Commonwealth of Nations

Commons Library analysis of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill [HL] 2019-21

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 27, 2020

This Library Paper has been prepared for Report Stage of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill [HL] 2019-21.

Key Points: 
  • This Library Paper has been prepared for Report Stage of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill [HL] 2019-21.
  • No date is yet available for second reading

    The 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham between 27 July and 7August 2022.

  • The Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill [HL] 2019-21would introduce temporary measures to support the delivery of the 2022 Games.
  • It was considered in Public Bill Committee on 17 March 2020 where one technical amendment was agreed without debate.

Amidst COVID-19 Concerns, Sri Lanka's Self-isolation on Human Rights Goes Unnoticed

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 23, 2020

Concerning the 43rd UN Human Rights Council which ended so precipitously on March 13 where Sri Lanka was on the agenda, the international community is experiencing what the Tamil community is far too familiar with - Sri Lanka's callous disregard for negotiated agreements.

Key Points: 
  • Concerning the 43rd UN Human Rights Council which ended so precipitously on March 13 where Sri Lanka was on the agenda, the international community is experiencing what the Tamil community is far too familiar with - Sri Lanka's callous disregard for negotiated agreements.
  • On February 26, Sri Lanka made the ignominious announcement that it does not feel bound by the commitments made in 2015's UN Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1 and its two successor resolutions, 34/1 and 40/1, intended to encourage reform and transitional justice.
  • The announcement did not, however, come as a surprise to the Tamil community which has attempted repeatedly to forewarn the world of Sri Lanka's deception and its delaying tactics.
  • Pointing out "the failure of past domestic reconciliation and accountability mechanisms," eight international human rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights watch issued a joint statement in the 43rd Council meeting (February 20.

OKCoin Launches Support for the Singapore Dollar; Opens Local Office

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 12, 2020

The Singapore dollar joins the US dollar and the euro in OKCoin's growing acceptance of fiat currencies.

Key Points: 
  • The Singapore dollar joins the US dollar and the euro in OKCoin's growing acceptance of fiat currencies.
  • The company will also open an office in Singapore.
  • As part of its ongoing commitment to working with governments and regulators around the world, OKCoin's support of the Singapore dollar aims to further its global reach.
  • With the opening of OKCoin's new office in Singapore, the company plans on hiring local professionals to keep pace with its bold plans for the new location.

Have your say on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Do you have relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games [Lords] Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament?

Key Points: 
  • Do you have relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games [Lords] Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament?
  • If so, you can submit your views in writing to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee which is going to consider this Bill.
  • The 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham between 27 July and 7August 2022.
  • TheBirmingham Commonwealth Games [Lords] Bill 201921was introduced to the House of Commons on 4 March 2020.

Statement by the Prime Minister on Commonwealth Day

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 9, 2020

OTTAWA, March 9, 2020 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Commonwealth Day:

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, March 9, 2020 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Commonwealth Day:
    "Today on Commonwealth Day , we join Commonwealth countries around the world to celebrate our shared values and the strong bonds of cooperation and friendship that unite us all.
  • "This year's theme, 'Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming' , highlights the long-standing bonds that exist between people and governments across the Commonwealth.
  • These connections help us work together to overcome our common challenges and build a better world for all our citizens.
  • "Canada will continue to work with other Commonwealth members to advance our shared priorities.

Message from Her Majesty The Queen on Commonwealth Day

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, March 7, 2020

OTTAWA, March 7, 2020 /CNW/ - The Governor General of Canada wishes to share a message addressed to all Canadians from Her Majesty The Queen on Commonwealth Day:

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, March 7, 2020 /CNW/ - The Governor General of Canada wishes to share a message addressed to all Canadians from Her Majesty The Queen on Commonwealth Day:
    "On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family.
  • We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future.
  • This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day.
  • Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.

Lords debates Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 31, 2020

Members of the Lords, including a former member of the 2012 Olympic Board and a former chair of the British Olympic Association, will discuss the key principles and purpose of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill during second reading, onMonday 3 February.

Key Points: 
  • Members of the Lords, including a former member of the 2012 Olympic Board and a former chair of the British Olympic Association, will discuss the key principles and purpose of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill during second reading, onMonday 3 February.
  • Baroness Barran (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, is expected to open the debate on the bill and respond on behalf of the government.
  • provide operational support for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, to be held in Birmingham and other venues across the West Midlands
    empower government ministers and the Organising Committee to ensure delivery of the Games in relation to funding, ticketing, advertising, trade and transport.

Ceylon Announces Closing Non-Brokered Private Placement

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 10, 2020

TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceylon Graphite Corp. (Ceylon or Company) (TSX-V: CYL) further to the press release filed on SEDAR on December 6, 2019, Ceylon announces that it closed the second tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units.

Key Points: 
  • TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceylon Graphite Corp. (Ceylon or Company) (TSX-V: CYL) further to the press release filed on SEDAR on December 6, 2019, Ceylon announces that it closed the second tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units.
  • Each Unit is comprised of one (1) Ceylon Common Share and one warrant ("Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one (1) Ceylon Common Share at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of two (2) years from the date of Closing, subject to acceleration.
  • All the securities issued will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing.
  • Ceylon Graphite Corpis a public company listed on the TSXVenture Exchange (CYL:TSX-V), that is in the business of exploring for and development of graphite mines in Sri Lanka.

Rand Capital Announces Two of its Portfolio Companies Undertaking Major Financing Rounds to Support Their Strategic Growth

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Rand Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: RAND) (Rand or Rand Capital or the Company), a business development company, announced that two of its Buffalo, NY-based portfolio companies, ACV Auctions, Inc. and PostProcess Technologies, Inc. , have both completed major financing rounds, raising $150 million and $20 million, respectively.

Key Points: 
  • Rand Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: RAND) (Rand or Rand Capital or the Company), a business development company, announced that two of its Buffalo, NY-based portfolio companies, ACV Auctions, Inc. and PostProcess Technologies, Inc. , have both completed major financing rounds, raising $150 million and $20 million, respectively.
  • The new capital will fuel ACV Auctions investment in technology and data-driven solutions that will help dealerships source and sell used vehicles.
  • Allen F. (Pete) Grum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rand Capital, commented, We are pleased to be associated with these dynamic companies and support their growth.
  • Except as required by applicable law, Rand Capital assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this release.

Rand Capital Announces Closing of Stock Purchase Transaction for $25 Million Strategic Investment by East Asset Management

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 11, 2019

Rand Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: RAND) (Rand or Rand Capital or the Company), a business development company, announced that it closed on the previously announced transaction with East Asset Management (EAM).

Key Points: 
  • Rand Capital Corporation (Nasdaq: RAND) (Rand or Rand Capital or the Company), a business development company, announced that it closed on the previously announced transaction with East Asset Management (EAM).
  • The transaction included a $25 million strategic investment in Rand by EAM, in exchange for approximately 8.3 million shares of Rand common stock.
  • Concurrent with the closing of the transaction, Rands management and staff became employees of Rand Capital Management, LLC (RCM), a registered investment adviser that has been retained by Rand as its external investment adviser.
  • Erland (Erkie) Kailbourne, Chairman of the Board of Rand Capital, commented, This is a very exciting day for Rand and all of its stakeholders.