Stories for February 2025

Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 13:20 UTC
Cuba going through one of its worst electricity-generation crises

Cuba has been reported to be facing severe power outages after the unexpected breakdown of the Felton 1 Thermoelectric Power Plant, worsening the situation in Havana and other parts of the island. The State-run National Electric Union (UNE) said numerous generation plants were out of service due to fuel shortages, local authorities blaming the US economic blockade for their hardships, when in reality infrastructure failures and poor maintenance to already obsolete equipment were other contributing factors. A total of 57 generation plants in the country, in addition to two floating units, were affected by the lack of fuel.
Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 10:55 UTC
End of war in Ukraine nearer after Trump-Putin talks

US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation Wednesday with his Russian colleague President Vladimir Putin, with whom he discussed for over 90 minutes the idea of starting negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Both leaders expressed their eagerness to end the conflict at the earliest opportunity possible.
Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 10:20 UTC
Alckmin to push for return of US steel import quotas

Brazilian Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, defended on Wednesday the establishment of exemption quotas for steel and aluminum to be shipped to the United States, as it happened during US President Donald Trump's previous government (2017-2021).
Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 10:18 UTC
Paraná-Paraguay Waterway concession tender canceled amid foul play allegations

The Argentine Government of President Javier Milei Wednesday declared the tender for the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway - which handles 80% of the country's exports and is also vital for Paraguay - concession void and launched an investigation into the only bidders: Dredging Environmental and Marine Engineering (DEME) for allegedly pressuring other potential bidders not to participate. The National Commission for the Defense of Competition will look into possible anti-competitive practices or an illicit association, it was explained.
Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 09:45 UTC
Brazil shoots down clandestine aircraft carrying drugs

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Wednesday shot down a plane that clandestinely entered from Venezuela carrying drugs. The measure was within legal protocols, it was explained. The aircraft was intercepted and instructed to land but failed to comply.
Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 01:18 UTC
Uruguay's Green Energy Success Story Takes an Unexpected Turn

Uruguay has been considered a leading country in renewable energy, with 98% of its energy eolic, but now has surprisingly has invited foreign companies to explore for offshore oil and gas reserves, attracting some of the heavy weights of he industry, which has generated certain controversy in the country regarding concerns about the impact on marine life and the potential damage to Uruguay’s current global standing. OilPrice, which specializes in the oil and gas industry information comments on the decision.
Thursday, February 13th 2025 - 01:05 UTC
UKOTs, including Falklands, in SAR workshop with exercise of cruise vessel incident

The annual SAR, workshop for UK Overseas Territories took place in Miami during the first week of February, with the purpose of sharing experiences and recognizing common challenges. The workshop was facilitated by HM Coastguard and funded by UK Government and referred to two main theatres of action, one involving a cruise ship and the other an aviation incident.
Wednesday, February 12th 2025 - 22:15 UTC
Falklands, Korean jigger 107 Eun Hae grounded at Saunders Island, BFSAI tug to the rescue

Korean flagged jigger 107 Eun Hae remains grounded in the Falkland Islands, more precisely at Settlement Cove, Saunders Island. The vessel has a crew of 38 onboard and no injuries have been sustained or reported.
Wednesday, February 12th 2025 - 22:08 UTC
Falklands: consultation begins on Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty legislation

The Falkland Islands Government is planning to introduce Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty legislation to the Falkland Islands. The Ordinance will introduce to the Falkland Islands a legal framework designed to protect and support people who may lack the ability to make a particular decision for themselves, at a particular time.
Wednesday, February 12th 2025 - 21:26 UTC
January FAO Food Price Index down 1,6% from December but 6,2% higher year ago

The FAO Food Price Index, the benchmark for world food commodity prices, declined in January, averaging 124.9 points during the month, down 1.6% from its December level. The drop was driven by significant decreases in the international quotations for vegetable oils and sugar, FAO reported.