June/July 2017
Issue 46
1
2
It has been a long time since London has had to endure a catalogue of catastrophic events resulting in multi loss of life and displacement of people and their families.
Production and concept: D.T. Kalloo
It all started with the terror attack at Westminster where the attacker was shot and killed and many innocent people lost their lives including a police officer. With the incident still vivid in people’s minds, police thwarted another attempt near Whitehall. Not long after the nation wept and grieved for the 22 people who were killed in the Manchester bombing. There was hardly enough time to grieve those at Manchester before another terror attack at London Bridge sent London into high alert and in grief. Not much could go wrong one might think but it did. A week later fire engulfed the Greenfell tower in West London leaving hundreds homeless and 80 people confirmed dead and many still missing or accounted for. Further north another attack directed at the Muslim community took place at Finsbury Park Mosque leaving one person dead.
Culturepulse is designed and produced by Cashewmedia ltd and published online through www.issuu.com Copyright 2017 Views and comments expressed by contributors are not necessary those of Culturepulse or Cashewmedia Ltd but of the author/s.
For all enquiries, please contact: 07738864335 cashewmedialtd@gmail.com Culturepulse list of contributors’ to making the magazine a success. Natalie Alicia Dookie Lyndon Brathwaite, Ansel Wong, David Wears, Chris Boothman, Nasser Khan, Malaika Crichlow, Amos Armstrong, Soshina Stephen, David Rudder, Jimmy Kainja, Paul Ade, Akilah Holder-Stewart, Michael La Rose, Dr Michelle Yaa, Dr Juanita Cox-Westmaas, Dianne A Kalloo, Shabaka Thompson, Ron Ramdin, Rhianna Kalloo, Angelique, Dorothy Scott, Memory Pincheck, Erica Williams-Connell, Darren Lewis, Tessa Robinson, Cindy Mollineau, Omardath Maharaj, Selena Carty, Alison Bajaican, Mahalia Mayne, Afridiziak, Ron Ramdin, Caroline Muraldo and Nestor Sullivan
These horrific scenes did not make London buckle to its knees. Instead it made a city stronger and united communities in time of need. London’s cosmopolitan community rallied and opened its arms showing that, unified it’s a city that can meld together to be each other’s keeper. The out-pouring of humanitarian efforts seen shows that love and kindness can overcome hate and prejudice any day, all we have to do is apply it to our daily lives in all that we do. Show a smile at your fellow man rather than a scowl. Help those that are unable to help themselves and give direction to those that are lost. Let us harness this abundance of human kindness and start distributing it among those that we share our daily lives with and let’s remember to sing that refrain by the late Aldwyn Roberts, aka Lord Kitchener; ‘London is the place for Me.’ David Kalloo 3
Contents GraceKennedy Partners with Caribbean Airlines - page 5 New research suggests Homo sapiens are much older that first believed – page 7 Technology firms urged to tighten up security or face fines – page 10 Rum continues to make an impact on the world market – page 12 Energy Drinks Sheds Its Old Image – page 14 Emotions in Colour – page 15 Portia Simpson Miller hangs up her political gloves – page 20 Antigua and Barbuda citizens now require visa to enter Canada – page 21 The Ocean in Danger – page 24 Women and Prison – page 25 Africa Trade Deal – page 26 Breathalyser that’s programmed for 55 countries – page 27 Passport Shortages in Africa – page 29 Tribute to African and Caribbean Soldiers unveiled on Windrush Day – page 31 Success Redefined – page 34 Data the New Fuel of the Future – page 35
Cover portrait by Ainsley Yearwood Photo courtesy David Kalloo
4
GRACEKENNEDY TO PARTNER WITH CARIBBEAN AIRLINES TO HOST 2ND & 3RD GENERATION JAMAICANS THIS SUMMER GraceKennedy Limited will host four university students from the Diaspora for a month-long professional and cultural internship that is designed to immerse them in the Jamaican culture.
professional internship designed to reconnect 2nd and 3rd generation Jamaican university students living in the USA, Canada and the UK with their proud Jamaican heritage. The programme started in 2004 and after a break in 2008, it was reinstated in 2014 with four interns arriving in Jamaica in July 2015. There were more than 48 applicants this year and the panel was impressed with the high quality of the submissions.
Cleveland Douglas (below) of the UK-based Imperial College, Tianna Thomas of Brock University in Canada, Menelik Graham from Princeton University in the USA and Matthew Robinson of Georgetown University, USA will be hosted by GraceKennedy in Jamaica from July 5 to August 7, 2017.
“GraceKennedy is committed to anchoring the roots of these students, many of whom have never been to Jamaica before. Coming into contact with the dynamics of their parents or grandparents’ culture first hand helps to foster strong connection between Jamaica and the Diaspora, and empowers these young people to think differently about themselves, their heritage and their contribution to the world,” said Mrs Mahfood.
GraceKennedy partners with public and private sector entities to give the interns a taste of Jamaica and for the first time Caribbean Airlines will be on board as a sponsor this year. “A big part of the success is the support we receive from our partners. We are excited to announce that Caribbean Airlines has agreed to come on board this year as the official airline partner. This will ensure that our Birthright Interns start their cultural immersion from the minute they board the flight,” said Caroline Mahfood, Executive Director of the GraceKennedy Foundation. “Caribbean Airlines is in the business of connecting people, and we are pleased to partner with GraceKennedy on this internship programme, which will promote positive business acumen, as well as foster a sense of homecoming for the University students.” Stated
Find out more about this exciting internship at www.gracekennedy.com/birthright
Dionne Ligoure, Caribbean Airlines Head of Corporate Communications. The GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme is a cultural and
5
6
New research suggests Homo sapiens are much older that first believed. D.Kalloo New research published in Nature have discovered that the origins of Homo sapiens lie at least 100,000 years earlier than previously believed. The discovery of 300,000-year-old Homo sapiens fossils in Morocco pushes the evolution of modern human further back and research will now focus into the human origins on a new part of Africa.
excavated suggested that it was possibly what palaeontologists call the Middle Stone Age. Previously, the oldest reliable source for dated for Homo sapiens were fossils 195,000-year-old bones found in Omo Kibish, Ethiopia. One human origins expert at the Natural History Museum in London stated that the new find “shifts Morocco from a supposed backwater in the evolution of our species to a prominent position.” There is evidence through research, that shows the world 300,000 years ago would have been’ populated with several human species, including a diversity of early Homo sapiens across Africa.
Jean-Jacques Hublin from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology said: “We used to think there was a cradle of mankind 200,000 years ago in East Africa but our new data reveal that Homo sapiens spread across the entire African continent about 300, 000 years ago.” Research from the Institute published claim that the fossils come from Jebel Irhoud, west of Marrakesh. An area that was originally investigated in the 1960s. According to archaeologists using new dating technology shows that the site is older than originally thought. The human bones excavated at the site are believed to be that of three young adults, an adolescent and a young child. The bones represent a partial skull, pelvic and jaw bones and limbs.
Source: www.ft.com www.nature.com
Working with computer technology, the reconstruction of the bones found that the inhabitants of Jebel Irhoud were remarkably similar to humans today. One noticeable feature with the findings was that the skull had an elongated brain case which suggest that modern humans went through some degree of morphology. There was evidence too, that these inhabitants hunted and built fires for cooking and keeping warm. Stone tools 7
Celebrate Caribbean Food Week - 21st – 28th August 8
CARIBBEAN FOOD WEEK FESTIVAL BRINGS FUN, FOOD & MUSIC TO BRIXTON Celebrate Caribbean Food Week (21st – 28th August) in style with the Caribbean Food Week Festival; the second annual celebration of Caribbean food, fashion and music, coming to Windrush Square in Brixton. Taking place on 25th and 26th August (11am – 7pm), this two-day event will bring Caribbean culture to Brixton, with live cookery demonstrations, authentic street food, a Caribbean market, and live music to complete the Caribbean vibe. Caribbean chefs will be on stage with live cookery demos, and will be on hand to share top tips with visitors looking to cook Caribbean at home. For the first time, visitors will also be able to make use of a bespoke Snapchat filter, custom made for Caribbean Food Week 2017; giving visitors the chance to share their experience with friends in a fun and unique way. The event will also be supported on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with followers being encouraged to share their experiences and photos via the official Caribbean Food Week channels, and the chance to win prizes via exclusive giveaways. “Following the success of last year’s first annual Caribbean Food Week Festival, we can’t wait to return to Brixton with a taste of all that the Caribbean has to offer,” says Nyree Chambers, Head of Marketing at Grace Foods UK. “Caribbean Food Week is all about experimenting with new flavours, and enjoying the authentic taste of Caribbean cooking from your very own kitchen. We’re hopeful that this event will give confidence to home cooks looking to try out Caribbean cuisine for the first time, or even looking to pick up new skills from our live demonstrations. “We’ll also be offering money-off coupons for Grace and Dunn’s River products, so visitors can stock up in store on all they need to cook up a storm. “There’s something for everyone, and admission is free, so why not head down and celebrate Caribbean Food Week with us this August?”
Facebook: CaribbeanFoodWeek Instagram: @CaribbeanFoodWeek Twitter: @CaribbeanFoodWk D.Kalloo www.gracefoods.co.uk For further information please contact Claire Murgatroyd, Alyssa James or Charlotte Alty on 01772 422 442 or 9 email claire@mtjpr.co.uk
Technology firms urged to tighten up security or face fines The second half of last year alone the UK made 199 requests from Apple while 3, 846 requests were made to Microsoft and Facebook handed over more 83 per cent of data from its UK account totalling 6,366 requests and 3, 177 from Google. These figures may appear small given the millions of users on various providers databases however, when taken into consideration that this is over a sixmonth period and, governments are always pressing for access to personal emails it could only be a matter of time before these numbers rise significantly, or worst still, it becomes legally binding for law agencies to have legal access into your secure personal details in the name of national security.
D. Kalloo Prior to the June 8th election, Theresa May had accused internet companies of providing terrorist ideology in what she regarded as the ‘safe place it needs to breed.’ However, many of the internet companies in Silicon Valley has hit back saying that they already share information about thousands of its users with UK authorities every year according to transparency reports that issued by some of the biggest technology companies. Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, speaking with Bloomberg Television said, “We have been cooperating with the UK government, not only in law enforcement kind of matters but on some of the attacks.” Apple however, has refused to weaken the encryption that it puts the data stored on every iPhone. To do this would jeopardise customers security making them vulnerable to cyberattacks, according to Apple.
In instances where requests for information are requested Apple said only ‘non-content’ data are provided such as; names and addresses relating to its iTunes and iCloud accounts. However, no content data, including photos, emails, contacts calendars or back up devices such as iCloud. As part of the initiative to crackdown on extremism content on social media, Theresa May is meeting with the French President Emmanuel Macron t discus fining technology firms for hosting extremist content. Firms such as Google, Twitter and Facebook could face heavy fines for failing to act under new counter terrorism plans. Both France and Britain will seek to ensure that, technology firms build tools to remove content automatically.
There have been arguments that it is impossible to vet the vast volumes of data on devices and services and by opening a ‘back door’ to allow for law enforcements to monitor communications could prove detrimental by creating further security problems than what it hopes to prevent.
10
11
Rum continues to make an impact on the world market Rum isn’t just making an appearance on to the world stage, its making a bold statement with a variety of rums from places not known for rum production. Forget Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Wray and Nephew and (I cringe as I say this) Lamb’s Navy rum and take a dive into the new world of rums that are pouring into your local supermarket and liquor stores.
For the cocktail connoisseur why not try Mahiki Coconut Rum? This blend of Jamaican rum and Samoan coconuts has a quite cooling and refreshing tones to it and at 21% proof and £14 a bottle you could easily breeze through the summer with some exotic cocktail experiments of your own. The other new rum on the market is Liverpool Rum (£48), oddly enough, it comes from Trinidad. Liverpool Rum is a single cask, aged for 16 years in ex-bourbon barrels which lends to its leathery aromas and sweet fruity notes.
Joining the ranks of new rums on the market is the ship-wrecked inspired St Abbs Captain’s Table XO (£49), a blend of ten Caribbean rums. Also in the range are Six Spice (£29) which combines six trade route spices and Cask Silver (£29) which boasts Trinidadian cask rum all with a 40% abv. It doesn’t stop there; the French are also getting their piece of the rum action too. Their latest offering from the Cognac region is the Spytail Black Ginger Rum (£26) in tribute to the French history of deep-sea explorers. This savoury number with fiery ginger is surely not one to miss out on.
Rum enthusiasts can sample various rums from the rum trolley down at the Lobby Bar at One Aldwych Hotel. Here you can rediscover Bacardi Ocho, Patron Silver and Woodford Reserve as well as bourbon and tequila with a selection of syrups and fruit bitters to transform your spirit.
Mahiki Coconut Rum – Cellar Trends 01283 217703 Liverpool Rum – Halewood International 0151 480 8800 St Abbs Captain’s Table XO – Hammonds of Knutsford, 01565 872872 Spytail Black Ginger Rum – www.biggarandleith.com
12
13
Energy Drinks Sheds Its Old Image The energy drinks market in the UK is worth £1.5bn and according to a report by analysts at Mintel in 2014, it is set to have a global turnover of £46bn by 2020. However, over the years, energy drinks have been tarnished by its contents of numerous cups of coffee worth of caffeine and several days of vitamin D and tons of sugar in each individual bottle.
image and ditching the ‘lad-focussed’ culture of energy drink consumers. They are constantly reinventing categories to make energy drinks more appealing and sellable to consumers and trade establishments alike. Bars are already warming to the idea of using energy drinks in their cocktails, offering more than just the run-of-themill cranberry juice and redbull. New flavours include mint and ginger, ginseng, guarana, stevia, tea, pomegranate and B vitamins.
Energy drinks manufacturers are now looking to the future market and turning this controversial, yet successful product into what is described as a ‘renewable energy’ that is a family of the soft drinks industry.
Why then, is there a boom in energy drinks market? It seems the answer is quite simple. Consumers are living increasingly fast-paced lifestyles which has attributed to the growth of the energy drinks sector. This trend according to Kristof Partyka from the German brand Club-Mate, ‘will continue to grow as consumers seek out new interest that brands have to offer. Club-Mate for instance have decided to remove taurine from its brand and replace it with yerba, a South American plant with known properties for eliminating fatigue and hunger.
Let’s face it, a drink loaded with up to 14 teaspoons of sugar, three cups of coffee worth of caffeine and up to seven days’ worth of vitamin D can never really be good for you now, can it? Leading brand energy drink manufacturer, Scheckter’s have taken the initiative to branch out on a ‘healthier and more marketable energy drinks’ and, aimed at the more ‘affluent and mature’ audience, moving away from the stereotypical ‘young make drinker’. According to a spokesperson for Scheckter’s, the company are currently focussed on using all natural and organic products including fruit juices. They have already seen success in trade in South Africa and the Netherlands.
There is an untapped potential with the sudden appearance of so many variants energy drinks on the UK market that provides an alternative to a cup of coffee and for those who want to stay away from alcohol can still feel a buzz all night without a hangover next morning. Healthier energy drinks have opened new possibilities for mixing, from the DIY cocktails to the more serious bartenders, the possibilities are endless.
The energy drinks sector is one of the fastest growing across the UK and companies such as POW, Carabao, Wake Energy, Club Mate and, Scheckter’s are all diversifying their
Source: www.imbibe.com
14
Emotions in Colour Campbell’s of London began crafting handmade quality frames back in 1966 when it was founded by Sir John Campbell and became known as the ‘Saville Row Tailors’ of picture framing. Campbell’s are situated in the heart of the museum district of South Kensington and have been serving clients from around the globe for over fifty years. exhibition they worked on a piece together to create ‘Aura Connection’. Karla’s work makes use of cotton wool and thread and her use of colour displays her bold attitude by taking a leap from fashion design into art. Her mannequin wrapped in cotton wool is as intricate as it is psychedelic that allows your eyes to trace every contour. This blend of
Over the years, Campbell’s have not just produced the highest quality framing service to satisfied clients, they have showcased some of the most talented artists including Charles Neal, Christian Furr, Christian Ghammachi and, especially Caribbean artists in the Diaspora such as; Boscoe Holder, Christopher Cozier, Leroy Clarke, Shalini Seereeram and most recent Karla Cornwall and Ainsley Yearwood collaboration exhibition titled, Emotions in Colour. Karla Cornwall and Ainsley Yearwood are two artists who share the same birth date and their work compliments each other so much that, as part of the 15
an interconnecting alliance in colour with both artist communicating with each other through art.
flirting with fashion, interior design and art has certainly pushed the boundaries of art to a new limit.
Campbell’s of London 35 Thurloe Street London SW7 2LQ
Ainsley Yearwood is an artist extraordinaire who captures colour with extreme depth and flair with a flourish of tropical hues that takes you home to the Caribbean and beyond. His work is greatly inspired by life experiences and this is visible through his vivid expressions through colour, weaving emotions into every stroke of the brush. His piece titled Alone with the Blues, conjures that emotion of solitary sombre where you can hear the beat of your heart. Each piece in the Emotions in Colour collaboration by Cornwall and Yearwood seems to have
info@campbellsoflondon.co.uk http://www.campbellsoflondon.co.uk Photos courtesy Campbell’s of London and David Kalloo
16
Natalie Campbell are among the 30 ‘Ones to Watch’ list by Brummell magazine in 2017. The 30 individuals are chosen for their performance and achievements and talent in London’s financial services sector and associated fields.
Good Company and launched London’s newest wellbeing craze, ‘The Badass Principle – A Workout of the Mind and Soul’. Natalie is also a non-executive director, she chairs the Nominet Trust and has governance oversight of over £1 billion in public funding through her roles on the board of the Big Lottery Fund, UnLtd and the Mayor’s London economic strategy board.
Miss Campbell is the co-founder of A Very Good Company and an award-winning business=woman and HarperCollins author. She has many accolades including, the Community Spirit award at the Women of the Future Awards 2016. Co-founded the global social innovation agency, A Very
17
18
Patti Boulaye OBE
".........This is the most amazing story of the life of an incredible woman. She takes us through her childhood, to near death experiences during the Biafra war, to her hugely successful singing career, her involvement in many charities including her own, and to building hospitals for sick babies in Africa. She has fearlessly broken through many tough barriers along her way, that others would find impossible. This book, you cannot put down, as she weaves her life’s lessons with the reader on the edge, clutching on to each page as she relates her intriguing journey, with her natural humour splashed along the way. With her high integrity, bravery and making things happen, her achievements are astounding. Her profound faith in God and the angels, along with her over flowing unconditional love for her family and friends, shows all the way through the read. She is a truly beautiful soul. Patti has the gift of inspiring us all, as she humbly tells her life story. Reach for the Stars, and be one! Hand in hand with God, she has realised her dreams. With his light shining through her, she has opened our eyes to see how this has happened, ingrained with the power of faith. Brilliant." Zoë Henderson (Author of ‘Hands On Forever)
The Faith of a Child was officially launched on 10th March 2017 at The Athenaeum Hotel, Piccadilly. Guests included HRH Princess Katarina of Serbia, the world's No 1 Best Selling Author Lord Jeffrey Archer, Lord Julian Fellowes (Creator of Downton Abbey, Gosford Park), Lady Emma Fellowes, Lorna Byrne (Angels in my Hair), TV Presenter Tim Vincent, songwriter and author Mitch Murray, actresses Vicki Michelle (Allo Allo), Ann Mitchell (Eastenders), Joan Hooley (Eastenders), Radio Presenter Lizzie Cundy, singer Lee John (Imagination) and famous photographer Richard Young.
Reviews “Patti, I am so enjoying your fascinating book. I am about a quarter of the way through and cannot put it down. All those lovely photos of your family and different events in your life.” Izzy N. “Re: Your book - bravo! I finished your wonderful book while we were in Carmona. I have to say I found your book absorbing from start to finish. Your childhood memories brought Africa to life, and your experiences in the Biafra war reminded me why I was not allowed over the border from Niger as an American Peace Corps volunteer (1967-1969 )…………... You write with great freshness and spontaneity, which makes all your memories easy and interesting to read. You are indeed a multi-talented individual, and Deirdre and I are privileged to know.” M. S.
"Dear Patti,.........I finished your wonderful book while we were in Carmona. I have to say I found your book absorbing from start to finish. Your childhood memories brought Africa to life, and your experiences in the Biafra war reminded me why I was not allowed over the border from Niger as an American Peace Corps volunteer ( 1967-1969 ). My last posting was in Maradi, over the border from Kano. You write with great freshness and spontaneity, which makes all your memories easy and interesting to read. You are indeed a multi-talented individual, and Deirdre and I are privileged to know you." Mark E. S.
"Very good and easy read. Will be good for anyone who wants to understand why Africans are so resilient and achieve much with little especially when outside the African continent." Kindle Reader "I am really enjoying your book it is so interesting and so well written." Greta K. "This is one of the best, if not the best celebrity book I have read. Very honest and unexpected." R. Lewis 19
Portia Simpson Miller hangs up her political gloves Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hailed former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, for her stellar contribution to politics and to the people of Jamaica. At a joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday to pay tribute to Simpson Miller, who is resigning as Member of Parliament for South West St. Andrew, the Prime Minister noted that she has had a phenomenal career and done well in her over 40 years of service in politics.
Simpson Miller said she was heartened by the kind words and she offered special thanks to members of her South-Western St Andrew constituency, whom she described as her “armour of steel”.
He described her as “a metaphor of hope in the face of adversity” and as being “no ordinary woman.”
“They know I will never ever leave them….They have made me who I am today. They provided me with the platform that launched my career into the highest form of Government,” she said.
Simpson Miller was also lauded by Holness for being compassionate, especially to the poor and marginalized in the society. “The defence of the poor in society must never be left unattended. You have been the voice on policies that govern the poor,” he said.
Simpson Miller has served as Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Andrew South Western since 1976, and as the country’s first and so far only female Prime Minister.
In his tribute, Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, Everald Warmington, said Simpson Miller’s commitment to the people of Jamaica is without question.
Article courtesy: www.caribbean360.com Photo courtesy: www.carolynjoycooper.wordpress.com
He described her as a “champion of the poor and oppressed.” Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips, said Simpson Miller had made a tremendous contribution to the development of Jamaica. “Portia Simpson Miller has become for thousands of Jamaicans a symbol of our capacity to achieve greatness,” he said.
20
Antigua and Barbuda citizens now require visa to enter Canada
A statement from the Government of Canada’s Communication Branch for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; ‘after carefully monitoring the integrity of Antigua and Barbuda’s travel documents, the government of Canada has determined that Antigua and Barbuda no longer meet Canada’s criteria for visa exemption.’
Prime Minister Gaston Browne defended the CIP programme and insisted that it had ‘intense vetting’. However, other concerns by the Canadians such as a security and terrorism and refugees from North America and Europe, and evidence of ISIS recruits from the Caribbean are some of the factors behind the implementation of visa restrictions.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda based in Trinidad, informed Prime Minister Gaston Brown of the development on Friday before the announcement was officially made. A statement from the Prime Minister’s office explained that the decision taken by the Canadian government was ‘in light of Canada’s prevailing concerns about the Citizens by Investment Program(CIP). An official for the Canadian government revealed that ‘the Citizens by Investment Program is not a residency programme.’
The government of Antigua and Barbuda and Canada have already put into motion a system of visa application and approvals for citizens that are efficient and affordable. Currently, on two Caribbean countries that enjoy visa-free travel to Canada, they are; the Bahamas and Barbados.
21
22
23
The Ocean in Danger laws and agreements’ enforcing these misaligned laws are difficult, since many of the breaches and exploitation occur outside of national marine borders. There has been greater call for marine protection and collating data to make it easier to enforce codes such as the Port State Measurement Agreement, requiring foreign vessels to ‘submit to inspections at any port of call.’ This information can then be shared with other ports should any vessel found or suspected of wrongdoing. There has been demands to clamp down on fishing vessels that switch off their ships tracking systems which prevents them being monitored but also poses collision risk.
The ocean covers almost three quarters of our planet and divided into five basins; the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian, the Arctic and the Southern oceans. It is from these oceans that we source almost a fifth of our proteinfrom fish. One in ten people of the world depend on aquaculture for their livelihoods, yet we continue to neglect the destruction to our oceans.
It is not altogether doom and gloom as technology has made it possible to map some of the most remote expanse of the ocean so scientists can improve on data and make policing existing agreements much easier. The mapping of the sea floor along with satellite imaging and the use of drones are all contributing to ‘bringing the ocean in better view’ than ever before. This new data can facilitate the supervision of deep-sea-mining which is overseen by the International Seabed Authority which extends beyond national jurisdiction and
Scientists predict that by 2050, all coral reefs will disappear from our oceans due to bleaching. They also noted that by the middle of the century, the oceans could contain more plastic than it does fish. The ocean, since the 19th century has warmed by 0.7% causing considerable damage to corals and causing organisms to migrate towards the poles in search of cooler waters. Such migration tends to harm other marine life such as crabs and oysters because of the concentration of carbon dioxide in the water, making it more acidic. This altering of marine chemistry means that ocean life suffers as a result. One of the problems with policing the ocean is governance. In what is described as a ‘patchwork of 24
Women and Prison contribute to improving nascent industries and monitoring illegal fishing activity.
A women’s prison in Mexico has set aside conjugal rooms for married inmates or same-sex couples can use them. Sadly, the conjugal rooms are barely used. However, the rooms are not widely used is because the prison in Coatlan del Rio is a women’s prison.
The upcoming UN meeting on the ocean in New York will focus on ‘paying more attention to the state of the marine realm’ where policymakers will look at the effectiveness, responsibilities and incentives to take care of the ocean. Emphasis is expected to concentrate on giving fish stock time to recover and the removal of plastic from the high seas. However, the rewards for these fundamental endeavours are somewhat unclear.
One prison official explained that more often, women are abandoned in prison by their menfolk. There are 14, 000 inmates at Coatlan del Rio and so far, only one has made use of the conjugal rooms. Women make up less than 10% of the worlds prisoners, however, the number of women prisoners have risen by almost 50% since 2000. Women are far less likely than men to commit violent crimes. Women are more likely to go to prison for having broken a law to support their families. In Indonesia and the Philippines, at least 90% of female prisoners have been charged with drug offences. In Ireland 80% of women are jailed for non-payment of fines while in Kenyan most women prosecuted are for illicit brewing of alcohol. In Afghanistan, almost half the women in prison there are for ‘moral’ crimes, one of them being eloping. Costa Rica have recently amended their laws to make it harder to jail women who smuggle drugs to their imprisoned lovers or who steal to support their children.
Protecting the ocean and its resources have fallen on deaf ears as far as the US is concern. Earlier this year the US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris agreement, which was the single best hope for protecting the ocean. While the Paris agreement alone will not stop the problem of coral bleaching or the rising sea levels, by mankind increasing its efforts to do something positive about minimising the risk is far greater than sitting back futilely and watch our ocean resources diminish before our eyes.
D.Kalloo Source: Economist 2017
Mexican authorities in Coatlan del Rio says; ‘locking up parents’ harms children’ so female prisoners with children are more likely to be custodial parents. Coatlan del Rio would often try to keep mothers and children together by having a playground and children’s library to facilitate time with their children and to engage with learning and paly activities. 25
Africa Trade Deal D. Kalloo
Tanzania who already enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to the EU under an initiative called ‘Everything But Arms’ could have the system withdrawn and end up having little to gain by opening their markets. It would thereby mean that EU exporters have far more to gain rather than having a balanced trade. There are other grey areas that has cause for concern too. One of them being some countries in the EPA are not eligible for ‘Everything But Arms’ such as Kenya. Kenya knows all too well the backlash of such deals when in 2014 when it was slapped with tariffs from the EU on its exports, such as cut flowers.
A proposed trade deal between five African countries of the Eastern African Community(EAC) and the EU that was conceived last July appears to be in disarray at present. Tanzania has backed out of the deal at the last minute at a meeting last May in Dar es Salaam after many postponements and with only two presidents showing up. The EU wants to sign regional groups in the Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific as part of a seven ‘Economic Partnership Agreements.’ The first agreement was confirmed with the Caribbean in 2008 and southern Africa signed up to the agreement last year. However, there has been slow progress in west Africa too with Nigeria having concerns and objections.
Tanzania’s foot-dragging has frustrated some of the other countries as well but more importantly, African manufacturers are worried about European competition and nascent industries that are “prone to being overrun by imports” according to Segun Ajay-Kadir of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. EU officials argue that slashing tariffs will help manufacturing by making imported machinery cheaper African markets would open gradually. There has been reluctance to the idea as it is claimed that many of the goods imported over the last 20 years are already duty free. Tanzania’s interventionist president,
The Economic Partnership Agreements is being promoted as part of a trade deal to bring development and regional cooperation, to date it has brought neither. Negotiations on EPA began back in 2002 where the EU gave favourable market access to Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries, most of them being former colonies, most of whom fell foul to World Trade Organisation rules. Trade agreements meant that both parties were required to open their markets. In cases such as 26
Breathalyser that’s programmed for 55 countries
John Magufuli sees the trade deal as adding up to nothing more than “a form of colonialism.”
The world of technology is growing much faster than we have time to digest the latest offerings from Hi-Tec companies and, with the ever-growing need to combat drink driving, several companies have come up with portable breathalysers for self-diagnosing your alcohol levels.
There is mixed reaction to the economic evidence provided and models to typically favour European exporters who will be the biggest winners. African countries would stand to accrue are those with sectors such as sugar, meat and dairy rather than those in the manufacturing industry. San Bilal of the European Centre for Development Policy Management coins the it perfectly, saying ultimately; “it’s all about politics” as the entire EPA is mired within regional rivalries.
In France, it is now illegal not to have one in your car and in many other countries were the authorities are clamping down on drink driving, it just might be worthwhile investing in an Alcosense Pro. This little device can calculate the maximum level of alcohol you’re permitted when driving in up to 55 countries. In China for instance, the legal limit is 0.02 per cent, anything over that could land you a fine or anything over 0.08 per cent would see you sent to prison.
The current trend of global trade uncertainty and Brexit also plays its part in the future of the EPA. The Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni is expected to visit Brussels for further talks, until then only time will tell whether there are sustainable prospects for this EU initiative.
The AlcoSense breath meters have so far proven to be very reliable and it is the first design to be pre-programmed with local limits for 55 countries. One thing to bear in mind, the device doesn’t geolocate, so you will have to select the country you’re in.
Source: Economist 2017
For more information visit www.alcosense.co.uk AlcoSense Pro from £149.00
27
28
Passport Shortages in Africa been inundated with applications which takes several months to process. One Nigerian living in London said he waited three months for his children’s passports only for they to arrive with the wrong names. It is not surprising that the culture of fake passports thrives on the continent where the cost of obtained legitimate documents can be astronomical. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the
By D. Kalloo
cost of obtaining a passport is $185. The average salary of most Congolese is around $680. Most recently, Britain and New Zealand ended visa free travel for South Africans because of the number of counterfeit documents emerging from the country. The situation was such that a fake American embassy had been operating for nearly ten years in Ghana and selling fake American visas for up to $6.000 each.
If anyone believes that Antigua and Barbuda are hard done by the Canadians for removing the visa-free travel to Canada, spare a thought for some African countries that are experiencing a passport drought. Uganda is one of many countries that face stringent hurdles in obtaining visas, not just to western countries but to other African ones too. Ugandans are now told that because of a shortage of passports, the travel document will only be issued to those suffering medical emergencies or those who need to travel on government business or study. The shortage of passports in Uganda has been because of a surge in demand. Other African countries are suffering similar fate in applying for passports. Zimbabwean spend nights sleeping outside the passport office so they do not lose their place in the queue. At one point, no passports were being issued as it was reported that the ink had ran out. In Nigeria, a printing problem involving cost slowed the issuing of passports to Nigerians as the government haggled over the cost of printing passports. The problem did not only affect Nigerians at home but those that live abroad too. In London, the Nigerian High Commission has 29
30
Tribute to African and Caribbean Soldiers unveiled on Windrush Day Muslim faiths; reflecting the diverse and dimensional backgrounds that those who served came from. Following the commencing prayers, speeches were given by numerous speakers, including Baroness Howells, the African and Caribbean Commonwealth War Memorial patron; Brigadier David Williams; and Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. The Mayor’s speech was, especially moving and pertinent, speaking of London’s reputation and history as a cultural melting pot and as a place of freedom and of tolerance, noting that considering recent events – the Grenfell Fire, the London Bridge and Borough Market attack, and the attack on a mosque in Finsbury Park - the memorial should serve as a reminder that there is more than unites us than there is to divide us. Although Her Majesty could not be present at the unveiling ceremony herself, Baroness Howells delivered a message from the Queen, who expressed that ‘it is just as important to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by those men and women who were prepared to lay down their lives for our freedoms’. The resounding messages of the day were made clear – that although we may come from differing nationalities and faiths, the combined effort and sacrifices made is the same, and that it is time that every sacrifice is awarded equal recognition.
By Rhianna Kalloo Even as a young historian, it was never common to hear about Windrush Day or the efforts of African and Caribbean people in the rebuilding of British society following the Second World War. It has been even less common to hear of the contributions made by 30 African and Caribbean countries in the war effort itself, and the stories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. To rectify this, in an event that was hailed as being long overdue by some spectators, the war memorial to commemorate the African and Caribbean soldiers who contributed to both World Wars, and persons from these countries who are indeed still serving, was unveiled in Windrush Square, Brixton, on Thursday 22 June 2017: Windrush Day itself. The unveiling was widely attended, with representatives from the 30 High Commissions from the contributing countries, the Armed Forces, the Mayor of London, Lord Herman Ousley and Baroness Howells. The ceremony itself was recorded for both news channels and to be distributed later. Barring intermittent technical difficulties with microphones throughout the service; the proceedings ran smoothly, with beautiful opening prayers being given by representatives from the West Indies and African nations, and from Christian and 31
It is often remarked that things are “better late than never”, and in retrospect the African and Caribbean war memorial is something that follows in that pattern. While it is, as many speakers on the day remarked, long overdue for the contributions of Commonwealth countries to be recognised; the time that is has taken has perhaps ensured that the memorial that was finally unveiled was as fitting and beautiful as possible when it was eventually placed in the public eye. While it may be tempting to view this installation, and unveiling of the monument as a reason to garner support for social justice causes, let us remember, as we think of or visit the memorial that just as those that came before us banded together in times of crisis, in spite of racial, financial, and social differences; that they gave the ultimate sacrifice to show us how to stand as one in our times of turbulence too, and that while efforts by others may seek to divide us, let this memorial remind us that we serve a wider common cause and we can no longer be ‘airbrushed from history.’
Following the unveiling of the monument itself – two obelisks of Scottish Whinstone of six feet in length, and weighing two and three tons, engraved with the details of the troops and contingents that served and still serve – the High Commissioners from the 30 countries involved each placed a poppy wreath at the foot of the monument in respect of all the fallen. Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the ceremony was the presentation of medals to twelve distinguished individuals who never originally got the recognition that they deserved for their service. Although the majority of these awards – designed in the likeness of the memorial itself – were awarded posthumously and received by descendants of those awarded – the sentiment and action in itself carried a weighting across the attendees that was palpable. Some of those awarded medals included Ulric Cross, Walter Tull, and Sam King. Jak Beula, who spearheaded the push to have this permanent memorial also had his efforts recognised in the medal presentation ceremony. Representatives from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) military band, the Armed Forces, the MOD cadets, African and Caribbean veterans, and the Taxi Pata Pata Drummers all came together for the official march past of the newly unveiled monument.
Photographs and words by: Rhianna Kalloo
32
33
Success Redefined Books that seek to motivate you should do so from the moment you open them and start reading, Leila Singh’s Success Redefined does just that.
what really is important to you. It is critical to recognize the feelings, thoughts and emotions that such reflection generates.’ Success though is driven by values and it is very early in the book you are encouraged to reflect on this as it brings ‘a measure of worth...a person attaches to something’ which in turn garners motivation and thereby influencing your decisions.
Once you get through the testimonials and you begin reading Leila’s story you immediately start to realise possibilities. One of the most important message in Success Redefined is that you are encouraged to pursue your possibilities and not that of someone else. Too often, we forsake our own goals and potentials chasing to emulate the success of another individual. As Robin Sharma advises; “…think about your own success rather than cling to someone else’s.”
Leila executes her experiences, values and vision with a passion she invests in helping others, not just in the subconscious but, enabling ‘you to get there.’ She has a contagious flair that does not harbour reluctance but perpetuate a desire to influence and guide you through that maze of apprehension.
Most people measure success through monetary means, Leila encourages you to see the wealth in both the financial and more importantly, time. Once time is spent you can never recover it.
Each chapter contains a checklist, here you pause to reflect on the message through the relevant chapters. In doing so, you form a connectivity with the words that Leila has carefully constructed, not complexed or jargoned but simple and easy to digest.
Leila’s seven-point Ultimate Success Blueprint explores a matrix of alignment that can help you to construct commitment and confidence that leads you to leap over your ‘fears to reach your goal.’
Success Redefined is captivating, Leila has written not just a delightful book, but an atlas that can help you to navigate your success. Success Redefined is inspiring to the point where you can feel Leila’s infectious enthusiasm and, to echo her words; “it takes one second to change a habit…so what are you waiting for?”
While these steps are simple, they require determination and purpose, these can only begin to develop through ‘reflecting on your life to date…of becoming more aware of
David Kalloo www.SuccessRedefinedBook.com
34
DATA THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE There is a new booming industry that is bigger than oil, data is the new commodity of the digital era. Five of the world’s most value companies are Alphabet (Google parent company), Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft are the titans of the technological age. These companies collectively ‘racked up a $25bn profit in the first quarter of 2017’ with Amazon capturing half the online market share in America.
sign up to social media increases so is the value of your data to giant companies such as Siemens, GE. The recent fines handed to Google by the European Competition Commission is just the tip of the iceberg to what technology companies are prepared to do to snare your data and put it on the market to the highest bidder. The next time you sign up for a store card or rewards scheme or give your email address out when making a purchase, little do you know that you are putting your data up for auction. Data today in the current century is what oil was to the last. In an article in the Economist (May 2017) describes data as the ‘fuel of the future’ categorising that ‘digital information is unlike any previous resource’ creating new ‘infrastructure, new businesses, new monopolies, new politics and crucially – new economics.’
These companies hold tons of data on consumers and with the growing use of social media, including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Pinterest among others, data is available in abundance. We do not think twice to submit our details online. The use of smartphones and the internet has the market over-run with data. Everything we do creates a trace, from sitting watching TV, sitting in traffic even the watch we wear are devices that are constantly collecting data which has fuels the growth of what is termed the ‘data economy’ and there is no sign of it abating. Today, algorithms can ‘predict when a customer is ready to buy’ or when your car needs petrol, or even control the temperature of your home. This abundance of information is of super value to technology firms and they are hungry for it and as the attraction to 35
36