The escalating frequency of heat waves, driven by extreme temperatures and surging cooling demands, has propelled sustainable cooling to the forefront of discussions at the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), hosted in an Amazonian city. Research from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) underscores a dire warning: without immediate action to enhance efficiency and sustainability, global cooling needs could triple by 2050.
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Former judge critical of forced retirement of senior police officer
A former Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judge, James (Jimmy) Bristol KC, has sharply criticized the Grenada Public Service Commission (PSC) for its handling of the forced retirement of former Superintendent of Police, Tafawa Pierre. Bristol, who also served as attorney general, described the move as an “overreaching” violation of constitutional rights during a recent podcast appearance on The Bubb Report. Pierre, a veteran officer with over three decades of service, was reportedly pressured to resign after the Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, expressed a loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties. This decision was allegedly influenced by Pierre’s wife, Emmalin Pierre, who is the leader of the main opposition New National Party (NNP) and the Opposition Leader in Parliament. Bristol argued that the PSC’s actions were unconstitutional, citing Section 84 of the Constitution, which mandates that public officers can only be removed for disciplinary reasons and through proper procedures. He dismissed the PSC’s claim of a conflict of interest as baseless, stating that such a conflict would only arise if Pierre were directly involved in investigating his wife, which was not the case. Bristol further emphasized that Pierre’s exemplary service record made the forced retirement unjustifiable and politically motivated. He suggested that Pierre could seek legal redress for vindicatory damages, referencing precedents in similar cases. Daisy Hazzard, President of the Grenada Public Service Commission and the Caribbean Public Service Association (CPSA), also expressed concerns about the case, highlighting the importance of fairness, due process, and the PSC’s independence. Hazzard noted that the PSC’s rules and regulations do not support dismissal based on a spouse’s political affiliation and urged Pierre to pursue formal redress if he believes his rights were violated. Both Bristol and Hazzard warned that such actions undermine good governance and the rule of law in Grenada.
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China Import Expo boosts global cooperation
The 2023 China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, marked a significant milestone in global trade and economic collaboration. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized the event’s unprecedented scale, with participation from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations. Notably, 290 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders showcased their latest innovations, reflecting the expo’s growing influence as a platform for international business engagement. Lin highlighted that the number of foreign exhibitors surged by over 600 compared to the previous edition, with 170 companies and 27 international institutions consistently attending all eight editions of the event. A total of 461 groundbreaking products, technologies, and services were unveiled, including more than 200 global premieres. The expo also facilitated intentional deals worth over $834 billion, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth. Premier Li Qiang, in his address, reiterated the importance of fostering global cooperation and sharing opportunities with the international community. With over 4,100 foreign companies participating, this year’s CIIE solidified its position as a cornerstone of international trade and innovation.
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UN warns of increased gun violence
During a recent Security Council debate, Ebo highlighted the escalating global crisis fueled by the proliferation of small and lightweight weapons. These arms, he emphasized, are not only a catalyst for current conflicts but also a harbinger of future violence. Despite existing regulatory frameworks, significant challenges remain in their effective implementation. Ebo underscored that the unchecked spread of these weapons is both a symptom and a driver of the multifaceted security crises plaguing nations worldwide. The pervasive availability of illicit arms, he warned, necessitates urgent action to mitigate their far-reaching consequences. Ebo also pointed to recent international efforts aimed at addressing this issue, including the 2023 adoption of the Global Framework for the Management of the Life Cycle of Conventional Ordnance. This framework seeks to prevent the diversion of military arsenals and reduce accidents in storage facilities. Additionally, he referenced the Fourth Review Conference of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, held in 2024, where member states reaffirmed their commitment to combating the illegal manufacture and trafficking of these weapons. The conference also established a group of experts to explore emerging technologies in weapons production. Ebo further revealed alarming statistics, noting that 48,000 civilians lost their lives in 2024 due to armed conflict—a 40% increase from the previous year. Moreover, firearms were implicated in 88% of documented cases of sexual violence in conflict zones between 2022 and 2024.
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Daesh cell dismantled and weapons confiscated in Syria
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Syrian Internal Security Forces successfully dismantled an extremist cell in Hama, arresting three of its members and confiscating a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition. Osama Zein Al-Din, a senior Internal Security official, confirmed the operation’s success, highlighting the seizure of suicide belts, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket launchers, grenades, and various types of ammunition. Additionally, documents linking the cell to Daesh command structures in central Syria were uncovered. The extremist group was reportedly planning attacks targeting civilians, Syrian Arab Army personnel, and security forces. Zein Al-Din emphasized the critical role of citizen cooperation in the operation’s success and reaffirmed the commitment of the Internal Security Forces to apprehend all remaining members of the terrorist network. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety in the region.
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Macron and Abbas address governance and reconstruction of Gaza
French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas are set to convene to address the comprehensive execution of the Gaza ceasefire, a US-mediated agreement inked a month prior by the Israeli government and Hamas. This meeting underscores France’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the Palestinian State, a stance Macron reiterated during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September. The discussions will also focus on advancing the ‘peace and security plan for the Middle East,’ with particular emphasis on security measures, governance frameworks, and the international-backed reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. France champions a two-state solution and supports the Palestinian National Authority’s (PNA) governance role in Gaza, currently under Hamas control. Both Paris and Washington advocate for Hamas’s disarmament and its exclusion from political processes. Additionally, the leaders will deliberate on the pressing need for substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, a region where aid distribution is strictly regulated by Israel.
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Uruguayan government prioritizes mental health care
Cristina Lustemberg, Uruguay’s Minister of Public Health, has raised alarms over the escalating mental health crisis in the country, revealing that 30,000 individuals are currently awaiting treatment for mental health conditions. Speaking at the launch of the “National Action for Mental Health” initiative, Lustemberg emphasized the need for an interdisciplinary approach to address the issue. She criticized the uneven access to mental health care, stating, “It cannot be that, despite having an Integrated National Health System, access to mental health care remains a privilege in some areas.”
The initiative, developed through the collaboration of over 20 working groups, aims to tackle mental health challenges by prioritizing community-driven issues, fostering regional and inter-institutional networks, and integrating cultural, sports, and educational spaces. Funding has been allocated to support these efforts, including strengthening agreements with the State Health Services Administration, the Ministry of Social Development, and departmental governments. Additionally, resources will be directed toward suicide prevention programs.
A key component of the plan is the appointment of a mental health coordinator in each of the country’s departments to oversee the implementation of the initiative. This move comes as Uruguay faces a significant mental health burden, with 29% of the adult population exhibiting symptoms of psychological distress and 24% experiencing severe loneliness. The initiative represents a critical step toward addressing these pressing issues and ensuring equitable access to mental health care nationwide.
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Speaker of the house clarifies election laws, voter rights
House Speaker Claudius Francis has taken a proactive stance in addressing widespread misconceptions about Saint Lucia’s election laws and voting procedures. Speaking at the launch of Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) candidate Keithson Charles for the Choiseul/Saltibus constituency, Francis provided detailed clarifications on key aspects of the electoral process. He emphasized that employees are legally entitled to take sufficient time off to vote without facing pay deductions. “A minimum of two hours—or however long it takes—is guaranteed. Employers who deduct wages for additional time spent voting risk legal consequences,” he stated. Francis urged employees facing such issues to report them to the Labour Department or the Electoral Commission. On voter identification, he clarified that expired IDs are acceptable for voting, as the expiration date is irrelevant for electoral purposes. He also explained residency requirements, noting that voters must reside in their constituency for at least two months before the qualifying date, which is February 15 for elections in the first half of the year and July 15 for those in the second half. Francis highlighted provisions for persons with disabilities, including interpreter services and assistance for the physically incapacitated and blind. Overseas citizens without valid IDs can still vote by taking an oath, though lying during the process carries legal penalties. He also addressed attire on election day, stating that while party colors are allowed, explicit campaign messages are prohibited. Francis praised Saint Lucia’s Elections Bill as one of the most comprehensive and fair electoral frameworks globally, ensuring inclusivity and transparency.
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‘COLLECTIVE ACTION’
The Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is set to resume on December 7 after a hiatus caused by Hurricane Melissa, which devastated parts of the island in late October. However, Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) CEO Owen Hill has highlighted significant financial and logistical challenges that must be addressed to ensure a smooth restart. The league, which has completed nine match weeks, was paused due to the hurricane’s widespread destruction, including loss of lives and severe damage to infrastructure. Following discussions with stakeholders, including the 14 clubs, the PFJL executive, and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), a consensus was reached to delay the restart until December. While some Kingston-based clubs advocated for an earlier resumption, severely affected teams like Treasure Beach FC and Montego Bay United (MBU) requested additional time to recover. Hill emphasized the need for collective responsibility, stating that the December 7 restart date balances the needs of all parties. The decision has resulted in nearly 50 postponed matches, with teams now likely to play twice weekly to meet the league’s schedule. Venue challenges also persist, as MBU and Treasure Beach’s home grounds remain unplayable due to hurricane damage. Hill suggested a hub model, centralizing games at available venues, while calling for financial support from sponsors and corporate Jamaica to address the league’s immediate needs. He also urged fans to attend matches or subscribe to broadcasts, as gate receipts and subscriptions are crucial for clubs’ financial viability. As the league prepares to restart, MBU leads the standings with 22 points, followed by Portmore United with 18. Treasure Beach FC sits in 10th place, while defending champions Cavalier and unbeaten Mount Pleasant Football Academy are fourth and eighth, respectively.
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Unsafe to eat
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, the Public Health Department has ordered the destruction of 5,661 kilogrammes of food deemed unsafe for consumption. The decision followed inspections of 5,052 food handling establishments, as disclosed by Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton in Parliament on Tuesday. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, left several south-western parishes without electricity, severely disrupting food safety and public health systems.
Dr. Tufton emphasized the government’s efforts to monitor large farms and food processing facilities to prevent unsafe food from entering the supply chain and to avert potential outbreaks of food-borne diseases. He assured that safety measures would be intensified as access to previously marooned communities improves. Opposition health spokesman Dr. Alfred Dawes echoed the need for vigilance, warning that diseases such as dysentery, dengue, and cholera could emerge in the aftermath of the disaster.
The hurricane caused catastrophic damage to health infrastructure across the island, particularly in the southern and western regions. Seven hospitals, including Black River, Noel Holmes, and Cornwall Regional, suffered extensive roof and structural damage. A field hospital has been established in Black River, with plans for additional facilities in Falmouth and Savanna-la-Mar. Over 100 health centres also reported damage, severely impacting primary care services.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Health has initiated a three-phase recovery plan. The first phase focuses on restoring basic health services, preventing disease outbreaks, and addressing staff welfare. Dr. Tufton highlighted that 79% of healthcare professionals have returned to work, enabling the resumption of critical services such as maternal and child health care, HIV treatment, and immunizations in 30% of damaged facilities.
The government’s response also includes mass environmental health actions, psychosocial interventions, and infrastructure repairs. Dr. Tufton stressed the importance of rebuilding the health system to be more resilient, stating, ‘We must build back better.’ The Ministry continues to urge citizens to practice proper hygiene, use safe water sources, and report any illness symptoms promptly.