The sky is the colour of an unwashed flannel, Paddy Ashdown is yet to eat his hat and we are facing the electoral result many Labour, Lib Dem and Green party voters never expected, even less wanted. But while frustration, anger and despair are natural parts of the grieving process, there is good news all around, offering glimmers of hope. You just have to set your sights beyond these grey and gloom-heavy shores.
Liberia is set to be declared Ebola-free
According to the World Health Organisation, tomorrow will mark 42 days – or twice the incubation period of the virus – since the last reported case of Ebola in the country, making it possible to declare Liberia free of the disease. Of course, such success is delicate, with neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinea still reporting outbreaks of infection. But while residents are warned to stay in a state of high vigilance, schools are reopening, and the landscape has changed significantly since September when the illness was claiming 400 new cases per week.
Guantanamo Bay’s former-youngest resident has been released
Omar Khadr, who was captured by US forces at the age of 15 and taken to the infamous detention centre aged just 16, was in fact released from Guantanamo Bay to his native Canada in 2012. Yesterday, however, the man who accused guards of using him like a “human mop” was finally released from prison with the welcome words: “Mr Khadr, you are free to go.” Such freedom will, of course, be subject to extensive monitoring, including an electronic bracelet, not having a laptop or mobile phone and his internet use being observed. But he will, for the first time since 2002, be allowed home.
Greece may, finally, be ready to reach a bailout deal
While any predictions about the Greek economy are as likely to unravel as a poorly rolled borek, there are signs from across Europe that a deal may be reached. The Greek deputy prime minister, Yannis Dragasakis, has told this paper that “there is common ground in changes and political measures and, therefore, I believe a deal is possible and in the interests of everyone,” while ministers from France and Germany have made statements of – modest – support.
The Royal Navy saves 110 refugees in the Mediterranean
HMS Bulwark was despatched yesterday to help a group of refugees trapped on a large rubber boat in the Mediterranean. With the help of the Italian coastguard, 110 people were taken ashore before the dinghy sank, far out at sea. The operation came after an emergency EU summit on 23 April at which European countries worked out how best to come together to prevent the deaths of thousands this summer.
Ivory Coast bans skin-whitening creams
While the use of skin-whitening creams continues to cause all manner of damaging side-effects across Africa, Ivory Coast has finally imposed a ban on all creams and lotions containing mercury, excessive amounts of steroids, or any product containing more than 2% hydroquinine, which is a lightening agent otherwise used to develop photographs. The hope is that such a ban will challenge the unhealthy aesthetic that values paler skin.
Chinese workers are treated to a holiday. Well, some of them
Over 6,400 employees at the Chinese business conglomerate the Tiens Group have been treated to a rare, and unexpectedly generous four-day package holiday to France. The company, which straddles a hip-straining range of interests from biotechnology, finance and logistics to retail and tourism, has whisked over half of its workforce away to enjoy the delights of the Louvre and, we can only presume, stock up on pastries.
These are just a few things to feel optimistic about, but we want more. What are you feeling cheerful about today?
