February 24, 2022

Russia attacks Ukraine as defiant Putin warns US, NATO

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian troops launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin cast aside international condemnation and sanctions and…Read More

‘Barbarian act:’ World leaders condemn Russia on Ukraine

BRUSSELS (AP) — World leaders expressed a raw outrage shrouded by an impotence to immediately come…Read More

Cyberattacks accompany Russian military assault on Ukraine

BOSTON (AP) — The websites of Ukraine’s defense, foreign and interior ministries were unreachable or…Read More

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Hong Kong starts vaccine requirement for restaurants, stores

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong launched a vaccination requirement to enter shopping malls, restaurants…Read More

Poll: Stark racial gap in views on Black woman on high court

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans are starkly divided by race on the importance of President Joe Biden’s…Read More

Shares dive, oil soars after Russian action in Ukraine

BEIJING (AP) — Stocks plunged and oil prices surged by more than $5 per barrel Thursday after…Read More

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MLB: Season to be shortened if no deal by end of Monday

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Major League Baseball said only five days remain to salvage March 31 openers…Read More

Slain cinematographer’s husband angry Baldwin deflects blame

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The husband of a cinematographer shot and killed on the set of the film “Rust”…Read More

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Jamaica Observer– AS the Russian war drums continue to beat around the Eastern Europe-based Ukraine, the Jamaican Government has moved to allay fears that it has abandoned it citizens, mainly medical students, in that country.

Responding to questions at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Robert Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for information, argued that every effort had been made to assist the students who were identified.

According to Morgan, seven Jamaican students were scheduled to leave Ukraine on Tuesday with two scheduled to leave today.

“We can also confirm that we have tried to facilitate as much as possible, the interest of the students in the Ukraine but we have also faced challenges,” said Morgan.

“While our staff, and the foreign service, have been making efforts, the reality is that we have not been able to contact all of them. We have reached out [and] while some have responded, some have not.

“The public should remember that at the last [post-Cabinet] briefing we mentioned that the students would be able to transit through Germany without the need for a Schengen visa if they are transiting within a 24-hour period,” added Morgan.

His comments came hours before a media release from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, in which she underscored that the Government had made a special offer to assist Jamaican students seeking to return home, and that ultimately no students had utilised it.

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About 50 tactical vehicles were also approved to be placed at traffic posts. In addition, up to 300 National Guard troops from outside of Washington will assist at traffic posts if needed.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was “confident” in the security plans to protect Washington around the time of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech next Tuesday.

The People’s Convoy is expected to arrive in the Washington area on March 5 but there are no plans to go into the District of Columbia proper, according to a statement.

Brian Brase, a truck driver and one of the organizers, said regardless of where the trucks stop, “we’re not going anywhere” until the group’s demands are met.

Brase said he expected thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, would participate. Organizers bill the convoy as nonpartisan, trucker-led, and supported by a wide range of ethnic minorities and religious faiths.

The truckers are making their demands even as most U.S. states have already eased many restrictions. In California, where the convoy begins, the state lifted universal mask requirements last week while requiring masks for vaccinated people only in high-risk areas such as public transit, schools and healthcare settings.

PENNSYLVANIA CONVOY

Another convoy, made up of a single 18-wheeler and a handful of pickup trucks and SUVs, left Scranton, Pennsylvania – Biden’s hometown – on Wednesday morning and was headed to the Beltway sometime during the afternoon.

Organizer Bob Bolus told Washington television station WJLA that his convoy has no intention of breaking laws or blocking traffic, but warned this could happen if their demands regarding pandemic mandates and the cost of fuel are not meant.

“They are not going to intimidate us and they are not going to threaten us. We’re the power, not them,” said Bolus, a trucker who owns a tow truck company.

In Canada, protests choked streets in Ottawa for more than three weeks and blocked the busiest land crossing between Canada and the United States for six days.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked rarely used emergency powers to end the protests, and Canadian police restored a sense of normalcy in Ottawa over the weekend.

In the United States, new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to the coronavirus have plummeted from all-time highs hit a month ago, though nearly 2,000 people per day are still dying from the disease and the number of total deaths is closing in on 1 million since the pandemic began.

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A string of Mexican journalists have been killed this year, prompting U.S. lawmakers to pressure Mexico to step up protections. read more

“The high number of journalists killed in Mexico this year and the ongoing threats they face are concerning,” Blinken said in his Twitter post.

“My heart goes out to the loved ones of those who gave their lives for the truth,” said Blinken.

According to human rights organization Article 19, around 145 journalists were killed in Mexico from 2000 to 2021, making it one of the deadliest countries in the world for people involved in such work.

“He is misinformed because otherwise he would be acting in bad faith,” said Lopez Obrador, who on Monday urged the U.S. government to stop funding groups in Mexico that are critical of his administration.

Lopez Obrador called that financial support a “shame” and a breach of Mexico’s sovereignty. read more

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard later shared on Twitter a letter he sent to Blinken, highlighting illegal firearms trafficked from the United States which he said may be used in the murder of journalistEs.

“Mexico and the United States have a mechanism for dialogue and cooperation … in which we advance on various topics of interest such as the illicit trafficking of firearms, which are used in most of the homicides committed in Mexico, and that presumably were also used against journalists,” Ebrard said in the letter.

The Mexican government launched a lawsuit last year against several American arms manufacturers, alleging they knew their practices had encouraged illegal arms trafficking into Mexico, helping to cause thousands of gangland deaths. The arms industry has rejected Mexico’s allegations. read more

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In a statement late on Tuesday, Cuba’s foreign ministry said the United States, Havana’s long-time rival, had ramped up threats against Putin, aggravating the crisis. The Cuban statement did not specifically mention Russian advances into the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.

“The US government has been threatening Russia for weeks and manipulating the international community about the dangers of an ‘imminent massive invasion’ of Ukraine,” the Cuban statement said. “It has supplied weapons and military technology, deployed troops to several countries in the region, applied unilateral and unjust sanctions, and threatened other reprisals.

Communist-run Cuba for decades has been an ally of Russia and the Soviet Union before that, with close economic ties.

Cuba’s statement came just hours after Russia agreed to postpone debt payments owed to it by Cuba until 2027. Cuba’s foreign ministry said last week the two countries would deepen ties and explore collaboration in transportation, energy, industry and banking following a visit from Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov.

Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia’s Duma, or lower house of parliament, said during a visit to Cuba Wednesday that the United States was seeking to suppress both countries with unwarranted sanctions, according to a translated statement broadcast on Cuban state television.

“They don’t want to see a strong Russia, they don’t want Russia to be self-sufficient, and the same for Cuba, they don’t want to see a free people, they don’t want to see an independent country,” Volodin told Cuban lawmakers.

The Cuban statement on Tuesday said “constructive and respectful dialogue” was necessary to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

“We call on the United States and NATO to seriously and realistically address the well-founded claims for security guarantees of the Russian Federation, which has the right to defend itself,” the statement said.

“The determination of the United States to impose the progressive expansion of NATO towards the borders of the Russian Federation constitutes a threat to the national security of this country and to regional and international peace,” it added.

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NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 23, 2022) — The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is gradually meeting the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Joyce Moven, Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Unit in the Ministry of Social Development, said although it has not been brought to the public’s attention Nevis has been working towards attaining most of the goals.

“Given that the goals are global in nature, having superseded the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs 2000-2015) many are achievable, and some countries have already achieved some of the targets.

“In Nevis, though, much is not vocalised about these goals, the Nevis Island Administration has been diligently working through the various ministries and departments to achieve the goals.

“In the area of Agriculture that aligns to Goal 2: Zero Hunger, the Agriculture Department has been engaged in practices that seek to provide food security and sustainable production.  By incorporating innovation and using new technology such as the use of green houses to boost crop production, the department is not only addressing directly Goal 2 but also Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 15 (Life on land),” she said.

In addition, the Ministries of Education, Health and Water Services have also been successful in their endeavour to meet some of the targets.

“For example, all children on Nevis have access to quality early childhood developmental care making them ready for their primary and secondary levels of education.

“In the meantime, there is a thrust towards the provision of more technical and vocational training for the more vulnerable children who may not have the academic capacities,” she noted.

However, the unit is committed through additional awareness and education to ensure that Nevis attains most if not all the targets by 2030.

“The Sustainable Development Unit is committed to providing the forum for bringing awareness of the goals.  One such programme to be launched shortly, is ‘Sustainable Development Goals in Focus,’ where information will be shared on what is being done on Nevis to achieve the goals,” she said.

The coordinator said the Sustainable Development Unit in Nevis continues to work with the Ministry of Sustainable Development in St. Kitts, as the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is currently preparing its Voluntary National Review (VNR). In that regard they are seeking the help of relevant entities. 

“This report, to be presented at the High Level Political Forum [HLPF] of the United Nations in July 2022, should reflect information and statistical data from both islands.

“This will be the first time the Federation will be presenting on its progress as well as challenges faced in seeking to attain the goals. The unit is seeking the assistance of the relevant entities by asking them to submit the requested information in a timely manner,” she said.

The 17 SDGs are: 1. No Poverty; 2. Zero Hunger; 3. Good Health and Well-Being; 4. Quality Education; 5. Gender Equality; 6. Clean Water and Sanitation; 7. Affordable and Clean Energy; 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth; 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 10. Reduced Inequalities; 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities; 12. Responsible Consumption and Production; 13. Climate Action; 14. Life below Water; 15. Life on Land; 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and 17. Partnerships for the Goals.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. It provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

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© Getty Images

The number of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. rose in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report finds there were 861 maternal deaths in 2020, up from 754 in 2019 and 658 in 2018. That translated to 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, up from 20.1 in 2019.

Wide racial disparities: The maternal mortality rate for Black women was about three times higher than it was for white women, at 55.3 deaths per 100,000 births compared to 19.1 deaths per 100,000 births.

“Rates for non-Hispanic Black women were significantly higher than rates for non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women,” the report states. “The increases from 2019 to 2020 for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women were significant.”

The report does not delve into the role the pandemic might have played in the increase in maternal deaths, but it is possible that people delaying care and trips to the hospital could have played a role.

Lawmakers have been pushing to address maternal deaths. For example, the American Rescue Plan Act, signed by President Biden last year, allows states to extend Medicaid coverage for a full year postpartum, up from 60 days.

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Another COVID-19 vaccine could be coming, 100% effective

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Sanofi and GSK said Wednesday that they plan to submit their COVID-19 vaccine for authorization following “strong” results in a Phase 3 trial.

What makes it different: The latest COVID-19 vaccine entrant could play an important role in helping vaccinate the world, given that it is easier to store than the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

The vaccine had 100 percent efficacy against severe disease and hospitalization. Efficacy against any infection at all was 57.9 percent. While that is lower than was reported originally for Pfizer and Moderna, Sanofi and GSK said the results reflect the latest variants, and are “in line with expected vaccine effectiveness in today’s environment dominated by variants of concern.”

The companies also said the vaccine had a “favorable safety profile.”

They plan to submit for authorization to the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

“We’re very pleased with these data, which confirm our strong science and the benefits of our COVID-19 vaccine,” said Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president at Sanofi Vaccines.

The Sanofi-GSK uses a more traditional vaccine technology, as opposed to the newer mRNA used by Pfizer and Moderna. Therefore it could both convince some people skeptical of mRNA vaccines to get the shots, and, importantly, help reach lower-income countries due to easier storage requirements.

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New infections fall worldwide for third week

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday announced that global COVID-19 cases dropped by 21 percent last week.

Globally, WHO’s data showed that more than 12 million new cases and 67,000 new deaths were reported in the past seven days.

In terms of COVID-19–related deaths, the data showed that number dropped by 8 percent, marking the first week since early January that the death rate has decreased.

Germany and Russia, both of which saw more than 1 million weekly cases, led the world this past week in the number of cases reported. They were followed by Brazil, which had more than 728,000 cases.

The agency’s data also indicated that cases in the U.S. specifically were down by about 40 percent.

The only region that reported an overall spike in cases was the Western Pacific, with an increase of 29 percent.

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President Biden on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Ukraine as Russia launched what Biden described as an “unprovoked and unjustified attack,” with shelling reported in multiple Ukrainian cities.

“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable,” Biden added.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday night that he was launching a military operation in eastern Ukraine in what many interpreted as a declaration of war on Ukraine. Reporters and witnesses on the ground reported a short time later the sounds of shelling in multiple cities.

Biden said he was monitoring the developments, and he was briefed by his national security team at the White House. He is set to meet with Group of Seven allies on Thursday morning and said in the statement he will deliver remarks on additional measures targeting Russia.

“We will also coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance,” Biden said. “Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine.”

Putin delivered remarks just before 6 a.m. Moscow time Thursday while representatives of the United Nations Security Council met to condemn Russian aggression and urge the Kremlin to choose diplomacy.

In his address, Putin announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine that would aim for the “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine,” according to multiple reports.

Reporters on the ground in Ukraine reported hearing explosions that resembled artillery fire in the capital of Kyiv and in other cities such as Kharkiv and Kramatorsk.

Biden administration officials have warned for over a week that a Russian assault on Ukraine could come at any moment, but the threat of a large-scale military operation became more imminent in recent days as Moscow moved troops into two regions in eastern Ukraine after Putin recognized them as independent territory.

“We believe that they are now at a state of readiness where they could attack at any time,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters earlier Wednesday.

The Biden administration, in coordination with European allies, unveiled an initial tranche of sanctions on Moscow on Tuesday over its decision to send troops into the Donbas, with Biden describing the moves as the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions targeted Russian sovereign debt, two Russian banks and five Russian elites with links to the Kremlin. The White House has indicated that further penalties could target larger banks, including Russia’s VTB Bank, as well as other Russian oligarchs. The Biden administration has also threatened to impose export controls that would prevent Moscow from acquiring key U.S. technologies.

Some criticized the sanctions as insufficient and urged Biden to impose more stringent measures as Russia appeared intent on attacking Ukraine.

Biden has previously pledged he would not send U.S. forces to fight in Ukraine against Russia, something White House press secretary Jen Psaki firmly reiterated earlier Wednesday.

The administration has provided military aid to Ukraine, and earlier this week, the U.S. relocated troops to reinforce the Baltic States and reinforce the eastern flank of NATO in a bid to deter Russia from attacking alliance members.

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Putin: Countries that interfere with Russia will face ‘consequences you have never seen’

By Lexi Lonas

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a speech announcing a military operation in Ukraine that countries that interfere with Russian actions will face “consequences you have never seen,” The Associated Press reported.

Russia almost immediately launched an invasion into the country.

Putin says the operation is to protect citizens from Ukraine aggression and to demilitarize the country, a continuation of the disinformation about which western allies have been warning.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting Wednesday that only Russia is to blame for an attack on Ukraine.

“Russia’s attack on Ukraine is tantamount to an attack on the U.N. and every member state in the chamber tonight,” she said, saying a full-scale invasion is imminent.

Putin blamed NATO for the escalation because the defense bloc wouldn’t give guarantees of security and prevent Ukraine from joining, according to the AP.

The White House released a statement Wednesday night condemning the attack.

“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces,” Biden said.

“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable,” Biden added.

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