Aid Those With AIDS

The Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson Michelle O'Neil has called on people to wear a red ribbon to mark World AIDS Day today, 1st December. The MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly Health Committee said: "This is a day in which the world comes out in solidarity and support for those who are living with HIV and AIDS. There are an estimated 40 million people living with HIV globally, up from an estimated 36.6 million in 2002," she said, noting that it "would be foolish to believe this epidemic does not touch the lives of people in Ireland." She continued: "The Red Ribbon is the international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness and is used to promote awareness and support of a worthy cause and to remind others of the need for their continued support and commitment." See: Upward Trend In AIDS Infections

Hoax Alert Suspect Held

A 20-year-old man is being questioned by police in connection with a hoax security alert in Belfast on Tuesday. A controlled explosion was carried out on a suspicious object left outside a house in Heath Drive Lodge, off the Ballygomartin Road.

Good Game!

The Irish Football Association (IFA) EU funded anti-sectarian Football For All Project has been selected as a model of good practice to be highlighted at a prestigious Total Cohesion conference at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club, on Thursday 9 December. The conference is being organised to help highlight good practice and share ideas between Dutch and British approaches to street sport and community development. IFA Head of Community Relations, Michael Boyd, has been asked to deliver a presentation and participate in a workshop on football and community development. "It is a real honour to be invited to participate in this conference. I am looking forward to sharing our story, making new contacts and learning from the other people there," he said.

Post Early For Xmas

Royal Mail is reminding customers to make a note of this year's latest recommended posting dates for Christmas mail. Tuesday, 21 December for 1st class mail, Saturday, 18 December for 2nd Class mail and Thursday, 23 December for Special Delivery items. For international mail the dates to watch are Monday, 6 December for mail to South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Far East (except Japan), Asia, New Zealand and Australia and Friday, 10 December for mail to Japan, USA, Canada and Eastern Europe with Monday, 13 December for mail to Western Europe.

Rent Awareness Mooted

Today sees the launch of a new Rent Collection Guidance initiative with the Housing Minister Alex Attwood targeting social housing tenants. The guidance will ensure that social landlords encourage better management of debt-related issues, which could lead to people losing their homes. It also encourages tenants to engage with their landlords at the earliest possible stage to ensure that they are aware of their responsibility to pay rent on time. It took place at the new Habintag Scheme, off North Queen Street, in Belfast. See: Attwood Launches Rental Guide

NI Water Cares

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has launched NI Water's new leaflet highlighting the services provided through its Customer Care Register. The Register is designed to meet the needs of those requiring extra help or support from the organisation. It will capture vital details of people with medical conditions, disabilities or older people. The services provided to customers on the Register are outlined in the leaflet and are free of charge; customers simply need to let NI Water know their particular needs. David McClean, NI Water Customer Service Manager, commented: "The Register will enable us to capture vital information which will assist us when communicating with certain customers. Customers who join the Register will also be able to nominate a carer or relative to act on their behalf, by receiving post or by becoming our point of contact if needed," he said.

Reduce Tax On Trade, Says SF

Sinn Fein's Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin, the South Antrim MLA, has offered support to the new Business Coalition's call for reduced Corporation Tax. He has also reiterated SF's demand for all fiscal powers to be transferred to the Assembly. "I would urge all parties to unite in demanding fiscal autonomy for the Assembly," he said.

(BMcC/KMcA)