Newswire : Mexico’s stand against GMO corn sparks US trade dispute

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By: Ruth Milka, Nation of Change


The tranquil cornfields that sprawl across North America have unexpectedly become the epicenter of a burgeoning trade dispute between the United States and Mexico. At the heart of the contention is Mexico’s firm stance on banning genetically modified (GM) corn imports, a policy that has prompted the United States to escalate the matter to a dispute settlement panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Mexico’s Economy Ministry has voiced its intention to robustly defend its GM corn policies, asserting on social media platform X that these policies align with international trade obligations. This declaration sets a defiant tone against the backdrop of the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) accusations that Mexico’s decree infringes upon the scientific standards mandated by the USMCA.
The USTR, led by Katherine Tai, contends that Mexico’s restrictions on GM corn, especially those used for human consumption like dough and tortillas, lack a scientific foundation and contravene the USMCA’s stipulations. “It is critical that Mexico eliminate its USMCA-inconsistent biotechnology measures,” Tai stated, highlighting the potential of innovative agricultural tools to tackle climate and food security challenges.
Amidst this dispute, Mexico’s substantial importation of US GM corn, predominantly for livestock feed and valued at around $5 billion annually, hangs in the balance. Mexican authorities argue that biotech corn poses risks to indigenous corn varieties and may have deleterious health impacts—a claim disputed by the US.
The controversy extends beyond GM corn, with Mexico also moving to ban glyphosate, a herbicide deemed hazardous by Mexican authorities despite global regulatory bodies affirming its safety. This stance has garnered support from various quarters, including Canada, which has expressed concerns similar to those of the US regarding Mexico’s agricultural biotechnology policies.
The dispute has cast a shadow over the Chicago Board of Trade, with corn futures experiencing fluctuations amid concerns that US exports to Mexico could be jeopardized. This economic undercurrent underscores the far-reaching implications of the dispute, extending beyond diplomatic corridors to affect global agricultural markets.
Efforts to resolve the disagreement through formal consultations have proven fruitless, propelling the US to seek arbitration. This decision has been met with applause from US corn trade groups and bipartisan lawmakers, who view Mexico’s policies as detrimental to US agricultural interests.
As the USMCA mandates, a five-person panel will now be convened to adjudicate the dispute, with panelists drawn from a pre-approved roster of experts. This process, which has previously ruled on matters ranging from Canadian dairy quotas to automotive rules of origin, now faces a contentious issue that strikes at the core of agricultural trade and biotechnology.
Amidst this complex web of trade, science, and policy, the voices of those most affected—farmers and consumers in both nations—resonate, calling for a resolution that upholds not only the letter of international agreements but also the spirit of fair and sustainable agriculture.
“We are deeply appreciative of USTR for standing up for America’s corn growers,” expressed Tom Haag of the National Corn Growers Association‘s stand on GMO’s.

Newswire : Trump doubles down on racist remarks, advocates for white immigration only

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Immigrants from Latin America try to cross Rio Grande River,on Texas border

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent


Former President Donald Trump has reignited controversy with inflammatory remarks suggesting a preference for immigrants from predominantly white nations while denigrating those from Latin America, and primarily Black nations. At a private event, Trump reportedly joked about welcoming immigrants from “nice” countries like Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway, again demonstrating his racial bias in immigration policy.
Trump’s comments, revealed by New York Times correspondent and CNN analyst Maggie Haberman, highlight a troubling stance on immigration that aligns with his past rhetoric. The twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president’s insinuation that only immigrants from certain nations are desirable for entry into the United States drew swift condemnation from the Biden-Harris campaign.
“[The comments] are alarming,” said James Singer, a spokesperson for the Biden-Harris campaign. Singer also noted how Trump has repeatedly praised dictators and declared he’d be a dictator on day one if he’s re-elected. Trump’s campaign declined to comment about what the presumptive GOP nominee said at the private dinner.
“Why can’t we allow people to come in from nice countries, I’m trying to be nice,” Trump reportedly said. “Nice countries, you know, like Denmark, Switzerland? Do we have any people coming in from Denmark? How about Switzerland? How about Norway?”
In addition to his discriminatory remarks, Trump blasted Latin American immigrants, likening them to notorious gang members. Critics have said such language perpetuates harmful stereotypes and exacerbates divisions within society.
Further, Trump’s speculations about the future of American democracy have raised alarms. Suggesting that the 2024 election could be the last one in the country’s history, Trump’s comments continue his concerning trend of authoritarian rhetoric that undermines democratic norms.
“This could very well be the last election this country ever has,” Trump said, echoing sentiments often heard at his rallies.
Trump’s engagement with billionaire backers on taxation matters has further highlighted concerns about cronyism and inequality. By prioritizing tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthy, opponents said Trump’s policies perpetuate economic disparities and favor the interests of the elite.
The Biden-Harris campaign noted the list of billionaires backing Trump, arguing that they’re scammers, racists, and extremists. Among them:
John Paulson wants to cut Social Security and opposed financial regulations to protect Americans after the 2008 crash, which he profited from.
Robert Bigelow, who complained he couldn’t evict tenants out of his buildings during the pandemic and supports Florida’s extreme Don’t Say Gay law.
John Catsimatidis, who compared taxes on the wealthy to Hitler killing Jews and his business, has been forced to pay millions in lawsuits over unfair labor practices and consumer safety violations.
José “Pepe” Fanjul refused to fire his assistant, who was married to (two!) KKK leaders commented via a company spokesperson that “we wouldn’t terminate them for that.”
Jamie McCourt pocketed over $10 million from her stock shares before public citizens were made aware of the pandemic’s severity, all while Trump played down the virus.
Former GOP Senator Kelly Loeffler, who touted 2020 election lies, backed an anti-LGBTQ adoption agency and supported ripping away health care from millions of Americans by repealing the Affordable Care Act.
Robert Mercer opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, calling it a major mistake, and believed the government was backward for helping “weak people get strong.”
New York Jets owner, Jeff Yass has avoided $1 billion in taxes and wants to privatize Social Security.
Woody Johnson has repeatedly disparaged women for their looks and questioned why the Black community celebrates Black History Month.
Steve Wynn, who was accused by dozens of workers of sexual misconduct.
Chicago Cubs owner Todd Ricketts, who made his money screwing over retirees by shedding pension obligations and health care promises, opposes the idea that the “government can serve to protect the public’s well-being.”
Phil Ruffin fought against housekeepers trying to unionize at his Vegas hotel (jointly owned by Donald Trump) and furloughed more than 4,000 of his own employees without pay.
Wilbur Ross, whom the Biden-Harris campaign said made his fortune laying off American workers and using bankruptcy to strip retirees of health benefits.
Meanwhile, Singer said its vital American voters reject Trump’s authoritarian impulses and uphold the values of democracy and inclusivity.

“Independence Day in Donald Trump’s America will apparently no longer be July 4,” Singer stated. “He’s promised publicly he’ll be a dictator on his first day, and now privately muses about this November’s election being our country’s last.

Newswire : Alabama Legislature wants state workers to choose Juneteenth or Jefferson Davis’s Birthday

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A bill introduced this month in the Alabama Legislature aims to revise the state’s holiday calendar by adding Juneteenth as a recognized state holiday. The proposed legislation, known as HB367, also proposes that state offices will no longer close on Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday, sparking debate among lawmakers and activists.

The bill seeks to amend Section 138 of the Code of Alabama 1975, which currently lists holidays resulting in state office closures. Under the existing law, state offices close on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s birthday, and Confederate Memorial Day.

Alabama GOP Rep. Chris Sells of Greenville, the original proponent of the bill, proposed that government employees could decide whether to take off the first Monday in June for Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s birthday or Juneteenth on June 19. Sells asserted that this proposal does not add another holiday to the existing 13 state holidays, addressing concerns raised by some state legislators. The national average of state holidays is 17, four more than Alabama currently recognizes.

However, Alabama Democratic Rep. Chris England of Tuscaloosa argued against the proposal, stating that there are already three state holidays recognizing the Confederacy, making it unnecessary to give employees an either/or choice between Davis’s birthday and Juneteenth.

The controversial bill comes on the heels of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declaring April 2024 as Confederate Heritage Month in that state, which reportedly keeps alive a 31-year-old tradition that began in 1993. Beauvoir, the Biloxi museum and historic home of Jefferson Davis, which receives funding from the state, announced the proclamation in a Facebook post.

The Mississippi Free Press reported that Beauvoir is owned and operated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a neo-Confederate organization that promotes “Lost Cause” ideology, a revisionist history that whitewashes the Confederacy’s racist past and downplays the role of slavery in the Civil War. The Free Press noted that Beauvoir annually receives $100,000 from the State of Mississippi for development and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Alabama bill has faced criticism from activists and community leaders. Tuscaloosa County NAACP President Lisa Young expressed concerns over honoring Jefferson Davis, citing his legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery.

“Confederate President Jefferson Davis left a legacy of racist comments and outward support of slavery, making many feel a holiday in his honor is inappropriate,” said Young. “One of Davis’s most infamous comments is ‘Our inferior, fitted expressly for servitude.’ We clearly know in 2024 that African Americans have contributed greatly to the growth of the United States and civilization across the world. So, we know that’s a falsehood. And we don’t want to celebrate anybody who held those beliefs.”

Young described Juneteenth as a learning holiday for the entire state. “Juneteenth represents the day the last slaves in the country learned of their freedom,” she said. “We do better when we know better.”

If passed, the proposed legislation will add Juneteenth to the list of recognized holidays in Alabama and introduce Mrs. Rosa L. Parks Day, set for the first day of December each year. If approved by the Alabama Legislature, the bill is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Newswire : Mercedes workers set to vote for union in May; Chattanooga VW factory votes for union representation

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People react as the result of a vote comes in favour of the hourly factory workers at Volkswagen’s assembly plant to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, at a watch party in Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S., April 19, 2024. REUTERS/Seth Herald

By: Patrick Darrington, Alabama Political Reporter

Are workers in Alabama less than a month from agreeing to form a union at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance?
It was announced Thursday that the election to create a union would be held on May 13-17 in person at the Mercedes plant. Five thousand workers will participate in the vote facilitated by the National Labor Relations Board.
The election announcement comes just four months after workers initially proclaimed they were seeking to join the United Auto Workers (UAW). Several workers at the plant commented that they were ready for the election and to win the union.
“Workers at our plant are ready for this moment,” said Jeremy Kimbrell in a statement. “We are ready to vote yes because we are ready to win our fair share. We are going to end the Alabama discount and replace it with what our state actually needs. Workers sticking together and sticking by our community.” 
 Employees at a Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, overwhelmingly voted to join the United Auto Workers union last Friday in a historic first test of the UAW’s renewed effort to organize nonunion factories.
The union wound up getting 2,628 votes, or 73 percent of the ballots cast, compared with only 985 who voted no in an election run by the National Labor Relations Board
Since the unionization campaign has begun Gov. Kay Ivey, the Business Council of Alabama and other business friendly entities have publicly decried the efforts to join the UAW. Earlier last week Ivey joined several other southern governors denouncing the UAW’s unionization efforts throughout the South.
“We the governors of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas are highly concerned about the unionization campaign driven by misinformation and scare tactics that the UAW has brought into our states,” a joint statement said. “As governors, we have a responsibility to our constituents to speak up when we see special interests looking to come into our state and threaten our jobs and the values we live by.
But auto-industry workers in the state remain undeterred in seeking to unionize as they have routinely complained about a lack of feasible pay increases, disrespect by bosses, unsafe work environments and lack of time with family.

Billy Guyton, a worker at the plant, stated that he was ready for the union to advance after Mercedes executives continued, “rolling things back.”
“We’re tired of Mercedes executives rolling things back,” Guyton said. “We’re going to roll our union forward.”  

Newswire : President Biden to deliver Commencement Address at Morehouse College

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

President Joe Biden plans to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College on May 19, a significant event as he seeks to strengthen ties with the diverse coalition that played a pivotal role in his election to the White House.

The White House confirmed Biden’s participation on Tuesday, following his planned address to the United States Military Academy at West Point on May 25. The Morehouse address marks the second consecutive year Biden will address the graduating class of a prominent historically Black institution, having spoken at Howard University in 2023.

Morehouse College is renowned for its storied history and legacy of nurturing influential Black leaders, including civil rights luminary Martin Luther King Jr. and Georgia’s first Black U.S. Senator, Sen. Raphael Warnock. It is considered a beacon of empowerment and academic excellence.

Warnock, a Morehouse alum, said he was excited about the president’s planned address. “I am thrilled to see President Biden return to our great state to deliver this year’s commencement address,” Warnock stated. “His administration’s commitment to addressing the soaring costs of higher education and initiatives like canceling debt for over 4 million Americans have been pivotal in narrowing the racial wealth gap.”

President of Morehouse College, David Thomas, also expressed excitement for Biden’s participation in the commencement ceremony, stating, “We are deeply honored that President Biden has accepted our invitation,” Thomas insisted. “His presence is a testament to our institution’s enduring legacy and our unwavering commitment to excellence, progress, and positive transformation.” 

Henry Goodgame, a Morehouse alumnus and vice president of external relations & alumni engagement, said Biden’s address comes during a pivotal moment for America. “We have invited the leader of the free world to address our community, tackling pressing issues and inspiring our next generation of leaders,” Goodgame commented.

Mekhi Perrin, president of the Student Government Association at Morehouse, highlighted the college’s rich tradition of hosting influential figures and shared the students’ aspirations for the future. “We seek an equitable society that upholds the dignity and respect of all individuals, irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sex, identity, socioeconomic status, or background,” Perrin articulated.

Meanwhile, White House officials said Biden’s address at Morehouse College reaffirms his administration’s commitment to addressing racial disparities and advancing educational opportunities for all Americans.
 

Mrs. Martha James honored at Women in Agriculture Conference

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Shown L to R: Ms. Ethel Giles, Ms. Edna James, Ms. Martha James, Ms. Doris Williams and Ms. Audrey Haskins.

As a member of the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives, Mrs. Martha James was recognized and honored as the oldest living female farmer, still working and caring for the land, at the Women in Agriculture Conference sponsored by ASAP on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Mrs. James maintains 160 acres of land in Greene and Sumter Counties in Alabama. She maintains more than 35 head of cattle; a Loblolly Pine Forest and raises vegetables for the Greene & Sumter Farmers Cooperative every year. She is a lifelong member of G & S Co-op, serving aa a mentor to other farmers.

Ms. James is a member of 2nd Baptist Church of Eutaw and attends the Greene County Community Center for Seniors. She is the mother of four children.

ASAP proclaimed Mrs. James as an Elder of the Coop Community and an example of Finer Womanhood. The Women’s Conference was held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund Rural Training & Research Center in Epes, AL.

Eutaw City Council takes up some cost saving measures to avoid budgetary shortfall

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At its Working Session on April 8 and its regular meeting on April 9, 2024, the Eutaw City Council took some steps to reduce expenditures and increase income to avoid a budget shortfall toward the end of its fiscal year, coming in the last few months of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

The Council was in part reacting to a mid-year financial report from Fiscal Adviser, Ralph Liverman, which showed deficits in the water and sewer department and a lack of income from rental of the Robert H. Young Community Center and other city properties. The report also indicated that the city had received no revenues from electronic bingo, distributed by the Sheriff, since May 2023. In past years, bingo funds were used to cover departmental deficits and capital improvements, like road and bridge repairs.

The Council adopted a resolution setting rates for the short-term use of the Robert H. Young Community Center (formerly Carver School). The general rental rate for the gymnasium space is set for $300 for use from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Non-profit entities can be exempted from rental rates, by the Eutaw City Council, if the activity is for a public purpose. The charge for funerals is $100.

If the renter is charging admission or using the facility for fundraising an additional fee of $250 will be charged. Non-profit agencies can apply for exemption of this requirement. If alcohol is being served at a rental event, all individuals admitted must be 21 years of age and appropriate security is contracted.

There is also a refundable $150 charge as a cleaning deposit, if the renter does not leave the property in satisfactory condition, the deposit will be forfeited, otherwise it will be refunded to the renter. No cleaning deposit will be charged for funerals.

The Eutaw City Council approved a new work schedule for all city employees, with the exception of police officers, for a half day of work on Thursdays and Fridays (8:00 AM to Noon). This will cutback employees to a four-day week and allow the retention of all existing employees, without having to layoff anyone, while also saving some funds.

The Council also approved a policy to limit overtime by city employees to the exact time of additional work required for emergencies. Some employees were receiving an automatic three hours for being called for overtime work. This practice will be changed to actual time worked and limited to emergencies. Some water and sewer employees were asked to do overtime work, when problems developed for residents, who has back-flow valves installed on their water meters. Mayor Johnson said she was seeking reimbursement for those overtime hours from the general contractor who handled installation of the back-flow valves.

The Council received a report at the Work Session, from Sarah Leavelle, from the Water and Sewer Department, concerning a rate analysis, last year, from the University of North Carolina, that recommended a gradual increase in water and sewer rates. The proposal recommends an increase in the rates by 15% the first year, increasing by 5% a year over the next four years. The base rate for water, for residential customers, would increase from the current minimum of $14.41 for two thousand (2,000) gallons to $16.57 for the first year, by the end of five years, the base rate would increase to $20.14. The rate per thousand additional gallons would increase, over five years, from $5.39 to $6.88 per 1,000 gallons.

Sewer rates would increase by a corresponding amount and help to close the deficit in these departments between revenues and expenses. The City Council will need to pass an ordinance to implement the water and sewer rate increases. The matter was referred to Zane Willingham, City Attorney, to prepare an ordinance.

In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

• Approved a partnership with the City and the University of Alabama’s
Life Research Institute dealing with improving cardiovascular heath for residents.
• Changed the signatures on the Police DARES bank account.
• Approved payment of bills.
• Heard a report from Courtney Ransom of vandalism at the horse arena in City Park, which was granted to her horse organization for horse shows and rides. She asked for more police presence to check the park.
• Councilman Woodruff complimented City Police investigator for his presentation to the Grand Jury.
• Police Chief Johnson reported that the Eutaw Police Department will hold its 4th Annual First Responders Day and Parade on May 14, 2024.
• Sarah Leavelle reported that the City Water Department had $107,156.70 in collections for the month of March 2024, including 335 on-line payments of $27,126.13; and 1,544 active customers.

School Board receives update on Superintendent Jones evaluation process

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The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session Monday, April 15, 2024 with all members present. The board heard an update on Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones evaluation process, conducted by Dr. Daniel Boyd, former Assistant Superintendent with the Alabama State Board of Education and former Superintendent of the Lowndes County School System. Dr. Boyd presented the board members with evaluation forms, to complete individually, using five performance standards. Dr. Boyd indicated that he will return on Wednesday to administer similar surveys to the administrative staff and principals. He asked the board members to have their surveys completed and returned to him by that date.
Dr. Boyd stated that he will compile the findings of all surveys and present a final report on Superintendent Jones evaluation by June, 2024.
Dr. Boyd noted that the superintendent’s annual evaluation process is significant in clarifying leadership roles; enhancing communications; creating a common understanding consisting of multiple sources of data and providing mechanisms of accountability.
In his monthly report to the board, Superintendent Jones presented positive news for each school.
Eutaw Primary: K-3 educators are currently participating in Reading Data meetings. Educators will analyze most recent progress, monitoring data and make instructional adjustments. All K-3 grade scholars will take the Aimsweb End-of-Year Assessment beginning April 29, 2024. The educators will participate in i-Ready/ACAP Practice Test Data meeting during week of April 22-24. They will review pertinent information prior to administering Diagnostic 3. ACAP testing has concluded at Eutaw Primary.
Robert Brown Middle: 8th grade course selection cards completed April 4. ACAP testing completed. School wide Basketball Tournament scheduled for April 19. P.A.W.S. (Parents Always Willing to Support) meeting scheduled for April 30.
Greene County High: Scholars attended Future Teachers Day at University of Alabama. Seniors attended WOW 2.0 held at Shelton State Community College, sponsored by Alabama Works. Mu Alpha Theta celebrated at OWA and Gulf Bowl Entertainment in Foley, Alabama.
Greene County Career Center: Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Lear Corporation Industry Tour, March 14. Jobs for Alabama Graduates Career Closet dedicated. Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Hanna Steel Industry tour, March 27.
Current Construction/Renovation Projects: Flooring at EPS is complete; roofing is 95% complete due to landscaping issue. Press box at RBMS scheduled to be completed by June 2. Company replacing HVAC system at RBM has begun receiving materials. GCH still has roofing issues which are under warranty.
The board acted on the following personnel items.
*Approved compensation for the following staff for any College Career Readiness related activities for the remainder of the fiscal year 2023-2024 – Teresa Atkins, Nicole Henley, Paula Calligan-Leftwich, Tomora Morris, Shamyra Jones, LaMonica Little, Tamika Thompson, Angela White, and Tweila Morris.
*Approved resignations of Nkenge Reynolds, 7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher at RBM and Ashley Moody, 7th/8th grade Language Arts teacher at RBM, both effective May 24, 2024.
The board acted on the following administrative items.
* Memorandum of Agreement for Special Education Services between Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start and Greene County Board of Education

* Job description for Gifted Education Specialist
* Quote in the amount of $36,229.00 from Alabama Door and Hardware, Inc. for doors at RBMS.
* Greene County Schools to participate in Winning Grant Training Program with MSB at The University of Alabama with a one-time fee of $3,500.00.
* Out-of-State travel for Shamyra Jones to attend the Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) National Training Seminar in Las Vegas, NV, July 8-12, 2024. (Attending this conference is listed in the JAG Memorandum of Agreement.)
* Out-of-State travel for Tomora Morris to attend the SREB Conference in Nashville, TN, July 9 -12, 2024. (Pending available grant funding).
* Quote from Kelley S. Wassermann in the amount of $2,000 for two days of onsite assistance and training for Mosaic nutrient analysis and database collection for CNP Director and managers (Includes overnight hotel and travel expenses).
* Out-of-state travel for Rodney Wesley to attend 2024 Spring National Association of Basketball Coaches Clinic in Atlanta, GA on May 3-5, 2024.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO
* Permission for Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) members to travel to Georgia to Six Flags for their Educational Day on Friday, May 10, 2024.
CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshots as of March 31, 2024.
Operating Reserves: 5,73 (months) combined general fund reserve; 4,65 (months) cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The General Fund Bank Balance totaled $5,728,137.95 (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $359,485.61. payroll Register totaled $947,547.82, (total gross pay, to include employer match items). Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $7,049,670.75.
Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $42,146.87; Sales Taxes – $95,701.40; Other Taxes – $139,908.26.
Prior to the April meeting, the school board members participated in its annual Whole Board Training, Governing for Achievement, administered by Alabama Association of School Board staff. The first module of the five-part training focused on Committing to High Expectations, which has four expected outcomes: The board understands the high stakes of the Governing for Achievement programs work; The board feels a sense of urgency toward this work; The board understands the impact of quality teaching; The board understands the importance of building a culture of high expectations of all levels of the school system.

Newswire: Kenyan doctors’ strike enters third week as government stonewalls talks

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Kenyan doctors march to dramatize strike

Apr. 8, 2024 (GIN) – Kenya’s health sector, underfunded and understaffed, is closed for business until the government makes good on salary arrears and agrees to hire badly needed trainee doctors as promised to the union.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), also want the government to address frequently delayed paychecks and compensation for doctors who work in public hospitals as part of their higher degree courses.
 
The crippling strike, now in its third week, involves some 4,000 public sector doctors or  approximately half of the country’s 9,000 registered doctors. The question of salary arrears stems from a 2017 collective bargaining agreement that, among other things, set medical interns’ pay at 206,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,566) per month and fast tracks their clearance to work at health facilities upon graduation.
 
Qualified medical graduates in Kenya struggle to get jobs, striking workers say, despite staff shortages at public hospitals. The union wants the government to hire over 3,000 medical interns who are currently unemployed. But the health ministry said it lacks the resources to recruit them.
Despite a policy requiring the government to place medical interns within 30 days of completing their studies, graduates remain jobless long after qualifying to practice medicine.
 
Talks between the two sides aimed at ending the strike have been unsuccessful and other health workers, helping to keep hospitals running in the absence of doctors, have now joined the strike, local media is reporting. “The strike will take as long as it takes the government to wake up,” said Dr. Onyango Ndong’a on Citizen Television.
 
But government seems unlikely to budge, hoping to wait out the doctors.  Kenyan President Ruto recently declared there would be no additional monies for interns above the monthly $538 (70,000 Kenyan shillings) claiming the government was “struggling with a high tax bill.”
 
The impact of the 3-week strike is being felt across the country with many patients left unattended or being turned away from hospitals across the East African nation.
 
Despite the President’s claims of insufficient funds, Kenya only spends around 3.7% of its budget on health –  less than the 5% recommended by the World Health Organization for low and middle income countries to achieve universal health care, or the 15% it committed to spending on health as part of the Abuja declaration.
 
“It’s not just health,” Anderson Njuki, a Nairobi-based economist told the online publication Semafor, “because the country is spending much of its revenues on servicing debt, social spending and development.”
 
Without jobs or decent wages,  qualified Kenyan medical professionals would accelerate their migration abroad, Njuki added, severely weakening Kenya’s already troubled public health system.
 
Nurses have not joined the striking doctors despite pressure to do so from some members. 
 
“The issues doctors are pushing are genuine and should be implemented,” said Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako. “The government is supposed to release funds to hire interns. But we’re not going on strike, we’re going to the courts.”
 

Newswire: Black woman hugging Trump in viral Chick-fil-A video shows how desperately MAGA world wants Black friends

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Donald Trump meets with people during a visit to a Chick-fil-A restaurant on April 10, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Megan Varner / Getty

By Zack Linly, Newsone


Here’s the thing: If it were true that Black Americans support and admire Donald Trump in numbers that are as significant as the MAGA World suggests, Trump, the GOP, conservative media and the rest of Trump’s acolytes wouldn’t need to work so hard to show it.
The Black Trump supporters who do exist wouldn’t need to plaster “Blacks for Trump” across their chests in yuge bold print and seek out news cameras to show themselves off in front of. Trump supporters wouldn’t be using AI to generate imaginary Black Trump supporters. Republicans wouldn’t be suddenly looking for photo-ops with the same “gangster rappers” they spent years denouncing as filth peddlers and poisoners of the youth.
Marjorie Taylor Greene wouldn’t be out here conjuring up fake Black Trump supporters named “African-American Muhammad,” and Trump Jr. wouldn’t be in the media trying to convince us that random Black men regularly walk up to him and call him their “hero.” Sen. Lindsay Graham wouldn’t have been trying so hard in 2022 to make Herchel Walker Black people’s new MLK only to cry about it later after Black voters continued to overwhelmingly say, “Hell no!” This year’s Black Conservative Federation Gala in South Carolina wouldn’t have been so choc full of white people. Trump and other white conservatives wouldn’t be working so hard to spread around white nonsense about Trump’s mugshot and ugly-ass sneakers giving him street cred with Black America.
If this massive influx of Black Trump support was real, why do they all need to band together and engage in this desperate and transparently self-serving campaign to prove it (or at least appear to do so)?
Anyway, meet real Black Trump supporter Michaelah Montgomery.
Montgomery recently went viral in a video that showed her hugging Trump after saying to him, “I don’t care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump, we support you!” while the ex-president was visiting a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta before attending a fundraising event in the area.
Conservative media treated the viral moment like it was a random encounter by a Black Trump supporter who hadn’t strategically positioned herself and a few of her Black friends right up front to set the stage. Of course, it turns out Montgomery is actually the founder of the right-wing Conserve the Culture organization and she worked on Candace Owens‘ Blexit campaign, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Side note: Fox News reported Trump’s Chick-fil-A visit under the headline: “Trump meets everyday Americans at Chick-fil-A while Biden fine dines with the Clintons, billionaires in DC.” They’re really out here trying to present Trump’s photo-op at the fast- food restaurant widely known for its support of anti-LGBTQ+ policies like it shows he’s one with the common man as if he doesn’t also eat at expensive restaurants with billionaires and spend his days golfing at the country club he owns where you basically need an 800 credit score just to smell the grass.

Speaking of Fox News, Montgomery’s viral moment scored her an interview on Fox & Friends where she continued her rhetoric about largely fictitious mainstream media outlets that are reporting that Black people hate Trump.
“The general consensus or social media would have you thinking that if President Trump were to show up to the HBCU campuses … that like, some angry mob would form or a riot would ensue and that he would not be welcome, and clearly the sentiment in that room the other day was the complete opposite,” Montgomery, a graduate from HBCU Clark Atlanta University, told Fox’s Lawrence Jones.
“He was very welcome. People were excited to see him. People showed up in support of him, and people, of course, were from all four institutions within the AUC [Atlanta University Center], the local HBCU community in Atlanta, and they all showed up in support of him,” she continued.
A few things:
First, literally no media outlet on social media or otherwise has even insinuated that “if President Trump were to show up to the HBCU campuses” an “angry mob would form or a riot would ensue.” In fact, media outlets on either side of the political aisle have only been reporting on the slight uptick in Black Trump support that recent polls have shown, even though most studies have shown it’s really not all that significant.
Secondly, I wonder if Montgomery is even aware that Trump actually has visited an HBCU before, or that his reception there was far from welcoming.
In 2019, Trump spoke at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. The student protests outside of the building where Trump was speaking were reportedly larger than the crowd inside, which, to be fair, might have had something to do with the fact that only seven students were allowed inside for the speech, according to USA Today.
Still, Montgomery claims he “was very welcome” and that presumably Black “people were excited to see him,” but it’s unclear what that had to do with what his reception at an Atlanta HBCU would be since they weren’t on an HBCU college campus, they were at the fast food spot that really only has one type of chicken that it uses for like 9 different combos and is owned by a guy who would probably change up the menu, but only if it meant gay people couldn’t get married anymore.
All I’m saying is the political posturing is real—unlike massive Black support for the orange guy who consistently broadcasts his hate for Black Lives Matter, critical race theory, DEI, police reform initiatives, and virtually everything else that represents many of the most common values among the Black masses in America.