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
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
COVID-19 vaccines prevented an estimated 2,533,000 deaths worldwide between 2020 and 2024, according to an international study led by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy and Stanford University in the United States, published in the journal JAMA Health Forum. Researchers calculated that one death was prevented for every 5,400 doses administered.
The analysis also found that the vaccines saved 14.8 million years of life, equivalent to one year of life gained for every 900 doses given.
The study, coordinated by Professor Stefania Boccia, revealed that 82% of the lives saved were people vaccinated before becoming infected with the virus, and 57% of deaths avoided occurred during the Omicron wave. In addition, 90% of the beneficiaries were adults over 60 years old.
“This is the most comprehensive analysis to date, based on global data and fewer assumptions about the evolution of the pandemic,” explained Boccia and researcher Angelo Maria Pezzullo.
International
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge’s ruling on Friday that reinstated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, stressing that the immigration program was never intended to serve as a “de facto asylum system.”
On Thursday, Judge Trina Thompson extended protections for about 7,000 Nepalese immigrants, whose TPS was set to expire on August 5. The ruling also impacts roughly 51,000 Hondurans and nearly 3,000 Nicaraguans, whose TPS protections were scheduled to end on September 8.
Immigrants covered by TPS had sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that the program’s termination was driven by “racial animus” and stripped them of protection from deportation.
DHS Deputy Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying the decision to end TPS was part of a mandate to “restore the integrity” of the immigration system and return the program to its original purpose.
“TPS was never conceived as a de facto asylum system; however, that is how previous administrations have used it for decades,” McLaughlin emphasized.
She also criticized Judge Thompson, calling the ruling “another example” of judges “stirring up claims of racism to distract from the facts.”
McLaughlin added that DHS would appeal the decision and take the legal battle to higher courts.
The Trump administration has also terminated TPS protections for approximately 160,000 Ukrainians, 350,000 Venezuelans, and at least half a million Haitians, among other immigrant groups.
International
Trump to build $200M ballroom at the White House by 2028
The U.S. government under President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that it will begin construction in September on a new 8,000-square-meter ballroom at the White House.
The announcement was made by Karoline Leavitt, the administration’s press secretary, during a briefing in which she explained that the expansion responds to the need for a larger venue to host “major events.”
“Other presidents have long wished for a space capable of accommodating large gatherings within the White House complex… President Trump has committed to solving this issue,” Leavitt told reporters.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million, fully funded through donations from Trump himself and other “patriots,” according to a government statement. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to be completed before Trump’s term ends in 2028.
The Clark Construction Group, a Virginia-based company known for projects such as the Capital One Arena and L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., has been selected to lead the project.
The new ballroom will be built on the East Wing of the White House, expanding the iconic residence with a space designed for state dinners, official ceremonies, and large-scale events.
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
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