NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: RM of Tache — Update – St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP respond to fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    After further investigation into this collision by an RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, RCMP have confirmed that the eastbound car, being driven by the 25-year-old male, had crossed over the center line and side-swiped the eastbound SUV, being driven by the 59-year-old male.

    The mechanical condition of the car was not a factor in the collision.

    St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP continue to investigate.

    On October 23, 2024, at approximately 12:30 am, St-Pierre-Jolys received a report of a collision on Highway 1 and Provincial Road 206. When officers arrived on scene, one vehicle was in the south ditch and two vehicles were on the highway.

    Investigation determined a car and a SUV were travelling eastbound on Highway 1 and were side-by-side when the passenger tire of the car, with the control arm and other mechanical parts, came off and struck the SUV, which was travelling in the south lane. This caused the car to come to rest on the roadway and immediately catch fire. The 25-year-old male driver from Calgary was able to exit the vehicle. He was transported to local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

    After the SUV was struck by the tire and parts from the car, the SUV entered the ditch and rolled. The 59-year-old male driver, from Steinbach, was pronounced deceased on scene. The 45-year-old male passenger, from the RM of Hanover, was transported to local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

    A third vehicle was travelling close behind the collision and struck the tire component of the car, which was left on the highway after the collision, making the vehicle inoperable. The 28-year-old female driver, from Kenora, Ontario, was transported to hospital with minor physical injuries.

    St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP, along with an RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Center Updates in Southwest Virginia

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Updates in Southwest Virginia

    Disaster Recovery Center Updates in Southwest Virginia

    BRISTOL, Va.– A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open in Duffield, Va. at the Pioneer Center at 225 Boone Trail Road, Duffield, VA 24244 on Tuesday, November 5, at 8 a.m. This will be the tenth DRC to open in the impacted area. The Pulaski County DRC in Dublin, Va. will reopen on November 6, at 12 p.m. And the Disaster Recovery Center in Christiansburg, Va. will not reopen. Disaster survivors can visit any DRC to receive assistance. To find the DRC closest to you, including addresses and hours, visit FEMA.gov/drc or text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362.    The newest Disaster Recovery Center is located at:Scott County  Pioneer Center225 Boone Trail RoadDuffield, Va. 24244Hours of operation:Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed SundaysThe Dublin, Va. Disaster Recovery Center will re-open Wednesday, November 6 at noon.Pulaski County New River Valley Fairgrounds 5581 Fair Grounds CircleDublin, Va. 24084Reopening 11/06:Wednesday Nov. 6, 2024 – 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Hours of Operation after 11/6Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.Closed SundaysThe Disaster Recovery Center in Christiansburg will not re-open.Montgomery County   Montgomery County Government Center755 Roanoke StreetChristiansburg, Va. 24073Hours of operation:Closed, Will Not ReopenSurvivors do not have to visit a DRC to register with FEMA. You can call 800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free telephone line operates seven days a week. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. You can also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App on your phone.The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Dec. 2, 2024.If you have received a letter from FEMA about your application status, visit a DRC to learn more about next steps. DRC staff can help you submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process your application and answer any questions you may have.FEMA has set up a rumor response webpage to clarify our role in the Helene response. Visit Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response.For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Facebook page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.  ###FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA Region 3’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow us on X at x.com/FEMAregion3 and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/femaregion3. To apply for FEMA assistance, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/, or download and apply on the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages). Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination.  FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be contacted at FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov or toll-free at 833-285-7448.
    erika.osullivan
    Sat, 11/02/2024 – 18:04

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chaves County Flood

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chaves County Flood

    FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chaves County Flood

    Chaves County homeowners and renters, who sustained damage from the Oct. 19-20, 2024, severe storm and flooding may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. FEMA disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help people recover from the effects of the disaster.FEMA’s assistance offers benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, FEMA’s new simplified Individual Assistance process and expanded eligibility allows New Mexicans access to a wider range of assistance including for serious needs.Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) provides funding for households to cover important items like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, fuel for transportation or other emergency supplies for eligible households. To qualify for SNA, you must be displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application.Displacement Assistance (DA) provides people with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, to keep people housed. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.Before receiving funds for Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) or Displacement Assistance (DA), an inspection is required to confirm eligibility.How to Apply to FEMANew Mexico residents can apply to FEMA for federal financial assistance three ways:Visit DisasterAssistance.gov,Download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages. Dial 711 or video relay services are available.To view an American Sign Language (ASL) video about how to apply visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Additional Assistance and BenefitsStreamlined Application Requirements so you can apply for a low-interest, long-term disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and for FEMA assistance at the same time.Support for Underinsured Claims to help with aspects of home repair not covered by insurance.Simplified Assistance for Entrepreneurs by providing self-employed survivors with initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment to help them land on their feet. Expanded Habitability Criteria to help survivors make their post-disaster homes safer and cleaner. Previously, for example, if a home had a leaky roof pre-disaster, that area of the home wouldn’t qualify.Make Accessibility Improvements to help survivors with disabilities improve their living conditions by making their homes even more accessible than they were pre-disaster.Streamlined Temporary Housing Assistance Applications by reducing documentation requirements for applicants who need to extend their stay in FEMA-supported temporary housing.Simplified Process for Appeals so survivors who wish to appeal FEMA’s decisions will no longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany the supporting documentation.Computer Assistance for survivors who need to repair or replace disaster-damaged computers.Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing. If you suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:Home Repair Assistance may be provided to homeowners to repair the structural parts of your home. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC), utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems) and entrance ways. FEMA may also reimburse for the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, private well and septic system that was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.Even if you applied for federal assistance previously for other disasters in New Mexico, you could still apply to FEMA for assistance following the Oct. 19-20 severe storms and flooding in Chaves County.
    angela.ambroise
    Sat, 11/02/2024 – 17:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chavez County Flood

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chavez County Flood

    FEMA Disaster Assistance Available for New Mexicans Impacted by the Oct. 19-20 Chavez County Flood

    Chaves County homeowners and renters, who sustained damage from the Oct. 19-20, 2024, severe storm and flooding may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. FEMA disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help people recover from the effects of the disaster.FEMA’s assistance offers benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, FEMA’s new simplified Individual Assistance process and expanded eligibility allows New Mexicans access to a wider range of assistance including for serious needs.Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) provides funding for households to cover important items like water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items, fuel for transportation or other emergency supplies for eligible households. To qualify for SNA, you must be displaced, need shelter or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application.Displacement Assistance (DA) provides people with up-front funds to assist with immediate housing options of their choice, to keep people housed. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.Before receiving funds for Serious Needs Assistance (SNA) or Displacement Assistance (DA), an inspection is required to confirm eligibility.How to Apply to FEMANew Mexico residents can apply to FEMA for federal financial assistance three ways:Visit DisasterAssistance.gov,Download the FEMA App for mobile devices, or Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT. Help is available in most languages. Dial 711 or video relay services are available.To view an American Sign Language (ASL) video about how to apply visit Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.Additional Assistance and BenefitsStreamlined Application Requirements so you can apply for a low-interest, long-term disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and for FEMA assistance at the same time.Support for Underinsured Claims to help with aspects of home repair not covered by insurance.Simplified Assistance for Entrepreneurs by providing self-employed survivors with initial financial support to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment to help them land on their feet. Expanded Habitability Criteria to help survivors make their post-disaster homes safer and cleaner. Previously, for example, if a home had a leaky roof pre-disaster, that area of the home wouldn’t qualify.Make Accessibility Improvements to help survivors with disabilities improve their living conditions by making their homes even more accessible than they were pre-disaster.Streamlined Temporary Housing Assistance Applications by reducing documentation requirements for applicants who need to extend their stay in FEMA-supported temporary housing.Simplified Process for Appeals so survivors who wish to appeal FEMA’s decisions will no longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany the supporting documentation.Computer Assistance for survivors who need to repair or replace disaster-damaged computers.Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing. If you suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:Home Repair Assistance may be provided to homeowners to repair the structural parts of your home. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC), utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems) and entrance ways. FEMA may also reimburse for the actual cost to repair or replace your furnace, private well and septic system that was damaged or destroyed by the disaster.Even if you applied for federal assistance previously for other disasters in New Mexico, you could still apply to FEMA for assistance following the Oct. 19-20 severe storms and flooding in Chaves County.
    angela.ambroise
    Sat, 11/02/2024 – 17:29

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gyeonggi officials tour Camp Casey and Camp Hovey

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP CASEY, Republic of Korea  –  

    Oh, Who Seok, the vice governor of Gyeonggi-do, six vice mayors from different Gyeonggi province cities, and key staff members toured Camp Casey and Camp Hovey during the 4th Northern Gyeonggi Vice Governor and Vice Mayor’s Conference Oct. 31.

    Gyeonggi-do hosts the conference in a different city every other month, selecting Dongducheon city for the month of October. The event is meant to introduce vice mayors to various things of importance they may encounter during their tenure. Dongducheon city reached out to U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey and requested a tour of the installation to promote Korean-American friendship and more effectively explain the military’s presence in the area.

    The group consisted of Oh, Who Seok, Gyeonggi-do vice governor; Kim, Ken Ki, Paju vice mayor; Park, Seong Nam, Uijeongbu vice mayor; Kim, Jeong Min, Yangju vice mayor; Kim Jong Hun, Pocheon vice mayor; Lim, Kyoung Suk, Dongducheon city vice mayor, key staff, and community relations representatives.

    Dr. Irving Taylor, Yongsan-Casey deputy to the garrison commander, welcomed the officials to the installation and took them on a walking tour of some of the facilities.

    “We have a great relationship with our community partners,” said Taylor. “Our Soldiers and civilians are frequently invited to wonderful off-base activities that really help improve cross-cultural understanding and create long-lasting memories. I hope all of today’s guests enjoyed the trip and gained a better understanding of life on a military installation. This place is more than just a piece of land, it’s home to an entire community of diverse and hard-working professionals.”

    During the driving portion of the tour, Kim, Song Ae, Yongsan-Casey community relations officer, described the history of the installation, which goes all the way back to the Korean War. Along the route, the vice mayors asked a variety of engaging questions aimed at gaining a better understanding of the Soldiers’ lives and how the military presence here fits into the larger kaleidoscope.

    The capstone of the tour featured a M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System, M1068 FDC track vehicle, and Humvee display. U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 6-37 Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, introduced the vehicles to the vice mayors while having several engaging conversations about their personal experiences and impressions of life in Korea.

    Many of the officials also served in the military in years past, attesting to the strength and endurance of the ROK-U.S. alliance and creating a shared sense of camaraderie among the group. The South Korean and American patriots, stood side-by-side and rendered a salute during the playing of Retreat, which signaled the end of the duty day, temporarily pausing the friendly conversations.

    The vice governor of Gyeonggi province expressed his gratitude to U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey and the Soldiers of 210th Field Artillery Brigade for their support of the initiative.

    “It was a meaningful experience to observe firsthand the training and daily lives of U.S. Soldiers dedicated to the peace of the Korean Peninsula,” said Oh. “Gyeonggi Province will continue to work to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance and to promote stability in border regions.”

    Oh volunteered to don the Improved Outer Tactical Vest just before the conclusion of the tour. The entire group beamed with joy as they watched Oh put on the uniform and talk about the experience.

    U.S. Army Yongsan-Casey organizes over 100 events a year to help promote cross-cultural understanding and awareness. U.S. Army Soldiers, civilians and citizens in the area frequently articulate their appreciation for such events and the positive impacts they have on quality of life while abroad.

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Gaston County

    Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Gaston County

    RALEIGH, N.C. –  A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Sunday, November 3, in Dallas (Gaston County) to assist North Carolina survivors who experienced loss from Tropical Storm Helene.  The Gaston County DRC is located at:  Dallas Civic Center206 S. Oakland St.Dallas, NC 28034Open: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday through SaturdayA DRC is a one-stop shop where survivors can meet face-to-face with FEMA representatives, apply for FEMA assistance, receive referrals to local assistance in their area, apply with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans and much more.  FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses. To find additional DRC locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a zip code to 43362. Additional recovery centers will open soon. All centers are accessible to people with disabilities or access and functional needs and are equipped with assistive technology.   Homeowners and renters in 39 North Carolina counties and tribal members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians can visit any open center, including locations in other states. No appointment is needed.  It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA App. You may also call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. 
    barbara.murien…
    Sat, 11/02/2024 – 19:02

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Pushes the Department of Justice to Ensure Election Workers are Safe Ahead of November Elections

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    More Than One-Third of Election Workers Have Experienced Threats, Harassment, Abuse

    Read the Letter Here

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) and 59 of his Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take additional steps to protect election officials, workers, and volunteers in their workers as they carry out their duties during the 2024 election.

    “According to recent surveys, more than one in three election officials have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, and more than half who received threats were threatened in person. Additional research has tied this pervasive hostility to concerning levels of turnover among election workers, leading to increased strain on the expertise of those responsible for facilitating our elections,” the Members wrote.

    In 2021, the Department of Justice acknowledged that its response to threats on election officials following the 2020 election was ‘inadequate’. While the Department’s Elections Threats Task Force demonstrates a strong commitment to election workers well-being, its plans to combat harassment of election workers on and after election day, remain unclear.

    “With our concerns about threats increasing on and around Election Day itself, we request more information about the Department and the Election Threats Task Force’s rapid response plans to ensure election workers are able to safely, effectively, and securely carry out the 2024 election,” the Members concluded.

    Read the letter here or below:

    Dear Attorney General Garland and Deputy Attorney General Monaco:

    We write to express our support of the Department of Justice’s Elections Threats Task Force amidst the severe and concerning attacks levied against election workers around the United States, and to call on the Department to take additional steps to protect election officials, workers, and volunteers: the people responsible for ensuring the success of our democracy.

    According to recent surveys, more than one in three election officials have experienced threats, harassment, or abuse, and more than half who received threats were threatened in person. Additional research has tied this pervasive hostility to concerning levels of turnover among election workers, leading to increased strain on the expertise of those responsible for facilitating our elections. This turnover is more acute in the most competitive states, where election officials have been particularly targeted for harassment, and where the perception of effective and efficient election administration is particularly important given the scrutiny their results will likely receive.

    We are concerned that the attacks on election workers will continue and increase as we approach the 2024 elections, and we are especially concerned about threats, harassment, and violence in the immediate run-up to Election Day, on Election Day, and throughout the counting, reporting, and certification process. In 2021, the Department acknowledged that their response to threats on election officials post-2020 election was “inadequate,” and we are grateful for the focus the Department has placed on ensuring a stronger response this election cycle.

    With our concerns about threats increasing on and around Election Day itself, we request more information about the Department and the Election Threats Task Force’s rapid response plans to ensure election workers are able to safely, effectively, and securely carry out the 2024 election. We kindly request answers to the following questions:

    1. What is the Department’s plan to ensure threats against election workers are addressed promptly?

    2. How will the Department coordinate with federal and local law enforcement to determine the validity of a threat and ensure the safety of election workers?

    1. What outreach has already occurred to law enforcement to ensure awareness of the proper forums to report threats against election workers and how to receive support from the Department?

    2. What outreach has already occurred to local elections officials to ensure they have the resources and capabilities needed to identify and report serious threats?

    3. How will the Department coordinate with local governments and local election administrators to ensure real-time information sharing regarding the safety of election workers?

    1. What outreach has already occurred to local governments and election administrators to ensure awareness of the proper forums to report threats against election workers and how to receive support from the Department?

    2. What precautions are being taken to ensure any public-facing updates do not unnecessarily expose local officials’ private information?

    3. Does the Department have any dedicated personnel devoted entirely to outreach to election officials in critical periods like this? If not, what personnel is responsible for this outreach?

    4. What resources, if any, has the Department developed, either on its own or in concert with partners such as CISA or the EAC, to provide security information to election workers?

    1. If so, what outreach has been done to increase awareness of these resources?

    2. If not, are there plans for developing new resources or updating older ones? Are there plans to engage stakeholders in the development of those resources?

    5. What financial authorities, if any, has the Department utilized to build local capacity to protect election workers and respond to threats to election workers? 

    1. If financial authorities have been used, how?

    6. What additional Congressional support would aid the Department in protecting election workers?

    Thank you and the Department for your commitment to keeping the backbone of our democracy safe, and taking steps to ensure that officials are able to carry out free, fair, efficient, safe, and secure elections that enable all of our constituents to have their voices heard. We look forward to continuing to partner with you in defense of our democracy.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Port Hutt Road, Chatham Island

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A man has died following a single motorcycle crash on Port Hutt Road, Chatham Islands.

    Police responded to the scene around 7pm.

    The rider was transported to hospital where he has since died.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Can Help with Moving and Storage Costs for Survivors Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Can Help with Moving and Storage Costs for Survivors Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    FEMA Can Help with Moving and Storage Costs for Survivors Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

    RALEIGH, N.C.—North Carolina survivors whose homes were damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, and are not safe to live in, may be eligible for FEMA Moving and Storage Assistance. This assistance can help affected families move and store their essential items while they repair their homes, stay in transitional sheltering or move to permanent housing.To qualify for Moving and Storage Assistance, survivors must apply with FEMA and meet the following conditions: Their primary residence is uninhabitable due to the disaster. They are moving or storing essential household items to prevent further damage. The items they are moving or storing are considered essential, such as appliances, furniture or clothing.FEMA will only consider moving and storage costs that aren’t fully covered by other sources like insurance. Eligible expenses include:Commercial moving labor.Moving truck rental.Fuel for the rental vehicle.Tape and boxes.Storage unit fees.Sales taxes.There’s still time to apply with FEMA; You can visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
    krystin.ventura
    Sat, 11/02/2024 – 19:53

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Labor Government to cut a further 20 per cent off all student loans debt

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    The Albanese Labor Government will cut a further 20 per cent off all student loan debts, wiping around $16 billion in student debt for around three million Australians.

    By 1 June next year, the Government will cut 20 per cent off all student loans to reduce the debt burden for Australians with a student loan. 

    This will cut around $16 billion in debt, including all HELP, VET Student Loan, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan and other income-contingent student support loan accounts that exist on 1 June next year.

    For someone with the average HELP debt of $27,600 they will see around $5,520 wiped from their outstanding HELP loans next year.

    This will provide significant relief to Australian students and workers with a student loan debt and builds on our reforms to fix the indexation formula, which is cutting around $3 billion in student debt.

    This means, all up, the Albanese Labor Government will cut close to $20 billion in student loan debt for more than three million Australians.

    This builds on the Government’s announcement that from 1 July next year it will reduce the amount Australians with a student debt have to repay per year and raise the threshold when people need to start repaying.

    Together these reforms also build on the Government’s substantial tertiary education reforms, including: 

    • Delivering 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE places
    • Doubling the number of University Study Hubs
    • Introducing legislation to establish the Commonwealth Prac Payment and expand Fee-Free Uni Ready Courses; and
    • A commitment to introduce a new managed growth and needs-based funding model for universities, and establish an Australian Tertiary Education Commission.

    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

    “I will always fight for every young Australian to have access to a good education. My Government will make sure our education system is fairer and affordable for every Australian and we won’t delay unwinding the damage caused by the former Coalition Government.

    “We’re already fixing indexation and today, we are going further by taking 20 per cent off student debt – for everyone with a student debt.

    “This will help everyone with a student debt right now, whilst we work hard to deliver a better deal for every student in the years ahead.

    “No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

    “This is a game-changer for the more than three million Australians with a student loan.

    “By 1 June next year, we will wipe around a further $16 billion from all Australians with a student dent, including Australians who went to uni and vocational education.

    “This builds on our changes to make indexation fairer and all up this means we are wiping close to $20 billion in student debt.

    “This is another significant reform that will help us build a better and fairer education system.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:

    “This is great news for Australians with student debt – whether from studying at university or vocational education – the Albanese Government will reduce their debt alongside our changes to make indexation fairer.

    “We want all Australians to have the opportunity for higher education, and our changes are making the system fairer and more affordable.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles: 

    “This will deliver very welcome cost-of-living relief to the more than three million Australians who have student loans and is an example of the great Labor tradition of making education more accessible. 

    “This support applies to all government student loans including vocational training, so whether you’re an apprentice or a tradie, a carer or a nurse, if you’re paying off a student loan you’ll receive this cost of living relief.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New deal for biodiversity from using nature’s genetic information

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Breakthrough deal struck on sharing the benefits from Digital Sequence Information (DSI) at CBD COP16 in Colombia

    Negotiations on Digital Sequence Information (DSI) have concluded today (2 November) at CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia.

    DSI is genetic information that has been sequenced from the natural world, with the DNA code then made available online for use in research. This is the type of data used by companies across the world for the creation of new medicines, vaccines and other products. By continuing to ensure it is freely available digitally, it will enable scientists to share information and develop the products that we rely on, whilst supporting the conservation of nature. 

    This research can be applied to medicine, agriculture, conservation and public health, with benefits such as the development of vaccines or adapting plants to be more resilient to climate change.

    The deal reached means businesses have the option of voluntarily contributing to a new fund – known as the Cali Fund – if they use this genetic information from nature. 

    This Fund will then support further use of DSI and the conservation and sustainable use of nature, with a significant proportion flowing to Indigenous People and local communities.

    Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

    We have seen the many benefits of DSI, including identifying infectious diseases, predicting which plants will survive in a warming climate, or helping protect threatened species.

    More than half of the global economy is estimated to be dependent in some way on the ecosystem services that nature provides, so this latest deal is critical in supporting future growth and development.

    I would like to thank the UK negotiating team and all those involved who helped conclude these important negotiations.

    Eva Zabey, Chief Executive at Business for Nature, said:

    Nature underpins every aspect of our economy. The benefits of natural resources – including through digital sequencing – must be valued and shared fairly, which is why this deal is so important.

    Ms Bupe Mwambingu, Biodiversity Partnerships Manager at Basecamp Research, a UK-based company which is working to build the first fully traceable DSI database, said:

    We are thrilled to welcome the COP16 decision on Digital Sequence Information (DSI). We believe that by working together to address the challenges around DSI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of life-saving medicines, sustainable food supplies, and carbon-negative industries, while also driving the protection of our planet’s precious biodiversity.

    Over 196 governments – plus businesses, researchers, Indigenous Peoples and local communities – have been involved in reaching this deal

    The UK government will now work with industry on developing a voluntary mechanism.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK youth shine at ‘Skills Olympics’

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The WorldSkills Competition took place in Lyon, France, in September. This year, the Construction Industry Council sent seven competitors to participate in six categories.

    One of them was Wesley Fong, 20, who graduated from the Hong Kong Institute of Construction in 2022. He won the championship in the 2nd Hong Kong Construction Skills Competition last year, earning the qualification to compete as a finalist in joinery at the WorldSkills Competition, after training and assessment.

    “It typically takes five to six years to train a competitor in other countries or regions, but we only had about one year, which necessitated intensive training and precise planning,” Mr Fong’s instructor, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Supervising Instructor Terence Lam explained.

    “Initially, Wesley struggled with some of the skills, leaving him frustrated. We needed to push him, even scold him, but sometimes he just needed a bit of encouragement. As Wesley was willing to spend time on weekends to practise, of course we wanted to help him.”

    Facing challenges

    The 19 joinery trade competitors were required to carry out the requested project within 22 hours over four days. They were given a sketch and asked to create a one-to-one drawing. Working from the drawing, the joiner would measure and cut joints then assemble, install, and finish a door with its frame to a high standard.

    Even with adequate preparation, Mr Fong admitted that the road to success did not come easy.

    “I made some mistakes in the drawing and felt a little discouraged on the first night of the competition,” he said.

    “The next day I made improvements, so I was able to make up for the mistakes and they did not affect me too much. When I saw the competitors next to me working so hard, I was inspired to raise my game.”

    Mr Fong’s hard work paid off and he was awarded a medallion for excellence, an outcome he said he never anticipated. The final result has boosted his confidence and he is now determined to continue with a career in the construction industry.

    Meanwhile, his instructor Mr Lam, who has been teaching for nearly 30 years, wishes to pass on his knowledge to his students and expressed hope for a sustainable industry.

    Family skills

    Ricky Chow, 22, also won a medallion for excellence at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 in welding – a skill taught to him by his father, which he was proud to showcase to the world.

    Like Mr Fong, he made it on to the WorldSkills team after winning the Hong Kong Construction Industry Skills Competition last year.

    The welding competitors had to complete four modules that involved working on carbon steel, a pressure vessel, aluminium and stainless steel within 18 hours. Mr Chow found welding the pressure vessel to be the most challenging task, as it required utilising all welding techniques to ensure it was watertight.

    “Initially, most of my pressure vessels leaked, with only one or two being watertight. After practising for six months to a year, I gradually learnt the necessary techniques. Welding a pressure vessel is also physically demanding and time-consuming.”

    But Mr Chow stayed focused and recalled his instructor’s advice to pull him through the tough moments of the competition.

    “My instructor advised me to stick to my usual methods and once I completed all the modules, I would proceed to the stage where I could receive an award.”

    Rigorous training

    He missed out on the top three awards, but received a medallion for excellence. His instructor, Hong Kong Institute of Construction Instructor Charles Li attributed Mr Chow’s success to his perseverance.

    “Despite training for only one year, compared to Ricky’s competitors from other places who trained for three to five years, he worked diligently. His schedule was demanding, training from 8am to 10pm, including weekends and public holidays.

    “Ricky may not have been the most skilled of all the trainees, but he certainly was the most persistent. He was the only one to complete the training.”

    Organised biennially by WorldSkills International, the WorldSkills Competition is the largest skills competition globally and hailed as the “Skills Olympics”. This year, the Construction Industry Council sent seven competitors, with two winning medallions for excellence – achieving the best ever results by Hong Kong construction industry players.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Visit to Shanghai

    Source: Minister for Trade

    Today I will travel to Shanghai to lead Australia’s delegation at the world’s largest import expo, the China International Import Expo (CIIE), at the invitation of China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao.

    The expo is an important platform for Australian businesses to showcase their world-class goods and services to our largest export market.

    In the year since Prime Minister Albanese and I attended the last expo, tariffs on Australian wine imports into China have been removed and suspensions lifted on eight red meat export facilities.

    Last month, Prime Minister Albanese and Chinese Premier Li agreed a timetable for the full resumption of Australian live rock lobster exports by the end of this year.

    As a result of the Albanese Labor Government’s deliberate, careful and calibrated approach, nearly $20 billion worth of trade impediments on Australian exports to China have been removed.

    But we can’t rest on our laurels, the job is not done.

    Which is why I am proud to be supporting a record number of Australian businesses at the expo this year as they seek out new opportunities to grow and diversify their markets.

    I will meet with my counterpart, Minister Wentao, where I will continue to press for the full resumption of normal bilateral trade.

    China is our largest trading partner and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Total two-way trade reached a record $327 billion in 2023.

    The benefits of our trade relationship with China flow to everyday Australians in the form of more well-paying jobs, increased business opportunities, and a lower cost of living.

    Every single product we export to the world represents thousands of Australian jobs, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to helping Australian businesses, exporters and producers diversify their markets.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: One year into free-trade zone, Xinjiang embraces further opening up

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    URUMQI, Nov. 2 — Edil Mohammed, who commutes daily for about an hour by bus from Yarkent, Kazakhstan, to Horgos, China, has adapted to the lifestyle of cross-border work.

    As the head of a branch of Kazakhstan’s Bank CenterCredit, which is located in the China-Kazakhstan International Border Cooperation Center in Horgos, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, he is part of a pioneering group of foreign banks that entered Xinjiang following the establishment of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in November 2023.

    The Xinjiang pilot FTZ, which encompasses three iconic areas — Urumqi, Kashgar and Horgos — stands as the first FTZ in China’s northwestern border regions and the 22nd nationwide. As it embraces its first anniversary, the zone has shown promising results.

    As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to forge ahead, Xinjiang has committed to building itself into an important corridor linking Asia and Europe and to serving as a gateway for China’s opening-up efforts in the west.

    “Global investors are seizing opportunities in the pilot FTZ, and many jobseekers have found satisfying positions, such as in cross-border e-commerce, international live-streaming, translation and diverse agents,” said Mohammed, adding that the growth of new business models and expanding trade will attract even more international financial institutions and enterprises.

    SUPPORTIVE POLICIES

    Qin Xiaoyu, a customs declarer at a foreign-trade enterprise specializing in the import and export of daily consumer goods to five Central Asian countries, has benefited from enhanced services following the establishment of a dedicated market procurement window at the FTZ’s Urumqi area.

    “The consultation and whole process only take a few minutes,” said Qin. “The dedicated service window can save both time and costs. Enterprises benefit from policies such as value-added tax exemptions, simplified declaration processes and flexible foreign exchange collection, all of which improve export efficiency.”

    The service window is part of a broader set of measures rolled out by the Xinjiang pilot FTZ to boost foreign trade, providing a low-cost, high-efficiency export channel for small and micro enterprises, as well as individual businesses, according to Ju Ning, an official at the Urumqi Economic & Technological Development Zone.

    “The ‘green channel’ for the rapid customs clearance of agricultural products at the border ports between China-Kazakhstan, China-Tajikistan and China-Kyrgyzstan has been fully implemented, cutting the customs declaration time for agricultural exports from five days to just one day,” said He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce.

    Statistics show that from January to August, Xinjiang’s import and export volume increased by 30.9 percent to 285.32 billion yuan (about 40.11 billion U.S. dollars).

    “The pilot FTZ prioritizes institutional innovation, actively exploring reforms in government functions, management models, and the facilitation of trade and investment. It effectively plays a leading role in deepening reform and expanding opening up,” said Buvejer Abula, a researcher of economic and social development with the Xinjiang Agricultural University.

    RISING INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS

    In the FTZ’s Horgos area, refrigerated trucks loaded with fruit and vegetables pass through a fast-track customs clearance “green channel” destined for Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and beyond.

    Yu Chengzhong’s trade company exports over 500 tonnes of fruit and more than 300 tonnes of vegetables daily. This fresh produce can reach markets in Almaty in Kazakhstan within just a few hours.

    “The establishment of the FTZ has given our company a unique opportunity for growth,” said Yu, adding that the company has established sales networks in the five Central Asian countries, and this year, the company built a 66-hectare warehouse in Kazakhstan to further penetrate local markets.

    In the production workshop of a lithium battery enterprise called Shengyuehengchang, two automated production lines, each capable of producing 200,000 Ah lithium batteries per day, are running smoothly, fulfilling orders for its clients in Kyrgyzstan.

    The company normally manufactures small-capacity batteries but is now transitioning towards high-rate energy storage and power battery production. These batteries are primarily sold to the Central Asian market and are widely used in products such as electric motorcycles, drones, power tools and solar-energy products.

    “Leveraging the FTZ’s geographical advantages and favorable opening up policies, local companies are increasingly eyeing overseas markets for diverse development paths,” said Bo Yinjiang, an official with the Kashgar Economic Development Zone.

    The zone has already attracted 28 enterprises related to lithium batteries, covering the areas of lithium battery materials, manufacturing and supply chains. The annual output value of the enterprises is expected to exceed 10 billion yuan upon full operation, forming a burgeoning lithium battery industry cluster.

    “Since the pilot FTZ’s inception, a number of business associations and companies have visited Xinjiang to seek market opportunities and collaboration. There is also a rise in foreign-invested enterprises,” said Li Xuan, from the regional commerce department.

    “The pilot FTZ offers a significant historical opportunity for pursuing high-level opening up and high-quality development in Xinjiang. It must actively align with high-standard international trade and economic rules, integrate into the dual circulation of domestic and international markets, and support the development of the core region of the BRI,” Li added.

    The Ministry of Commerce will promote the industrial exchange and cooperation between the Xinjiang pilot FTZ and the central and eastern regions of the country, and support the FTZ in prioritizing key industries and fostering integrated innovation throughout the entire value chain, according to He, the ministry spokesperson.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Stands Ready to Assist New Mexico Businesses and Residents Affected by the Severe Storm and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” saidAdministrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to New Mexico businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzmanannounced.

    The declaration covers Chaves County as a result of the severe storm and flooding that occurred Oct. 19-20.

    Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Stands Ready to Assist Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Businesses and Residents Affected by the Severe Storm, Straight-line Winds and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” saidAdministrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe businesses and residents as a result of President Biden’s major disaster declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzmanannounced.

    The declaration covers the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe as a result of the severe storm, straight‑line winds and flooding that occurred July 13–14.

    Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

    Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    As soon as Federal-State Disaster Recovery Centers open throughout the affected area, SBA will provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants. Additional information and details on the location of disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Growth at the heart of Foreign Secretary’s visit to Nigeria and South Africa

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits Nigeria and South Africa.

    • Economic growth to underpin work in both Nigeria and South Africa, as Foreign Secretary agrees to develop a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan and a new Strategic Partnership with Nigeria.
    • Climate continues to top the agenda of Foreign Secretary’s engagement as he visits Earthshot+ event in Cape Town.
    • Foreign Secretary sets out “Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond.”

    David Lammy will begin a visit to Nigeria and South Africa today (3rd November), his first trip to the African continent as Foreign Secretary and the first to visit South Africa since 2013.

    Committing to a fresh approach to Africa that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar, the Foreign Secretary will announce the start of a five-month consultation process, to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the UK’s new approach to the continent. Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25% of the world’s population by 2050.  

    Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long term growth rather than short term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent. I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together. 

    Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond.

    This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.

    In Nigeria, the Foreign Secretary will sign a modern and progressive Strategic Partnership – the first of its kind between the UK and Nigeria. This new dialogue will cover the breadth of the UK-Nigeria areas of shared cooperation from growth and jobs to national security, tackling the climate and nature crisis to strengthening our people-to-people ties. 

    Nigeria will be the world’s fifth largest economy by 2075 – the Foreign Secretary will advocate for further collaboration on mutual growth via the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year. This partnership is the key vehicle for driving trade and market access between the UK and Nigeria and plays a vital role in the UK’s growth mission.

    The Foreign Secretary will advocate for further trade and climate collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in high level meetings with President Tinubu, Foreign Minister Tuggar and Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu. 

    Building on President Tinubu’s macro-economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary will announce a diverse Technical Assistance package to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance, offering British expertise from the Bank of England, HMRC and others to help continue to modernise and diversify the Nigerian economy. Catalysing reform across Nigeria will create further opportunities within the flourishing Nigerian economy for British businesses – generating growth, jobs and incomes for Brits and Nigerians.  

    Travelling on to South Africa, David Lammy will agree to develop a new UK-South Africa Growth Plan. South Africa is our largest trading partner on the continent and this plan will allow trade to flourish even more through collaboration on market access, a new UK Trade Partnership programme to boost South Africa exports, and a new programme to increase the number of agricultural jobs in rural South Africa. This will simultaneously boost trade for Brits whilst bolstering opportunities within South Africa.

    At the biennial UK-South Africa bilateral forum the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Lamola will refresh the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to 2030 – raising joint ambition on climate, nature, trade and security and committing to UK-SA cooperation for the next two years on trade and investment, energy transition, and security. 

    South African exports to the UK supported over 137,000 jobs in 2020 – the Foreign Secretary will boost this with the renewal of a risk-sharing partnership between British International Investment and Standard Chartered to provide trade finance for SMEs and corporates operating across Africa and Asia.

    No growth can be truly inclusive nor effective unless it is green. In both Nigeria and South Africa, the Foreign Secretary will build on the momentum from his Kew Lecture to encourage green growth and climate cooperation. In South Africa the Foreign Secretary will celebrate climate innovation at the Earthshot+ thought leadership conference. Founded by Prince William, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. The Foreign Secretary will speak with these innovators to understand how the UK can support and help channel finance to where biodiversity, climate risk and energy needs are greatest. He will announce a further Biodiversity Challenge Fund to help tackle the illegal wildlife trade and technical assistance to support South Africa’s energy transition.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Announce Funding to Increase Women’s Access to Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Programs in Southern Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    LAS VEGAS, NV – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced more than $700,000 in federal grant funding to increase women’s access to skills training in Southern Nevada to enhance their participation in construction apprenticeship programs. The funding, awarded to the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union, will help recruit, train, and retain more women in their construction training programs. The funding comes from the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant program, which supports programs that train women for union jobs and nontraditional occupations.
    “Apprenticeships are a great way for hardworking Nevadans of all walks of life to build opportunity and access good-paying, union jobs,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This grant will allow Southern Nevada Building Trades to expand their apprenticeship programs, and will help more women, especially women of color, build union careers and provide for their families. I’ll always fight to make sure Nevada’s workers have everything they need to build the infrastructure of the future.”
    “Skills training programs and apprenticeships open the door to good-paying jobs without having to get a four-year college degree, and I’m working to make these opportunities available to more Nevadans,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding are being awarded to the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union to expand access for more women in their apprenticeships programs. I’ll keep working to support Nevada’s workforce and economy.”
    “We are proud to be awarded the first federal grant in the history of the Southern Nevada Building Trades through the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) program,” said Vince Saavedra, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Nevada Building Trades.“This $710,000 award will help us launch stipend programs for childcare, transportation, and create other critical support services, removing barriers for women to join and thrive in the union trades. With major projects like Brightline West, the Athletics Stadium, and others on the horizon, growing our skilled workforce is more important than ever. This grant is just the beginning as we continue to work to expand access to union apprenticeships and build a stronger future for all.”
    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have been working to support Nevada’s workers and ensure they have access to the training they need. Earlier this year, both senators announced that they secured nearly $16 million in federal funding for community projects to bolster workforce development in critical sectors throughout the state, including mental health care, nursing, and education. They also announced the delivery of federal funding they secured for workforce development to fill in-demand jobs in Southern Nevada. Senator Rosen recently announced $4 million to support registered apprenticeships and skilled workforce development in Northern Nevada and introduced legislation to bolster the housing construction workforce and a bill to provide Nevadans skills training in high demand fields like manufacturing, construction, and IT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 200-tonne pure electric mining dump vehicle put into use

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A 200-tonne pure electric mining dump truck has been put into service in a coal mine in north China’s Shanxi Province to assist with industrial upgrading in this major coal-producing region.

    The vehicle can transport raw coal continuously for six hours on average per charge and is being used in the Anjialing Coal Mine operated by ChinaCoal Pingshuo Group Co., Ltd.

    By replacing traditional vehicles fueled by oil with this electric model, the mining operation can reduce fuel oil consumption by 600 tonnes a year in the open pit mine, while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 1,800 tonnes annually in the mining area.

    The developer and producer of the truck, the Hunan Xiangdian Green Energy Intelligent Control Co., Ltd., is a manufacturer of electric trucks and electric locomotives used for mining in China.

    Ji Wei, general manager of the company, said that compared with a traditional 220-tonne fuel truck that consumes about 4,000 liters of fuel per day of work, the pure electric vehicle uses about 12,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a day — which means a reduction of 40 percent in costs for the mining operator.

    The mining company is intending to purchase more such electric mining vehicles to further reduce energy consumption in its mining activities.

    Coal output in Shanxi, China’s largest coal-producing region, accounted for about 26.9 percent of China’s total output during the January-September period of 2024, according to the provincial statistics bureau.

    Over the years, Shanxi has continued to upgrade its coal industry. In 2023, the province established 118 intelligent coal mines and introduced smart technology to 1,491 mining faces.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-built Nairobi Expressway wins awards for green mobility, innovation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway, built by a Chinese firm, received four prestigious awards on Friday evening for advancing green and seamless mobility in Kenya and across the East African region.

    The expressway garnered acclaim at the third annual Africa Mashariki Transport Award (AMTA), an event established in 2022 to honor excellence in transport across Kenya and the broader region. Hosted by BH Media Agency in collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, the AMTA awards recognize organizations with outstanding records in sustainability, efficiency and customer-centered service.

    The award ceremony took place ahead of the third annual ATMA Expo and Gala, which ran from Wednesday to Friday, bringing together a diverse range of participants to showcase innovations under the theme “Data-Driven Approach to Safety in Transport.”

    The Nairobi Expressway received four major honors: Road Transport Infrastructure of the Year, Sustainable Transport, Best Technological Innovation and Corporate Road Safety Initiative of the Year. Speaking on the recognition, Jeanne May Ong’iyo, spokesperson for the Nairobi Expressway, said the awards reaffirm the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction, green mobility and positive economic impact.

    “We are committed to continually enhancing the customer experience and partnering with like-minded industry players to deliver world-class service,” Ong’iyo said.

    Construction of the Nairobi Expressway began in September 2020, and the road was officially launched in July 2022 after a successful trial period that started in May 2022. Since its launch, the toll road has significantly cut travel time between Nairobi’s southern areas, home to the main airport, and the upscale Westlands suburb, from two hours during peak times to just 20 minutes. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3 children injured in Israeli strike on Gaza clinic during polio vaccination

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A child receives a dose of the polio vaccine at a UN-run clinic in Deir al-Balah city, central Gaza Strip, on Oct. 14, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

    Three Palestinian children were wounded when an Israeli drone struck a medical facility during a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza City on Saturday, Palestinian medical sources said.

    The children were taken to al-Ahli Arab hospital after the strike hit Sheikh Radwan Clinic in the northern part of the city, medical staff told Xinhua. The Israeli army has not commented on the incident yet.

    The incident occurred as health workers launched an emergency polio vaccination drive for children under 10 in Gaza City. The campaign has already begun in central and southern Gaza but has been delayed in the north due to ongoing military operations.

    Separately, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq on Saturday dismissed recent proposals for a temporary pause in fighting, calling them “a mere smoke screen” that failed to address key demands including Israeli military withdrawal and the return of displaced Palestinians.

    “We engage positively with any proposals ensuring the cessation of aggression and withdrawal of Israeli forces,” al-Rishq said in a statement, while accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using ceasefire talks as “cover” for continued military operations.

    The comments follow a recent Qatari-American announcement about negotiations in Doha focusing on hostage release and potential ceasefire arrangements.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Labor Government to cut a further 20 per cent off all student loan debts

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Joint with:

    The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
    Prime Minister of Australia

    The Hon Jason Clare MP
    Minister for Education

    The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
    Minister for Social Services

    The Hon Andrew Giles MP
    Minister for Skills and Training

    The Albanese Labor Government will cut a further 20 per cent off all student loan debts, wiping around $16 billion in student debt for around three million Australians.

    By 1 June next year, the Government will cut 20 per cent off all student loans to reduce the debt burden for Australians with a student loan.

    This will cut around $16 billion in debt, including all HELP, VET Student Loan, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan and other income-contingent student support loan accounts that exist on 1 June next year.

    For someone with the average HELP debt of $27,600 they will see around $5,520 wiped from their outstanding HELP loans next year.

    Range of outstanding HELP debt Number of Australians with a HELP debt Range in debt reduction
    $0-$10,000 791,000 $0-$2,000
    $10,000-$20,000 585,000 $2,000-$4,000
    $20,000-$30,000 501,000 $4,000-$6,000
    $30,000-$40,000 380,000 $6,000-$8,000
    $40,000-$50,000 250,000 $8,000-$10,000
    $50,000-$60,000 147,500 $10,000-$12,000
    $60,000+ 276,000 $12,000+

    This will provide significant relief to Australian students and workers with a student loan debt and builds on our reforms to fix the indexation formula, which is cutting around $3 billion in student debt.

    This means, all up, the Albanese Labor Government will cut close to $20 billion in student loan debt for more than three million Australians.

    This builds on the Government’s announcement that from 1 July next year it will reduce the amount Australians with a student debt have to repay per year and raise the threshold when people need to start repaying.

    Together these reforms also build on the Government’s substantial tertiary education reforms, including:

    • Delivering 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE places
    • Doubling the number of University Study Hubs
    • Introducing legislation to establish the Commonwealth Prac Payment and expand Fee-Free Uni Ready Courses; and
    • A commitment to introduce a new managed growth and needs-based funding model for universities, and establish an Australian Tertiary Education Commission.

    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

    “I will always fight for every young Australian to have access to a good education. My Government will make sure our education system is fairer and affordable for every Australian and we won’t delay unwinding the damage caused by the former Coalition Government.

    “We’re already fixing indexation and today, we are going further by taking 20 per cent off student debt – for everyone with a student debt.

    “This will help everyone with a student debt right now, whilst we work hard to deliver a better deal for every student in the years ahead.

    “No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “This is a game-changer for the more than three million Australians with a student loan.

    “By 1 June next year, we will wipe around a further $16 billion from all Australians with a student dent, including Australians who went to uni and vocational education.

    “This builds on our changes to make indexation fairer and all up this means we are wiping close to $20 billion in student debt.

    “This is another significant reform that will help us build a better and fairer education system.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth:

    “This is great news for Australians with student debt – whether from studying at university or vocational education – the Albanese Government will reduce their debt alongside our changes to make indexation fairer.

    “We want all Australians to have the opportunity for higher education, and our changes are making the system fairer and more affordable.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles:

    “This will deliver very welcome cost-of-living relief to the more than three million Australians who have student loans and is an example of the great Labor tradition of making education more accessible. 

    “This support applies to all government student loans including vocational training, so whether you’re an apprentice or a tradie, a carer or a nurse, if you’re paying off a student loan you’ll receive this cost of living relief.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ethiopia hosts 1st annual seminar to boost Chinese language education

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Bultosa Hirko, deputy head of the Oromia Regional State Education Bureau, speaks at the first annual seminar on Chinese language education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on Nov. 1, 2024. Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

    The first annual seminar on Chinese language education was held Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, emphasizing the need to promote Chinese language education across the East African country.

    The event, which brought together Chinese and Ethiopian language instructors and experts, focused on establishing an effective Chinese language education system in Ethiopia and addressing challenges in the process.

    Speaking at the seminar, Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said the conference aimed to share experiences, build on successes, address issues and jointly advance Chinese language education in Ethiopia.

    “With globalization accelerating and cultural exchanges between China and Ethiopia increasing, expanding Chinese language education in Ethiopia is essential. It helps Ethiopian students understand Chinese culture and history and opens more opportunities for them in the future,” Zhang said.

    Noting that Chinese language education in Ethiopia faces challenges such as a shortage of teaching staff and resources, Zhang said that a significant number of Ethiopian students are now studying Chinese at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in both Ethiopian and Chinese universities.

    Bultosa Hirko, deputy head of the Oromia Regional State Education Bureau, said Chinese language education is gaining popularity in Ethiopia, unlocking economic opportunities, promoting cultural exchange and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

    “Ethiopia and China have developed a robust partnership over the years, marked by collaboration across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, trade, investment and development assistance,” Hirko said. He added that China’s rising global influence has underscored the importance of learning and understanding the Chinese language worldwide.

    “The Chinese government has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of the Chinese language curriculum in Ethiopia, recruiting and training teachers, and providing essential curriculum materials,” Hirko added.

    The seminar also featured presentations of research papers on Chinese language learning in Ethiopia, the recognition of Chinese as a global language, and the strengthening strategic partnership between China and Ethiopia.

    With Ethiopia’s strong economic ties to China and the growing presence of Chinese companies, especially in road, railway and industrial zone development, the demand for Chinese language education has surged in Ethiopian universities and colleges. 

    Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, speaks at the first annual seminar on Chinese language education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

    The first annual seminar on Chinese language education is held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on Nov. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Users of Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia top 10 mln

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo shows a section of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia. (Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua)

    The number of users of the Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia had hit 10 million during the first two years of its operation.

    The Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd., which is the operator of the 187-km expressway, marked the motorway’s second anniversary on Friday, awarding a gift to the 10 millionth user of the road.

    According to the company, Chhum Sophearun, a 42-year-old taxi driver, became the 10 millionth user of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway on Oct. 2 and was given free travel for one year on the expressway.

    Speaking at the event, Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea said the expressway, the first of its kind in Cambodia, has become a key strategic route, linking the first economic powerhouse of Phnom Penh with the second economic powerhouse of the coastal province of Sihanoukville.

    “This expressway has been providing great benefits to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and tourism,” he said. “It has played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of travel and goods transport.”

    Ponea said the motorway was one of the major achievements in Cambodia under Belt and Road cooperation, in addition to the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

    “These achievements are a solid testament to our joint efforts in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future,” he said.

    Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin said the expressway was a landmark project of China-Cambodia cooperation under the BRI.

    “It is a vivid example of China-Cambodia joint efforts in building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in a new era,” he said.

    The ambassador said the expressway has significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, promoting regional development and improving the well-being of local people.

    Wang added that he had traveled on the expressway many times and was impressed with the road’s high quality and sound management.

    Speaking to Xinhua at the event, Sophearun said he was excited to be contacted by an expressway staff member to inform that he had become the 10 millionth expressway user.

    “Usually, I travel on the expressway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and vice versa, carrying tourists from Europe, China or Indonesia,” he said.

    Sophearun said traveling on the expressway saves a lot of time, as it takes only two hours to go from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, while traveling on the National Road 4 takes up to five hours at the same distance.

    “Traveling on the old road (National Road 4) takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money on fuel and car maintenance due to uneven road surface, so in sum, the expense for traveling on the old road is higher than that on the expressway,” he said.

    “The expressway is the best choice,” he said. “I would like to urge all drivers to use this expressway because it is quite safe and very convenient to travel.”

    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a toll station of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua)

    Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model in the amount of 2 billion U.S. dollars, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia and is the largest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

    With two lanes for traffic in each direction plus an emergency lane on each side, vehicles can reach their destinations within two hours through the expressway instead of five hours on National Road 4.

    Teng Sokhen, a 25-year-old toll collector at the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, said the expressway has provided a safe, convenient, and efficient travel option for all drivers.

    “I’m really happy to work at this expressway because this road has contributed to Cambodia’s social development, economic growth and tourism, and has provided a lot of benefits to the people of Cambodia,” she told Xinhua.

    “As a staff member, I’m glad to be a contributor to the society,” she said.

    According to Sokhen, more than 10,000 vehicles ply the expressway on average per day.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Poihipi Road near Mangakino blocked following truck crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Poihipi Road near Mangakino has been blocked after a truck rolled this afternoon.

    Emergency services were alerted to the crash at 3.15pm.

    The truck driver has sustained minor injuries.

    Traffic diversions are in place at the intersections of State Highway 32/Poihipi Road, and Poihipi Road/Kaahu Road. .

    Motorists are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff and signage in the area. 

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating fatal Bass Highway crash

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Police investigating fatal Bass Highway crash

    Sunday, 3 November 2024 – 2:23 pm.

    Sadly, a man has died following a two vehicle crash on the Bass Highway near Elizabeth Town in the state’s north early this morning.
    Acting Inspector Aleena Crack said police and emergency services were called to the scene about 7.20am, following reports of a crash between two trucks at he intersection of the Bass Highway and Bengeo Road.
    Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene where sadly, a male driver of one of the trucks was confirmed deceased.
    The male driver of the other vehicle was transported to the Launceston General Hospital with non life threatening injuries.
    “The circumstances leading up to the crash are being investigated by police and a report will be prepared for the Coroner,” Acting Inspector Crack said.
    “Anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444.”
    “Our thoughts are with everyone involved.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Clean & Green Singapore Day 2024: A Celebration Of Public Hygiene And Environmental Stewardship

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Outstanding individuals recognised with prestigious environmental services awards.

    JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA, SW CDC, NPARKS AND NUS

    Singapore, 3 November 2024 – The national aspiration for a clean and green Singapore was celebrated and reaffirmed today at Clean & Green Singapore (CGS) Day 2024[1], organised by the National Environment Agency, South West Community Development Council (SW CDC), National Parks Board (NParks), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat was the Guest-of-Honour.

    2             In support of the ongoing Year of Public Hygiene, CGS Day this year commenced with the opening of a new Public Hygiene Council (PHC) CleanPod at West Coast Park. CleanPods are sheds located across parks, beaches, and housing estates, where the public can access litter-picking tools such as tongs and pails, to organise their own community clean-ups. The new CleanPod brings the total number of CleanPods across Singapore to 21. Together with DPM Heng, residents, local grassroots partners, People’s Association (PA) Youth Movement and NUS student volunteers put the new CleanPod to immediate use, with a community clean-up of the park. The clean-up comes on top of nearly 130 activities organised to date in support of the Year of Public Hygiene, planned by grassroots and corporate partners, NGOs and schools. Progammes ranged from clean-ups to outreach projects, promoting an overall culture of cleanliness. Many of these ground-up efforts have become regular activities, and will be continue into next year and beyond.

     3             DPM Heng then proceeded to NUS University Town, where he joined 160 students and staff in a traditional CGS tree-planting ceremony. The ceremony goes back to 1963, when founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew launched the first nationwide tree-planting campaign in support of Singapore’s greening movement, a legacy that continues to this day. The tree-planting was followed by the presentation of the Environmental Services (ES) Star Awards, as well as the Community in Bloom (CIB) Ambassador Awards by DPM Heng.

     27 Environmental Services Stars Recognised for Outstanding Contributions

     4          The annual ES Star Award recognises the contributions of workers in the Environmental Services industry, whose work at the forefront of upholding good public health and hygiene in Singapore is often taken for granted. The 2024 ES Star Award was presented to 27 frontline, supervisory, and operations support staff[2]. These individuals were nominated for demonstrating service excellence, initiative to continuously upskill, and for their significant contributions to innovation, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

     5          One of the awardees this year is Mr Chua Peng Soo, a Pest Control Technician with more than 30 years of experience. An advocate for environmental sustainability, Mr Chua ensures his clients’ premises are pest-free using eco-friendly pest management solutions. Beyond his professional duties, he also actively encourages his colleagues, friends and family to adopt green practices that protect our natural resources. Another awardee is Mr Noor Azmi Bin Ranai, a Senior Operations Manager. A firm believer in continuous learning, Mr Azmi has inspired his colleagues to upskill, encouraging them to attend courses and further their knowledge. His contributions to process improvement and staff development have made a lasting impact on the company.

     Appointment of Community in Bloom Ambassadors

     6          Seven new Community in Bloom (CIB) Ambassadors[3] were also appointed at this year’s CGS event. The CIB Ambassador Award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to promote gardening and actively engage with the community to facilitate gardening-based community projects.

     7          One of the recipients, Ms Toh Mei Xuan, wears two hats as a Garden Leader and main programme curator at Geylang East Grove Community Garden which demonstrates her passion for gardening and nature. Ms Toh leads gardening sessions for preschoolers weekly and conducts workshops, garden tours and outreach activities at community events on the benefits of nature. In her own time, she also actively documents and shares about the wide range of biodiversity that can be found in the garden through online videos and educational materials.    

     Tree Planting at NUS University Town

     8          NUS has been organising tree planting activities on campus every year since November 2015 as part of its commitment towards building a Campus in a Tropical Rainforest, one of the focus areas under NUS’ Campus Sustainability Roadmap 2030.

     9          This year’s tree planting holds a special significance, with the planting of the 50,000th tree at NUS UTown today by DPM Heng, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Ms Grace Fu, Minister of National Development Mr Desmond Lee, Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry, and Mayor of South West District, Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Dr Amy Khor and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Mr Baey Yam Keng. The event also saw the planting of a total of 50 trees by more than 100 NUS staff and students in support of NParks’ OneMillionTrees movement. This marks the halfway point towards the University’s goal of planting 100,000 trees by 2030, having increased its tree canopy area from 36 percent to 60 percent, that is, over half the campus grounds are covered with trees. The OneMillionTrees movement[4] started in 2020 with the aim to plant one million more trees across Singapore by 2030. To date, more than 700,000 trees have been planted across Singapore.

     10        During a construction project in 2012 at UTown, a national heritage tree – the Margaritaria indica (Airy Shaw) – was discovered on site. To commemorate NUS’ tree-planting milestone, DPM Heng planted a Margaritaria indica sapling, along with other accompanying dignitaries. Other tree species planted at CGS Day 2024 include Rubroshorea pauciflora, Scorodocarpus borneensis, Garcinia celebica and Anthoshorea gratissima, which are native to Singapore.

     Therapeutic Horticulture Programmes available for public to sign up for the first time

     11          Members of the public will be able to sign up for therapeutic horticulture programmes at six therapeutic gardens[5], including the newly opened therapeutic garden at West Coast Park, from December till May 2025 for free. Therapeutic horticulture programmes aim to improve participants’ well-being holistically by promoting low-intensity exercise and improving motor skills, stimulating memory, encouraging positive social interactions and connection with nature and promoting mindfulness. These programmes comprise facilitated nature-related activities such as designing seed mandalas, making of scent bags and creating leaf collages as well as other gardening activities. Interested members of public can find out more through the NParks official website. This is the first time that NParks is offering over 20 therapeutic horticulture sessions at different therapeutic gardens for public to sign up.

     Green efforts by South West Community Development Council  

     12          Aligned with Singapore’s sustainability goals, the South West CDC continues to nurture a community that is environmentally conscious through the Sustainable South West Masterplan[6]. The Masterplan outlines five key goals:

    1. Our Active, Gracious People, aimed at empowering residents with platforms to volunteer and do their part for the environment;
    2. Our Clean, Green Living Spaces, to foster community ties and environmental stewardship through our community gardens;
    3. Our Smart Homes, which promotes green living to reduce carbon footprint and innovating for a sustainable tomorrow;
    4. Our Green Rides, to encourage car-lite communities to transform common spaces into car-free zones and;
    5. Our Zero Waste Journey, where best practices on sustainability are shared with the community to encourage waste minimisation habits.

     13          Focusing on building sustainable habits in the community, the CDC’s programmes involve the collaborative effort of partners, schools, volunteers and residents to realise these goals. The CDC’s flagship recycling programme, Clean Up @ South West encourages residents to take responsibility for their living environment through the exchange of recyclables for groceries. Since its inception in 2006, close to 1,100 tonnes of recyclables have been collected, equivalent to saving over 18,300 trees. In 2023, the CDC launched the Green Innovation Centre, in partnership with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Bukit Batok Grassroots Organisations to transform the existing Cosy Garden in Bukit Batok into a hub to inspire the local community to learn and discover more on sustainable living. The programme, which has brought together close to 30 partners from the local community, Swedish MNCs, and local SMEs, has reached more than 600 residents to date, educating them about intelligent solutions such as AI facial recognition for enhancing security in community gardens.


    [1] For details of more activities under CGS, please refer to Annex A.

    [2] Please refer to Annex B for profiles of more ES Star awardees who are available for interviews.

    [3] Please refer to Annex C for more details on the CIB Ambassador Awards and the Ambassadors who have been appointed this year.

    [4] Please refer to Annex D for more information on the tree species that were planted today and about the OneMillionTrees movement.

    [5] Please refer to Annex E for more details on therapeutic horticulture programmes and therapeutic gardens.

    [6] Please refer to this link for more information on the Sustainable South West Masterplan.

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application. 

    ANNEXES

    Annex A – Factsheet on CGS Experiences and Activities
    Annex B – Factsheet with Profiles of Environmental Services Award Winners
    Annex C – Factsheet on CIB Ambassadors 2024
    Annex D – Factsheet on Tree Species Planted and OneMillionTrees Movement
    Annex E – Factsheet on Therapeutic Horticulture Programmes

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Crown Range Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died and two others have been seriously injured in a crash on Crown Range Road near Queenstown this afternoon.

    Emergency services were alerted to the crash involving two vehicles at 3.55pm.

    Crown Range Road has been closed at the intersection with Gibbston Highway / State Highway 6.

    The road is expected to remain closed for some time as the Serious Crash Unit examines the crash scene.
     

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government goes further and faster on planning reform in bid for growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Chancellor continues bold reform of the planning system to deliver on the Plan for Change for working people.

    • Chancellor reveals new plans for more houses near commuter train stations to kick start economic growth, as government continues its bold reform of the planning system to deliver on the Plan for Change for working people.
    • Sweeping reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will take an axe to red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects and the government will work with Parliamentarians to ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.
    • Chancellor highlights in its first six months the government has already taken 13 planning decisions and approved 9 nationally significant infrastructure projects spanning airports, data centres, energy farms, and major housing developments.

    Untapped land near commuter transport hubs will be unlocked to build new housing for working people, as part of bold new steps to reform the planning system and unlock growth to deliver win-win outcomes for the country and the economy. The bold reforms will create secure, high-paying jobs and deliver major infrastructure faster to bolster public services and lower bills.

    Ahead of the Chancellor’s speech next week on economic growth, the government has today announced how it will go further and faster to deliver our Plan for Change milestones of 1.5 million new homes over five years and 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of the Parliament. It follows the ambitious reforms unveiled by the Chancellor in July and delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister at the end of last year through publication of the overhauled National Planning Policy Framework.

    The government’s next steps on planning reform include streamlining a set of national policies for decision making to guide planning decisions taken by local authorities and promote housebuilding in key areas.

    In a major new growth push, the government will ensure that when developers submit an application for acceptable types of schemes in key areas – such as in high potential locations near commuter transport hubs – that the default answer to development is ‘yes’. This will unlock more housing at a greater density in areas central to local communities, boosting the government’s number one mission to grow the economy. These measures will transform communities, with more shops and homes nearer to the transport hubs that working people rely on day in day out.

    As part of these measures, the government will streamline decisions on critical infrastructure projects by slashing red tape in the planning system which is holding up projects. That means looking again at the input from expert bodies who developers are required to consult – and replacing the current systems of environmental assessment to deliver a more effective and streamlined system that reduces costs and delays for developers, whilst still protecting the environment.

    The Chancellor also revealed today that she is championing a regeneration project around Old Trafford in Manchester that will see new housing, commercial and public space as a shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region, with authorities exploring setting up a mayoral development corporation body to redevelop the area. 

    The government is also working with Greater Manchester to release growth-generating land around transport hubs through local development orders, such as around Castleton Station, with the potential for this innovative use of existing powers to kickstart building in these sites to be a blueprint for the rest of the country so that every corner of the UK benefits from growth.

    The new proposals tackle the dire inheritance head on. Last year homebuilding fell below 200k and permissions reached their lowest for over a decade, which is why the government is taking radical action necessary to reverse this trend and deliver the homes necessary to reach 1.5 million homes over this Parliament.

    This government is turning the page on the decline and decay of the past and choosing growth with a significant number of planning decisions already made by Ministers since July. This includes 13 planning decisions taken by Ministers over 90% of which within the target timeframe, and 9 nationally significant infrastructure projects approved, collectively spanning airports, data centres, solar farms and major housing developments such as the Expansion of London City Airport, a data centre in Buckinghamshire and a new M&S store in Oxford Street, London.  

    The government has committed to making 150 decisions on these major economic infrastructure applications over this Parliament, more than doubling the decisions made in the previous Parliament and more than 130 made since 2011.

    This will unlock the growth necessary to deliver win-win outcomes for the country and the economy – creating stable and high-paying jobs, building more affordable homes, and delivering critical infrastructure faster to bolster public services and lower bills – while improving the environment where it matters most.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    I am fighting every single day in our mission to kick start the economy, deliver on our Plan for Change, and make working people better off. That includes avenues that others have shied away from.  

    Too often the answer to new development has been “no”. But that is the attitude that has stunted economic growth and left working people worse off. We need to do things differently and that journey began as soon as I started at the Treasury in July. These are our next steps and I can say for certain, there is more to come.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner said:

    From day one I have been clear that bold action is needed to remove the blockers who put a chokehold on growth. That’s why we are putting growth at the heart of our planning system.

    Growth means higher wages, better living standards, families raising their children in safer homes, and the next generation taking their first steps onto the housing ladder.

    This year we will go even further to make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions and fix the housing crisis we inherited for good – getting more shovels in the ground to build the homes and vital infrastructure that our communities so desperately need.

    Growth is the number one mission of this Government’s Plan for Change, so we can put more money in people’s pocket. Today the Chancellor is setting out further action on the government’s growth mission by announcing the following: 

    Planning 

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will provide the powers to accelerate the infrastructure and homes needed to deliver on the government’s ambitions – and fast track critical infrastructure such as windfarms, power plants, and major road and rail projects. Today the government is confirming for the first time that the Bill will be introduced in Spring and we will work with Parliamentarians to ensure a smooth and speedy delivery.

    Further detail on the Bill is being published today in a working paper on streamlining decisions on nationally significant infrastructure projects, including reducing the burden on developers by making consultation requirements more proportionate, strengthening statutory guidance to ensure they are clear over what is and is not required when submitting planning applications, and ensuring that National Policy Statements are updated at least every five years to give more certainty to developers, speeding up decisions. Previous working papers have already set out reforms to the operation of planning committees, and an overhaul of the way developers can discharge their environmental obligations so that they can crack on with building.

    The Chancellor is today also announcing reform to the statutory consultee system, which requires developers to consult local communities and expert bodies when making planning decisions. This often means too many organisations consulted on too wide a range of issues, clogging up much-needed development. Today the government has declared a moratorium on any new statutory consultees and the Chancellor and the Deputy Prime Minister will review in the coming weeks the existing arrangements to make sure they meet this Government’s ambitions for growth.

    This follows changes announced last week to the rules around challenging major infrastructure projects through the courts – stopping blockers getting in the way of the Government’s Plan for Change and getting nuclear plants, trainlines and windfarms built quicker. Current excessive rules mean unarguable cases can be bought back to the courts three times. This will be overhauled, with just one attempt at legal challenge for hopeless cases that would previously have caused much more delay.

    Environment

    The government is also reforming environmental impact assessments, which have strayed from their original purpose of supporting decision making and have become voluminous and costly documents that too often support legal challenges rather than the environment.

    They will be replaced by Environmental Outcome Reports which will be simpler and much clearer, which will support growth by saving developers time and money, whilst still protecting the environment. The government will publish a roadmap for the delivery of these new Environment Outcomes Reports in the coming months.  

    This follows a working paper on development and nature published by the government before Christmas setting out a new approach that will turbocharge the delivery of housing and infrastructure while securing positive environmental outcomes. Developers will be able to pay into the Nature Restoration Fund which will allow them to discharge relevant environmental obligations for protected sites and species and focus on building, safe in the knowledge that appropriate action will be taken to support nature’s recovery.

    Major infrastructure

    A working paper is being published setting out the government’s plan for its 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy, which will be focussed on infrastructure’s role in enabling resilient growth, delivering clean energy by 2030 and net zero by 2050 while securing the growth benefits of the transition, and improving public services.

    The working paper seeks industry views as part of the government’s continued consultation on the development of the strategy which will be published in late Spring.

    Jennie Daly, CEO of Taylor Wimpey said:

    We continue to be impressed by the speed with which the government has gripped the need for planning reform to deliver much needed new housing supply. New high-quality housing and the infrastructure it brings are essential drivers of economic growth. 

    We welcome the commitment from the government to introduce the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as a priority in the spring, and we look forward to supporting the promised consultation work on reforming the planning system to expedite decisions and overcome local barriers to growth.

    Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Executive Chairman and Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council said:

    When the government and the Construction sector work in partnership we can unlock growth of up to 2% of GDP. The simplification and streamlining of the planning system is a significant contributor to this so the announcements today are a welcome development which could deliver £2 billion per year in savings once fully implemented.

     In addition the upcoming publication of the 10 year National Infrastructure Strategy is an opportunity to set out plans for ambitious growth and chart a direction for the industry, instilling confidence in businesses to invest in skills, innovation and deliver profitable growth, we look forward to contributing to its success.

    Neil Jefferson, CEO of Home Builders Federations said:

    Identifying more land for development and removing the treacle from the planning process that delays applications is essential if we are to increase housing supply. The swift moves to address these blocks in the planning system are very welcome and will pay dividends if the other constraints on housing supply can be tackled. Housing delivery is dependent upon a range of factors, of which planning is a major one, and these changes underline the government’s commitment to increasing supply.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:

    With our devolved powers we’re mobilising the whole Greater Manchester system to lock in growth for the next decade and reap the rewards for our city-region and UK plc.

    The project around Old Trafford represents the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and is a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth across Greater Manchester. We look forward working with the Government on moving freight away from the site around Old Trafford to new locations to open up capacity our rail network, and unlock massive regeneration potential – delivering benefits across the whole of the North.

    As part of its relentless focus to get Britain building and achieve the ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over five years, the government has already:  

    • Overhauled the National Planning Policy Framework, including new and higher mandatory housebuilding targets for councils, a comprehensive modernisation of the Green Belt, and far greater support for growth-supporting development such as labs and datacentres.  

    • Launched a New Homes Accelerator group to unlock thousands of new homes currently in the planning system.  

    • Published a series of working papers on further reforms to the planning system:  
      • ‘brownfield passports’, designed to ensure that where planning proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer to planning permission is ‘yes’,
      • development and nature recovery, detailing a new approach for developers to discharge environmental obligations through payment into a Nature Restoration Fund which then allows them to crack on with building,
      •  planning committees, proposing a national scheme of delegation to speed up the approval process and provide greater certainty to developers.

    • Set up an independent New Towns Taskforce, as part of a long-term vision to create largescale communities of at least 10,000 new homes each.  

    • Awarded £68 million to 54 local councils to unlock housing on brownfield sites.   

    • Awarded £47 million to seven councils to unlock homes stalled by nutrient neutrality rules. 

    • Extended the existing Home Building Fund for this year providing up to £700 million of vital support to SME housebuilders, supporting the delivery of around 12,000 additional homes.

    • Confirmed that government investment in housing will increase to £5 billion for this year, including an extra £500 million in new funding for the Affordable Homes Programme to deliver tens of thousands of new affordable and social homes across the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ethiopia hosts seminar on Chinese language education

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Bultosa Hirko, deputy head of the Oromia Regional State Education Bureau, speaks at the first annual seminar on Chinese language education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on Nov. 1, 2024. Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

    The first annual seminar on Chinese language education was held Friday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, emphasizing the need to promote Chinese language education across the East African country.

    The event, which brought together Chinese and Ethiopian language instructors and experts, focused on establishing an effective Chinese language education system in Ethiopia and addressing challenges in the process.

    Speaking at the seminar, Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, said the conference aimed to share experiences, build on successes, address issues and jointly advance Chinese language education in Ethiopia.

    “With globalization accelerating and cultural exchanges between China and Ethiopia increasing, expanding Chinese language education in Ethiopia is essential. It helps Ethiopian students understand Chinese culture and history and opens more opportunities for them in the future,” Zhang said.

    Noting that Chinese language education in Ethiopia faces challenges such as a shortage of teaching staff and resources, Zhang said that a significant number of Ethiopian students are now studying Chinese at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in both Ethiopian and Chinese universities.

    Bultosa Hirko, deputy head of the Oromia Regional State Education Bureau, said Chinese language education is gaining popularity in Ethiopia, unlocking economic opportunities, promoting cultural exchange and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

    “Ethiopia and China have developed a robust partnership over the years, marked by collaboration across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, trade, investment and development assistance,” Hirko said. He added that China’s rising global influence has underscored the importance of learning and understanding the Chinese language worldwide.

    “The Chinese government has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of the Chinese language curriculum in Ethiopia, recruiting and training teachers, and providing essential curriculum materials,” Hirko added.

    The seminar also featured presentations of research papers on Chinese language learning in Ethiopia, the recognition of Chinese as a global language, and the strengthening strategic partnership between China and Ethiopia.

    With Ethiopia’s strong economic ties to China and the growing presence of Chinese companies, especially in road, railway and industrial zone development, the demand for Chinese language education has surged in Ethiopian universities and colleges. 

    Zhang Yawei, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, speaks at the first annual seminar on Chinese language education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on Nov. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

    The first annual seminar on Chinese language education is held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, on Nov. 1, 2024.(Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

    MIL OSI China News –