diplomacy and “what we call interference activity – influencing that is clandestine, coercive or corruptive”. Yet, in practice, the distinction is often opaque.

    When darker forces are at work, it often only becomes apparent as a result of prolonged surveillance of those involved. And that, in turn, assumes Britain’s spies are actually doing their job. Various bodies have questioned whether they are.

    In a July 2020 report, the parliamentary intelligence and security committee criticised the intelligence community for not being more curious about certain aspects of Russian activity. The possibility of Kremlin interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum was a significant concern.

    The implication – that intelligence officials had been nervous about getting involved in such a sensitive political issue – was rather borne out by the fate of the committee’s report itself. It was delivered to then prime minister Boris Johnson in October 2019 but was not released to the public until well after his pro-Brexit government had won the general election of December that year.

    Nor is the Labour party without questions to answer. At the same time as the Prince Andrew scandal was unfolding, Christine Lee, who donated £584,177 to the office of the Labour MP Barry Gardiner, lost a claim against MI5 which had accused her of engaging in political interference on behalf of China. Gardiner has said in response that none of the donations “according to MI5, came from an illegal source” and that he has “ceased all contact” with Lee following the MI5 warning.

    Prince Andrew’s behaviour is part of a wider picture and speaks to the general need for higher standards in British public life. Stricter rules on political donations to prevent foreign interference in British politics are long overdue. And people of political influence, including members of both houses of parliament, should be far more closely scrutinised over their relationships with foreign officials and business people. National security, as the term implies, very much begins at home.

    Philip Murphy has received funding from the AHRC. He is a member of the European Movement UK.

    – ref. Prince Andrew and the British establishment’s ‘target-rich environment’ for spies – https://theconversation.com/prince-andrew-and-the-british-establishments-target-rich-environment-for-spies-246383

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORESIGHT VENTURES VCT PLC
    (FORMERLY THAMES VENTURES VCT 1 PLC)

    Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report
    30 September 2024

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    £72.7m
    Total net assets
    as at 30 September 2024

    1.1p
    Dividend paid
    26 July 2024

    42.1p
    NAV per share
    as at 30 September 2024

    CHAIR’S STATEMENT

    “I present the Company’s unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report for the six months ended 30 September 2024.”

    Post-period activity
    Before discussing the period to 30 September 2024, I would like to welcome our new Shareholders who have been issued shares in the Company as part of the merger with Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc (“TV2”). The merger completed on 15 November following a General Meeting held on 8 November. As part of the merger, the Company has been renamed Foresight Ventures VCT plc, and TV2 has been placed into members’ voluntary liquidation. I am also pleased to welcome Andrew Mackintosh, previously a director of TV2, who has now been appointed to the Board of the Company following completion of the merger.

    The Company’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share has been reset to 100.0p and the merger has resulted in an enlarged company with net assets of £110 million. The Board believes this will bring a number of benefits to the Company, such as greater scale to raise and deploy capital into new and existing portfolio companies, as well as improved liquidity for dividends and buybacks.

    On 15 November, the Company launched an offer for subscription to raise £5 million (with an over-allotment facility of a further £5 million). The promoter’s fee will be waived for applications made by existing shareholders of any Foresight VCT. New investors, who do not benefit as existing investors but who make an application by 20 December 2024, will, however, benefit from the offer costs being reduced by 1.0% of the amount subscribed.

    Net Asset Value and dividends
    As at 30 September 2024, the Company’s NAV per share stood at 42.1p, a decrease of 4.0p (or 8.7%) over the period. After adding back the dividend paid in the period of 1.1p per share, the decrease was 6.3%.

    The Company’s policy is to seek to pay annual dividends of at least 4% of net assets per annum. During the period, on 26 July 2024, the Company paid an interim dividend of 1.1p, taking total dividends paid in respect of the year ended 31 March 2024 up to 2.1p per share, equivalent to 4.1% of the opening net assets of the previous financial year. This took the total dividends paid since the merger with Downing Absolute Income VCT 1 plc, Downing Absolute Income VCT 2 plc, Downing Income VCT plc, Downing Income VCT 3 plc and Downing Income VCT 4 plc in November 2013 to 47.6p per share.

    The Company offers its Shareholders the opportunity to participate in a Dividend Reinvestment Scheme, whereby they may elect to receive shares, credited as fully paid, instead of receiving dividends in cash. If you wish to participate, please contact the registrar, City Partnership, at the details provided on page 30 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    Investment performance and portfolio activity
    A detailed analysis of the investment portfolio performance over the period is given in the Investment Adviser’s Review.

    In brief, during the six months under review, the whole portfolio showed investment valuation losses of £9.4 million. Despite this disappointing overall performance, there were some highlights; a total of £2.9 million of proceeds were received from the sale of Data Centre Response Limited, as well as deferred consideration totalling £0.6 million, producing realised gains of £2.2 million. The Investment Adviser also completed two follow-on investments totalling £1.1 million.

    Responsible investing
    The Board notes the commitment of the Investment Adviser, Foresight Group, to being a “Responsible Investor”. Foresight places environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) criteria at the forefront of its business and investment activities in line with best practice and in order to enhance returns for their investors.

    Further detail can be found on page 17 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    Special administration of the Company’s custodian of quoted assets
    As previously reported, since September 2020 the Company has used IBP Capital Markets Limited (“IBP”) as custodian for its quoted investments. Appointing a custodian is a requirement of the FCA, and IBP is an FCA authorised and regulated wholesale broker, providing custody services and access to equity and fixed income securities for non-retail clients (which includes the Company).

    On 13 October 2023, the FCA published a supervisory notice under section 55L(3)(a) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, imposing certain restrictions on IBP. On the same date, IBP applied to the High Court and special administrators were appointed.

    As noted in the Annual Report, on 19 July 2024, around 80% of the quoted investment portfolio was returned to the Company, meaning normal management and trading of these positions was resumed. The remaining 20% will be returned following the conclusion of court proceedings, the timing of which is currently anticipated to take place in the second half of 2025, unless additional claims are submitted or the outcome of the court proceedings in terms of a final distribution is any different. The Company will communicate with Shareholders if there is any new information which materially impacts the numbers presented in this report.

    Share buybacks
    The Company continues to operate a policy of buying in its own shares that become available in the market at a 5% discount to NAV (subject to liquidity and regulatory restrictions). Subsequent to the merger, the Board intends to reduce this target discount to 2.5% in future.

    During the period the Company purchased 5,522,581 shares for cancellation at an average discount of 5.0%, which represented 3.1% of shares in issue at the date of the last Annual Report.

    Share buybacks are timed to avoid the Company’s closed periods. Buybacks will generally take place, subject to demand, during the following times of the year:

    • August, after the Annual Report has been published
    • September, prior to the Half-Yearly reporting date of 30 September
    • January, after the Half-Yearly Report has been published
    • March, prior to the end of the financial year

    The Company retains Panmure Liberum as its corporate broker to assist in operating the share buyback process and ensuring that the quoted spread on the Company’s shares remains at a reasonable level. Contact details for Panmure Liberum are on page 30 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    Management charges and performance incentive
    The annual management fee is an amount equal to 2.0% of net assets. There is no change to the management fee or secretarial fee post-merger. From 1 October 2024, the Investment Adviser took over responsibility for management of the Quoted Growth portfolio from Downing LLP. The team at Downing LLP continues to advise the Company on the Yield Focused portfolio under a subcontract agreement with Foresight Group LLP.

    A new performance incentive scheme was formally approved by Shareholders as part of the merger on 15 November 2024. This scheme, in brief, means a performance fee would be payable to the Investment Adviser at the end of each performance period, subject to a total return hurdle. The fee would be equal to the lesser of: (i) 20% of distributions attributable to the relevant performance period; or (ii) 20% of the increase in the total return which is higher than the hurdle. The Board believes this new scheme will provide additional motivation for the Investment Adviser to drive enhanced shareholder value.

    Board composition
    As noted in the Annual Report, Chris Kay resigned as a Director of the Company on 6 June 2024. Post period end, Andrew Mackintosh has joined the Board from TV2 subsequent to the merger. Andrew is chair of UKI2S, a government-backed venture capital fund supporting companies from the UK’s scientific research base. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to Science and Technology, and to Enterprise Development, and we are delighted to have him on board.

    The Board now comprises four Non-Executive Directors, which the Board considers to be an appropriate number for the current size of the VCT. All of the Directors are independent of the Investment Adviser, with the exception of Chris Allner who is considered non-independent by virtue of being a partner at Downing LLP, the previous investment adviser to the Company, which still provides some services to our new Investment Adviser.

    VCT sunset clause
    I am pleased to report that new regulations have been made to extend the UK’s VCT scheme by ten years to April 2035, following the European Commission’s confirmation that they would not oppose the continuation of the scheme. This now removes any recent uncertainty and will help support further investment by the VCT sector in early-stage companies.

    Outlook
    At the date of the merger the Company’s NAV per share had increased to 42.6p, as a result of valuation uplifts in the Quoted Growth portfolio, as well as favourable exchange rates on our US investments. With an offer for subscription now out to raise further funds, in addition to the cash boost on acquiring the assets of TV2, and a refreshed performance incentive scheme to greater motivate the Investment Adviser, we look forward to seeing an increase in deployment to enhance the portfolio and returns to Shareholders. Whilst the macroeconomic environment has been challenging for the last two years, the Investment Adviser is cautiously optimistic that 2025 will provide more positive conditions for our portfolio companies. The downward trajectory of inflation and interest rates should lead to increasing confidence and encourage investors to return to the market.

    Atul Devani
    Chair

    20 December 2024

    INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REVIEW

    “We present our Investment Adviser’s Review for the six‑month period ended 30 September 2024.”

    Unquoted Growth
    Portfolio summary
    At 30 September 2024, the Company held total unquoted investments of £44.4 million, split £34.5 million Unquoted Growth and £9.9 million Unquoted Yield Focused. Details of the Unquoted Yield Focused portfolio performance are set out on page 8 of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    The Unquoted Growth portfolio comprises 29 companies, across a range of sectors. Following a challenging period for the year ended 31 March 2024, with the portfolio unfavourably impacted by the downturn of the UK economy, the six months ended 30 September 2024 has been similarly disappointing, resulting in an overall unrealised investment valuation loss of £2.2 million in the portfolio.

    Investment activity
    There were no new investments made during the period ended 30 September 2024. The Company made follow-on investments in two Unquoted Growth companies during the period, totalling £1.1 million:

    FundingXchange Limited (£750,000), a fintech platform delivering SME lenders insights into their portfolios. This investment was made concurrently with a £5.0 million investment from Barclays as part of a £6.0 million round. This transformational investment will allow the company to build on early commercial success and deepen the strategic and commercial relationship with Barclays.

    Rated People Limited (£375,000), an online marketplace connecting homeowners and local tradespeople. This investment allows the strengthened management team to implement the necessary product and operational changes to enable a return to growth and a cash-generative business model.

    There was one realisation during the period ended 30 September 2024:

    DSTBTD Limited (trading as Distributed) was sold for £1 to ILX Group. No proceeds were returned to the Company, which was a disappointing result for the team, but a favourable outcome to an administration process, which was a real possibility after a proposed funding failed to come together.

    Key portfolio developments
    There were some material write downs in the Unquoted Growth portfolio during the period, and some companies have continued to struggle in the challenging macroeconomic environment. However, there have also been some positive movements in valuation. This has resulted in a net total realised and unrealised investment valuation loss of £3.0 million in the period, including £0.7 million in unrealised foreign exchange losses.

    Of the total investment loss, total losses of £6.5 million were offset by gains of £3.5 million. The most significant movements are noted below.

    The largest gain in value was in Ayar Labs, Inc, a silicon photonic chiplet developer used in next-generation AI data centers of the major hyperscalers and cloud-service providers. The valuation increased by £1.9 million, including foreign exchange losses, as a result of a new funding round.

    Other unrealised valuation gains included:

    Rated People Limited, an online marketplace connecting homeowners and local tradespeople, increased in value by £596,000. This was due to a follow-on funding round enhancing the Company’s share of proceeds on any liquidity event. It is also worth noting that the company is now trading profitably and under new leadership.

    Carbice Corporation, Inc has developed a suite of products based on its carbon material, used primarily as thermal management solutions to enable greater thermal conductivity. The valuation increased by £401,000, including foreign exchange losses, as a result of the recent closure of a funding round that increases the prospect of growth and, ultimately, a positive realisation for investors.

    Four other companies in the Unquoted Growth portfolio made up investment valuation gains of £603,000.

    There were also a number of valuation losses reported in the period. The greatest loss was in Cambridge Touch Technologies Ltd, a company developing pressure sensitive multi-touch technology, which reduced in value by £1.9 million as a result of a challenging funding environment for deep tech companies. As noted above, DSTBTD Limited (trading as Distributed) was sold for £1 to ILX Group during the period. No proceeds were returned to the Company, resulting in a realised loss of £775,000.

    Other investment valuation losses included:

    Vivacity Labs Limited, a provider of Artificial Intelligence sensors to monitor and control traffic flows, was written down to nil value in the period, a decrease in value of £960,000, following a new funding round. The investment round (that we chose not to participate in) generated penal terms for shareholders not participating in the funding round and resulted in the write down.

    Masters of Pie Limited, developer of “Radical”, a software solution that enables remote sharing and collaboration on large data sets, was reduced by £700,000 as a result of a challenging period for the company from a trading perspective. It is hoped that this situation will improve in Q4 2024, albeit the position remains challenging.

    Virtual Class Ltd (trading as Third Space Learning), a platform offering personalised online lessons from specialist tutors, decreased in carrying value by £466,000, driven by significant budgetary pressure experienced by UK schools, a key customer group. It is hoped that early international sales (in the US) will somewhat offset challenges in the UK market.

    Parsable, Inc., a provider of software to improve operational efficiencies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, has seen a valuation decrease of £460,000, including foreign exchange losses. During the period, an offer to acquire Parsable was received that, whilst at a valuation lower than we expected, was accepted by the Board, and the valuation has been aligned with anticipated proceeds.

    Bulbshare Limited, a company that enables brands to build communities from their existing customers to gather consumer insights, was exited post period end. The valuation was reduced by £371,000 in line with the exit proceeds received.

    Trinny London Limited, a multi-channel female beauty and skincare brand, was reduced in value by £354,000 due to a decline in comparable market valuation multiples. Despite this, the business increased revenue during the period and remains profitable.

    CommerceIQ, Inc., the pioneer in helping brands win on retail e-commerce channels, decreased by £221,000 in the period, including foreign exchange losses. Whilst CommerceIQ’s revenues increased during the period, market valuations for similar businesses declined and, consequently, the valuation fall is a reflection of wider market conditions.

    Four other companies in the Unquoted Growth portfolio made up valuation losses of £340,000. Aside from Vivacity Labs Limited, no other investments were written down to nil during the period.

    Post period end activity
    After the period end, the Company completed two new investments totalling £1.6 million into Dragonfly Technology Solutions Ltd (£600,000), a predictive analytics business, and Alison Technologies Ltd (£978,000), a developer of an innovative AI marketing insights tool. The Company also completed two follow-on investments totalling £1.1 million into Maestro Media Limited (£750,000) and Virtual Class Ltd (£300,000). The Company received £1.1 million in proceeds from the exit of Bulbshare Limited in October.

    At the date of the merger, the Unquoted Growth portfolio had seen positive foreign exchange movements totalling £421,000.

    Outlook
    Whilst the macroeconomic environment has been challenging for the last two years, we are cautiously optimistic that 2025 will provide more positive conditions for our portfolio companies. The downward trajectory of inflation and interest rates should lead to increasing confidence and encourage investors to return to the market. From an exit perspective, the IPO market is unlikely to open up in the short term, but we are seeing signs that PE and trade buyers will be more active in 2025, offering potential liquidity opportunities for portfolio companies.

    In addition to the anticipated improved macro environment, we believe the merger with Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc has created a company well placed for success, with a very clear investment mandate (exclusively investing in private technology businesses) and benefiting from more streamlined company reporting and administration.

    Foresight Group LLP
    20 December 2024

    Yield Focused portfolio
    Downing LLP continues to advise the Company on the Unquoted Yield Focused portfolio under a subcontract from Foresight Group LLP.

    Downing presents a review of the Yield Focused portfolio for the six months ended 30 September 2024. At the period end, the Yield Focused portfolio consisted of seven active investments, all of which are unquoted, with a total value of £9.9 million.

    Divestment activity
    During the period, the focus was on investment realisations from the Yield Focused portfolio, which resulted in proceeds of £2.9 million from the exit of Data Centre Response Limited, a provider of power solutions and maintenance services to data centres. There were no new or follow-on investments.

    Realisations in the period ended 30 September 2024

        Total Cost at date Exit Total
        invested of disposal proceeds return
    Company Detail (£) (£) (£) (£)
    Data Centre Response Limited Full disposal 557,441 557,441 2,916,694 2,916,694

    Key portfolio developments
    The Yield Focused portfolio reduced in value by £113,000 during the period, with one company, Data Centre Response Limited, recognising a gain of £494,000 on exit, as noted above, and four companies recognising unrealised losses of £607,000:

    Pilgrim Trading Limited, an operator and owner of two children’s nurseries in West London, decreased in value by £437,000 after two periods of unsuccessful marketing proved the last independent valuation of the business to be unachievable in current market conditions. Consequently, the independent valuation has now been heavily discounted.

    Kimbolton Lodge Limited, a nursing and care home in Bedfordshire, decreased in value by £67,000 to bring the valuation in line with the anticipated proceeds from a sale process that is currently underway.

    Doneloans Limited, which holds a portfolio of secured loans, decreased in value by £67,000 driven by the cost of its own funding marginally exceeding interest receivable from its borrowers.

    SF Renewables (Solar) Limited, which built and operates a solar plant in India, was reduced by £36,000 in line with the exit proceeds received post period end.

    Outlook
    With one exit during the period and another shortly after period end, there were six investments remaining in the Yield Focused portfolio at the time of writing. Downing is actively seeking to progress exits from both Kimbolton Lodge and Pilgrim Trading, though the latter is currently looking less likely to materialise. Given current market conditions, sales of the higher value, hotel-related investments, Baron House Developments and Cadbury House Holdings, are expected to take some time to complete. The recovery of value from Doneloans is linked largely to the sale of Pilgrim Trading, which is the lender’s largest loan, but additional recoveries are anticipated from other borrowers over the next 12 months.

    Downing LLP and Foresight Group LLP
    20 December 2024

    Quoted Growth portfolio
    For the six months to 30 September 2024, Downing LLP continued to advise the Company on the Quoted Growth portfolio under a subcontract from Foresight Group LLP. From 1 October 2024, Foresight Group LLP took on full responsibility for management of the Quoted Growth portfolio.

    Investment activity
    Markets continued to be volatile through the reporting period. The impending Budget dominated market behaviours, particularly the FTSE AIM Index, where fears over an abolition of IHT reliefs on AIM shares adversely affected the market. In the end, this fear was overcooked, and the FTSE AIM All Share rallied 4% on the day of the Budget, as it was announced that reliefs on AIM shares would remain, albeit at half the relief previously enjoyed. Since the Budget, the new concern has been focused on the impact of National Insurance increases, which have weighed heavily on UK Small and Mid-Cap companies. There is a general acceptance that inflation will still be a looming threat and hence interest rates will remain higher for longer.

    There were no investments or realisations made during the six months to 30 September 2024.

    Key portfolio developments
    At 30 September 2024, the Quoted Growth portfolio was valued at £13.4 million, comprising 36 active investments. Over the six-month period, the portfolio produced net valuation losses of £4.7 million, offset by £3.8 million received in dividends from the portfolio. Two companies, valued at £78,000 at year end, have been written down to nil during the period.

    The most significant loss was incurred in Tracsis plc, a provider of transport technology, which saw valuation losses of £2.4 million during the period due to a profit warning, citing delays on rail infrastructure spend incurred due to the early election. This was exacerbated by contract delays in their US business.

    This was offset by valuation gains elsewhere in the portfolio, where Anpario plc, a specialist manufacturer and distributor of natural sustainable feed additives for animal health, nutrition and biosecurity, increased by £680,000 net of £46,000 dividends received, reflecting an improvement in trading post supply chain issues experienced during the inflationary period post covid.

    A net gain of £615,000 was made in Downing Strategic Micro‑Cap Investment Trust plc, where special dividends of £3.7 million were made during the period, as part of the managed wind-down of the Trust. Since the period end, a further special dividend of 2.2p, equating to £133,000, has been received by the Company.

    Meanwhile Cohort plc, the parent company of six businesses providing a wide range of services and products for British, Portuguese and other international customers in defence and security markets, booked an unrealised gain of £558,000. This mirrored profit upgrades, contract renewals and strong financial results. This momentum has continued post period end.

    As at 17 December 2024, the valuation of the Quoted Growth portfolio had decreased by £226,000 (-1.7%).

    IBP Capital Markets Limited
    As noted in the Annual Report, the Company recovered c.80% of its total Quoted Growth portfolio on 19 July 2024, with the remaining c.20% to be recovered following court proceedings, currently anticipated to take place in the second half of 2025. Up until July, the ability to trade the portfolio continued to be restricted and hence there has been limited ability to manage exposures within the portfolio. The Company is now able to trade its positions, having been unable to do so since October 2023.

    Post-period end activity
    Post period end, ahead of the Budget, shares were sold in 14 of the Company’s Quoted Growth portfolio holdings. Notably, holdings in Anpario plc and Craneware plc were reduced, as well as in Impact Healthcare REIT plc, a non-qualifying holding. As previously communicated to Shareholders, the strategy going forward is to realise the Quoted Growth portfolio over time, which will free up funds to be redeployed into Unquoted Growth holdings.

    Outlook
    A number of the Quoted Growth companies in the portfolio have been consistently overoptimistic about hitting milestones for product development, revenues and ultimately profits. Given competition for capital amongst the wider portfolio of venture capital holdings, Foresight took the difficult decision to reduce a number of these positions. Achieving a total sale of individual holdings has not been possible, given that 20% of the Company’s Quoted Growth assets are still tied up in the custodian IBP Capital Markets Limited (“IBP”), which remains in special measures. While this is frustrating, as it does not allow portfolio management to be conducted across the entire portfolio should changes need to be made, we are able to make them to substantially all of the holdings.

    The Quoted Growth holdings have reduced as a percentage of the Company’s total assets, but we firmly believe that by making these changes we have increased the overall quality and see an encouraging future, despite an uncertain macroeconomic background.

    Downing LLP and Foresight Group LLP
    20 December 2024

    UNAUDITED HALF-YEARLY RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENTS

    Principal risks and uncertainties
    The principal risks faced by the Company are as follows:

    • Investment performance
    • Regulatory
    • Operational
    • Economic, political and other external factors

    The Board reported on the principal and emerging risks and uncertainties faced by the Company in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. A detailed explanation can be found on pages 26 to 28 of the Annual Report and Accounts, which is available on the Investment Adviser’s website www.foresightgroup.eu/products/foresight-ventures-vct-plc or by writing to Foresight Group at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG.

    In the view of the Board, there have been no changes to the fundamental nature of these risks since the previous report and these principal risks and uncertainties are equally applicable to the remaining six months of the financial year as they were to the six months under review.

    Directors’ responsibility statement
    The Disclosure and Transparency Rules (“DTR”) of the UK Listing Authority require the Directors to confirm their responsibilities in relation to the preparation and publication of the Half-Yearly Financial Report.

    The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

       a)   The summarised set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with FRS 104
       b)   The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R (indication of important events during the first six months and description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year)
       c)   The summarised set of financial statements gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company as required by DTR 4.2.4R
       d)   The interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.8R (disclosure of related parties’ transactions and changes therein)

    Going concern
    The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position, are set out in the Strategic Report of the Annual Report. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Chair’s Statement, Strategic Report and Notes to the Accounts of the 31 March 2024 Annual Report. In addition, the Annual Report includes the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

    The Company has adequate financial resources at the period end and holds a diversified portfolio of investments. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully.

    The Directors have reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the half-yearly financial statements.

    The Half-Yearly Financial Report has not been audited nor reviewed by the auditors.

    On behalf of the Board

    Atul Devani
    Chair

    20 December 2024

    UNAUDITED INCOME STATEMENT
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

      Six months ended
    30 September 2024
    (Unaudited)    		 Six months ended
    30 September 2023
    (Unaudited)    		 Year ended
    31 March 2024
    (Audited)
     
     
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Realised gains/(losses) on investments — 2,202 2,202 — (5,203) (5,203) — (8,015) (8,015)
    Investment holding (losses)/gains — (10,311) (10,311) — 1,028 1,028 — 3,465 3,465
    Income 4,187 — 4,187 1,065 — 1,065 906 — 906
    Investment management fees (404) (404) (808) (449) (449) (898) (863) (863) (1,726)
    Other expenses (482) — (482) (376) — (376) (1,346) — (1,346)
    Return/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 3,301 (8,513) (5,212) 240 (4,624) (4,384) (1,303) (5,413) (6,716)
    Taxation — — — (24) 24 — — — —
    Return/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 3,301 (8,513) (5,212) 216 (4,600) (4,384) (1,303) (5,413) (6,716)
    Return/(loss) per share 1.9p (4.8)p (2.9)p 0.1p (2.5)p (2.4)p (0.7)p (3.1)p (3.8)p

    The total columns of this statement are the profit and loss account of the Company and the revenue and capital columns represent supplementary information.

    All revenue and capital items in the above Income Statement are derived from continuing operations. No operations were acquired or discontinued in the period.

    The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than those shown above, therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented.

    The Company has only one class of business and one reportable segment, the results of which are set out in the Income Statement and Balance Sheet.

    There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and, therefore, no diluted earnings per share figures are relevant. The basic and diluted earnings per share are, therefore, identical.

    UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

      Called-up Share
    premium    		 Capital redemption Special Capital Revaluation Revenue  
      share capital account reserve reserve reserve reserve reserve Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    As at 1 April 2024 1,775 2,522 71 86,901 (10,791) 6,057 (4,619) 81,916
    Share issues in the period 7 301 — — — — — 308
    Expenses in relation to share issues — (46) — — — — — (46)
    Repurchase of shares (55) — 55 (2,340) — — — (2,340)
    Realised gains on disposal of investments — — — — 2,202 — — 2,202
    Investment holding losses — — — — — (10,311) — (10,311)
    Dividends paid — — — — (1,953) — — (1,953)
    Management fees charged to capital — — — — (404) — — (404)
    Revenue return before taxation for the period — — — — — — 3,301 3,301
    Taxation for the period — — — — — — — —
    As at 30 September 2024 1,727 2,777 126 84,561 (10,946) (4,254) (1,318) 72,673

    Distributable reserves at 30 September 2024 total £51,490,000 (31 March 2024: £58,151,000).

    UNAUDITED BALANCE SHEET
    As at 30 September 2024

    Registered number: 03150868

      As at As at As at
      30 September 30 September 31 March
      2024 2023 2024
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Fixed assets      
    Investments held at fair value through profit or loss 57,746 65,871 67,393
    Current assets      
    Debtors 8,467 7,393 7,570
    Cash and cash equivalents 7,097 13,580 7,559
    Total current assets 15,564 20,973 15,129
    Creditors      
    Amounts falling due within one year (637) (1,077) (606)
    Net current assets 14,927 19,896 14,523
    Net assets 72,673 85,767 81,916
    Capital and reserves      
    Called-up share capital 1,727 1,770 1,775
    Share premium account 2,777 2,252 2,522
    Capital redemption reserve 126 71 71
    Special reserve 84,561 85,122 86,901
    Capital reserve (10,946) (5,627) (10,791)
    Revaluation reserve (4,254) 3,619 6,057
    Revenue reserve (1,318) (1,440) (4,619)
    Equity shareholders’ funds 72,673 85,767 81,916
    Net Asset Value per share 42.1p 48.5p 46.1p

    UNAUDITED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

      Six months ended Six months ended Year ended
      30 September 30 September 31 March
      2024 2023 2024
      (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited)
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Cash flow from operating activities      
    Loss on ordinary activities after taxation (5,212) (4,384) (6,716)
    Loss on investments 8,109 4,175 4,550
    Increase in debtors (1,768) (891) (1,134)
    Increase in creditors 59 82 304
    Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 1,188 (1,018)  (2,996)
    Cash flow from investing activities      
    Purchase of investments (1,125) (2,209) (4,394)
    Net proceeds on sale of investments 2,917 3,295 3,433
    Net proceeds on deferred consideration 543 419 637
    Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 2,335 1,505 (324)
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Proceeds of fundraising — 1,586 1,585
    Expenses of fundraising — (7) (7)
    Repurchase of own shares (2,340) (2,270) (2,964)
    Equity dividends paid (1,645) (1,498) (3,017)
    Net cash outflow from financing activities (3,985) (2,189) (4,403)
    Net outflow of cash in the period (462) (1,702) (7,723)
    Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds      
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the period (462) (1,702) (7,723)
    Net cash and cash equivalents at start of period 7,559 15,282 15,282
    Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period 7,097 13,580 7,559

    Analysis of changes in net debt

      As at
    1 April 2024
    £’000    		 Cash flow
    £’000    		 At 30 September
    2024
    £’000
     
     
    Cash and cash equivalents 7,559 (462) 7,097

    NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED HALF-YEARLY RESULTS
    For the six months ended 30 September 2024

    1
    The Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the statutory accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024. Unquoted investments have been valued in accordance with IPEV Valuation Guidelines.

    2
    These are not statutory accounts in accordance with s436 of the Companies Act 2006 and the financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2024 and 30 September 2023 has been neither audited nor formally reviewed. Statutory accounts in respect of the year ended 31 March 2024 have been audited and reported on by the Company’s auditor and delivered to the Registrar of Companies and included the report of the auditor which was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s498(2) or s498(3) of the Companies Act 2006. No statutory accounts in respect of any period after 31 March 2024 have been reported on by the Company’s auditor or delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

    3
    Copies of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report will be sent to Shareholders via their chosen method and will be available for inspection at the Registered Office of the Company at The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9SG.

    4 Net Asset Value per share
    The Net Asset Value per share is based on net assets at the end of the period and on the number of shares in issue at the date.

        Number of shares
      Net assets in issue
    30 September 2024 £72,673,000 172,715,260
    30 September 2023 £85,767,000 176,968,887
    31 March 2024 £81,916,000 177,546,529

    5 Return per share
    The weighted average number of shares used to calculate the respective returns are shown in the table below.

      Number of shares
    Six months ended 30 September 2024 176,320,908
    Six months ended 30 September 2023 179,310,912
    Year ended 31 March 2024 178,234,061

    Earnings for the period should not be taken as a guide to the results for the full year.

    6 Income

      Six months ended Six months ended Year ended
      30 September 30 September 31 March
      2024 2023 2024
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Income from investments      
    Loan stock interest 240 920 424
    Dividend income 3,827 145 415
      4,067 1,065 839
    Other income 120 — 67
      4,187 1,065 906

    7 Investments held at fair value through profit or loss

      Unquoted Growth
    investments
    £’000    		 Unquoted
    Yield Focused
    investments
    £’000    		 Quoted Growth
    investments
    £’000    		 Total
    £’000
     
     
     
    Book cost at 1 April 2024 39,760 13,651 23,241 76,652
    Investment holding losses at 1 April 2024 (3,374) (751) (5,134) (9,259)
    Valuation at 1 April 2024 36,386 12,900 18,107 67,393
    Movements in the period:        
    Purchases 1,125 — — 1,125
    Disposal proceeds — (2,917) — (2,917)
    Realised (losses)/gains on disposals1 (775) 2,360 — 1,585
    Foreign exchange losses (669) — — (669)
    Investment holding losses2 (1,554) (2,473) (4,744) (8,771)
    Valuation at 30 September 2024 34,513 9,870 13,363 57,746
    Book cost at 30 September 2024 40,110 13,094 23,241 76,445
    Investment holding losses at 30 September 2024 (5,597) (3,224) (9,878) (18,699)
    Valuation at 30 September 2024 34,513 9,870 13,363 57,746
    1. Realised gains on investments in the Income Statement include realised gains relating to deferred consideration receipts totalling £617,000 from StorageOS Inc (£419,000), Efundamentals Group Limited (£96,000), Firefly Learning Limited (£74,000), DIA Imaging Analysis Limited (£14,000) and Imagen Limited (£14,000).
    2. Investment holding losses in the Income Statement include unrealised losses which are a result of the deferred consideration debtor decrease of £871,000. The debtor movement reflects the recognition of amounts receivable in respect of DIA Imaging Analysis Limited (£45,000) and Firefly Learning Limited (£8,000), offset by receipts in respect of StorageOS Inc (£419,000), Efundamentals Group Limited (£96,000), Firefly Learning Limited (£74,000), Imagen Limited (£14,000) and DIA Imaging Analysis Limited (£14,000). Amounts were previously recognised as receivable but written down at 30 September 2024 in respect of Efundamentals Group Limited (£295,000), JRNI Limited (£8,000) and Imagen Limited (£4,000).

    8 Contingencies, guarantees and financial commitments
    As outlined in note 17 to the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, the Company has used IBP Capital Markets Limited (“IBP”) as custodian for its quoted investments since September 2020. Appointing a custodian is a requirement of the FCA; IBP is an FCA authorised and regulated wholesale broker, providing custody services and access to equity and fixed income securities for non-retail clients (which includes the Company). On 13 October 2023, the FCA published a supervisory notice under section 55L(3)(a) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, imposing certain restrictions on IBP. On the same date, IBP applied to the High Court and special administrators were appointed.

    During the period since, the Investment Adviser has been actively collaborating with the special administrators to reach a resolution, which has involved reconciling quoted stocks held with IBP (“Custody Assets”) and cash held with IBP (“Client Money”). As at 13 October 2023, the Company held Client Money of £1.1 million (1.2% of indicative NAV on the same date), and Custody Assets of £16.9 million (19.5% of indicative NAV on the same date).

    With regard to Custody Assets, whilst the final outcome remains subject to change, particularly as additional claims may be made, there have so far been two differences of value identified, together totalling a variance of £0.28 million, which was provided for at 31 March 2024. It was announced on 17 May 2024 that the special administrators would be making an interim distribution of 80% of eligible Custody Assets, and the transfer of these to the new custodian completed on 19 July 2024. The Company is now able to trade these assets on the quoted market. The remaining 20% withheld will be distributed as part of a Final Court Approved Distribution Plan, unless additional claims are made resulting in a break.

    With regard to Client Money, a progress report was released on 12 April 2024 which identified a potential 44% cash shortfall equating to £0.46 million of Client Money held by the Company which was provided for at 31 March 2024. Any further deduction for fees relating to the special administration process is unknown at this point, but from the information available these are anticipated to be in the region of £0.14 million payable by the Company. These fees were accrued for as at 31 March 2024 and there has been no further adjustment to this estimate. The total potential exposure based on information available to date is therefore currently estimated to be £0.88 million, representing 1.2% of NAV at 30 September 2024.

    As noted, the outcome remains subject to change with the final distribution plan being shared following the court proceedings. Timing of this is currently anticipated to take place in the second half of 2025. The Company will communicate with Shareholders if there is any new information which materially impacts the numbers presented in this report.

    9 Related party transactions
    No Director has an interest in any contract to which the Company is a party other than their appointment and payment as Directors.

    10 Transactions with the Investment Adviser
    Details of arrangements with Foresight Group LLP are given in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024, in the Directors’ Report and notes 4 and 5. All arrangements and transactions were on an arm’s length basis.

    Foresight Group LLP was appointed as Investment Adviser on 4 July 2022 and earned fees of £808,000 during the period to 30 September 2024 (30 September 2023: £898,000; 31 March 2024: £1,726,000).

    Foresight Group LLP is the Company Secretary (appointed on 1 September 2023) and received, for accounting and company secretarial services, fees of £75,000 during the period to 30 September 2024 (30 September 2023: £80,000; 31 March 2024: £156,000).

    At the balance sheet date there was £nil due to Foresight Group LLP (30 September 2023: £nil; 31 March 2024: £nil).

    11 Post-balance sheet events
    On 5 November 2024, the Company purchased for cancellation 2,197,967 ordinary shares of 1p at a gross price of 42.37p per share.

    On 15 November 2024, the Company merged with Thames Ventures VCT 2 plc (“TV2”). A total of 86,637,164 shares in the Company were issued to TV2 shareholders at the price of 42.629237024071200p per share. Following this allotment, the Company redesignated 147,531,473 of its issued ordinary shares as deferred shares, which were immediately repurchased and cancelled in order to re-base the NAV per share of each of ordinary share to 100.0p.

    A copy of the Unaudited Half-Yearly Financial Report will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism in accordance with UK Listing Rules (“UKLR”)11.4.1 / UKLR 6.4.1 and UKLR 6.4.3.

    END

    For further information, please contact:

    Company Secretary
    Foresight Group LLP
    Contact: Stephen Thayer Tel: 0203 667 8100

    Investor Relations
    Foresight Group LLP
    Contact: Andrew James Tel: 0203 667 8181

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/THAILAND – Appointment of the new Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Thailand

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 20 December 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On December 6, 2024, Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for the first Evangelization and New Particular Churches), appointed, Father Peter Piyachart Makornkhanp, of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Thailand for five years.The new director of the Thai PMS is 63 years old and was ordained a priest in 1990. He attended the St. Joseph Seminary in Sempran (1979-1982) and subsequently that of the Holy Family. He obtained a degree in philosophy and religious studies at the Saengtham Institute at the Sampran Campus and a master’s degree from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. From 1990 to date he has carried out various ministries, covering the role of parish priest and pastoral assistant in various communities of his Archdiocese, of which he was Vicar General from 2020 to April 2024. Since April 2024 he has worked in the office for the missionary pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Bangkok and is parish priest of the Holy Rosary Church. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 20/12/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 8235, Rural Physician Workforce Preservation Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 8235 would update the requirements rural hospitals must meet to receive specific Medicare funding for graduate medical education. The bill would affect which hospitals are eligible to receive such funding but would not change the total amount of funding available. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 8235 would not affect direct spending or revenues. CBO has not estimated the bill’s effects on spending subject to appropriation. The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 8246, Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 8246, the Second Chances for Rural Hospitals Act, would allow critical access hospitals and certain small rural hospitals that closed between January 1, 2014, and December 26, 2020, to reopen as rural emergency hospitals. Those facilities would qualify for additional Medicare payments, including higher reimbursement rates and annual facility payments, depending on their distance from other hospitals. Based on an assessment of the number of additional locations that would become eligible for monthly payments, CBO estimates that enacting the bill would result in about 6,000 additional monthly payments to rural emergency hospitals, increasing Medicare fee-for-service spending by $2 billion. That change also would increase payments to Medicare Advantage plans. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 8246 would increase total direct spending by $3.4 billion over the 2025‑2034 period and that enacting the bill would not affect revenues. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 8816, American Medical Innovation and Investment Act of 2024

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 8816, the American Medical Innovation and Investment Act of 2024, would modify rules for determining national and local coverage in Medicare’s programs and revise certain Medicare payments and benefits. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would decrease net direct spending by $129 million over the 2025-2034 period. The bill would provide $5 million to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which CBO estimates would increase direct spending by the same amount over the 2025-2034 period to implement changes to the national and local coverage process. The bill also would expand Medicare coverage for the home infusion of drugs. CBO estimates that enacting that provision would reduce direct spending by $134 million over the 2025-2034 period. The bill also would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a four-year demonstration project offering medically tailored, home-delivered meals to beneficiaries with heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions. CBO estimates that enacting the medically tailored meals demonstration would not significantly affect direct spending over the 2025‑2034 period. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would not affect revenues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Nursing Graduates its Largest BS/CEIN Nursing Class

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts was packed with family, friends, and supporters of this year’s largest BS/Certificate of Entry into Nursing (CEIN) graduating class on Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

    CEIN students go from having a bachelor’s degree in another field to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Connecticut in just one year. It is a rigorous accelerated program, (the longest-running one of its kind in the state), that provides a pathway for students of all ages and backgrounds to join the nursing profession. 

    Achieving this feat in such a compact time frame requires an enormous level of dedication, especially for students who are returning to higher education after a gap period, caretaking, or working – sometimes all three. 

    The program is offered in Storrs as well as at three of UConn’s regional campuses – Stamford, Waterbury, and Avery Point – and runs from January to December. 

    Class of 2024 BS/CEIN graduates enjoying some sun before heading onto stage

    This cohort was the 22nd accelerated nursing class to graduate from the School of Nursing. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony began with a greeting from Del Siegle, Ph.D., MS, BS, University Marshal who serves as the Lynn and Ray Neag Endowed Chair for Talent Development. 

    The School of Nursing’s Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FAAN led the processional welcome and introduced this year’s commencement speaker Lucinda Canty, Ph.D., CNM, FACNM, FAAN, FADLN, recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award.  

    We chose to be nurses. We chose to be the ones in scrubs, the ones at the bedside, the ones who care deeply and serve selflessly. – David Broughton, ’24 (NUR), CEIN Class President

    This year’s Pellegrina (Peggy) Lacovella Stolfi Clinical Teaching Awards went to Melissa Rembish, MSN, RN-BC, (Health Assessment Instructor); Sherene Fagon, RN, MSN, C-EFM, (Population-based Course Instructor); and Lori-Anne Lowry, MSN, RN-CVBC, CNL, (Adult Care/Community Health Instructor). 

    CEIN’s class president, David Broughton, delivered a speech of encouragement and hope to his fellow graduates. “We’re ready not only because we’ve gained the knowledge and skills, but because we have the resilience, the heart, and the support of each other,” Broughton said. “Yet, in a world filled with choices, we all found our way to the same path. We chose to be nurses. We chose to be the ones in scrubs, the ones at the bedside, the ones who care deeply and serve selflessly.” 

    Students from all four campuses lined up to enter the stage and receive their pins – some from family members, friends, and spouses. Elizabeth Mayerson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, president of the Sigma Theta Tau Mu Chapter, presented the candidates; over 80 CEIN students (more than half) were inducted into this international honor society in November, which has more than 10,000 active members worldwide. 

     

    Nine students received acknowledgement for their veteran or active-duty service, and students with a 4.0 GPA, (who are automatic members of the American Holistic Nurses Association), were recognized for their excellence in academic achievement. The Sigma student award was received by Stamford student Morgan Moltzau. 

    As you transition from nursing student to professional nurse, always remember that you are UConn nurses, our best and our brightest, and that we will always be proud of you. – Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson

    After each student crossed the stage, the UConn Nursing PRAXIS pledge was led by president of the School of Nursing alumni board, Diana Filipek-Oberg, BSN. Vice provost for health sciences, Amy Gorin, Ph.D., followed with the time-honored Conferral of Degrees before closing remarks by Dean Dickson. 

    Dean Dickson imparted a message of pride and inspiration as these students enter the next chapter in their nursing journey. “As UConn nurses, you are essential to the future of nursing and of health care,” she said. “You are well-prepared to care for individuals, families, and communities from diverse backgrounds to optimize well-being. As you transition from nursing student to professional nurse, always remember that you are UConn nurses, our best and our brightest, and that we will always be proud of you.” 

    She went on to say, “Graduates – I charge you now to fully assume the responsibilities of your new status … to build upon the foundation of knowledge through a commitment to lifelong learning and to seek out opportunities through practice and service to exemplify the vision of UConn Nursing: innovative, evidence-based, and caring nurses transforming health care and promoting health equity for all.”

    In response, the words of class president David Broughton ring true. “We are the UConn Husky Nurses, today, tomorrow, and forever, and we carry that pride with us as we step forward into our futures.” 

    To learn more about UConn’s second bachelor’s degree in nursing program, visit Home | Certificate Entry into Nursing (CEIN) Program. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Three Business Students Attend Top International Climate Conference: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Junior Chapal Bhavsar is interested in big, sustainable-technology projects, including the creation of climate-friendly power plants, and is eager to use his finance knowledge to find ways to fund their construction.

    As one of 14 UConn students, and five faculty and staff, to attend the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan last month, Bhavsar met many people—including some international power figures—who share his ideology.

    “At COP, I wanted to connect with people in the business space. I went in with an open mind and was happy to talk to anyone. I was in the room with the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan and with a Saudi delegation working on a clean-energy pipeline. It was fascinating to talk about how financing is changing in the sector, with private industry replacing government entities to advance these projects.’’

    “Perhaps the highlight was being able to connect with the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mark Libby,’’ Bhavsar said. “He’s from Southbury and I grew up in Danbury, so we had that in common. I was excited to connect with someone who is so key in the climate-protection movement, a top guy who is very successful. He invited us to a roundtable where he answered all kinds of questions.’’

    Bhavsar was joined by two other UConn business students, senior Jackie Flaherty, who is majoring in marketing and urban and community studies and minoring in geographic information science; and senior Naiiya Patel, who is studying accounting, with minors in philosophy, and social responsibility and impact in business. All three are members of the UConn Honors program.

    ‘Committed to Purposeful Change’

    Arminda Kamphausen, director for Global & Sustainability Initiatives at the School of Business, said the COP 29 conference offered students an extraordinary experience. UConn business students have been participating since 2021.

    “This once-in-a-lifetime experience ticks all the boxes: international travel, cultural awareness, and growth through exposure to and interaction with critical real-world issues,’’ she said. “The conversations I have had with these students since their return underscores the importance of experiential learning to a complete education. I am so glad we prioritize that here at the UConn School of Business.’’

    “The conversations also reinforce my hope in this generation of young people who are committed to purposeful change and positive impact. Experiences like this give them the tools they need to do just that,’’ she said.

    Kamphausen said the UConn Office of Sustainability deserves credit for its work to make this adventure happen, and particularly for its ability to arrange for our students to enter the exclusive arena where the most meaningful negotiations occur.

    Sustainable Initiatives That Could Apply to Gampel

    Patel enjoyed the conference and said one of the highlights for her was having the opportunity to meet the former President of Finland, Tarja Halonen. She told Halonen how much she enjoyed her presentation on the importance of a greener future and need to act decisively.

    “It was very cool; I never expected to meet someone so important,’’ Patel said.

    Patel said she arrived at COP 29 thinking that she would focus on youth impact and teaching, but found many other interests there as well.

    “The themes covered so many fascinating topics from water security to biodiversity to transportation and tourism. It felt so cool because so much of it could be applied right here at UConn,’’ she said.

    Patel was intrigued by a presentation from an executive with the Liverpool soccer team, who talked about initiatives to keep the facility and the patron experience more sustainable and climate friendly.

    “I thought it would be a great match at UConn and perhaps we could adopt some of those ideas at Gampel,’’ she said. “It was an interesting conference and I didn’t expect that much access to information nor to be around so many important people. Every day there were new panels and an amazing schedule of events. I loved the freedom to seek the information that was of most interest to me.’’

    Patel’s professional interests include business, sustainability and education. She hopes to work for one of the Big 4 accounting firms, and said having knowledge about climate-change initiatives will be an advantage in securing her first job and advancing in the industry.

    Flaherty Built New Network of Friends, Colleagues

    Flaherty has worked in the Office of Sustainability in various capacities since she came to UConn.

    “My interest began senior year in high school when I took environmental science and human geography courses,’’ she said. “I really enjoy both communicating information and working with people.’’

    The trip to COP 29 was particularly enjoyable for Flaherty, who hasn’t traveled extensively. She loved both the food and the people. “I also enjoyed meeting representatives from around the world and hearing their perspectives,’’ she said.

    She hopes to work in sustainable urban planning or communications following graduation.

    “This will be such a nice experience to talk about in my future career. I’m so grateful to UConn to have offered this opportunity. It is so important going forward in my career to have had this experience,’’ she said. “I also found a great new network of UConn friends to build both professional relationships and friendships.’’

    One of the things that surprised her was seeing oil companies and other lobbyists at the event.

    Flaherty and her peers both wished that the conference had generated more substantial change, as the 2015 COP agreement did, resulting in the Paris Agreement. But only about 20 percent of the original finance goals were adopted at the conference.

    “At first, I was very disappointed in the outcome. But now I think it is important to focus on what we can do in our communities and to push local leaders to advocate and pressure for national initiatives and investments,’’ Flaherty said.

    “Regardless of some frustrations, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to interact with people from around the world and it was tremendously eye-opening,’’ she added.

    Bhavsar, a Fulbright scholar with a particular interest in banking and analyst roles, said he still felt optimistic after the event. “Its important that we make progress. It can always be better but it is a big step to make and build connections,’’ he said. “I think these nations are on the right track and moving in the right direction.’’

    Bhavsar said he will long remember the people he met at the conference and in the country, visiting a palace, a fire temple, a mosque and exploring Baku.

    “UConn support helped us attend COP but also have a tremendous cultural experience as well,’’ he said. “I met one guy who went home and got his brother, who spoke English and could translate for us. We all went out for tea! The Azerbaijani people are very, very nice.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Powerview-Pine Falls — Powerview RCMP traffic stops lead to weapons arrests

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On December 14, 2024, at approximately 1:15 am, Powerview RCMP received a weapons complaint in the community of Manigotagan.

    While patrolling the area, officers conducted a traffic stop and recognized the male driver of the vehicle as a person with an outstanding warrant.

    As the officer was placing the driver under arrest, another traffic stop was being conducted nearby with assistance from Hollow Water First Nation Safety Officers.

    Two males from the second vehicle were arrested and when searching the vehicle, officers located a loaded firearm.

    RCMP arrested Cole Arthurson, 28, from Selkirk, Kyle Clarke, 34, from Winnipeg, and Keanu Simard, 28 from Hollow Water. All three were charged with a number of firearm-related offences.

    On December 16, 2024, at approximately 12:00 am, Powerview RCMP conducted a traffic stop while on patrol in the community, stopping a vehicle with three occupants on Cedar Street.

    As the officer approached the vehicle, the male driver informed police he did not have a valid license. After speaking with the other male occupants in the vehicle – officers noticed what appeared to be a sawed-off shotgun in plain view in the back.

    All three occupants were arrested without incident at the scene.

    Clements Swampy, 29, Matthew Boyd, 32, both of Fort Alexander, and Brennon Beaulieu (22) from Winnipeg were all charged with numerous firearm-related offences.

    The investigations continue.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — Harbour Grace RCMP arrests second individual involved in NF Power theft of copper wire in Old Perlican

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    With the assistance of the public, the second individual responsible for the break, enter and theft from NF Power communications site in Old Perlican, 42-year-old David Joseph Traverse of Heart’s Delight, was arrested by Harbour Grace RCMP.

    On December 16, 2024, two suspects were caught on surveillance stealing copper wire from the NF Power communications site in Old Perlican. One suspect, 40-year-old Hope Cox, was arrested departing the scene in a vehicle. The other suspect, later identified as Traverse, fled the scene on foot.

    As part of the ongoing investigation, Traverse was arrested without incident on December 18, 2024. He is charged with the following criminal offences:

    • Break and enter
    • Theft over $5000.00
    • Michief over $5000.00, damage to property
    • Possession of break in instruments/tools
    • Wearing a disguise
    • Failure to comply with a condition of a release order

    Traverse appeared in court in Harbour Grace yesterday and was held in custody overnight. He will appear in court today.

    RCMP NL thanks the public for assistance provided during this investigation.

    Background:

    Harbour Grace RCMP investigates break, enter and theft at NF Power communication site in Old Perlican, woman arrested | Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on Local Government Reform – ten councils in Hertfordshire release update

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Ten councils in Hertfordshire have released a joint statement on local government reform:

    “Following the publication of the Devolution White Paper, and subsequent statements by the leader of Hertfordshire County Council, we would like to make it clear that we do not support the creation of one unitary council for Hertfordshire. 

    “Our county is diverse and made up of over 1.2 million residents across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Any reform of local government in Hertfordshire should follow a period of proper consultation with residents, businesses, elected representatives and stakeholders. Looking at the evidence, we should decide collectively what is best for our area. A single unitary council for the county risks diminishing local representation, with decision-making that is remote from the communities we serve.

    “We do not support postponing the county council elections scheduled for May 2025. The government has indicated that this will only happen in priority areas who have clear and agreed plans. This is not the case in Hertfordshire, so we cannot be in the first phase of these reforms. 

    “We recognise that the government’s white paper sets a clear direction of travel. As Hertfordshire’s district and borough council leaders, we want to work collaboratively with others to agree how we respond to this. Any changes must be carefully considered, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that residents and businesses are fully engaged in shaping the future governance of Hertfordshire.

    “Our objective must be to get this right for our residents and businesses. That cannot be achieved if we make rushed decisions that have not been given the serious consideration that they deserve.”

    Statement agreed by the following leaders:

    Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford (Watford Borough Council)
    Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council
    Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council
    Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of Three Rivers District Council
    Councillor Paul de Kort, Leader of St Albans City and District Council
    Councillor Max Holloway, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
    Councillor Daniel Allen,  Leader of North Hertfordshire Council
    Councillor Adrian England, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council
    Councillor Mark Mills-Bishop, Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council
    Councillor Ben Crystal, Leader of East Herts District Council 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria transition may fail if support lifeline is delayed, says IOM chief

    Source: United Nations 4

    Humanitarian Aid

    The head of the UN migration agency stressed on Friday that Syria is in no position to take back millions of Syrians following the fall of the Assad regime, while there is an urgent need to “re-evaluate” sanctions impacting the war-ravaged country.

    “We are not promoting large-scale returns; the communities frankly are just not ready to absorb the people who are displaced and would come home…it will overwhelm the country,” said Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). “Many have returned to find their find their homes reduced to rubble,” she noted.

    Speaking in Geneva shortly after returning from Damascus where she held talks with representatives of the caretaker authorities, Ms. Pope described how 14 years of war had destroyed “hospitals, schools, community centres” and much else.

    “Rebuilding homes is just one part of the solution, but [Syrians] also need access to healthcare and essential services to feel secure and lay the foundations for recovery.”

    More than half of Syria’s population has been displaced, some 16.7 million people need humanitarian assistance and well over six million Syrian refugees have sought shelter abroad.

    ‘Enormous’ need for funds

    “The needs for funding – both financial resources, political resources – are going to be enormous,” Ms. Pope continued, confirming that IOM “will be part of any effort to help address the situation there”, including potentially at an upcoming Syria reconstruction conference planned by the French Government in January.

    And yet the task of rebuilding and investing in Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime by Hayat-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters and others, remains complicated by sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, following the violent repression of pro-democracy protests in 2011 that escalated into civil war.

    On Thursday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for international solidarity with Syrians “until conditions are met for all sanctions to be removed” by the Member States that imposed them, while also insisting on the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid and support efforts to rebuild the economy.

    Echoing that appeal, IOM’s Ms. Pope described the impact of sanctions in Syria, where “people do not have access to cash…they do not have access to credit”.

    Goods are exchanged rather than purchased and salaries “are extremely low and often insufficient to meet their most basic of needs…So, to rebuild the situation, there will be a need to re-evaluate those sanctions.”

    Human rights must be paramount

    Also briefing in Geneva, UN human rights office (OHCHR) spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan insisted that “whoever is in power, the obligations of the States remain the same, and that is protection of all human rights for all Syrians. When it comes to sanctions, it is important that any sanctions imposed by any party take into consideration the importance of humanitarian aid for the civilians. This should not be affected in any way.”

    Providing insight into her high-level meetings in Damascus, Ms. Pope described a “sense of openness” to the international community and a willingness to engage with it – a message that was “echoed throughout by all members of the caretaker government to all parties, whether they were other members of the diplomatic corps or other members of the UN family”.

    Mass poverty

    IOM has been unable to operate in Syria since 2018. Today, more than 90 per cent of Syrians live below the poverty line and 800,000 people have been newly displaced in recent weeks, presenting a massive new humanitarian emergency.

    “Frankly, across the board we’ve had some pretty serious challenges meeting those humanitarian needs, largely because of the barriers put in place by the Assad government, but also because of the ongoing conflict,” Ms. Pope explained, in reference to ongoing clashes across Syria.

    Important as immediate relief aid is for Syria, the IOM chief said that it should be accompanied by a “stabilizing” of the situation in Syria.

    This would need to involve “justice, reparation and inclusivity”, she said, but also housing, land and property rights that are “key and at the heart of community stabilization in the context of the returns that we anticipate”.

    Healthcare in peril

    Meanwhile, echoing deep concerns over the scale of needs and “tremendous hardships” that Syrians still face, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) launched an appeal on Friday to raise $56.4 million over the next six months.

    Displaced communities continue to live in overcrowded conditions in formal camps and shelters, with too little to eat and succumbing to respiratory infections and other communicable diseases including diarrhoea and scabies, warned Dr. Christina Bethke, Acting WHO Representative in Syria.

    Speaking from Damascus, Dr. Bethke described one WHO assessment team’s mission to Idlib in the northwest of the country. They spoke to “dedicated surgeons who have worked tirelessly during this escalation over the last three weeks, often under attack and in order to save lives. One surgeon shared the words of these patients, saying, ‘We finally sleep at night, no longer worrying about being bombarded.’”

    Funding for WHO’s appeal will sustain critical health services during the transition period, including 141 health facilities in northwest Syria that are at risk of “imminent closure in the coming weeks”, owing to a lack of resources.

    “The health infrastructure is severely strained and we saw in just three weeks during this escalation 36 attacks on health care have been reported and over half the country’s hospitals are non-functional,” Dr. Bethke said.

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    MIL OSI United Nations News –