MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) 

MANILA, 20 October 2025 – Behind the laughter and the clinking of glasses lies a harsher truth. Alcohol leaves marks that cut deep: from teenagers injured in road crashes, mothers facing breast cancer to neighbourhoods affected by alcohol-fueled violence. These are just some of the impacts of alcohol on young people, families and communities.

Alcohol is one of the biggest preventable killers in the Region, claiming nearly one life every minute. In 2019 alone, alcohol contributed to more than 485 000 deaths in the Region, including one in five deaths among men aged 20–29. Globally, alcohol is linked to more than 200 diseases and conditions, from cancers and liver disease to mental health problems, violence and injuries. And despite clear evidence of harm, alcohol largely remains cheap, widely available and aggressively marketed.

“It may surprise you, but any level of alcohol consumption carries risks – for the health and well-being of individual drinkers, families and communities,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Governments have the tools to reduce alcohol consumption and the multi-faceted harms it causes, protect children and young people, and save lives. At the 76th Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Ministers of Health and other policymakers will be urged to implement priority actions to protect health for all.”

Rising risks, widening inequities

Per capita alcohol consumption in the Western Pacific was 5.2 litres in 2022, already above the global average, and some countries in the Western Pacific Region have some of the world’s highest consumption.

The harms associated with alcohol use often hit hardest the vulnerable population hardest, including women, young people and indigenous communities, deepening inequities. Heavy episodic drinking is widespread, especially among young people, and it is growing among young women.

Regional solutions and momentum

Despite these challenges, countries in the Western Pacific are showing that progress is possible:

·      Samoa raised the minimum alcohol purchase age to 21, restricted sales hours and introduced alcohol-free zones.

·      The Philippines used excise tax reforms to both reduce alcohol consumption and generate billions in revenue for health services.

·      Viet Nam enforced a zero-tolerance drink–driving law, resulting in fewer crashes, injuries and deaths, and more recently, approved a landmark excise tax reform.

·      Brunei Darussalam implemented a comprehensive ban on alcohol advertising, sponsorship and promotion – reducing consumption and protecting youth.

The way forward: accelerating action

However, the progress has been slow and uneven. A regional resolution and the draft Regional Implementation Plan for Alcohol Control call on countries to accelerate adoption of evidence-based policies in line with WHO’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030 and the SAFER technical package.

WHO urges governments to adopt high-impact policy measures that are included in the WHO ‘best buys’ – evidence-based and cost-effective measures to reduce alcohol use and harms:

·      Raise alcohol taxes and adjust them regularly for inflation and income growth.

·      Restrict availability, including through licensing systems, limits on outlet density and hours of sale, and controls on online and home delivery.

·      Ban or comprehensively restrict alcohol marketing, especially digital advertising targeting young people.

·      Enforce strong drink–driving laws with random breath testing and strict penalties.

·      Integrate screening and brief interventions into primary health care and ensure access to treatment for alcohol use disorders.

·      Raise public awareness about alcohol harms and the benefits of effective alcohol control policies

Looking ahead

The Western Pacific Region has committed to reducing alcohol consumption by 20% by 2030. But progress remains slow and uneven, and only one country in the Western Pacific, Brunei Darussalam, has implemented all three WHO “best buy” measures: higher taxes, marketing bans, and restrictions on availability.[WR1] [SM2]

“Every policy that reduces alcohol use, when implemented and enforced, saves lives,” said Dr Hiromasa Okayasu, Director of Health Promotion at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office. “If we act now, we can prevent cancers, heart disease, road deaths and violence – and build healthier, safer societies for generations to come.”

WHO remains committed to working with countries and partners to “weave health for all,” reflecting its regional vision that interlaces efforts, resources, and expertise to protect health, keep the Western Pacific safer, and serve the more than 2.2 billion people who live in this vast region.

For more on the 76th WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, visit:https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/governance/regional-committee/session-76

October 3 2025 – The dollar and stocks pushed to record highs on Thursday as investors dismissed the US government shutdown and signs of labor market weakness.

All three major US indexes closed at record highs, with Nvidia hitting a fresh all-time high and Intel surging 50% in the past month.

The gains came despite Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that economic growth could “take a hit” if the shutdown continues, and data showing year-to-date hiring down 58% from 2023 — its lowest since 2009.

Nigel Green, chief executive of global financial advisory giant deVere Group, says: “Markets are telling us they're far more focused on earnings strength, policy direction, and liquidity than on Washington's deadlock.

“Shutdowns tend to be temporary noise, not structural shocks. Investors are looking through it.”

The political backdrop has had little impact on the dollar either. The greenback edged higher against risk-sensitive currencies, underlining how investors are positioning around fundamentals rather than headlines.

“Historically, shutdowns have caused volatility in bonds and equities, but the effects have been fleeting, and markets are once again treating it as a passing disruption,” notes the deVere chief executive.

Labor market data is adding nuance but not shaking confidence. A recent report shows new hiring slumping to its lowest level since the financial crisis. Yet a new set of indicators compiled by the Chicago Fed places unemployment at 4.34%, in line with Fed Chair Jerome Powell's description of a “low fire, low hire” economy.

Nigel Green explains: “The takeaway for investors is that job creation is slowing, but unemployment remains contained. This all signals an economy cooling without breaking, which bolsters the expectation that central banks will keep conditions supportive. Investors are positioning for that scenario.”

Corporate earnings remain the key driver. Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, continues to set records as investors bet on its dominance in AI. Intel, while still far below its 2021 highs, has delivered a 50% rally over the past month thanks to a series of successful tie-ups.

“These stock moves reinforce the belief that corporate performance is outweighing weak macro data.

“Tech leadership is driving the markets. These companies have become central to growth, and their earnings power is what keeps pulling investors in. As long as this narrative holds, equities are resilient,” he comments.

Momentum also matters. With benchmarks at record highs, investors are reluctant to step aside.

Internationally, investor flows reflect the same outlook. European equities have followed Wall Street upward, while Asian markets are drawing support from capital rotation into growth sectors.

Emerging market currencies are under pressure as the dollar strengthens, but equity markets in those regions continue to attract inflows from global funds seeking higher returns.

“Investors aren't paralysed by Washington's gridlock. They're looking at the bigger picture, which includes liquidity, earnings, and positioning for 2026.

“Shutdowns will come and go. What matters is where the money is flowing, and right now it is clearly into equities,” says Nigel Green.

The key risk factors remain inflation surprises, geopolitical shocks, or a disorderly downturn in the labour market. But with unemployment steady and inflation trending lower, investors are treating the risks as manageable.

Nigel Green concludes: “The longer-term trend remains intact. Equity markets are scaling new peaks, the dollar is holding firm, and risk assets are in demand.

“Until there's a genuine break in earnings momentum or an external shock, it seems investors will continue to back this rally.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

03 OCTOBER 2025 – Equinor's internal investigation of the fall accident at Hammerfest LNG is finalized. A number of measures have been initiated to capture lessons learned from the serious incident.

On 24 April 2025, an employee fell 4.4 metres during formwork activities in connection with the construction of a concrete building on Melkøya.

“The fact that employees have experienced serious accidents or incidents at our plants makes a strong impression on us. Safety is our number one priority. When serious incidents happen, we have failed.We have now received a thorough investigation report on the Melkøya fall accident, which we will learn from and follow up together with our suppliers,” says Irene Rummelhoff, Equinor's executive vice president for Marketing, Midstream & Processing.

“During periods of high activity and many employees from different suppliers at our plants, it is important that requirements and standards for safe work reach everyone. We have reviewed procedures and actions for how we together with our suppliers prepare, enable and follow up everyone performing work at our onshore facilities. Our responsibility is to facilitate compliance with requirements for safe work and to develop a strong safety culture, working closely with our suppliers,” says Rummelhoff.

Important investigation findings

The investigation concludes that the incident is not due to one single cause, but that several factors related to the interaction between Equinor, the main contractor Aibel and subcontractor Consto explain why the accident occurred.

The investigation shows that the follow-up has not been good enough as regards competence management and correct execution of work at Equinor and in the supply companies. Not everyone working for Equinor's subcontractor has felt that they can stop unsafe work, although this is a clear expectation from Equinor.

“We expect everyone to report conditions they perceive as unsafe. We always have time to work safely, with a right and duty to stop unsafe work. Everyone should know this when they work for us. We see that this message has not fully reached everyone, which we take very seriously. Together with the management of the supply companies we have taken steps to improve this in our onboarding and safety training,” says Christina Dreetz, senior vice president for Equinor's onshore facilities.

A few hours before the accident, Equinor and Aibel decided to stop work at height on the construction site. The message was given to the subcontractor, but did not reach those who carried out the job.The investigation points out that the subcontractor during planning and risk assessment mainly focused on progress. This contributed to the risk associated with the formwork activities at height not being sufficiently understood and managed.

Continued need for improvement

Based on recommendations from the investigation team, efforts are now underway at Equinor to further improve and structure the monitoring of suppliers at the onshore facilities:

Strengthening of the safety culture together with the suppliers and the conduct of a third-party investigation of the transparency culture on Melkøya.
Systematic work to ensure improvement and learning at all levels, from planning, to competence management, verification and execution.
Adjustment of work processes and in the work permit system to make safe work requirements more accessible.

Aibel and Consto have also implemented measures, including clarifying the requirements for various technical teams/disciplines. Competence is being verified to ensure that personnel who use fall protection have received adequate training.

“We will now draw on the investigation report findings and work on the identified measures. We will use the learnings from this work to improve the safety culture at our onshore facilities,” says Dreetz.

About the investigation

The investigation aims to understand the course of events and extract learnings.
The investigation has been conducted by Corporate Audit and Investigation (CAI), which reports to the Equinor board of directors.
The investigation is based on more than 50 interviews and information from Equinor, the main contractor, the subcontractor, the staffing agency and external sources.
The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) is also investigating the incident.
The investigation report from Equinor has been submitted to Havtil.

The investigation report’s description of the incident

The investigation describes several factors that contributed to increasing the risk of a fall accident during formwork activities:

There were snow and ice in the workplace, more work teams than normal in a limited area, and reduced monitoring of the activities on the site due to an external management gathering.
The scaffolding planks were located in an area that was closed off, and consequently the team was standing on loose and unsteady formwork beams.
There were not good enough anchoring points for the fall protection equipment that was used. As a result, the fall protection method was not suitable for reducing the consequences of a fall from height.
The work team felt that there was no room for stopping the work, even though they had asked for scaffolding planks and expressed uncertainty.

Measures implemented immediately after the accident

The work procedures were reviewed, it was checked that everyone has the right skills, and all fall protection equipment was checked.
The procedures for work at height, especially in connection with formwork activities, were tightened up.
A training centre was established for hands-on training in the safe use of fall protection.
A new organisational structure with increased management capacity was established at Equinor, Aibel and Consto locally in Hammerfest.

Suppliers involved

Aibel is one of Equinor's main suppliers and has worked at Hammerfest LNG for a number of years as a maintenance and modification supplier. Aibel played a key role in preparing Hammerfest LNG for production after the fire in 2020. The company has 5300 employees in Norway, Thailand and Singapore.
Consto is one of the country's leading building and construction companies. The company has operations in all regions of the country, as well as construction operations in southern Sweden. Consto has more than 1,200 full-time employees in Norway and Sweden. The head office is located in Tromsø.

The final countdown is on for the Micronesia Musical Festival and Miss Micronesia Pageant, with karaoke taking centre stage three days out.

Nauru’s Sports Complex staged the Micronesia Music Festival Karaoke Competition overnight, coinciding with the arrival of contestants from across the region.

Excitement continues to build ahead of the festival and pageant, with Pasifika TV announced as the latest broadcast partner for the 6-9 October event.

Pasifika TV will stream the event across its network of 27 channels, while Kiribati’s Broadcasting and Publications Authority and Nauru Media have already been confirmed as broadcast partners.

Festival director Livingstone Hiram said the partnerships signify the desire of the Pacific family to promote unity across the region. 

“This means the Micronesia Music Festival and Miss Micronesia Pageant will have a very wide audience, putting the event well and truly on the map.

“These events are all about culture, community, and celebration.”

The music festival features artists from Nauru, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Chuuk, Kosrae, Yap and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Coinciding with the music festival is the 2025 Miss Micronesia Pageant, with finalists from Naura, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands.

The theme for the festival and pageant is “We are Micronesia! Navigating our legacy; Charting our future.”

3 October 2025: Yesterday, an attack carried out by Israeli forces killed Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff member, Omar Hayek, and seriously injured four others.

The attack took place on a street where our teams were waiting to take a bus to the MSF field hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza. All staff were wearing MSF vests, clearly identifying them as medical humanitarian workers. We express deep sorrow and outrage over the killing, which occurs less than two weeks after another MSF colleague, Hussein Alnajjar, was killed by the Israeli forces, in Deir Al Balah.

Our thoughts are with Omar’s family and colleagues at this tragic time. Omar, 42 years old, is the fourteenth MSF colleague to be killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023. Omar was a quiet man of profound kindness and utter professionalism.

Since June 2018, he had worked as an occupational therapist at an MSF clinic in Gaza City, dedicating his life to restoring strength and dignity to thousands of patients. He remained in Gaza City before finally evacuating south on 13 September due to relentless attacks and forced displacement from Israeli forces, who claimed people would find safety there. Instead, he was killed at a bus stop on his way to work. Omar was the sole provider for his family since his father passed away and his young brother was killed.

Multiple healthcare workers, MSF family members and MSF staff were also seriously injured in the attack this morning, including a physiotherapist, orthopaedic surgeon, supply officer and a finance assistant. One of our staff is in critical condition with shrapnel wounds.

In the moment of the attack, our colleagues were on their way to work amidst the ongoing relentless Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Health workers in Gaza have been killed, threatened or detained, including Dr Mohamed Obeid, an MSF surgeon still in detention with no formal charges.

While hundreds of thousands of people continue to be pushed from north Gaza to the south, for their so-called safety, they continue to be attacked and killed everywhere across the Strip. Nowhere in Gaza is safe. The entire population has been starved and besieged for almost two years. We call for an end to the bloodshed, an end to the genocide. There must be a ceasefire now.

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

Kwik Kopy Australia, the nation's heritage B2B Franchise group, has announced new international ties as it expands under Fortidia. Fortidia (formerly MBE Worldwide) is a global commerce enabler for MSMEs and consumers providing ecommerce, fulfillment, shipping, marketing and print solutions with multiple brands across 57 countries.

Kwik Kopy's move to the group further strengths Fortidia's presence in the ANZ business solutions sector, complementing its existing operations through PACK & SEND (directly operated), the Mail Boxes Etc. and World Options brands (operated via Master Licensees). Under Fortidia, Kwik Kopy Australia will retain its brand, leadership and franchise teams.

Founded in 1982 by the Penfold family, Kwik Kopy Australia is a recognised leader in design, print, and marketing services with a network of over 85 centres nationwide. Stephen Penfold, Kwik Kopy Australia founder has been instrumental to the development of franchising in Australia since the early 1980s. He was the second inductee into the Franchise Council Australia Hall of Fame and founding member of the Council. Since then, it's been a family affair with a number still actively involved in the organisation in varying capacities from Board to Centre owners.

The Penfold family will retain a minority stake in Kwik Kopy Australia and remain actively involved in contributing to the brand's next phase of growth alongside Fortidia.

“We are proud of the legacy we have built with Kwik Kopy Australia and excited about the opportunities this new partnership will bring,” said Annalise Penfold, representing the Penfold family. “Fortidia shares our passion for creating customers for life and together we can scale our capabilities in design and technology to world class solutions.

The Fortidia Group closed FY2024 with €1.4 bln (US$1.5 bln) of System-wide Gross Revenue – generated through its location-based platform made of 3,130+ Business Solutions Centres and €22 bln (US $23 bln) of Gross Merchandise Value traded through its digital ecommerce platform.*

Paolo Fiorelli, Chairman and CEO of Fortidia said, “We are delighted to welcome Kwik Kopy Australia to the Fortidia Group. Together, we will strengthen Kwik Kopy's market position, accelerate growth, deliver innovative solutions and create greater customer value.

Under the new structure, Kwik Kopy Australia's CEO will also head PACK & SEND.

Sonia Shwabsky, Managing Director of Kwik Kopy Australia and PACK & SEND ANZ said, “I am incredibly excited about the opportunities ahead. With Fortidia as the global enabler of our franchise system, entrepreneurs can tap into globally leading expertise. At the same time, every Kwik Kopy Australia and PACK & SEND business remains proudly Australian and locally owned. This combination gives us the best of both worlds – global strength and local ownership — empowering people to power business and make their mark on the world.”

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both Fortidia and Kwik Kopy Australia, reinforcing the Group's long-term commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and service excellence worldwide.

About Fortidia

Fortidia is the brand identity of MBE Worldwide S.p.A. – a privately-owned company headquartered in Italy – and its affiliates. Fortidia is a global commerce enabler for MSMEs and consumers thanks to its platform including brands providing ecommerce, fulfillment, shipping, marketing and print solutions: PrestaShop, Mail Boxes Etc. (outside the U.S. and Canada.), World Options, PostNet, PACK&SEND, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity, and Spedingo. In 2024, the combination of its physical platform – including 3,200+ Business Solutions Centres in 57 countries with over 14,000 associates – with its PrestaShop e-commerce platform served 1.1 mln business customers worldwide generating €1.45 bln (US$1.65 bln) of System-wide Gross Revenue and €22 bln (US$23 bln) of Gross Merchandise Value.

About Kwik Kopy Australia

Kwik Kopy Australia is a leader in the design, print, and signage industry, offering a wide range of services to businesses nationwide. With over 40 years of experience, Kwik Kopy is committed to providing high-quality solutions that meet the needs of its diverse clientele. For more information, visit www.kwikkopy.com.au

Australia will soon host one of the world’s largest Autism conferences with more than 1,400 delegates and speakers from 30 countries registered to attend in Perth in November.

The Asia Pacific Autism Conference 2025 (APAC 2025) will welcome to Australia a diverse group of individuals from Asia, Africa, Europe, Canada and the Middle East, including academics, medical professionals, teachers, community leaders, Autistic people and their families.

The Autism Association of Western Australia is hosting the conference and CEO, Joan McKenna Kerr AM, said it was a great opportunity for Australia to host such a globally significant event.

“This is about having a global conversation that deepens society’s understanding of Autism and looks to the future,” Ms McKenna Kerr said. “We have attendees from all backgrounds discussing latest research, sharing their lived experiences, and championing more inclusive, supportive societies for the millions who live with Autism every day.

The Maringe-Kokota Constituency Development Committee (CDC) successfully completed the screening process for the 2025 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) applications and approved projects ahead of implementation.

Held at Jejevo in Buala, Isabel Province, two weeks ago, the meeting brought together CDC members representing each ward within the constituency.

This critical process ensures that all projects align with the Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy (SICDP), adhere to the provisions of the CDF Act 2023, Section 14, and are in accordance with the constituency’s 2025 annual work plan and priorities.

The CDC Chair, Honourable Member of Parliament and Minister for the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), Cathy Nori, acknowledged members for their participation and invaluable contributions, which ensured the success of the process.

The CDF Act 2023 introduces a transformative approach to development funding, empowering all 50 constituencies in the Solomon Islands to uphold principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the delivery and implementation of CDF projects under the Maringe-Kokota Constituency Development Program (CDP).

The policy emphasizes practical, holistic, and inclusive development strategies that are sustainable, consultative, and responsive to the unique needs of each constituency.

Hon. Minister Nori applauded the new process as a significant step forward.

“The CDF Act 2023 is our yardstick guiding us to be more realistic and effective in delivering projects and support that directly benefit our rural communities,” she said.

The Honourable Minister also extended her profound gratitude to all applicants for their patience and cooperation, while allowing the CDC to complete due processes with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and impartiality.

The CDC meeting also included an awareness session on the CDF legislation delivered by the legal team from the Ministry of Rural Development.

Attending the awareness session were CDC members, constituency officers, and some constituents.

During the session, MRD officers informed CDC members of their roles and responsibilities under the CDF Act 2023, Sections 13, 14, and 15, with clarification on the processes involved in project implementation under the new legislation.

The CDC, under the CDF Act 2023, Section 13(4), is responsible for:

• The coordination of the constituency development programs.
• The consideration and approval of the annual budget for the constituency.
• The general management of the Constituency Development Funds under the direct supervision of the Ministry, in consultation with the constituency Member of Parliament.
• The coordination, monitoring, and supervision of the implementation of approved projects.
• Developing the constituency development plan.
• Public relations and community interactions.

Meanwhile, Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Walter Havimei acknowledged all members, including constituency officers, for their invaluable contributions.

He also thanked members of the MRD legal team for facilitating the informative awareness sessions on the CDF Act 2023 for CDC members.

Mr. Havimei appreciated their insights and collaboration, which were vital to the program’s success.

He stated that the constituency office, under the capable leadership of Hon. Minister Nori, remains committed to working closely with the MRD and relevant stakeholders to ensure tangible community development initiatives and projects are delivered to benefit the people of Maringe-Kokota.

The CDO, Havimei, assured communities and constituents that the implementation of approved projects will proceed once funds are released and made available by the Ministry of Finance.

In a significant step towards enhancing rural livelihoods and women’s economic participation, the West New Georgia/Vonavona Constituency (WNGVC), with generous support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), has launched a new sea transportation initiative for women vendors in the Vonavona Lagoon, Western Province.

This partnership, which received a contribution of SBD$100,000 from the PRC, is specifically designed to alleviate the long-standing transportation challenges faced by women in Vonavona Lagoon.

The WNGVC added to this support with an extra SBD$50,000 from the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), emphasising a shared commitment to community-led development. The financial support from PRC in partnership with the constituency enabled the constituency office to purchased three boats for this initiative.

For generations, the women of Vonavona Lagoon have relied on traditional dugout canoes to transport their goods and produce to markets—a method that is both time-consuming and physically demanding.

This new project will provide modern, motorised boats, fundamentally transforming their ability to engage in commerce and access essential services.

Mr. Jino Dhari, the Constituency Development Officer (CDO), emphasised the project’s profound impact. “Our mothers have been the backbone of our families and the local economy, yet they have struggled for too long with inadequate transport,” Mr. Dhari stated.

“This initiative is more than just boats; it is an investment in their health, well-being, and economic freedom. By easing their burden, we are strengthening the very fabric of our communities.”

The new boats, equipped with Outboard Motor Engines (OBMs), will serve as a critical lifeline. They will not only enable faster and safer travel to markets—ensuring produce reaches buyers on time and in good condition—but will also provide reliable access to healthcare clinics, schools, and other community activities.

This reliable sea transport is a cornerstone for developing remote areas, supporting local economies, and improving the overall quality of life.

“This project reflects our government’s dedication, under the leadership of our Member of Parliament, Honourable George Temahua, to prioritising the needs and livelihoods of our women and girls,” Mr. Dhari added.

“Investing in transport infrastructure is key to unlocking the economic potential of our rural areas.”

On behalf of the constituency and the beneficiaries, Mr. Dhari expressed profound gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for its steadfast partnership.

He assured that the assets would be fully utilised to achieve maximum benefit for the community.

Appreciation was also extended to the Ministry of Rural Development for its continuous support through the CDF mechanism.

“The official handing over of the boats, with projects funded under the 2024 CDF program budget, will be conducted in due course once all logistical processes are finalised,” Mr. Dhari confirmed.

“We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our constituents, partners, and the courageous women of Vonavona Lagoon, who are the true drivers of this progress,” he said.

October 1 2025 – The US government has shut down after senators failed to reach a funding deal, marking the first closure since 2018.

Services are suspended, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are without pay, and President Donald Trump has threatened mass, irreversible layoffs.

While surface-level calm suggests markets are shrugging this off, global financial advisory giant deVere Group warns that investors are already moving decisively across sectors, hedging risk and seeking opportunity.

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “This shutdown immediately impacts investor behavior.

“Markets may look steady, but capital is rotating at speed. Defense, services, airlines, cyclical stocks and defensive havens are all being reassessed. Investors are not waiting for clarity; they're acting now.”

Defense has been the market's powerhouse, lifted by surging federal demand for advanced weapons systems and missile defense. This structural support remains, but sentiment risk has returned.

“Defense is resilient, but no sector is immune to politics,” Nigel Green continues. “Any dip here is not weakness, it is a tactical buying opportunity. Long-term demand is entrenched, and sophisticated investors are preparing to step in during volatility.”

Government services face a harsher reality. When Washington stalls, revenues for consulting, IT and security providers slow almost immediately.

“Investors know government service providers are always the first casualties of a shutdown,” says Nigel Green.

“This is where caution is required, because cash flows dry up the fastest. Until there's certainty, money is moving out of this space.”

Airlines are also in the firing line. The loss of government-funded travel is compounded by the likelihood of unpaid federal employees reducing leisure spending.

Nigel Green says: “Airlines are being squeezed from both ends. Business demand is frozen while consumer demand weakens. We expect further downside before recovery opportunities appear. This is why investors are trimming exposure now.”

Cyclical sectors — industrials, financials and consumer-linked stocks — carry the heaviest macroeconomic risk. More than 600,000 furloughed workers mean higher unemployment, and Trump's threat of permanent layoffs intensifies the pressure.

“Cyclicals are now the barometer of how long this shutdown lasts,” HE notes.

“A brief closure will see capital rotate back quickly. A protracted one, with job losses and slower growth, will force investors to cut exposure to these sectors. At deVere we are already positioning clients towards defensive allocations such as healthcare, utilities and treasuries.”

The global response is telling. Asian and European markets are showing mixed signals. Gold has surged to a record above $3,870 an ounce, and the US dollar is weaker, signalling a loss of some safe-haven status.

“Markets outside the US are not dismissing this as a temporary blip,” says Nigel Green. “The surge in gold and demand for treasuries show global investors are hedging against deeper disruption. These moves are evidence of prudent positioning.”

The shutdown also raises the risk of a data blackout. With payrolls and inflation reports delayed, markets will be deprived of vital guidance on jobs, growth and rates.

“Investors can adapt to good news or bad news, but they cannot adapt to no news,” Nigel Green stresses.

“When data disappears, sentiment takes over, and that amplifies volatility. We are advising clients to be ready to act quickly when exaggerated moves create tactical openings.”

Previous shutdowns have not derailed equities, but this time the backdrop is more fragile. Interest rate uncertainty, consumer weakness and stretched valuations make the market more vulnerable.

Nigel Green concludes: “This shutdown comes at a delicate moment for global markets.

“Defense remains strong, but sentiment will wobble. Government services and airlines face direct hits. Cyclicals are at risk if unemployment rises. Defensive stocks, gold and treasuries are the clear beneficiaries.

“Investors will be acting with speed, allocate with discipline, and use the volatility to your advantage. The winners will be those who move decisively while others hesitate.”