Amazon has raised its minimum wage for British and American workers, in a major milestone for campaigners pushing for pay increases to tackle rising levels of poverty and inequality. The company, which has become almost a byword for low-paid and low-quality work in recent years, said it would increase the minimum wage to $15 (£11.57) an hour in the US for more than 350,000 workers, while almost 40,000 staff in Britain will get an increase to £10.50 an hour in London and £9.50 across the rest of the country. Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of the e-commerce company, said: “We listened to our critics, thought hard about what we wanted to do, and decided we want to lead.

“We’re excited about this change and encourage our competitors and other large employers to join us.” Lifting the wage for its workers, designed to tackle the firm’s critics head on, means Amazon UK will pay more than the current national minimum wage of £7.83 for workers over the age of 25. The new rate is also higher than the level recommended by the Living Wage Foundation of £8.75, or £10.20 in London.(theguardian)…[+]

JAMAICA- The Blue Lagoon is the latest site to be declared as a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT). The Portland-based landmark was declared as a National Monument by reason of its aesthetic and scientific values and the site forming a significant part of Jamaica’s heritage. These values include the crystal and varying shades of blue waters, the verdant rain forest and flowering plants, endemic and endangered species.

Chairman of the JNHT Board of Trustees, Laleta Davis-Mattis lauded the far-reaching value of this landmark declaration asserting that “Blue Lagoon’s inscription as a National Monument is not only giving added value to the site but to brand Jamaica.”

The first attempt to protect the Blue Lagoon by way of a Preservation Order through the National Trust Commission was done in 1960 by then Premier, Norman Manley.

This was followed up with the placement of a Notice of Intention to confirm a Preservation Scheme on the Lagoon in 1962 and an Interim Preservation Notice in 1968 by former Prime Minister Edward Seaga who was then the Minister of Finance and Planning. When the Jamaica National Heritage Trust replaced the Jamaica National Trust Commission in 1985 there were re-energized efforts to declare the site as a National Monument. In 2010 the JNHT indicated to then Minister of Sport, Youth and Culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange of its intention to revive discussions concerning the declaration of the Blue Lagoon.(JAMAICA GLEANER)…[+]

UNITED NATIONS- UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces on Monday concluded the General Debate of the 73rd session of the assembly, saying it was wrapped up on “a high note.” In her closing speech to the world leaders attending the debate, Espinosa said “each one of us could say with honesty that we are wrapping up this General Debate on a high note with the satisfaction of job well done.”

Expecting the past week to set the tone for the work and agenda of the assembly in the coming year, she summarized its seven outcomes, with the first one being the global reflection on the role of the UN and the reflection on the importance of multilateralism as the only viable response to the problems facing mankind. Secondly, she noted the UN had been a home for all nations this past week by creating a space for them “to deepen bilateral ties and to strengthen political and regional groups.”

Thirdly, the UNGA chief noted, the representatives of member states shared visions and experiences on issues of common interest, and more than 400 side events took place along the General Debate. In addition, she mentioned four other strategic outcomes of the assembly’s high-level week: two political declarations on Tuberculosis and non-communicable disease, the progress in signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, member states’ sharing of national or regional successes and challenges, and the participation of hundreds of activists.

She also expressed gratitude to the 77 heads of state and 44 heads of government as well as other high-level representatives who participated in this year’s discussions.

Although the speakers sent diverse messages from the podium, there were many points of convergence and similarity as well as many shared concerns. Issues popping up repeatedly throughout the debate were defense of multilateralism, promotion of sustainable development, fight against climate change, celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and investment in conflict prevention and mediation. “This marks only the beginning of the 73rd session,” said Espinosa, expressing her hope that “the enthusiasm and efficiency which have been the hallmark of this week will last the whole course of the year.”

The General Debate started last Tuesday and lasted until Monday with Sunday off. A total of 196 representatives, including 193 from member states and three from permanent observers, spoke at its podium.(Xinhua)…[+]