The United Nations Special Envoy on Water has said constructive action to ensure sustainable soil and water management should be a high political priority for all member states. Retno Marsudi, a former Indonesian foreign minister and the UN's newly appointed special envoy on water, was in Bangkok on Monday as a key speaker at the International Soil and Water Forum. The event was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, with the aim of raising discussions between agencies on how to manage these two natural resources to ensure food security and sustainability. According to Ms Retno, 70% of freshwater worldwide is used in agriculture. Thus, she said, it is feared that people around the globe could be facing water scarcity by 2050 when the world's population has increased and requires more water withdrawals in agricultural production. She said such a development would hit developing countries the hardest as 80% of their population's livelihood depends on water because agriculture is their main employment sector. She noted that water stress would leave 170 million people in low-income countries undernourished. "Soon after, it will hit the developed countries," she added. Ms Retno said urgent action is needed, but the effort must be considered an investment in the future, not a burden. She said that knowledge to boost agricultural efficiency, including technology and AI, must be available to all. "We need concrete deliverables and to take action now," she said. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Thailand's agriculture and cooperatives minister, said that soil and water are the foundation of the agricultural system and biodiversity. However, natural threats and human activities have contributed to a decrease in soil fertility, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and increasing vulnerabilities to natural disasters. "We must recognise that no single country or organisation can address these issues alone as these problems require global and multidisciplinary approaches," she added.Published 5:45 pm Wednesday, December 4, 2024 By Natchez Obituaries Dec. 27, 1942 – Nov. 29, 2024 NATCHEZ – Services for Mrs. Bettie Gean Littles Minor, 81, of Natchez, who died on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Dallas, TX will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at noon at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, from 5 until 6 p.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church with the Order of Easter Star Burial Ritual at 6 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, the body will lie in state from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the National Cemetery under the direction of Robert D. Mackel and Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the family or to Bettie L. Minor Scholarship Fund. Life and Legacy of Bettie Gean Littles Minor: Bettie Gean Littles Minor was born on Dec. 27, 1942, in Hazlehurst, MS, to the late Willie and Mary Overton Littles. She was the third of ten children and the eldest daughter. Bettie’s spiritual journey began at eight years of age when she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. She became a dedicated young Christian and participated in every aspect of her church, from speaking to singing and teaching. Bettie continued working in church ministry throughout her youth and adult life. She was an avid believer, studier, and follower of Jesus Christ and never missed an opportunity to let her spiritual light shine (and did it ever shine brightly)! Bettie’s education began at Sardis Elementary School and continued at Parrish High School, where she graduated with high honors in 1960. She continued her education at Utica Junior College, excelling as President of the Student Body and becoming the runner-up for Miss Utica Junior College. Bettie graduated as the Salutatorian of her class. After graduating from Utica, Bettie attended Alcorn A&M College, earning her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies in 1964 and graduating with honors. Bettie’s passion for teaching brought her to Natchez, in 1964, where she began her career as a Social Studies teacher at Sadie V. Thompson High School. She later taught at North Natchez, South Natchez, and Natchez High School, dedicating 38 years to shaping the minds and futures of her students. After retiring in 2003, Bettie continued her commitment to education by working part-time as a tutor for the Natchez Children’s Home. Her quest for knowledge was lifelong. Bettie earned a Master’s in Political Science with honors from Ball State University in 1970 through a fellowship program. She furthered her studies at institutions such as Tuskegee Institute, Southern University, the University of Southern Mississippi (Natchez Branch), and Mississippi State University. Bettie was an active member of her community, contributing to various organizations and causes. She worked with the NAACP and the Democratic Women of Adams County, served as Secretary for the Adams County Democratic Committee, and was a past president of the Adams County Teachers’ Association. Bettie joined Emma Morris Chapter #12, Order of the Eastern Star, in 1970 and served in many roles, including Secretary, Treasurer, and Truth and Wonder. She rose to the Grand Matron of Adah Grand Chapter O.E.S. of A.R. in 1990, serving for five years, and later became a Grand Lecturer. Bettie’s dedication to fraternal service was extraordinary, exemplified by her 54 years of service, devotion to God, her work, and all the members with whom she worked and served. Bettie participated in the organization of two subordinate Amaranth courts, Adam-Odel Amaranth No. 2 and Evelyn Lille K Amaranth Court No. 3. She also played a pivotal role in founding Dixon, Jackson, and Pernell Most Exalted Royal Grand Court of Amaranth. She served as its first Royal Grand Matron. She was the Past Supreme Grand Royal Matron of the Supreme Grand Royal Amaranth Court, which spans the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, the United Kingdom, and beyond. In addition, Bettie helped organize the Ida Court of Heroine of Jericho and the Alkoron Court No. 1 Daughters of Sphinx in 1991 and served as its first Most Worthy Grand Matron. She was elected to the Supreme Court of Daughters of Sphinx’s Board of Directors and later served as the second Vice Supreme Grand Matron. Bettie, the Supreme Grand Matron, was also elected President of the Federation of Eastern Stars of the World and chaired the registration committee for many years. Bettie was instrumental in founding Julia Blanton Gleaners, a juvenile group within the fraternal organization. Bettie gave up her membership with her home church and united with Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in 1970, where she served as Secretary, Chaplain of the Senior Choir, and President of the Beulah Clubs. She also served as Recording Secretary for the Women’s Auxiliary of Adams County and on the Memorial and Praise Committee. Bettie sang with the Gospel Choir, the Voices of Hope, where she was the Financial Secretary for the Voices of Hope, and participated annually in the Fall Pilgrimage. On June 27, 1970, Bettie married Robert Lee Minor Sr., her lifelong partner. They had two children, Vermelle Artisia Minor and Marco B. Minor. Bettie also embraced the role of mother to Maurice Minor, Minnie Minor (deceased), Robert Lee Minor Jr., and Carl Elijah Minor. She was a godmother to Araina Price Carter, Frank Woods Ill (B.J.), Clemetha (Fran) Woods-Gines, and Reverend LC. Williams. Bettie Gean Littles Minor’s life reflected her faith, love, and unwavering dedication to family, Christ, education, and community. She was a devoted spiritual leader, educator, civic leader, and faithful servant of the Lord. Bettie leaves a legacy of excellence, compassion, and service, following in the footsteps of her Savior, Jesus Christ, who said in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...” Bettie Minor was a servant and loved every minute of serving. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her children, Vermelle, Marco, Bobby, Maurice, and Carl Minor; her godchildren, Araina Price, Frank (BJ) Woods, Clemetha (Fran) Woods-Gines, and Rev. L.C. Williams. Bettie’s memories will also shine in her siblings; sisters Hannah L. McCoy of Birmingham, AL; Marilyn G. Williams of Memphis, TN; sisters through Blessings; Mary F. Jackson, Geraldine Littles, and Pamela Littles of Picayune, MS; brothers, Albert 0. Littles of Hazlehurst, MS, and Rev. Harold Littles (Pamela) of Picayune, MS; brother-in-law, Chris Minor of Crosby, MS; grandmother, Nina Mae Littles of Hazlehurst, MS, and aunt, Marilyn Littles of Sontag, MS; along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and special sister friends, Mary J. Taylor, Beverly Woods, Faye Logan, Rose Sweazer, Dorthy Bassett, Janie King, Eva Hall, and Charlene Bradford, and Robert Lee’s Buddy and her friend forever and overseer, Jack Patterson, along with a host of Eastern Star Sisters and Mason Brothers, Friends, and loved ones. ”Well done, good and faithful servant.” Well Done!
Community business leaders gathered to network and learn at Hometrust Bank on Evans Avenue on Wednesday for a Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast. Hometrust Bank County Executive Jessica Rich said the year has gone well for the bank, but the Asheville, North Carolina based institution was greatly affected by Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region. “Many of the communities that we serve, especially in North Carolina, were impacted by Helene and over the past few months we have seen some some inspiring dedication from our employees,” Rich said. “While the storm has forced many of our businesses to close including some of our branches, we continue to serve our customers. “It was kind of a challenge at times... ...It took our HR department about a week and a half to find most of our folks to make sure they were okay (since telephones and roads were down). We’re pleased that everybody was found and everybody was good.” Rich said Hometrust was able to persevere by holding to high standards and continuing their pursuit of quality. She said the bank’s efforts had been recognized several times in the past year. Their accolades for 2024 include status as a “certified best place to work,” a ranking of 156 in Newsweek Magazine’s Most Loved Workplace list, recognition by American Banker as one of the Best Banks to Work For, rankings in a top community banking list by S&P Global market Intelligence and placement in the Top 100 Forbes 15th Annual Best Banks List. “We’ve had a lot of recognition this year we’re excited about that,” Rich said. “We’re very proud to be a part of this prestigious group of people and we were all able to do this as a result of operating in a higher interest rate environment as well as dealing with the hurricane.” Hometrust and Covenant Health sponsored the breakfast, which was catered by Jersey Girl Catering After Rich spoke to the gathered Chamber members, Morristown-Hamblen Health System President Gordon Lintz spoke about developments at Hamblen County’s hospital. “We have something new that we piloted at Morristown-Hamblen West and we now offer at our main hospital, and that is our Emergency Call Ahead service,” Lintz reported. “So we have a number, 423-492-6906, that you can call. You call that number and you can find out the wait times at the main ER as well as the West ER. You can put your name on a list and either come in or you can wait at home and we’ll call you back when it’s about your time. We’ve done what I call a ‘soft opening’ with that concept and it’s going very, very well.” The program is designed for non-emergency patients experiencing events like simple lacerations, flu symptoms or strains/sprains. It is not intended to replace a call to 911 for anyone who thinks they are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency. Lintz then spoke about the hospital’s intensivist service. The hospital’s intensivists are “board certified fellowship trained ICU physicians that are staffing our ICU along with our hospitalist program.” The intensivists have provided benefits to critical care patients at the hospital. MHHS will see a new program in 2025 called “Hospital at Home.” Lintz said the program is currently being piloted at two of Covenant Health’s hospitals in Knoxville. “With our technology today we can do a lot of things very differently and a lot more care we can provide in the home,” he said. Lintz went on to describe various happenings at the hospital including expansion of robotic surgery options, an additional CT scanner, two new retinal physicians, a new general surgeon and a renovation project that will add 12 beds to the hospital. He finished his remarks by telling the crowd that discussions about the next step at the Morristown-Hamblen West location has begun. “We’re going through a planning process to look at what will come next at Morristown-Hamblen West. And although Santa is not delivering an answer this year, as soon as I hear, I will certainly let you know.”
I'm A Celebrity fans shocked as Danny Jones reveals how McFly got its name and admits he originally hated itNEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII's (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division was recently recognized with the 2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. HII is the largest industrial employer in the commonwealth. NNS received the corporation award in the annual program coordinated by Serve Virginia and the Virginia Service Foundation, acknowledging Virginians who volunteer to make a difference in their communities. "We are honored to be recognized by Governor Youngkin for the work our shipbuilders do to make our community stronger,” said Xavier Beale, NNS vice president of human resources and trades administration. "Shipbuilding is a noble calling, and we're proud that their commitment to building the world's best ships carries over into their efforts to give selflessly of their time and talents.” Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hiis-newport-news-shipbuilding-division-recognized-with-2024-virginia-governors-volunteerism-and-community-service-award/ . NNS shipbuilders contribute thousands of hours of service annually to their local communities through volunteer activities, both those coordinated by the shipyard and independently. Examples of such efforts include hosting American Red Cross blood drives, collecting food and volunteering at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, and supporting Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. Since 2002, NNS volunteers have helped build 21 homes for Habitat for Humanity, with work on a 22 nd well underway . NNS also plays a vital role in preparing underserved students for college and the workforce by offering a range of programs designed to enhance academic and career readiness. Through STEM mentoring programs like Girls with Engineering Minds in Shipbuilding (GEMS) and Young Men Engineers (YEM), NNS shipbuilders volunteer to engage with students, providing guidance and inspiration in science, technology, engineering and math fields at the middle school level. On-site job experiences and career awareness programs further expose students, especially high school students, to real-world maritime careers, offering invaluable insights into roles in ship design, engineering, and manufacturing. Programs such as Scouts, which embed NNS employees in local career and technical education (CTE) programs throughout the school year, help connect what students are learning in the classroom to industry. About HII HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII's mission is to deliver the world's most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world. As the nation's largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII's workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit: Todd Corillo [email protected] (757) 688-3220 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/232896ec-4f21-41da-8538-d8d74babd37d