News

First Minister on NATO summit: Costly but worth it

Published

10 years ago

January 13, 2015

WELSH First Minister, Carwyn Jones, this week extolled the benefits, despite the cost, of the recent NATO summit held in Newport. He explained that the majority of the costs had fallen to the UK Government as the host state but that the Welsh Government, who had worked in partnership with the UK Government, had spent around the £3m mark. The costs were broken down by the First Minister as two million spent on the security requirements, equipment and man power, and around one million spent on promoting Wales, marketing and advertising and events in London, Brussels and Washington.

He said of the event: “The NATO Wales Summit was the largest event of its kind ever held in the United Kingdom and an unprecedented opportunity to promote Wales globally. The Welsh Government, local authorities, the NHS and a range of other agencies worked with the UK Government and NATO to ensure a safe and memorable summit. “The procurement process for the Summit was led by the UK Government and it is understood that a number of Welsh suppliers secured contracts for the event. In addition, it is understood that 24,000 bedroom nights were reserved for the summit in the cities of Newport, Cardiff and Bristol alone, providing a major boost to the tourism sector in Wales.

“66 delegations attended the Summit, along with 1,500 media from around the world. All major TV news stations in the USA covered the two days in their evening news shows, including coverage of the opening banquet in Cardiff Castle. And, of course, President Obama said on camera, “you can see the extraordinary beauty, the wonderful people and great hospitality, so I’d encourage everybody in the USA to come and visit Wales”. The combined value of this publicity is literally incalculable. “The Welsh Government’s pre and post NATO media releases were picked up by a total of 550 news outlets with an Advertising Value Equivalent of some £900,000. In terms of social media, highlights included the development of a “Welcome to Wales” film, featuring Welsh talent, which has received some 13,000 views to date. The development of our ‘Wales Made’ stamp and hash tag provided Wales with an opportunity to promote Welsh businesses, tourism, food and culture under a common theme for the Summit. This was deployed on twitter both in Wales and through the network of British Embassies overseas.

“The NATO Wales Summit raised the profile of Wales and we capitalised on this through the UK Investment Summit Wales held at the Celtic Manor on 21 November. This brought together global investors, business leaders, the Prime Minister and Ministers from around the world. “At the Investment Summit I announced a package of investment projects receiving Welsh Government support. As I have said on many occasions, the best advertisement for Wales is our investors, who choose to come here because we have the people, the skills, the infrastructure and expertise to compete in the global marketplace. “The NATO Wales Conference presented Wales with a superb opportunity. The Welsh Government worked closely with the UK Government, local authorities, the NHS, police and other agencies to deliver an outstanding conference and other related events. Wales should be proud of its achievement and the reputational benefits to our country will be apparent for years to come”.

Also commenting on the event, was the Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb, who said: “Every step of the way we have shown Wales’s entrepreneurial ability and spirit. The NATO Summit could not have taken place without the strength and support of Welsh business. World leaders are returning home in no doubt as to the skills, talent and expertise on offer in Wales and the breadth and quality of products and services we provide. Thousands of the world’s media have seen what a beautiful place we live in and our breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage have been seen across the world. Our global profile has never been higher”. He went on to explain what the wider implications were, in terms of the Investment Summit that was brought to Wales in November, saying: “The NATO Summit has put us on the international map and brought a boost to our economy.

I am determined to build on this. The legacy of the NATO Summit must be to promote Wales’s potential as a great place for investment, business, tourism and education. That is why the UK Investment Summit (brought) to Wales in November was so important. Wales is home to some of the most successful international companies in the world. The Investment Summit showcased those businesses to potential new investors to encourage them to also invest in Wales. This conference highlighted why Wales is such a great place to invest. It focussed on the high-tech sector, where we have a growing reputation for excellence.” He added: “I have always been clear that the NATO Summit should bring a lasting economic legacy to Wales. By attracting new investment and growing exports from Wales the Investment Summit will help to secure a stronger economy for Wales”.

Community

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old takes his own life after night out

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

***The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)***

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Crime

Police investigate theft of 75 sheep from Newcastle Emlyn farm

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating the theft of approximately 75 sheep from a farm in the Newcastle Emlyn area.

The lamb yearling ewes were reported missing from farmland near Rhydlewis. Officers believe the theft occurred sometime between March 7 and March 17, 2025.

The stolen sheep are described as white-faced, with clean white wool and a faint yellow spot. They are believed to be continental cross ewes, similar in appearance to Texel crosses.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and remains in police custody.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the following:

🖥️ | Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
📧 | Email: [email protected]
📞 | Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 178 of March 23.

Crime

Unlicensed dog breeders prosecuted in Carmarthenshire

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Three found guilty of operating without a licence

THREE unlicensed dog breeders have been successfully prosecuted by Carmarthenshire County Council following an investigation into illegal breeding practices at a property in Cwmffrwd.

Donna Edwards, William Edwards and Elysia Jones, all of Gelligaeros Bungalow, Cwmffrwd, were found guilty at Swansea Crown Court on 10 February 2025 for operating a dog breeding business without the required licence.

Donna Edwards and her partner, Mark Thomas, had previously held a dog boarding licence for many years. However, in October 2020, they ceased boarding activities and began using the kennels for breeding instead. Despite informing the council that 19 dogs were being kept on the premises, and enquiring several times about obtaining a breeding licence, no formal application was ever submitted.

Carmarthenshire County Council had issued warnings about unlicensed activity, but the defendants continued to operate. In April 2021, the website Pets4Homes contacted the council to report that it had blocked three user accounts—registered under the names Donna Edwards, William Edwards, and Elysia Jones—all advertising puppies from the Gelligaeros address.

An investigation revealed that eight separate litters had been advertised from the property between June 2020 and March 2021.

As part of the prosecution, the council secured a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act, recovering a total of £81,509.93 from the defendants.

Sentencing was as follows:

Donna Edwards: 12-month Community Order with 70 hours of unpaid work, plus an £85 victim surcharge.
William Edwards: 12-month Community Order with 50 hours of unpaid work, plus an £85 victim surcharge.
Elysia Jones: 12-month Conditional Discharge and a £20 victim surcharge.

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, praised the council’s Animal Health team for their efforts.

He said: “I would like to thank the Council’s Animal Health team for pursuing this case and bringing these illegal dog breeders to justice. Let this be a warning to others who continue to disregard the law—we will take action.”

Further information on the council’s work to uphold animal welfare standards can be found at Animal welfare – Carmarthenshire County Council.