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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) standards management technical committee examines new regional standards for fortified foods
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) standards management technical committee examines new regional standards for fortified foods

Zawya

time2 days ago

  • Health
  • Zawya

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) standards management technical committee examines new regional standards for fortified foods

On the 28th and 29th of July 2025, the Cape Verdean capital Praia is hosting a decisive session of the ECOWAS Technical Committee for Standards Management (TMC). The aim: to review and validate revised regional standards for fortified foods, including iodized salt, fortified vegetable oils and fortified wheat flour. This initiative, supported by UNICEF, is part of the fight against persistent malnutrition in West Africa. This technical session is part of the implementation of the Common Industrial Policy for West Africa (PICAO) and the Standards Harmonization Model (ECOSHAM). The ambition is clear: to strengthen the regional normative framework in terms of nutritional security, by adopting up-to-date standards aligned with international standards and meeting the public health priorities of member states. Alongside the work on food standards, the Committee also validated the new composition of the bureaux of the sectoral technical committees THC2 (food products), THC4 (buildings and construction materials), THC8 (textiles and clothing) and THC9 (information and communication technologies), taking into account the withdrawal of certain AES countries. In his opening speech, Mr. Lassané Kaboré, ECOWAS Director of Industry, emphasized the strategic impact of these harmonized standards: guaranteeing safe products for consumers while boosting the competitiveness of local industries. He also announced the imminent launch of a process to develop standards for complementary foods for infants and young children, in partnership with UNICEF. For his part, Mr. Siméon Nanama, UNICEF Regional Nutrition Advisor for West and Central Africa, reiterated the urgent need to take action against malnutrition, a real brake on development. He highlighted large-scale fortification as a sustainable solution, praised the exemplary partnership between UNICEF and ECOWAS, and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting the development of nutritional standards, particularly for young children. Ms Ana Paula Spencer, President of the Institute for Quality Management and Intellectual Property (IGQPI), praised ECOWAS's leading role in setting up a regional quality infrastructure, an essential lever for fairer and safer trade. This TMC session marks a new stage in the regional drive to guarantee safe, fortified and accessible food for all, in the face of the growing challenges of malnutrition and food insecurity in West Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In Brockton, the '11th island' celebrates Cape Verde's 50th year of independence
In Brockton, the '11th island' celebrates Cape Verde's 50th year of independence

Boston Globe

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Boston Globe

In Brockton, the '11th island' celebrates Cape Verde's 50th year of independence

Moises Rodrigues, 64, at-large city councilor of Brockton who helped organize the festival, said it helps bring people together and raise awareness of Cape Verdean culture. Advertisement Setting up on the concourse, Anna Aduayi dresses a mannequin with imported fashions from Nigeria at the annual Cape Verdean Day Festival in Brockton Rox Stadium. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff 'A lot of people have no idea who we are or where we come from,' Rodrigues said, 'but this festival has expanded so that folks of other ethnicities come to it, too.' Rodrigues who was born in Cape Verde, was living in Angola — another former Portuguese colony — when Cape Verde gained independence. 'A lot of people thought the country wouldn't survive because it doesn't have a great deal of natural resources,' Rodrigues said. 'But it's been an example nation for Africa. It ranks high on democracy and literacy rates compared to the rest of the continent.' Around 19 percent of Brockton's 100,000 residents are of Cape Verdean descent, Advertisement The diaspora began settling in New Bedford as early as the 1800s when Cape Verdean men crossed the Atlantic Ocean on ships to work in the whaling industry, fleeing poverty and drought in their homeland, according to a There was a second wave of immigration after 1975, Rodrigues was a part of that second wave of immigration, after coming to the United States at 16 with his immediate family. He remembers being one of five Cape Verdeans students in Brockton High School's class of 1980. Rodrigues also has roots in New England that go further back. In the 1930s, his great grandfather came to the U.S. to work on the Bourne Bridge. Rodrigues said that the festival originally started in the 1990s at City Hall Plaza. 'It was a small gathering at first because it was a recognition day, but Cape Verdeans can't do anything without food and music,' Rodrigues said, 'so it grew bigger and bigger.' Sue Festa, of Boston Caricature, draws a free sketch of Leia Fernandes, of Fall River at the annual Cape Verdean Day Festival in Brockton. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff As years went on and the festival attracted more attendees from across New England, it was moved to Snow Park and later Keith Field. This year was the first time the festival was held at Campanelli Stadium, the home of a local baseball team, the Brockton Rox. Advertisement Joaquim Ramos of Dorchester came to the festival to sell T-shirts with pictures of the Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora and the country's blue, red and white flag on them. Ramos, 58, immigrated to Boston from the Cape Verdean island of Santiago when he was 23 years old. He said he enjoys coming to the Brockton festival, because it reminds him of home. 'We call Brockton the 11th island, because if I come here, I don't have to speak English,' Ramos said. 'People in businesses, shops and restaurants all speak creole.' Bel DeBarros of New Bedford attended the Brockton festival for the first time. She said she was specifically interested in the live music and dance performances. DeBarros, 63, is a second generation immigrant and said she tries to keep in touch with Cape Verdean culture through cooking family recipes and listening to music. 'I like coming to these festivals to meet other Cape Verdeans, to see how many of us there are,' DeBarros said, 'and bringing my grandchildren so they can be surrounded by the culture.' Angela Mathew can be reached at

ModaLisboa and PVH Foundation empower young talent with full fashion scholarship
ModaLisboa and PVH Foundation empower young talent with full fashion scholarship

Fashion Network

time17-07-2025

  • Business
  • Fashion Network

ModaLisboa and PVH Foundation empower young talent with full fashion scholarship

With a mission to champion inclusion and elevate emerging talent, ModaLisboa —backed by the PVH Foundation—has wrapped the second edition of its 'Tomorrow' program. This year's standout moment: the awarding of a €15,000 scholarship to Celízia Tavares, a young woman of Cape Verdean descent, who will pursue an 18-month fashion course of her choice at Modatex Porto. The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, and meals, providing Tavares with the opportunity to pursue advanced training and make a meaningful contribution to the Portuguese fashion scene. 'In 2025, the 'Tomorrow' program once again mobilized the metropolitan areas of Lisbon and Porto,' ModaLisboa stated in a press release. The initiative included outreach activities in secondary schools, engaging 500 classes through workshops designed to challenge industry stereotypes and foster diversity. From this outreach, 10 young participants were selected through a rigorous process that emphasized talent and diversity. They were invited to Lisbon for a five-day immersive residency, where they participated in intensive, multidisciplinary training led by industry professionals known for innovative and socially conscious work. The program concluded with the awarding of the 'Amanhã' scholarship (Portuguese for 'Tomorrow') to Tavares. ModaLisboa described the award as a way to 'enable continued specialization with potential impact on the national market.' For Tavares, the opportunity is deeply personal. 'The scholarship will have a big impact on everything I stand for—and everything my parents stand for,' she said. 'I want to study fashion design and bring Cape Verde's lost culture into everyday life. There's a lot of culture that young people are forgetting. I want to reflect that richness in fashion and show the world what Cape Verde has to offer.'

Cape Verde celebrates 50 years of independence – DW – 07/03/2025
Cape Verde celebrates 50 years of independence – DW – 07/03/2025

DW

time03-07-2025

  • Politics
  • DW

Cape Verde celebrates 50 years of independence – DW – 07/03/2025

Since gaining freedom from Portugal on July 5, 1975, Cape Verde is regarded as one of West Africa's most stable nations. Overcoming low-literacy and inadequate healthcare are just some its achievements. "Many say Cape Verde is a beacon for other African countries," says long-serving Cape Verdean politician Gualberto do Rosário. "I don't believe in such comparisons. Undoubtedly, Cape Verde scores better than many other African countries in various indices," the former Prime Minister (in 2000 and 2001) and chairman of the current ruling Movement for Democracy (MpD) tells DW. "But I think there is still much to do, and we should continue working to advance the country," he adds. Cape Verde has scored well on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with figures above average compared to African nations. These 17 global goals — including poverty reduction, education, and health — are worldwide targets for 2030. But according to Do Rosário comparisons with African mainland countries are only partly meaningful. He points to Cape Verde's history and geography: "Our islands were uninhabited and were only settled by European and African immigrants starting in the 1460s. That makes our development unique." For him, Cape Verde's long fight against poverty and drought has shaped the islanders' will to survive and helped them progress even under difficult conditions. Over the past five decades, Cape Verde has made remarkable strides — especially in education and healthcare. António da Silva, a former freedom fighter and now Executive Secretary of the Civil Society Commission, which organizes independence celebrations, also takes a positive view. As a young man, he joined the rebel organization PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde), which fought against Portuguese colonial rule in Guinea-Bissau. "In 1975, there was great poverty, which is now hard to imagine," da Silva says. The greatest progress, he says, has been in education: back then, there were hardly any secondary schools, and only a few could afford to move to the capital Praia to attend school. Today, education is widely accessible and considered key to social advancement. In 1975, 65% of the population was illiterate, while today that figure is down to about 3%. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The healthcare system has also improved significantly: in 1974, there were only 13 doctors and two hospitals; today, hundreds of medical professionals work across the Atlantic nation, where most islands now have hospitals. Though Cape Verde ranks 90th out of 195 countries in terms of child mortality, which stands at a rate of 38 per 1,000 newborns, this is low compared to many West African counterparts. In Sierra Leone, for instance, it is 284 per 1,000; and 265 per 1,000 in Niger. Cape Verde's average life expectancy is around 74.7 years, among the highest on the continent. The struggle for freedom has paid off, says da Silva: "In the early 70s, hardly anyone believed in an independent Cape Verde. But today, all expectations have been exceeded." Despite progress, about 2.3% of Cape Verdeans live in extreme poverty — roughly 11,700 people. The government has responded with targeted social policies to support especially vulnerable groups. For example, the "Mais" fund was established in 2023, financed by a tourism tax, providing millions of Euros annually for social programs. Migration is another pressing issue. Between 2009 and 2021, about 34,000 young Cape Verdeans left the country — around 6% of the population. Despite a rise in the monthly minimum wage from 100 to 154 Euros, many have sought better opportunities abroad. Youth unemployment in Cape Verde was around 23.9% in 2023. "Migration is part of our culture," explains Gualberto do Rosário. "Almost every Cape Verdean has relatives abroad. Leaving and returning home is deeply rooted." Nevertheless, he regrets the loss of many young, well-educated people. At the same time, many migrants remain connected to their homeland and contribute significantly through remittances. With more than 500,000 inhabitants across nine inhabited islands and a diaspora more than four times that size overseas, Cape Verde today is among the most stable and developed countries in Africa. "All Cape Verdeans — whether abroad or on the islands — are part of this wonderful nation that has been independent for half a century," says the former Prime Minister. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

R.I. man arrested after allegedly throwing Cape Verdean flag to the ground and stomping on it
R.I. man arrested after allegedly throwing Cape Verdean flag to the ground and stomping on it

Boston Globe

time03-07-2025

  • Boston Globe

R.I. man arrested after allegedly throwing Cape Verdean flag to the ground and stomping on it

Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up Police said around noon, Marsden approached City Hall on a moped and walked up to flags on display outside the building's entrance. He then allegedly threw the American and Cape Verdean flags to the ground, officials said. Advertisement 'Witnesses reported that Marsden was observed specifically stomping on the Cape Verdean flag. The incident was captured on a surveillance video,' police said. Posted by Marsden was charged with vandalism, disorderly conduct, and 'weapons other than Firearms Prohibited (knife),' according to authorities. Police said officials were working with the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office to determine if 'additional hate crime enhancements will be pursued in this case.' 'Our agency takes these acts of vandalism seriously and will pursue hate crime enhancements when warranted,' Acting Police Chief Michael Rapoza said in a statement. Advertisement 'There is no place for this type of behavior in our city,' Rapoza added. Marsden was scheduled to be arraigned in Providence County District Court on Thursday morning, police said. Christopher Gavin can be reached at

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