Author: Steve Brown

Humanity’s Race Against Time: Bridging the Emissions Gap to Salvage Our Future PARIS, France – Global leaders and communities today stand at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change, as highlighted by a dire warning from the United Nations. The call to action comes as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized that humanity is “paying a terrible price” for decades of inaction on global warming, urging leaders to urgently bridge the emissions gap or risk plunging into climate catastrophe. According to the latest Emissions Gap report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the next decade will be…

UN Report Highlights the Link Between Poverty and Mental Health, Urges Global Investment UNITED NATIONS, United States (AFP) — In a compelling new report, the United Nations has shone a spotlight on the alarming connection between poverty and mental health disorders. Released on Thursday, the study underscores that individuals experiencing poverty are up to three times more susceptible to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety compared to their wealthier counterparts. Olivier De Schutter, the UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, spearheaded the study, entitled "The Burnout Economy: Poverty and Mental Health," which warns of the chilling…

Canada Scales Back Immigration Targets Amid Declining Public Support and Housing Concerns OTTAWA, Canada (AFP) — In a significant policy shift, Canada announced on Thursday a reduction in its immigration targets, aiming to "pause population growth" amid waning public support for immigration and escalating housing concerns. This decision follows a notable surge in the Canadian population, which has now reached 41 million, primarily driven by an unprecedented influx of newcomers in recent years. The Canadian immigration ministry had initially set ambitious plans to admit 500,000 new permanent residents by 2025 and 2026. However, the new targets have been revised downward,…

PAHO Celebrates 30 Years of Wild Polio Eradication in the Americas, While Emphasizing Continued Vigilance Washington, United States (CMC) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is marking a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary since the certification of the eradication of "wild poliovirus" transmission in the Americas, a feat that includes the Caribbean region. This anniversary not only celebrates the past success but also serves as a call to sustain efforts in combating polio across the globe. In 1975, the region was confronted with nearly 6,000 polio cases. However, a concerted push for child vaccination and rigorous surveillance, spearheaded by…

UN Calls for Equal Gender Representation in Decision-Making Worldwide GENEVA, Switzerland — In a decisive move urging global reform, a United Nations committee has declared that women must hold an equal share with men in all decision-making sectors, highlighting that previous goals of 30 per cent female representation are outdated and insufficient. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has set a standard of 50-50 gender parity, stating this should be the benchmark in public and private sectors, as well as in political, economic, and digital arenas. "This 50-50 parity is the undisputable standard," the committee…

Jamaica to Host Landmark 31st National Science and Technology Conference Focusing on Nuclear Innovations The Scientific Research Council (SRC) of Jamaica is set to host the 31st National Science and Technology Conference from October 29 to November 1, 2024, at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston. This year, the conference carries the theme “Harmony in Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Nuclear Applications for Sustainable Development.” It aims to gather experts, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders worldwide to explore the transformative potential of nuclear science and technology for sustainable progress. The event is particularly significant following Jamaica’s recent Memorandum of…

Scream Halloween Party Set to Thrill at The UWI Mona An electrifying line-up of well-known and in-demand DJs is all set to ignite the atmosphere at this year’s highly anticipated Scream Halloween party. The event is scheduled to take place this Friday at The University of the West Indies, Mona campus. Scream is an annual Halloween-themed extravaganza that promises a night of thrilling entertainment and spooky vibes. The DJs set to headline the event include JJ Deadlock and Insaneo from Juggling Masters, DJ Mac and Baba, DJ Vinchi, Fyahman, DJ Breeze, and the sensational Jubba Dem. This year marks the…

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection policy has undergone recent changes that have sparked concerns about the future of the men’s team. Former West Indies and Barbados batsman Philo Wallace has expressed worry that the quality of the squad may suffer as a result of the new data-driven approach to selection. Following the decision not to renew lead selector Desmond Haynes’ contract, Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe announced a shift towards a more data-driven selection process. Each of the six territories in the region will now have a senior talent manager collating data on players and advising the head coaches…

International Champagne Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the elegance and allure of Champagne, the world’s most iconic sparkling wine. This year, it falls on October 25, 2024, offering wine enthusiasts and revellers a perfect occasion to indulge in a glass of bubbly. However, the celebrations actually began on October 21, 2024, as International Sparkling Day, which pays homage to all sparkling wines, not just Champagne. The appeal of Champagne and sparkling wines goes beyond just their taste – it’s about the entire sensory experience they provide. The effervescence of the bubbles rising in the glass creates a celebratory…

Shania Hayles: The Rising Star of Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz Shania Hayles, the 24-year-old forward, is making waves in the world of women’s football as she gears up to represent Jamaica against France in a highly anticipated friendly match. With deep family ties to Jamaica and a strong sense of national pride, Hayles is ready to showcase her skills on the international stage. Having made her debut for the Reggae Girlz against Nigeria in June 2021, Hayles has quickly made a name for herself as a talented and determined player. Her decision to represent Jamaica over England was driven by her…