March 2016 small

Black-Bright News Sharing Information About Life

Issue 49

SHOULD COUNCIL TENANTS HAVE A HOME FOR LIFE?

Meet the Ar tists:

ROMAR & JASON P O L I C E I N T E R R O G AT O R S I N F L U E N C E CON F E SS I ON

by Kristy Pearce

The Silent Thief

Both factors have a thread of the ‘New World Order’ running through them. The New World Order is a new culture, lifestyle and society which is being formed to eradicate the ‘world’ of the past. Extensive mind reframing and social engineering is going on in front of our very eyes through the Government, media, TV programmes, Facebook, Twitter, and by other covert, subversive and less obvious means.

The Editor’s Rant Chossudovsky, the author, “... outlines the contours of a New World Order which feeds on human poverty and the destruction of the environment, generates social apartheid, encourages racism and ethnic strife and undermines the rights of women. The result as his detailed examples from all parts of the world show so convincingly, is a globalization of poverty”

Back to Trump: Trump’s desire to control immigration because ‘it will make America great’ has been in the form of racist and anti-Semitic comments and a promise to the far right: “When I raise my hand to take that oath of office your New World Order comes crashing down.” Cameron’s stance is much more subtle and diplomatic.

Many of the UK inhabitants do not feel threatened by the unbridled Trump campaign to become USA’s President because they do not think that his extreme reforms will impact them. Duuh! Decisions made in USA WILL impact the UK! Under Cameron, we are already seeing poverty unleashed in our cities; the rise of unemployment (despite his figures), homelessness and the increase in crimes and wars.

I watched ‘Getting a Council House’, and listened to the story of a young woman who had been given an eviction notice from a private landlord who wanted his house back. She pleaded to the Council for a flat that was suitable for herself and her two children, but was forced to take a place that was so dirty, its previous occupants were fleas! There was a lot of mould and decay. The council offered her only £200 to decorate it and I thought to paint it alone would cost that much. If she refused their offer, she would have made herself intentionally homeless. I wondered how she felt knowing she had to move into a place with two children under 5, where the communal areas stunk of human and animal urine? What message would she be internalising about herself, and sending out to her two children? If social workers went into a home that looked like that, the children would be taken away because the parents would be guilty of neglect. So how do Councils they get away with it?

Peter Eyre – Middle East Consultant and Political Analysis

asks: “Could the people of this country ever imagine that we are

about to embark on the potential destruction of Britain as we once knew it? Have you ever thought what caused the original “Financial Meltdown” in 2008? Ever thought what happens when the Stock Markets collapse big time? Well folks, keep watching the horizon because the time is fast approaching when the New World Order makes it final assault on the world with a much more focused attention on Britain and the European Union!!”

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inside the head or in the heart? When Barack Obama became president, that was a dream fulfilled for many black people, so for them, the American dream was very much alive.

Trump said the country is being run by losers who are morally corrupt. What is his definition of a loser? Barack Obama ran the country with finesse and expertise, while Trump has survived several bankruptcies - some might equate his financial failings with being a loser.

On the one hand Trump is making it difficult for immigrants to remain or enter the United States, and on the other hand he intends to import services and products from immigrants – how does that make sense?

TRUMP-MANIA Trump was born rich and it has been said that he sustained his wealth by exploiting cheap labour, using the labour of #immigrants from China and Mexico - it looks as though he intends to continue this trend if he becomes President.

Trump reckons that “Only he can make America great again?” but without a manifesto, how does he plan to do that?

His denunciation of Mexican immigrants and Muslims does not put him in good stead to be He gives into generalisations and stereotyping and is a mass of contradictions.

There are a lot of Americans supporting Trump because they want something new and exciting but may have not considered the implications.

How many of you have read the story about Michael – a little boy who asked his mother what the world would be like if there were no black people? Well someone needs to ask Trump what America would be like if there were no immigrants. He has not thought it through.

Donald Trump and his electors are underestimating the financial kudos of immigrants, and their contributions to the country.

As someone born in the UK, I can understand why the UK finds his behaviour abhorrent, lacking both dignity and diplomacy.

While Trump may not become president, he could still end up being a Republican nominee, aligning himself with the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower - standing in their shoes? What a thought!

Trump said: “The #American Dream is dead.”

However, who can take away a dream that is

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No-one took Trump seriously in the beginning, but, there again, no-one took Richard Pryor seriously in Brewsters Millions. ‘Brewster’ won by being outrageous - he needed to spend his money and running a campaign was the best way to do it. Trump is using a similar strategy to ‘Brewster’, only this is real life, and the players are real people - the consequences if he wins, could be devastating. So wake up – because you will not be able to turn thee programme off, if you don’t like the outcome!

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A n Am a z i n g D i s c o v e r y MEET THE ARTISTS - ROMAR & JASON

Both Jason and Romar find anime art fascinating, and although their caricatures are not featured in this edition, they are just as magnificent, as the ones you see profiled.

I came across Romar (above left) when an artist (who had won an award) appeared on my Facebook page. As I scrolled down reading the comments, I noticed that an unrelated ‘Romar’ had attached his artwork to the winner’s post. I was intrigued, and wondered why he had the nerve to attach his work to someone else’s accolade, but then reserved my judgment because I realized that was Romar’s way of saying “I am just as good as this artist, and I want people to know I can paint as well”.

What might have been construed as unethical to some, was an action that allowed him to be recognised by someone like me, who is in a position to promote him, others who may t not have been aware of him, and now he has claimed an even wider audience.

Because they are both young Jamaicans with limited resources, the reproduced quality of the images are not great, but I did not let that deter me from giving them the recognition they both deserve..

When I asked Romar to produce some information about him and his work he should enthusiasm and commitment. He constantly kept me updated, his prompt responses illustrated that he is organised, reliable and intelligent. After working a full-night shift, he went straight to the library, cajoling his friend Jason to join him, and both worked on their biographies while selecting the images they wanted me to publish until midnight my time. This means, when Romar and Jason clocked off work after the nightshift at 7 in the morning, they worked diligently in the library until 7pm in the evening to ensure they met the deadline I had set. It is this trait that demonstrates character, respect, reliability and resilience.

Romar receive a straight ‘A’ distinction for his work ‘Mix up and Blend’ while still at school, and he says Blue Ocean’s Beauty and The ‘Woman with the Violin’ are his favourite works of art.

I contacted Romar, and discovered that he was born Romar Wilmott in Spanish Town Hospital in the Jamaican parish of St Catherine in 1991. I questioned him about his work, and as we communicated, the mysteries to Romar unfolded. Apart from being an incredible artist and poet, he is hard-working, selfless and disciplined. As we communicated through Facebook, he mentioned his mentor and best friend Jason Hall, who is also an artist and who I learned later, had taught him to paint. Remarkably, they both look and dress similar, and I guess, because Jason taught Romar how to paint, their style of art is similar also.

I had to feature Romar in this edition, because behind the dark glasses is a very intense and ambitious young man, a role model to many, and he selflessly ‘introduced’ me to his friend and mentor, Jason, so I feel as though I have got ‘two for the price of one!’

Romar is fascinated by art produced by those around him, and it is obvious, that he is very talented to be able to emulate them. Now Romar can continue to develop his own individual and unique style, which is evident n the image ‘Mixed Race’.

Jason (far right above) grew up in St Thomas, Jamaica and as a child, he watched his father paint. Inspired by his father’s craft, and unable to afford artist’s paint, Jason started creating images from mud, until he was able to graduate to acrylics and water-based paint. Not surprisingly, Jason won several competitions, and was awarded the highest grade for art in Jamaica and second highest in the Caribbean. Jason had intended to continue at college, but financial restrictions forced him to seek employment Both Romar and Jason work as night time security officers, a position that requires courage, resilience and confidence. During the day, they practice new dance moves, chant on the mic, sketch when the inspiration besets them, and still have time for a social life and some sleep.

Jason Hall has given Romar the springboard to propel him forward, so Romar can now paint from his own thought processes, visions and dreams.

These two young men are brilliant artists; their works (view on next page) are definitely marketable and should be hung in many homes across the Atlantic, so it made sense to feature them both in this edition of Blackbright News. If you would like to commission them, invite them for an art exhibition or would like more information about them and their works, please write to the Artists Anchor at: artowngallery@gmail.com.

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People ridicule Facebook and say it’s a waste of time, but for me it is wonderful way to source talent in its variety of forms, and this ‘highlight’ is testament to that! The Editor

AN INSIGHT TO the WORKS OF

romar wilmot

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AN INSIGHT TO the WORKS OF

JASON HALL

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By Rivah Jordan ing a resentment of some sort. For me this signifies problems with giving and receiving.

“Take the path of least resistance, accept everything, be like water my friend.� According to google Bruce Lee is responsible for that quote.

Giving and receiving are just that, the idea one must accompany the other is that one party must give for the other to receive, not that the party that receives must then give or vice versa.

Sometimes even when you may be inclined to do otherwise, it can be powerful to know the feeling of receiving and letting another experience the feeling of giving. We may see things in this way but the strategies people use are often deceptive when coming from the wrong places. Accepting a gift sometimes may not be wise if you know the real reason the person is offering it to you. A woman pursued by a man for instance may be offered many gifts but understanding what will be expected of her in return for these gifts, refuse them very often. She knows what expectations may arise from accepting such gifts.

Guys that practice buying girls drinks may often find their investment has gone to waste as the girl may accept the drink but not be interested in them.

We all know nothing lasts forever, nothing will be the same all of the time, even with all the time and effort and controls to make a hamburger at McDonalds the same every time, they are inevitably as different as the people making them.

Its what we can only call the human touch, the people making them have however received the same instruction every time, however each person’s interpretation and manifestation is rarely consistent. So to expect there to be a machine like consistency is not realistic, McDonalds do have one of the closest systems to perfect for delivering the same product consistently in any case. As much as we identify cycles and patterns, statistics charts and other things, to attempt to justify changes that have happened and to predict what will happen, none can either predict the future or last forever.

Some may stay much longer in comparison but all things come to pass, as do thoughts, feelings and emotions. Water flows freely whenever possible, ever moving, ever changing to adjust to what may come. I wont go into the story of water flowing uphill, but it relates to the way people often repay kindnesses with a heavy heart. As if they know they should but do not want to, this type of swimming upstream against your feelings is what they refer to as water flowing uphill, as it is unnatural.

The true sense of giving is not expecting some thing in return and the true sense of receiving does not carry a burden of believing it gifts must be returned.

To be able to give and receive in this way is to be like water, to accept things and keep on moving. Water gives life to the planet but is not adverse to taking the lives of those who do not pay it proper respect. If you are not aware of the principles which govern swimming, it will be more than happy to take your life. Although temporarily, you will suffer before passing on.

Be aware what ever you are experiencing right now is temporary, no matter what you are going through, how you are feeling, what trouble you are facing, it is only temporary. No matter how long it lasts, it will like all things come to pass. You may or may not have the power to make it pass more quickly but it shall pass with time. As the only thing constant is change.

They also speak of how gratitude can often times be a weight, as you feel compelled to repay kindnesses to the point more than a pleasure it can become a chore. It also speaks of how many are quicker to repay evil with evil, rather than good with good shall we say. You hear things such as Revenge is the sweetest joy and Revenge is a dish best served cold. Conflict can often be caused by inconsistencies such as these, the having received some favor or other and feeling you should repay the kindness with another kindness. The feeling of having to pay that kindness back creat-

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HOW POLICE INTERROGATION CAN INFLUENCE A FALSE CONFESSION (by Kristy Pearce)

currence in comparison to those of a vulnerable nature. When it comes down to dealing with any vulnerable person under intense conditions, it is essential to always consider the effects of suggestibility - any vulnerable person is thought to be more suggestible than the average person, especially when put under immense pressure (Goodman & Redlich, 2003). To be suggestible, using a social classification; a person would be considered a follower, someone who acts off of the suggestions and ideologies of another person (Goodman & Redlich, 2003), for the sake of this account that person creating suggestions would be the officer interrogating.

Globally innocent vulnerable lives have been implicated and detained by the justice system just as guilty lives have. When these situations occur, it only seems justified that the procedures which led to the malpractice and detainment of vulnerable witnesses have to come under scrutiny. The purpose of this account will be to discuss and establish an understanding of what is considered to be a vulnerable witness and what effects this factor has over any statement or confession.

Additionally the critical objective is to assess and discriminate against two techniques used to interrogate vulnerable witnesses within the US and UK. These techniques which will come under question are the REID Interrogation technique and the PEACE process.

Each method will be outlined and explained. Essentially it will be established as to which mode of interrogation is most likely to influence a false confession or evidence from vulnerable witnesses and suspects.

There will be a further investigation into the quality of information and confessions that police departments obtain from vulnerable witnesses. This account will provide a balanced argument, evaluating the methods of interrogation involving vulnerable witnesses and the overall validity level of evidence given by such witnesses.

Though it is important to understand that to interrogate and interview a witness or suspect is a skilled task, it is also important to understand that not everybody is a cunning and manipulating being. Some individuals are almost predisposed to appear guilty, or to be concealing important information. When interviewing or interrogating a vulnerable witness you would essentially have to view them as you would view a child, though in a lot of cases they are actually children (Bull, 2010). When young children are told off or pressured to relay events back to the parent if a child is in doubt they will either lie or fabricate a version of events that will satisfy the parent. This is the child’s way of telling the authoritative figure what they think that adult may want to hear rather than what they need to know. So to challenge a person of vulnerability over a series of intensified events requires a level of skill and patience in order to recover important and accurate details (Bull, 2010).

A definition of a vulnerable witness was said to be ‘a person that is considered as a witness whose quality of evidence is likely to be diminished because they are either; children under 17, victims of sexual offences, people with communication difficulties, people with cognitive impairment and people with various disabilities (CPS, 2015). An average witness who is not considered to be vulnerable is still capable of being pressured or internalised to present false evidence or a confessions when under prolonged strenuous conditions (Bull, 2010). However this is rated as a low oc-

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Training members of the police force is more than just teaching investigators how to conduct interviews and how to extract information, police are expected to be able to recognise if witnesses have limited intellectual abilities, or if that witness is classified as vulnerable (Kassin et al, 2010).

This is important because vulnerable witnesses are more likely to confess to a crime they did not commit (Bull, Clare & Milne, 2002). This could be down to a lot of factors for instance; the witness may not be fully aware of their rights to legal representation and so find themselves in a position where they may feel ambushed. The pressure of an interview can also become draining over long periods of time and so a confession can be coerced out of sheer desperation (Howitt, 2011). A vulnerable witness is more likely to feel internalised by events especially if that witness has no recollection of the crime, therefore inducing a misplaced guilt driven confession, when in fact that person was not responsible (Howitt, 2011).

It has previously been argued that eyewitness testimonies can be unreliable and inaccurate(Davies & Beech, 2012) and so add that factor to a person of vulnerability, in theory would devalue the evidence provided making it unreliable.

Understanding your witness’s characteristics is important this may be by identifying any cognitive impairment that may conflict the evidence provided (Howitt, 2011). It is important to recognise effects of prolonged periods of pressure on a person of vulnerability and ensure plenty of breaks are taken.

Also it is essential tounderstand a vulnerable person is easily led and to not take advantage of that state.Those of a lower intelligence may be saying what they believe the interviewer wants to hear, the witness may want to please their interviewer, in which case the interviewer would need to identify the infantile behaviour of peer pleasing.

outcome for the interrogation, the police department are only after a confession.

Overcoming Objections; atthis stage when the assumed guilty party realises they are running out of options, they make justifying objections which represent the reason as to why they are claiming not to be guilty.

Within the US amethod of interrogation commonly used across the states is referred to as the REID interrogation technique, this approach was developed by John E Reid.There are three main components to this method; factor analysis, behaviour analysis interview and the interrogation. The factor analysis stage encompasses establishing all the details, from the crime scene to the suspect’s perceived involvement.

The behaviour analysis interview involves a structured question and answer interview, background details are covered, and provoking measures are applied to invoke any innocent or guilty body language.

Moreover,there are nine steps that are followed when applying the REID interrogation technique (Buckley, Inbau & Reid, 2011);

The Positive Confrontation; is a technique used to lure the witness into a false sense of acceptance; the detective may play on the witness’s good standing within their community.

The detective may also portray a very sympathetic approach, angling on events as an almost accidental occurrence.

Theme Development;is a stage where the detective plays out various potential scenarios which frame the suspect as having motive for the crime and may also place the suspect or witness at the crime.

The Positive Confrontation; is a stage addressed with a no tolerance attitude, as denial is not the desired

Procurement and Retention of Suspect’s Attention;this is to recapture the suspects attention, after the objection phase the suspect tends to become distracted and disengaged, so it is the interrogators position to recapture the attention of the suspect.

Handling the Suspect’s Passive Mood; by this stage the suspect is expected to feel defeated and emotional; it is the detective’s job to take advantage of this weak state by taking a sympathetic approach to questioning, by emphasising a theme which is framed as the suspect being desperate and having no choice but to commit the crime.

Presenting an Alternative Question; this involves reframing the events so as to find a theme which the witness is more responsive too. The aim is to keep the witness in a state where by they are shutting down and giving up and ultimately more likely to confess.

Having the Suspect Orally Relate Various Details of the Offense; this is the stage whereby the suspect has accepted one of the scenarios or themes presented followed by the admission of guilt.

Converting an Oral Confession to a Written Confession; at this final point in the interrogation the police official has to be satisfied with the obtained verbal confession and then convert this information into a written format.

The REID approach could be seen as aggressive and coercive, this method is usedas a toolto scare the witness, causing them to feel nervous and intimidated.The investigator is positioned in such a way that isinvading the witness’s personal space. This is

aimed to make the witness feel isolated and trapped, as if there is nowhere to go (Buckley, Inbau & Reid, 2011). With this type of approach there is only one goal which is to force a confession and so the interrogator rejects any statements of denial to force this confession.

The process isnot to beopen to other leads or information and thereby limiting the cases lead prospects which could uncover potential suspects or witnesses.Theintense duration of questioning is aimed to wear the witness down to a drained and desperate state. The witness is targetedwithout legal representation or a guardian if that witness is considered a minor, this is at the witness’s most vulnerable position, to not be aware of their rights. By creating this pressurised environment police are more likely to make a vulnerable person feel very scared and conflicted as to how to resolve the situation. The witness may just want to end the ordealleaving no option but to tell the police what they want to hear. False evidence is also an element to the interrogation process which is used to trick witnesses into a confession this is because false evidence causes internal panic (Buckley, Inbau & Reid, 2011).

recommended (for the unresponsive witness/suspect);

Closure; the police officials running the interrogation are expected to summarise the interview underlying all the main points and finally asking the suspect/witness if he/she wishes to add anything or amend anything they have said.

Evaluate; after the interrogation the evidence is examined and the role of the interrogating officer is reflected upon for further improved performance.

Within the UK the interrogation techniques are not confession driven and could be considered much more structured and controlled. The method used is called the PEACE interrogation techniqueand to conduct this type of interrogation appropriately a lot of preparation and observation skillsare requiredto achieve an effective rapport with the witness,this model was developed by the home office in 1991 (Bull & Milne, 2004). There is a strong attribute to this chosen method as this process allows for an in depth observation of body language, allowing enough time for anycharacteristics of vulnerability to be identified. The PEACE interrogation technique comprisesof five stages;

This technique of interrogation is considered to be controlled and non-coercive in respect of extracting information from witnesses and in the case of this account the vulnerable witnesses (Bull & Milne, 2004). The core aim is to retrieve any key information or leads not to force and coerce confessions; the aim is to convict the correct guilty party.This plan of action is non-aggressive and uses passive methods of persuasion and understanding. Like most interrogation periods, the duration is long; wearing the witness down to the point they are drained and are willing to bring forward new information just to end the ordeal. Moreover this process is less likely to coerce or pressure the witness into providing false evidence as the PEACE techniques are information extraction based (Bull & Milne, 2004). This structured sequence of questioningis designed to extract accurate information and not a desperate misguided confession.

Ethical reflections of police protocol are followed and there is further reflection over interrogation improvements focusing on areas where lacking.

Preparation and planning; this stage takes place before any form of interviewing takes place. The police officials prepare for the interview by maybe preparing scripts for questioning and going over the details of the crime making sure all aims are understood, ensuring everything is ready for the interrogation process to proceed.

Engage and explain; this stage consists of building a rapport with the witness or suspect, this aspect increases the chances of good responsive behaviour.

So how effective are these techniques? That question is very difficult to answer as definitively there is no statistical data available to accurately determine that, not to mention how many potential cases of false detainments are yet to be identified (Gudjonsson & Pearse, 2011). ‘The extent to which the Reid technique and the PEACE modelelicit false confessions is unknown’ (Gudjonsson & Pearse, 2011). At this stage it does seem a scary prospect not having any control over how often this malpractice occurs, or what locations are most common for this misplaced duty of care. As stated previous

by Leo and Ofshe (1998) this type of ‘mistake’ is increasingly occurring in the modern times when DNA testing is available. Once a confession has been made, that con-

Account; this stage is when the officer attempts to record the witnesses version of events using either cognitive interviewing (for the respondent witness/suspect)and the Conversation Management approach

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fession has a great influence on any trial and those effects are permanent during that case (Gudjonsson & Pearse, 2011). It doesn’t seem to matter whether or not the confession was withdrawn beforehand or whether the jury is aware of the conditions in which the police officials recorded the confession or information. Furthermore even if the witness or suspect has cognitive related vulnerability or any other disorder this would still have very little bearing after the stigma of a confession has been applied.

interrogation; the REID interrogation method and the PEACE interrogation method. After a critical comparison of both processes it could be suggested that each method suits opposing demographics of witnesses or suspects. Furthermore the impact of these methods on evidence produced by a vulnerable witness has been discussed and how it is important to recognise vulnerabilities when the interrogation is in process. Further research could consider taking this topic along a biological timeline, for instance what happens to these vulnerable people after serving a wrongful sentence andhow do these individuals adapt to life after being exonerated?Did they develop anymental disorders from the pressures of prison?

Moreover are these individuals more likely to start committing crimes after servinga hefty sentence for a crime they did not commit? This current discussion regarding different interrogation techniques involving vulnerable witnesses coerced into providing false information or a false confession is just the very beginning of a lifelong trajectory in some cases. By creating an awareness of the flaws and strengths of the justice system, attempts to shape the interrogational approach can be reviewed consistently. This is not an issue to be overlooked this is a situation that occurs very often around the world. Nobody should ever lose their life serving a custodial sentence in which they are not responsible for the crimes they are alleged to have committed. The outcome of occurrences like this can only add to their vulnerable status.

A vulnerable witness could be considered under a multitude of categories and so each case should be consider based on the levels of vulnerability that witness or suspect poses. In relation to which interrogational technique is most effective, they appear very different but the only aspect in which they have a common similarity, would be that each technique is suited to a categorical ‘type’ of witnesses or suspect. By the term ‘type’ it would seem apparent that the REID technique would be effective when attempting to extract a confession from an unresponsive witness or suspect, an individual which deviates from all rational methods of interviewing and interrogation as was the opinion of King and Snook (2009). The REID method is very aggressive and intense which aids the processes of breaking down the suspect into an intimidated and desperate state (King & Snook, 2009). Whereas the PEACE interrogation method uses a much more structured format and approach, which is strictly information extraction based, the police officers are not solely seeking a confession. This technique would be best suited to a person of vulnerability or timid nature, as there is no need for aggressive or forceful behaviour especially if it is not compatible with the witnesses character as firmly believed by Bull, Milne and Shawyer (2009). However, based on the differing nature of each method, the REID interrogation

technique is more likely to influence a false confession from a vulnerable witness or suspect, and this is due to the magnitude of aggression and pressure applied.

This present investigation has determined what is meant by the term ‘vulnerable witness’ and moreover the impact this factor has on any interrogation not no mention the interrogation outcomes. To be specific this current discussion primarily focused on two common methods of

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E D U C A T I O N

with parents and can help to break down these barriers.

Leave teaching to teachers A lot of parents, especially those who may have struggled in school themselves, just don’t see themselves as ‘able’ to help their child to learn.

This isn’t the case though. Even if your child gets to a point where they are learning beyond a level that you as a parent are comfortable with, you are still able to help them learn by asking challenging questions, testing learning and even just making sure they’ve had the time and space and encouragement they need to get their homework finished.

National Leader of Governance (NLG) and former Councillor Tafheen Sharif talks to Blackbright about the importance of parental involvement in a child’s education.

Language barriers A number of our parents do not speak English as a first language so are unable to understand communications from the school. Given the diversity of our town, many of the schools do overcome this barrier and may even have interpretators on parent evenings, etc. Help can also be organised if you are approaching teachers direct.

WE are lucky that every child in this country gets an education, an opportunity to do their best and fulfil their potential.

Children in some parts of the world are not so fortunate and do not have this right, an access to knowledge and learning.

Only get involved if there’s a problem

It is therefore vitally important that as parents we play a larger part in our child’s education, read to them, guide them, take an interest and talk to our young people about their schooling and studies.

Many parents would not contact their child’s school unless there was an issue with their child. Parents should understand that even when their child is doing very well, they can be instrumental in driving that achievement further. Regular communications between teachers and parents is normal and helpful.

Parents, carers and families are by far the most important influences in a child’s life and parental engagement can be a very powerful tool in raising achievement.

Infrequent communication from the school

By working together with the school, parents can create a fantastic home learning environment and help to reinforce lessons learned in school.

Many parents may hear infrequently from the school – they might get sent home the occasional newsletter but in terms of actually hearing information about their child, it may be limited to one report and one parents evening a year. This needs to improve and differs from school to school across the authority.

Unfortunately, all too often, parents become disengaged with school and may even appear disinterested in their child’s education.

The case may be that parents are often facing common barriers which prevent them from engaging fully with the school.

Busy schedules

Overcoming barriers Unpleasant memories of school Many parents have difficult memories of their own time at school and find it daunting going back. Staff at schools across Luton communicate positively

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Many parents work long hours and just aren’t available to get into school during school hours. Whilst they might be able to attend the occasional parents evening, this is unlikely to sufficiently engage them.

Parents could access the school virtually– class articles highlighting good work done by pupils or checking the school website can be a good start.

“…that something was wrong when a pretty little white girl runs into a black man’s arms” Charles Ramsey, The Brenner Brief newsletter, 05/2013)

Parents who take a supportive role in their child’s learning do make a difference in improving achievement.

“When white runs into black, you know something’s wrong” When white runs into black You know something’s wrong.

No chance to discriminate No time to perceive The need to maintain apartheid.

When white runs into black You know something’s wrong.

The days of slavery Raiding African settlements Using military force, or worse Buying from the Tuareg When white runs into black You know something’s wrong.

A night time visit To kill a prophet Of Civil Rights.

When white runs into black You know something’s wrong.

White Knight takes Black Castle

The active involvement of parents in the life of the school and education can help promote a learning community in which children and young people engage positively with society.

Schools can too benefit from developing positive partnerships with parents by involving them in all decisions affecting their child’s education and learning. Engaging with parents gives schools the chance to understand the role that they play in their child’s learning and development. In fact schools cry out for more engaged parents, especially in the child’s younger years, this will help towards the prosperity and future of each child.

So let us, as parents, carers and families overcome these barriers, help schools improve the chances for our children, see our children prosper and achieve their full potential enabling them to become responsible adults making a difference for themselves and to the lives of others.

White Queen takes Black King Checkmate!

When white runs into black You know something’s wrong.

27 years in prison For the cause for freedom.

A black thorn in the whites’ side.

Tafheen Sharif

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by Barrie Kemp

TO PURCHASE A COPY regina_ncube@yahoo.co.uk

where upstairs the sound came again, a low painful groan. We looked at each other puzzled. “I thought the house was empty” I whispered. We had been staking out the house for months and we knew the old man lived alone. The housekeeper only came Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. Today was Thursday.

By Vinette Jackson

“He’s coming, he’s coming!” Mark whispered nervously switching from one leg to the next. For a moment he reminded me of a little child desperate to use the toilets.

“I’ll delay him while you guys search the place.” Tony quickly suggested.

“Go ahead. We will whistle when we are done.” I replied.

Tony quickly exited via the side door we had used to gain entry earlier and as soon as Tony was outside, we started searching frantically, conscious that we had very little time to complete our mission.

The first drawer I opened in the study yielded 6 gold watches. ‘Kerching!’ I whispered and waved my discovery for Mark to see. In the second drawer I found a huge wad of cash, at least £20,000. That was the most money I had ever seen in real life. I kissed it and hurriedly placed it in my coat pocket. “Mark?” I whispered, “Where are you?”

“Come here George” he whispered and I could sense the urgency in his voice. Quickly I rushed to the room he was in. I opened the door and stood with my mouth wide open in disbelief instinctively putting my hands over my mouth in fear any sound should escape. We both stood staring for what seemed like hours. We were staring into certain retirement; inside the little room attached to the study, stood an open safe, full of diamonds.

“Mother of glory! “ I finally managed to whisper, my hand now on top of my head.

A few seconds after the initial shock had worn off, greed quickly took over. We hurriedly stuffed every pocket and space we could find on our person. We were rich, very, very rich. We could not wipe the grin off our faces. Our days as small time crooks were finally over, we had had struck the big lottery.

After we had packed all we could carry, we slowly tiptoed to the window at the front of the house. We could see Tony busily chatting to the old man. I was just about to place my two fingers in my mouth to give the signal whistle when I thought I heard a low, almost inaudible sound. I quickly looked at Mark to check if he had heard the sound too. His panicked expression confirmed my fears.

We slowly turned towards the stairs and putting my index fingers to my lips, we froze to listen but could hear nothing.

Midway through turning back to the window, from some-

“Me too “Mark replied.

We slowly tiptoed in the direction of the stairs walking slowly towards the sound. We crept up the stairs and came to a door that was slightly ajar. Slowly I pushed the door open just so we could have a peek inside.

Lying on a bed in the centre of the room was a woman. She looked like death itself. Her skin was pale, her eyes sunken and all her hair completely gone; the only sign of life was the low groan of pain that escaped her mouth. “Dad” she moaned. Slowly we closed the door and stepped back outside the room. Neither of us said a word just exchanging a look of pity and a shake of the head.

We quietly retreated to the window where we could see Tony and gave a low whistle. Tony glanced in our direction, quickly gave the old man a gentle slap on the back and jogged off towards the waiting car as we made our way through the side door.

The old man looked at Tony with bewilderment and you could see he was slightly irritated at being delayed, but Mr Marron was glad to help the lost young man.

The old man walked as quickly as his frail legs would allow him towards his house. He open his door and entered and noticed through his periphery field of vision that the door to his office was slightly ajar and thought it was strange but he was more preoccupied with getting to his cancer stricken daughter upstairs. He had rushed out to the book store to purchase her favourite storybook, The Day Time Stood Still, so he could read it to her just like he did when she was a small child. He gently touched the door handle and pushed it slowly ajar. He saw her chest heaved then slowly came down and never rose again.

The three men in the car heard the piercing scream and thought their crime was discovered and hurriedly drove off. The driver was momentarily distracted and drove straight into the back of a police car.

The old man slowly dragged himself to the front door after trying to ignore the persistent ringing of the doorbell for the past ten minutes hoping whoever it was would go away; only to be greeted by the lost jogger, two other strangers and two police

officers. As the police explained the situation, the old man looked at all three men with deep sadness and pain in his eyes.

“Would you like to press charges sir?” the officer enquired for the second time as the old man slowly tried to mentally process the scene that was unfolding before him.

The man hung his head as if lost in thoughts for a while.

Slowly he lifted his old tired head “Yes” the old man replied “but only against one man. These two men” he said, pointing at Mark and me, ”I gave the jewellery, the money, watches and diamonds you found on them, because I no longer have any use for them. My precious daughter died today and they were her inheritance; but this man” he pointed a bony finger at Tony,” this man, I want to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law because he’s the worst of all thieves. I will spend the rest of my fortune to make sure he rots behind bars “he spoke with strength and conviction.

“B-B-ut” Tony exclaimed, puzzled and bewildered as the police officers dragged him off before he could utter another word.

Mark and I lingered in disbelief, afraid to move from the spot. We stood as if rooted to the doorstep. We nervously looked from Tony to the old man, back to Tony again, and then back again to the old man.

Bravely Mark finally asked or attempted to ask the obvious question “W-what? W-why? How…?”

The old man looked at us with tears and lost hope clearly visible in his eyes and replied. “You stole things I could replace, but your friend took my most precious possession, he took my time and so my daughter died alone” He quietly turned and closed his door.

Mark and I stood silently for a while staring at the closed door. Slowly without a single spoken word, we both emptied our pockets of everything we had stolen and left them at the door and slowly walked away.

Summary

It has always amazed me how people treat the greatest asset they own and how carelessly they allow others to use and abuse it. Most people will spend huge fortunes to protect their material wealth but are reckless with their use of time. They invest time with people who show no real appreciation or allow their time to be wasted with idle chatter, gossip, hours watching television or on the telephone just speaking about any and every irrelevant thing.

Try this for me please. The next time someone asks you ‘Do you have a minute?’ Answer and say no and note their reaction. Most people are quite taken aback if you

tell them no, even complete strangers feel they have a right to demand a minute from your limited time on earth.

As in the story of Beware !The Silent Thief, regardless of whatever material things you lose or is stolen from you, you must always remember it can be replaced. The thing that you must always be conscious of is your time.

People will steal your time without you even realising it.

These are the worst kind of thieves as they are stealing your most priceless possession, one you will never ever be able to replace. Time lost cannot be retrieved. Write off what you have already lost but be careful with what is left, most importantly since no one knows exactly how much they have left.

Be careful with your most valuable possession. Beware the thieves of time!

(Written by Vinette Jackson)

SHOULD COUNCIL TENANTS HAVE A COUNCIL HOUSE FOR LIFE?

I did not even think about it until I read the ‘rant’ about why occupants are allowed to keep their council homes after the children have left. It does make sense, but it would make a lot of people vulnerable - and plus, a lot of children are returning home now because they can’t afford private rent - so technically a lot of them still live at home even though they are in their 40s. The duration of a tenancy of a council home should have been set out from the beginning that it is valid for 25 years, and after that, they find their own accommodation. The thing is they have now realised, and are no longer providing secure tenancies anymore, so its already been leaked out to them to do something about it.

I think of single people I know who live in three-bedroom council houses because the children have left home, and if they had to pay market rent for the place, it would be impossible. Council homes were designed for single parents with children on low incomes - are single parents on low incomes still living there? I heard of a woman who was renting out her council home and had bought her own place. Nobody checks!

As you so rightly said, there are so young people who are waiting to get onto the council list, and it should go to those who are trying to start a life; who have a job; who are going to university; who can afford the rent but just cannot afford to rent private home. Right now, the council cannot evict current tenants, because they have secured tenancies so they are being occupied by people who have a ‘right’ to remain in view of the length of time they have lived there. Maybe the #council should review their policy and look at council homes that have the same occupant for longer than 25 years - it would make life fairer for those of us who are in similar financial situations but who have to pay market rent or a mortgage, but like I said, most of the people I know have been spoilt, and if they didn’t have a council home would find it very difficult to manage. Whether you have a mortgage or pay rent to private landlords, those in council homes come out on top.

II am not sure what the answer is, because like I said it has got way out of control now, and you cannot kick people out who have occupied homes for over 40 - 50 years, which is the case in many situations.

(Inspired by the netmums forum)

Relationships who needs them?

A discussion took place with someone about why singles have become comfortable living on their own. The pickings are slim was the conclusion! But not all singles are psychologically scarred, unkempt, in debt, in denial, lack commitment, emotionally disabled coffin-dodgers. While a few have taken themselves off the market to congregate in death’s waiting room with like-minded people, and some others have accepted the deterioriation of their romantic lives, there are still a few healthy, attractive eligible men and women, who will apply to go on First Dates if they didn’t think anyone would find out!.

Healing from a broken heart seems to be taking a lot longer to heal from . The majority of eligible singles have decided that they can’t be bothered with the ‘hassle’ of relationships and prefer to do their own thing. My concern is that if singles are becoming so comfortable living on their own, It means that if they do meet someone, and that person puts a foot wrong, they are less inclined to work to make things right. This is because either, or both parties were satisfied with their living arrangements before they entered into a relationship, so what is the incentive to put any effort into making it work.

There is a set of individuals who are genuinely content living by themselves, but because their circumstances have changed, they find themselves ‘needing’ to have someone around, but not really wanting them. In this situation, it can build resentment, because the person who doesn’t really want to be in a relationship, but feels s/he has to because of their change in their condition, may not show or feel genuine affection for the new recruit, which means the person who has been ‘brought in’ to relieve the strain of the condition will feel used, and won’t be happy.

What about those singles who have been alone for so long, that they have become complacent, picky and selfish, such that either no-one can make them happy, or the person is not good enough?

The discussion drifted into whether happiness is an integral component in a relationship? People who commit ‘til death’ are not always happy, and in many cases, never have been - they commit to stay ‘for better or for worse’ and it doesn’t even occur to them that they should expect to feel happy. .

The relationship dynamics on Gogglebox are very interesting and would not work without couples to bounce off of.

Relationships, historically, were based on a need, which was why they stood the test of time. Women needed men to provide for them and their family and men needed women to perform domestic and wifely duties. It doesn’t seem to be the case so much these days. In a disposable society that can do ‘bad all by itself’ the ‘need’ seems is no longer there.

Most men can cook and look after themselves, and women can make their own money, so what is the motivation to enter into a relationship that might provide hassle and heartache, apart from a ‘booty call’?

Is there something I am missing? Can a relationship sustain itself, if both parties are not coming from a place of need?

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