International
Caribbean countries demand access to state-of-the-art technology
September 16 |
The economic and social transformation of developing nations, through access to cutting-edge technology and innovation, is a demand made this Saturday by several Caribbean nations at the Summit of the Group of 77 (G77) + China.
On the second and last day of the international meeting being held in Cuba, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, praised Havana for its historic role in defending the interests of the South.
During her speech at the summit, Johnson Smith referred to the global crisis facing humanity and expressed her hope that science, technology and innovation will be catalysts in the economic and social transformation of developing nations.
The minister stressed the importance of the political declaration expected to be approved at the summit, which recognizes the challenges we face and reaffirms the need for the countries of the South to act together to seek solutions to common problems.
Johnson Smith shared Jamaica’s experiences in applying science and technology to boost economic development.
She also took the opportunity to salute Cuba and acknowledge the significant progress it has made in the field of science, despite the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.
The minister also emphasized the importance of financing to address climate change and promote development. She lamented that not all countries have equitable access to this funding, highlighting the need to address this inequality.
Minister Johnson Smith’s remarks reflect Jamaica’s recognition of the importance of science and technology in economic and social development, as well as its commitment to solidarity and cooperation among countries of the South to address common challenges.
Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, expressed his condemnation of the blockade imposed on Cuba and the sanctions applied to Venezuela during the summit.
He also emphasized solidarity with Morocco and Libya, countries that have recently been affected by natural disasters.
In his speech, Minister Greene underscored the need for the G77 countries and China to insist on access to finance for development in order to achieve the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda.
He referred to the archaic international financial architecture, which does not take into account the needs of small island states in key areas such as agriculture, food, education and health.
The minister expressed concern about the restrictive policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union, which force island states to borrow and accumulate debt.
He emphasized that climate change is an issue that fundamentally affects these nations and stressed the importance of receiving assistance in this regard. He thanked China for its support and for offering acceptable loan rates.
Mr. Greene advocated access to technology at affordable prices, considering this a great support for the island nations.
At the end of his speech, the Minister recalled the passion of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro and his focus on the human mission of the summit, emphasizing the importance of guaranteeing equal rights for all human beings.
Another speaker was Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, International Trade, Investment, Industry and Commerce of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
In his opportunity, he stated that the G77 and China Summit can be an engine for the adoption of practical actions that will drive the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and progress towards a sustainable and digital economy, including the incorporation of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence.
During his remarks, the minister highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’ experiences in implementing technologies in key sectors such as health and education.
He underscored his nation’s desire to ensure that no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world and emphasized the need to transform the current international financial architecture in this regard.
Douglas also emphasized the Caribbean’s particular vulnerability to hurricanes and other natural disasters as a result of climate change.
He noted that the pandemic has accelerated the need for changes in social policies and the development of digital services in order to achieve sustainable development.
International
Kristi Noem credits Trump for mass migrant deportations by mexican president
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claimed that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has deported “more than half a million” migrants due to pressure from former President Donald Trump.
During a cabinet meeting highlighting the “achievements” of Trump’s administration in its first 100 days, Noem asserted that under the Republican leader’s influence, “Mexico has finally come to the table” to negotiate on migration and fentanyl trafficking.
“The president of Mexico told me she has returned just over half a million people before they reached our border,” Noem stated, criticizing media reports that suggest the Biden administration deported more migrants than Trump’s.
“I wish those deportations were counted,” Noem added, “because those people never made it to our border—she sent them back because you made her.” She went on to thank Trump: “They never made it here because they got the message—because you were so aggressive.”
Noem has made controversial claims about Sheinbaum in the past, prompting the Mexican leader to refute them.
On April 1, Sheinbaum responded to one such statement by declaring, “The president answers to only one authority, and that is the people of Mexico,” after Noem said on Fox News that she gave Sheinbaum “a list of things Trump would like to see” and that Mexico’s actions would determine whether Trump granted tariff relief.
International
Vatican releases special “Sede Vacante” stamps ahead of papal transition
he Vatican’s post offices and select collector shops began selling special edition stamps this week to mark the period between the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor.
Known as “Sede Vacante” stamps, they feature an image used on official Vatican documents during the interregnum between popes — two crossed keys without the papal tiara. These stamps went on sale Monday and will remain valid for postal use only until the new pontiff appears at the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
Until then, they can be used to send letters, postcards, and parcels. “Once the new pope is elected, the stamps lose their postal validity, but their collectible value rises,” said Francesco Santarossa, who runs a collectors’ shop across from St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican has issued the stamps in four denominations: €1.25, €1.30, €2.45, and €3.20. Each is inscribed with “Città del Vaticano” and “Sede Vacante MMXXV” — Latin for “Vacant See 2025.”
International
Conclave to choose pope Francis’ successor could begin in early may
The conclave, which in the coming weeks must choose the successor to Pope Francis, will strictly follow a precise protocol refined over centuries.
The 135 cardinal electors, all under the age of 80, will cast their votes four times a day — except on the first day — until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The result will be announced to the world through the burning of the ballots with a chemical that produces the eagerly awaited white smoke, accompanied by the traditional cry of “Habemus Papam.”
The start date for the conclave could be announced today, as the cardinals are set to hold their fifth meeting since the pope’s passing. Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich suggested it could begin on May 5 or 6, following the traditional nine days of mourning. According to German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the conclave could last only “a few days.”
Although the late Argentine pontiff appointed the majority of the cardinal electors, this does not necessarily ensure the selection of a like-minded successor. Francis’ leadership style differed significantly from that of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, a German theologian who was less fond of large public gatherings. It also marked a contrast with the popular Polish pope, John Paul II.
The Argentine Jesuit’s reformist papacy drew strong criticism from more conservative sectors of the Church, who are hoping for a doctrinally focused shift. His tenure was marked by efforts to combat clerical sexual abuse, elevate the role of women and laypeople, and advocate for the poor and migrants, among other causes.
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