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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‘It’s not enough!’
Members of Jamaica’s Parliament, particularly those representing areas affected by bauxite mining, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the $400 million allocated to the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP). During a recent House of Representatives session, they argued that the sum, drawn from the Capital Development Fund (CDF) managed by the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, is woefully inadequate to address the needs of mining communities. The funds, to be disbursed at $100 million annually from 2025 to 2028, amount to just $4-5 million per constituency each year, a figure MPs described as a mere drop in the bucket. The motion, though approved after a lengthy debate, faced sharp criticism from opposition members. Peter Bunting, MP for Manchester Southern, labeled the allocation an ’embarrassment,’ emphasizing that it falls far short of addressing the extensive damage caused by decades of mining. He highlighted the post-apocalyptic state of some communities, where abandoned open pits and environmental degradation persist. Dr. Kenneth Russell, MP for St Ann South East, echoed these concerns, citing poor relations between mining companies and residents, as well as the adverse effects of noise, dust, and unsafe roads. Damion Crawford, MP for St Catherine North Western, warned of the looming crisis as the bauxite industry nears the end of its productive lifespan, stressing the absence of a viable post-bauxite development plan. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green acknowledged the challenges but defended the industry’s contributions to Jamaica’s development, citing the construction of towns, schools, and community centers funded by bauxite revenues. He pledged to address environmental concerns and ensure no new mining pits are left unrehabilitated.
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NWA urges caution on St Elizabeth main road following mudslides
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians traveling through the main road near Lacovia, Newton, and Vauxhall in St Elizabeth. The agency highlighted that persistent rainfall over recent days has caused significant damage to sections of the roadway, with mud and debris posing serious hazards. The Rice Piece community has been particularly affected, with the NWA emphasizing the increased risks for those navigating the area. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant while using these routes. The NWA is actively monitoring the situation and has pledged to address the issues promptly to ensure safety for all road users.