Latest news with #ChiefMinister
BBC News
4 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Chief minister proposes tighter immigration checks for Jersey
Immigration checks for people hoping to visit Jersey could be tightened if a proposition is non-visa nationals including those from within the European Economic Area and EU do not need visas and can visit for up to six months without additional chief minister's proposition suggests following the UK, where it has a system of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETAS) for people who want to visit from some countries with their passport.A scheme for French visitors was renewed in June to allow people to come to Jersey with an ID card for up to 24 hours - if the proposition is approved, French visitors will need to have a passport because of the ETA attached to it. Deputy Lyndon Farnham said it would address the gap in the security of Jersey's borders and it would "implement a more rigorous approach to people traveling to Jersey without a visa". He said: "In the same way as for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, before a person travels to Jersey, they will need to apply for permission where aspects of any criminality must be provided through self- declaration."
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Malayalis recall former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan's support for struggling expats
The Malayali community across the UAE is mourning the passing of former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, remembering him as a 'feisty' and committed leader who remained deeply connected to the struggles of working-class expatriates. Achuthanandan, who served as Kerala's Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) at the age of 101. A towering figure in Kerala's political landscape, the veteran communist leader and freedom fighter was widely admired for his iron will, incisive rhetoric, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Despite visiting the UAE only once, his legacy has left a lasting imprint on the Malayali diaspora. Speaking to Khaleej Times, O.V. Mustafa, Director of NORKA Roots, highlighted Achuthanandan's pivotal role in addressing the needs of expatriate Malayalis, especially the working-class population in the Gulf. 'He was always an ardent supporter of the Kerala diaspora,' said Mustafa, who has lived in the UAE for over 40 years. 'You may be aware it was the government before him, under T.K. Nair, that set up NORKA — Non-Resident Keralites Affairs — as a department. But when V.S. became Chief Minister, one of his earliest decisions, in line with the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) election manifesto, was to introduce a pension scheme for Malayali expatriates, especially those in the lower income bracket.' 'In 2007, the first such scheme was launched through NORKA Roots under his leadership. It provided a modest monthly pension of Rs500 (approximately Dh22) to members who subscribed. For the first time, these expatriates received a pension, including arrears,' Mustafa added. He emphasised that Achuthanandan was never a passive figurehead. 'Whenever we faced challenges, he worked through the Government of India and involved the missions here to help resolve them. He was always there. I've seen him many times, and he was always curious to know about the real conditions of workers in the Gulf — their rights, their wellbeing.' Mustafa recalled how Achuthanandan would zero in on the most pressing issues. 'The first thing he would ask was about the challenges faced by ordinary workers. Whenever he took up a cause, he ensured it reached its logical end. He never left things halfway. He was one of those rare people who would study a subject thoroughly, take it up, and then deliver on his promise. His focus was always on the marginalised — whether they were, in Kerala or abroad.'
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
India: VS Achuthanandan, Kerala's former CM, dies at 101
VS Achuthanandan, a prominent Kerala politician passed away on Monday. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader served as Kerala's chief minister from 2006 to 2011. He was 101 at the time of his death. The politician had been bedridden in recent years.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health minister seeks Rs 50L aid from CM for patient
Mangaluru: Minister for health and family welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao urged chief minister Siddaramaiah to release a special sanction of Rs 50 lakh to a patient from Sullia, Chandini GD., who is suffering from a rare disease. The minister stated in a request letter to the CM, that it would require more than Rs 50 lakh for the treatment of the 34-year-old Chandini, wife of Purushothaman C from Gandhinagar in Sullia. She is suffering from right atrial mass, hyper IGE syndrome with mast cell activation syndrome, dock 8 mutation seizure disorder, hypothyroidism, hiatus hernia with motility disorder. Since the treatment involves a huge cost, the minister requested the CM that it would be better if the finance department sanctioned the treatment cost. "Chandini hails from a poor family and she is suffering from a rare disease. There is no option to bear the cost of her treatment under health department schemes. A request to sanction treatment cost under Chief Minister's Relief Fund was made. Accordingly, Rs 1 lakh was already released. Since the treatment of Chandini would require more than Rs 50 lakh, I request you to consider this as a special case and sanction the funds through the finance department," Rao stated in his letter to the CM. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo MLC Ivan D'Souza brought to the notice of the govt during the legislature session about Chandini, in March this year. The MLC requested the govt to bear the entire cost of Chandini's treatment. The health minister suggested taking Chandini to visit Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) for advanced treatment. The treatment method is available under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), according to the minister. Chandini, a dance teacher, underwent several surgeries, hospitalisations, and intensive care treatments for about 30 years.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- BBC News
Two arrested over St Helier primary school swastika graffiti
Two men have been arrested over a series of graffiti incidents that included a primary school being painted with a comes after officers received multiple reports of vehicles, buildings, and general public spaces in St Helier being covered with "offensive and abusive graffiti" on Friday morning.A 51-year-old man and a 37-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of malicious damage under Common week, Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham said he was "deeply disturbed" by the graffiti.
