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Teacher Shelley Goad listens as a student pronounces words during a beginner’s English class at Westbrook Adult Education, within the Westbrook Community Center. Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer Maine needs to improve its teacher certification processes and invest in career pathways to grow and strengthen its educator workforce, according to a new report from an education nonprofit done in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education. Maine, like most states, has struggled to fully staff its schools . Last spring the state estimated it would have widespread shortages for the 2024-25 school year, and allowed emergency hiring for teachers in many subjects, including health, special education, computer science, music, social studies, early childhood, art, English, English as a second language, science and math. Educate Maine, a nonprofit that advocates for education policies, released a report this week after working with the state to develop the Teach Maine Center , a hub for teachers with the goal of advancing the profession in the state. The purpose of the report was to learn how teachers think Maine could grow and sustain its educator workforce, a first step in setting up the center. Educate Maine and the Maine DOE organized forums in every county between October 2023 and May 2024, where teachers answered questions about how to improve recruitment, support and advancement in their field. About 250 teachers from more than 100 districts participated. The report offers seven recommendations to improve Maine’s teacher workforce, ranging from financial support to legislative advocacy: • The first is to reduce barriers, like time commitment and costs, in the teacher certification process. The report says accepting out-of-state certifications, counting work experience toward certification requirements, and adding one-on-one coaching, better customer service and financial support could all ease barriers. In a related recommendation, it suggests expanding or creating undergraduate scholarships, loan forgiveness and paying student teachers to encourage people to come into the field. “As a second career it becomes ‘pay to play’ – you have to have money to do the courses and student teach,” an unnamed Cumberland County teacher said during a forum. • It also suggests creating apprenticeships and accelerated programs for educational technicians or substitutes to become teachers. • The report proposes developing more ways for teachers to connect to each other through workshops, physical hubs and mentorships. • And suggests that investment in non-teaching positions like ed techs, substitutes and bus drivers would enrich the overall school ecosystem. • The final three recommendations are for more public celebration of the work teachers do, adding opportunities for growth or leadership within the profession and improved advocacy skills. The report says the nature of public education is changing because of forces like politics and social media, and that many teachers say the cost-benefit analysis of becoming a teacher just doesn’t make sense anymore. “The time, financial costs, and opportunity costs (e.g. forgoing paid work while student teaching) of becoming a teacher are very high for what is a very low salary compared to other professional occupations,” the report reads. “The work is meaningful with many benefits, but high costs to obtain credentials when salaries are not keeping up with the cost of living turns people away from even considering the profession.” The report concludes by saying that Maine’s policy will need to change to improve its recruitment and retention of educators. “We heard over and over again: increase teacher pay, eliminate the Windfall Elimination provision (social security offset penalization), pay student teachers, create more pathways into the profession, and build more housing,” it reads. Maine teacher shortage is expected to be widespread in the next school year Maine launches $1 million ad campaign to attract teachers amid shortage School year in Maine begins with familiar staffing shortages We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousThe Dallas Cowboys ruled out right guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs with injuries on Saturday, one day prior to a road game against the Washington Commanders. Martin has been dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries and didn't practice at all this week before initially being listed as doubtful to play on Friday. He also physically struggled during Monday night's loss to the Houston Texans. Martin, who turned 34 on Wednesday, has started all 162 games played in 11 seasons with the Cowboys. He's a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a seven-time first-team All-Pro. Diggs has been dealing with groin and knee injuries. He was listed as questionable on Friday before being downgraded Saturday. Diggs, 26, has 37 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games this season. The two-time Pro Bowl pick led the NFL with 11 picks in 2021 and has 20 in 57 games. The Cowboys elected not to activate receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) for the game. He returned to practice earlier this week and he was listed as questionable on Friday. Dallas activated offensive tackle Chuma Edoga (toe) and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee) off injured reserve Saturday, placed safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) on IR and released defensive end KJ Henry. Tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) was previously ruled out. Tight end Princeton Fant was elevated from the practice squad to replace him. Cornerback Kemon Hall also was elevated from the practice squad. --Field Level Media
Cowboys G Zack Martin, CB Trevon Diggs out vs. CommandersMeghalaya Government Unveils Plan for 5,000 Smart Classrooms and QR Code Textbooks
An unassuming office tucked away above a supermarket houses a nerve centre of hope and kindness for people in crisis across the UK. This is the home of Missing People – the only UK charity supporting those affected by a disappearance , as well as people who are considering taking the drastic step of disappearing from the life they have built. With someone reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, its work – which the Mirror is supporting this Christmas – is vital. In the last year alone, the charity’s small team reached more than 45,000 missing people and directly helped at least 8,000 of them. Currently, almost 1,500 family members, friends and colleagues also benefit from their support. At the charity’s headquarters in Mortlake, South West London, visitors are greeted with kindness and given expert advice. Family support officer Belen Pavani-Sattin phones people experiencing the agonising pain of not knowing what has happened to a missing loved one. When the Mirror visited the office, she explained: “People are just looking for someone to listen – somebody who won’t judge them, has empathy and understands what they’re going through, especially when the person is missing for over two days. The longer it goes on, the harder it gets for the families.” How to donate to Missing People Donate online: Visit this link or head to www.missingpeople.org.uk/mirror - read why we're supporting this campaign here. Text: To donate £5 Text HOPE5 to 70660 - To donate £10 Text HOPE10 to 70660 - To donate £15 Text HOPE15 to 70660 Terms & Conditions: *Text costs £5/£10 or £15 plus network charge. Missing People receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill payer’s permission. Charity No England and Wales: 1020419 , Scotland: SC047419. Missing People will send regular updates via text and may contact you at any time to ask for your contact preference. Post: Please include your name and address and make cheques payable to ‘Missing People’ via free post: Freepost Plus RRKY–XSEC–XAEC. - Missing People - Roebuck House - 284 Upper Richmond Road West - London - SW14 7JE How your donation will help: £5 could help a missing child reach support - 11 could answer an urgent Helpline call from someone who is missing - £33 could give three families advice and help from a Support Worker - £110 could pay for two vital Counselling sessions to help a family to cope with the toughest of all losses How to contact Missing People - free and confidential: Call: 116 000. Text: 116 000. Email: 116000@missingpeople.org.uk How to contact Samaritans for mental health support: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org Missing People doesn’t just listen, though. It also offers a wide range of help, including advice on handling finances, guidance about inquests and expertise when it comes to dealing with the police and social services. The team can also contact coroners and other authorities on the families’ behalf. Every wall and surface in the office is covered with pamphlets, testimonials, paintings and, poignantly, posters with the faces of those who still have not been found. Communications manager Chantal Korcz said the families of missing people are often left in limbo, not knowing whether to mourn. She said: “We have families who can’t move house because they’re too scared to, in case their missing loved one comes back after 10 years.” In a dedicated section of the office, staff and volunteers man the phones from 9am to 11pm every day. The free helpline is managed by Martha McBrier, who said her team feel “collective anguish” when someone goes missing. As well as the helpline and support service for families, Missing People has a text service and online chat room. It also runs peer-to-peer support groups, frequent remembrance services and events. The charity – 25% of whose volunteers have experienced the tragedy of missing someone – advocates for changes in policy to help the missing and their families, runs publicity appeals, works with law enforcement and acts as a go-between for people in crisis. It has recently set up a Lost Contact service, which aims to reunite family members who have drifted apart over the years. All the work it does is non-judgemental. Sarah Allan, who offers family support, has been volunteering for the charity for more than 15 years. She said: “It is quite tough as you build up a relationship with these families – you feel their pain.” Sarah shared the story of one couple whose son went missing more than 12 years ago. Their boy, who was in his late 20s, said goodbye one evening, walked out of the door and never returned. “They haven’t heard from him since,” Sarah said. “They won’t move house, they have a landline still in case he ever leaves a message and at Christmas, they don’t want to go away in case he comes back.” Sarah speaks to this family, as well as others, at least once a fortnight. “You feel a huge responsibility but also very privileged that they let you into their lives,” she said. “Families want closure but they also need hope.” Sarah Allan says: “It is quite tough as you talk to these families and build up a relationship with them, you feel their pain. Often, it’s quite sad. You think about how you have just gone back home into your normal life - whereas they have this huge thing hanging over them all the time.” Sarah shared the story of one family who have been missing a loved one for over 12 years. Their son, who was in his late 20s at the time, said goodbye one evening, walked out of the door and never returned. “They have never heard anything from him or about him since," she revealed. "They won’t move house, they have a landline still in case he ever left a message and at Christmas time, they don’t want to go away in case he comes back.” Sarah speaks to this family, as well as others, at least once a fortnight and sometimes more often, becoming a small part of their lives. “We are very fortunate to be able to support families in the way that we do, to give them one to one time, to build up a long term relationship with them and to travel though their journey with them. You become part of these families’ lives,” she said. “You feel a huge responsibility to the families, but also very privileged that they tell you as much as they do tell you and let you into their lives”Leinster Rugby strength and conditioning coach Dave Fagan dies after short illness as tributes flood inCowboys G Zack Martin, CB Trevon Diggs out vs. Commanders
Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, C.R. Patil, Chirag Paswan, K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Jayant Chaudhary, alongside three chief ministers — Devendra Fadnavis, Chandrababu Naidu and Revant Reddy, will join hundreds of government and business leaders from across the globe in Swiss ski resort town Davos next month for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu will also be joined by his son and senior minister in his state Nara Lokesh, while Karnataka 's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Tamil Nadu Minister TRB Rajaa and Uttar Pradesh Minister Suresh Khanna will also be there for the five-day annual congregation of the world's rich and powerful, starting January 20, 2025. Actor Bhumi Pednekar, known for films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Badhai Do and Saand Ki Aankh, would also be there. Besides over 50 Presidents and Prime Ministers from across the world, top officials of international organisations like the United Nations, IMF, World Bank, Interpol, NATO, European Central Bank and WTO are also expected to be in Davos for the WEF Annual Meeting 2025. Senior ministers from Pakistan and Bangladesh, including Bangladesh Government's Chief Adviser and head of the interim government Muhammad Yunus would also be present. Mr. Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, also attended the last WEF annual meeting, alongside Smriti Irani and Hardeep Singh Puri from the Union Council of Ministers. This time, Mr. Vaishnaw will be joined by Jal Shakti Minister Patil, Food Processing Industries Minister Paswan, Civil Aviation Minister Naidu and Minister of State for Skill Development and Education Chaudhary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also attended the meeting in the past, but there is no official word so far about his participation in the high-profile summit, for which the main theme this time will be 'collaboration for the intelligent age'. Expected to be attended by nearly 50 heads of state and governments from across the world, the annual meeting would take place against the backdrop of a change of regime in the U.S. and various geopolitical and macroeconomic issues, including the Ukraine war and continuing West Asia crisis. Both Mr. Modi and Donald Trump attended the WEF Annual Meeting in 2018 for the first time as India's Prime Minister and the US President, respectively. While Mr. Modi became Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive term earlier this year, Mr. Trump is set to assume office for the second time on January 20, and his return is expected to be among the key topics of discussion at Davos. Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu have been to Davos multiple times, while Telangana Chief Minister Reddy attended the WEF Annual Meeting in January 2024 as well. Besides government leaders and civil society members, the Indian presence would comprise top executives of business conglomerates like Reliance, Tata, Adani, Birla, Bharti, Mahindra, Godrej, Jindal, Bajaj and Vedanta groups. Besides Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, the next-generation leaders from their groups are also expected to be present, while technology leaders, including Salil Parekh of Infosys, Rishad Premji of Wipro, as also Sumant Sinha of ReNew, Vijay Shekhar Sharma of Paytm and Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute are expected in the Swiss Alpine resort town. Geneva-based WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private cooperation, will convene leaders from government, business and civil society as well as scientific and cultural thinkers for its 55th annual meeting under the theme of 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age'. According to the WEF, the meeting will serve as a trusted global platform for dialogue and cooperation, bring together a diverse community of stakeholders, seek to connect the dots in an era of complexity and be firmly future-oriented — both in terms of insights and solutions. Several sessions are expected to be attended by Indian leaders, including one on 'India's Economic Blueprint'. As one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, India has been growing at over 8%, and this growth has been buoyed by a focus on promoting local innovation and startups in technology and manufacturing, representing a departure from traditional export-oriented models. The leaders would deliberate how India has capitalised on this new blueprint and to what extent it can continue to drive global growth. According to the WEF, the annual meeting will take place at a time when geo-economic fragmentation, geopolitical polarisation and divisions over values continue to impact countries and communities across the world. At the same time, exponential innovation and deployment around whole sets of inter-connected technologies -- from AI and quantum to energy tech, biotech and health tech — offer an unprecedented opportunity to increase productivity and hence, standards of living. Reviving and reimagining growth is critical to building stronger and more resilient economies, and the meeting would seek to discuss how to avoid an Age of Fragmentation and instead work together on a can-do, people-centred agenda for an Intelligent Age. The global leaders would also deliberate on how to reinvent the muscle of collaborative innovation to get out of the current low-growth, high-debt world economy and address common challenges from climate change to the ethical use of AI. Published - December 28, 2024 05:52 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit economy, business and finance / India / WorldMalaysia's government was ordered Monday to return 172 rainbow-themed Swatch watches it seized last year on grounds that their designs promoted LGBTQ+ rights . The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the Pride Collection timepieces were illegally confiscated without a warrant during a series of raids on Swatch stores in malls across Malaysia last year, the Associated Press reported. The watches must be returned within 14 days and Swatch can demand compensation if they're damaged, AP said, citing the Bernama national news agency. Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said an appeal could be filed after officials "examine the basis of the judgment thoroughly," according to BBC . Swatch declined to comment, the BBC said. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Malaysia , a majority-Muslim country where Islam is the official religion and punishment ranges from caning to 20 years in prison. Swatch's Pride Collection watches were produced in six colors that matched those on the gay pride flag and featured rainbow-hued wrist straps, AP said. The Swiss watchmaker said Malaysian authorities alleged that they "bore LGBT connotations" following the seizures on May 13 and 14, 2023. "We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colors and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever," Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek Jr. said at the time. Malaysia later outlawed the watches, saying they were "detrimental, or possibly detrimental, to morality, public interest and national interest by promoting, supporting and normalizing the LGBTQ movement which is not accepted by the general public." Swatch's stock price was around $9 a share early Monday afternoon, up more than 1.5%.
MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and 11 rebounds and Damian Lillard added 31 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the Charlotte Hornets 125-119 on Saturday night for their fourth consecutive victory. Milwaukee opened the fourth quarter with a 14-5 spurt for a 110-90 lead, but the Hornets got it to 121-119 on Brandon Miller’s 3-pointer with 15 seconds left. Taurean Prince answered with a pair of free throws for the Bucks to make it a two-possession game, and Charlotte missed a pair of 3-pointers on the ensuing possession. Antetokounmpo hit two free throws with 4.5 seconds left to make it 125-119. LaMelo Ball had a career-high 50 points for the Hornets, and Brandon Miller added 32. Ball hit 17 of 38 shots, including 6 of 17 beyond the arc, and 10 of 13 free throws. Milwaukee, which completed a 4-0 homestand, has won six of its last seven. The only loss in that span was a 115-114 loss to the Hornets on Nov. 16 following a controversial foul call. Charlotte’s Grant Williams went to the locker room late in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury and did not return. Takeaways Hornets: Charlotte has lost five of its last seven. Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis reacts in front of Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 125-119. Credit: AP/Morry Gash Bucks: Lillard, who did not play in the Bucks' last game against Charlotte, hit 9 of 21 shots, including 10 of 11 free throws. Key moment Milwaukee hit four consecutive 3-pointers for a 12-3 run and a 96-83 lead late in the third quarter. Key stat The Bucks were 18 of 37 from beyond the arc, matching their season high in 3-pointers made. Up next The Hornets host the Orlando Magic on Monday, and the Bucks are at the Miami Heat in NBA Group Play on Tuesday.None
An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “gratitude” to those who saved, helped and rebuilt the cathedral Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. The stage belonged to , the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote . “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a , last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’" AP skiing:
EU rules requiring all new smartphones, tablets and cameras to use the same charger came into force on Saturday, in a change Brussels said will cut costs and waste. Manufacturers are now obliged to fit devices sold in the 27-nation bloc with a USB-C, the port chosen by the European Union as the common standard for charging electronic tools. "Starting today, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, speakers, keyboards and many other electronics sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port," the EU Parliament wrote on social media X. The EU has said the single charger rule will simplify the life of Europeans and slash costs for consumers. By allowing consumers to purchase a new device without a new charger, it will also reduce the mountain of obsolete chargers, the bloc has argued. The law was first approved in 2022 following a tussle with US tech giant Apple. It allowed companies until December 28 this year to adapt. Makers of laptops will have extra time, from early 2026, to also follow suit. Most devices already use these cables, but Apple was more than a little reluctant. The firm said in 2021 that such regulation "stifles innovation", but by September last year it had begun shipping phones with the new port. Makers of electronic consumer items in Europe had agreed on a single charging norm from dozens on the market a decade ago under a voluntary agreement with the European Commission. But Apple, the world's biggest seller of smartphones, refused to abide by it and ditch its Lightning ports. Other manufacturers kept their alternative cables going, meaning there were about half a dozen types knocking around, creating a jumble of cables for consumers. USB-C ports can charge at up to 100 Watts, transfer data up to 40 gigabits per second, and can serve to hook up to external displays. At the time of its approval, the commission said the law was expected to save at least 200 million euros ($208 million) per year and cut more than a thousand tonnes of EU electronic waste every year. "It's time for THE charger," the European Commission wrote on X on Saturday. "It means better-charging technology, reduced e-waste, and less fuss to find the chargers you need."Daily Post Nigeria DisCos have failed – Senate Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News DisCos have failed – Senate Published on December 5, 2024 By Matthew Atungwu The Senate had expressed displeasure at the performance of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies, otherwise known as DisCos, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, since the privatisation of the power sector. This is as the Red Chamber of the National Assembly described the privatisation of the power sector as a failure, while threatening to initiate legislative measures to reverse the policy. The Senate said this when the chairman of the Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, submitted his report for consideration. Abaribe explained that the DisCos have largely failed to deliver reliable electricity to Nigerians. This triggered concerns about the effectiveness of the 2013 privatisation program, which aimed to improve power supply through private sector involvement. In his report presentation, the lawmaker highlighted the financial losses incurred each time the grid collapses. According to him, restarting a power plant costs approximately $7.5 million. With three plants in operation, the total cost per grid collapse amounts to $25 million. The Senate engaged in an intense debate over the persistent collapse of the national grid and inefficiencies in Nigeria’s power sector, with senators expressing deep frustration over the state of the country’s electricity distribution and privatisation policies. On his part, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, criticised the privatisation of the power sector, questioning its efficiency. He noted that despite privatisation, distribution companies are unable to meet consumer demands, leading to deteriorating service quality. “Why do governors and individuals have to buy transformers and then hand over to DisCos and still pay for installation,” Akpabio queried. Speaking, Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) expressed regret over his earlier support for privatisation, describing the process as ill-conceived and ill-executed. He lamented the fact that consumers are forced to pay for services not rendered. The motion was subsequently withdrawn to allow for actionable and comprehensive recommendations. The Senate Committee on Power was thereafter given six weeks to develop improved recommendations concerning the non-functionality of DisCos and TCN. Related Topics: DISCOs senate Up Next FCT: We did not construct road for EFCC — Wike clarifies new project Don't Miss Islam not against girl child education – Sultan of Sokoto You may like Tax reform bills: Senate ‘ll not be intimidated – Akpabio South-South senators pass vote of confidence in Akpabio Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill: Senate removes chief whip Monguno from committee Tinubu’s Tax Reform bills not withdrawn, Senate can’t be intimidated – Akpabio Senate, AGF to review Tax Reform Bills today Flight delays: Nigerian Senate summons Aviation Minister, NCAA, other key stakeholders Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
A Mobile Police Station is now open to the public. Police officers will be in full force near Heroes Park in Castries on a 24/7 basis. The mobile unit is expected to be a total game-changer for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF). “This initiative came about as a result of the many cries that we’ve been hearing of late as it pertains to crime... with the tourists... as well as our citizenry,” Inspector Bridgette Algodel said on Monday. According to her, while the mobile unit is stationed in Castries, “it is subject to change as the need arises.” The unit will be manned by a diarist and members of the Traffic Department. “We will (also) see the deployment of ATVs from this location. You will be seeing constant patrols being done by members of the Marine Unit,” the inspector said, along with drone coverage. Inspector Lucius Small, Commanding Officer of the Special Services Unit, told reporters it was a historical day for the RSLPF. “The Special Services Unit will be there at all times to provide security for persons... around the City of Castries,” he said. The RSLPF is also hoping to foster trust with the public. “Our goal is to significantly reduce theft (and) to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community encouraging a collaborative approach to safety. Also, to create an environment for residents and tourists to feel safe,” Inspector Anthea Louis stated. Chief Fire Officer, Ditney Downes, praised the Acting Commissioner for conceptualizing the idea. “The Commissioner of Police has taken a multisectoral approach to crime fighting and he has invited the Fire Department to be part of that strategy. We are very happy to partner with him,” he said. Furthermore, he stated, “In speaking to the Commissioner, I could see the determination to ensure that the crime situation is reduced to its lowest level possible. I have no doubt this initiative will bring success. The Fire Department will make all available resources within the department to ensure that this initiative is very successful.” Moving forward, he said, “We will continue that partnership with the Commissioner of Police and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to ensure that we have a safer Saint Lucia. We need to come down on the number of criminal activities that we currently face in this country and the Fire Service is determined to assist.” Prime Minister Philip J Pierre was full of praise for Acting Commissioner Verne Garde and the Fire Chief, saying: “It’s something that you see in other countries and we’ve spoken about it but as usual we always find the reason not to do it in terms of resources. For the Commissioner and Fire Chief to be so innovative to use what we have and to convert into a real serious asset coupled with the other assets that they have I think it’s really something we should be proud of.”Virgo, Weekly Horoscope, December 08 to December 14, 2024: A week of rollercoaster expectedCowboys G Zack Martin, CB Trevon Diggs out vs. Commanders
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