Russian alcohol consumption decreased by 43% from 2003 to 2016, a World Health Organization (WHO) report says. It attributed the decline to a series of alcohol-control measures implemented by the state, and a push towards healthy lifestyles.

The WHO said the drop in alcohol consumption was linked to a significant rise in life expectancy. It noted that Russia had previously been considered one of the heaviest-drinking countries in the world. “Alcohol consumption has long been recognised as one of the main driving factors of mortality in the Russian Federation, especially among men of working age,” the report said.

But from 2003 to 2018, alcohol consumption and mortality decreased, with the most significant changes occurring in causes of death linked to alcohol. In 2018, life expectancy in Russia reached a historic peak, at 68 years for men and 78 years for women.(BBC)…[+]

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, on Sunday night said that only three Guyanese families decided to return here from the hurricane-hit Bahamas.

According to a Ministry of the Presidency release yesterday, the Minister and a representative from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) travelled to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri to welcome home Cecil and  Olive Simon.

The Simons were the third group of persons to return home after the island was ravaged by the Category Five hurricane. This brings the total to 12 persons who opted to return home, the release added. Felix said initially, 28 persons had signalled an interest in returning; however, the majority have since decided to remain on the island chain.

“By the time we started to make arrangements, we were able to confirm that 12 really wanted to return…Others who are interested in coming may have to do so on their own steam because this marks the culminating point of Government’s intervention to return Guyanese home. It cannot be an open-ended arrangement,” he said.(Stabroek News)…[+]

Miss China, Alice Li, was crowned Miss Global International 2019 during a glitzy ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James on Saturday night. The 25-year-old accountant came out ahead of 19 rivals to walk away with a cash prize of US$3,000 and other awards.

“I am so overwhelmed… It really doesn’t feel real… It’s such an honour to have won the title of Miss Global International 2019,” she told the Jamaica Observer. First runner-up went to Miss San Andres, Yasleth Castillo Nelson, while Miss Jamaica Brithney Clarke finished third. Li also copped two sectional prizes, Best Talent and Most Aware. She said she will use her reign to further her work in volunteerism.

“I have a great passion for volunteerism… all my free time, that’s where it all goes. There are so many amazing community organisations that I work with. I also sit on three hospital boards in my city, so it’s something that has been a part of my lifestyle. Therefore, this is the perfect opportunity to expand on that and give myself a greater voice,” Li disclosed.(Jamaica Observer)…[+]