The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 by The Phoenix Newspaper

CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION ACROSS ALL COMMUNITIES

FEBRUARY 2024

Lunar New Year Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation celebrations return to Birmingham - Page 3

Bob Marley biopic gets royal approval at premier in Jamaica - Page 19

AGREEMENTS WORTH SAR27 BILLION RIYALS SIGNED ON FIRST DAY Qatar Airways introduce next phase of digital transformation by OF FMF24 ... Page 8 empowering Cabin Crew

technology and communications, as well as the application of sustainability standards, localization, qualification and industrialization in the minerals sector. Also unveiled at the Forum were details of the 33 sites available for exploration this year, and the first mining belt to be made available for exploration in the region at Jabal Sayid, an area of 4,000 square kilometers.

The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar AlKhorayef, His Excellency the Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, His Excellency, His Excellency the Vice-Minister of Industry and

Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid Al-Mudaifer, and Eng. Sulaiman Al-Mazrou, CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Services Program. Among the government agencies and private sector participating in signing these agreements and memorandums continued on page 4 of understanding were Saudi Arabia's Ministry of ....

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or one month from 14 June to 14 July 2024, much of the world’s attention will be captivated by the UEFA European Football Championship to be held in Germany. The England national team will be taking part and thousands of fans will no doubt make trips to mainland Europe to watch the games. Many of these fans will probably be the same ones who regularly attend football matches across England to support their local team. Four years after the ‘England Tragedy’ at Wembley Stadium in 2020, where the team suffered defeat through penalties, it is a convenient time to revisit two aspects of the English game, one is the so called ‘English disease’ of hooliganism and the second is the racist abuse of Black supporters and footballers at matches. Before a ball had even been kicked on the day of the UEFA 2020 final between England and Italy, there were riots and fights at the entrance of Wembley Stadium. There were also riots at Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. About 70 people were arrested by the police. After the game which England lost on penalties, three Black players who missed penalties, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford suffered a barrage of online racist abuse. In addition, many Black supporters who were in the stadium said they experienced racial threats and left the game in a hurry for their own safety. This raises questions over the extent to which football supporters at matches engage in hooliganism and racist behaviour that were once very common in the 1970s and 1980s. Disorderly behaviour and violence associated with football is often referred to as hooliganism. Whereas spontaneous football hooliganism was very popular from the 1960s through to the 1980s, in recent times, gangs of rival fans often arrange to meet at specific locations before and after matches to fight among themselves, or to arrange attacks against victims. The use of mobile phones or the Internet makes this easy. Although there are often increased numbers of incidents at international matches in tournaments, there have been worrying increases on the domestic scene. According to a report by ‘politics.co.uk/reference/football-hooliganism’ In the 2019 football season there were a reported 1,771 football

ENGLAND FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS AND HOOLIGANISM AND RACIST ABUSE AT MATCHES

banning orders in place on particular individuals, an increase of almost a fifth from the year before. There were a total of 1,381 football-related arrests. In fact, they reported, in early 2020 a mob of around 20 hooded hooligans from the Men In Black football hooligan ‘firm’ associated with Manchester United, lobbed flares over the gates at the home of the club’s Chief Executive, Ed Woodward. The second issue which we need to be wary of in the coming months is that of racist abuse towards Black players and supporters at matches. According to an IPSO Poll in April 2023, almost two-thirds of the general public (64%) considered racism to be a problem in professional football. Only a quarter of Britons (24%) believed the right amount was being done to tackle racism in professional football, while 15% said too much was being done, and 44% said not enough was being done. Among fans of the sport, 43% wanted to see more done to tackle the

issue while 3 in 10 (30%) said enough was already being done and 21% thought too much had been done. Another survey by YouGov found that prior to the 2021/22 season, almost three-quarters (73%) of ethnic minorities who planned to attend a match were concerned about experiencing racist abuse at a stadium. For many Black supporters, therefore, the idea of being surrounded by a large group of threatening white men at football matches helps to keep them away. Of course, a number of steps have been taken over the years, to address these two issues at the men’s game. Government legislation through the Public Order Act of 1986, states that a person found guilty of intentionally using abusive, insulting, or threatening words or behaviour to cause distress to another person can be imprisoned or fined. The Football Spectators Act 1989 further created a new punishment, football banning orders, which are still used today

as a way to stop inappropriate behaviour at matches. One of the problems, however, is that not all football related violence occurs during matches. Perhaps more stringent rules and punishments for on-field violence and fighting among players such as point deductions or longer suspensions might help change the image of the game and possibly spectators’ passions. Although the efforts of anti-racist groups like Kick it Out, have been campaigning, and Premier League games started with players taking the knee in the 2021-22 season, there will have to be more specific campaigns by the clubs and the English Football Association itself, to actively pursue this initiative to encourage more Black supporters to attend matches where there is a welcoming and safe environment. Over the coming months as we build up to this major tournament of the beautiful game, let’s hope for equally beautiful behaviour before, during and after the matches.

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NEWS

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM

ave the date - Lunar New Year celebrations will take place in Birmingham on Sunday 11 February 2024. This year’s festivities are supported by Southside District and The Arcadian. Celebrations will take place in and around Birmingham Hippodrome, throughout the Southside District, and will include performances, family activities, craft market stalls and a spectacular firework finale, welcoming in the Year of the Dragon. James Wong, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee said: "It was wonderful to be back in Southside last year shining a light on the fantastic talent in our region and recognising all communities celebrating Lunar New Year and we are delighted to be back this year. "We will share our full programme for the celebrations soon, but visitors can expect all the favourites from the traditional waking of the Lion ‘Dim Jing’ to Dragon dances representing power, strength

and good luck. I’m sure audience favourite Pom Pom – our giant ten-foot Panda – will also make a return for all those selfie moments throughout the Festival." Chris Sudworth, Creative Director at Birmingham Hippodrome added: "The 2023 Lunar New Year celebrations were our biggest yet and it was wonderful to be back home in Southside. "2024 will see the festival develop again, as our long-time partners Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee are joined by Birmingham Chinatown Business Association, working with us to curate a programme that celebrates the communities of Chinatown and Southside alongside professional performers. We're delighted we can throw open our doors for family activities in the Hippodrome foyers and performances in the Patrick Studio; and the excitement continues with a funfair in Inge Street and Hurst Street and the firework finale over The Arcadian. “Make sure you have the date in

your diary - 11 February 2024 – and join us in welcoming in the Year of the Dragon." Kin Bong Lam, Chair of the Birmingham Chinatown Business Association added: "We are delighted to be working alongside Birmingham Hippodrome and Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham to continue to build Chinatown’s reputation as the place to be for the Lunar New Year Celebrations. “We are keen to support and encourage the prosperity of the area, and of the Festival, not just for 2024 but for future Lunar New Year celebrations and future generations." Lunar New Year 2024 is produced by Birmingham Hippodrome in partnership with Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Chinatown Business Association. This year’s Festival is supported by Southside District and The Arcadian. The full Lunar New Year 2024 programme will be announced very soon.

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SHARED OWNERSHIP PROVIDER DONATES NEARLY £139,000 TO CHARITIES AND COMMUNITIES

latform, which provides Shared Ownership homes in West Midlands has donated over £138,000 to charities and communities in the last financial year. Platform has reported that throughout the financial year 2022-2023, it gave £138,999.80 to nearly 100 community projects. This figure represents 98 separate contributions to charity, clubs and societies across the UK as part of its Community Fund, which both

the home ownership and the housing association parts of the organisation has supported. Examples of the projects supported include a bereavement café, a primary school community garden and a charity that provides specialist equipment for disabled and terminally ill children. As well as this, Platform donated a further £10,000 to its Warm Community Hub funding initiative, which aims to support vulnerable and isolated people, as well as those

on lower incomes, at a time when the cost of living continues to be a daily challenge. Throughout the year, many Platform employees have undertaken a variety of challenges to help raise money towards charitable donations. Such pursuits have included climbing 15 peaks in 24 hours and 223-mile bike ride, raising money for an NHS trust and children’s charity respectively. Chris Pinson-Bradley, Community Engagement Manager at Plat-

form, said: “To be able to not only contribute to so many worthwhile causes, but also making a tangible and lasting difference to dozens of communities is incredibly enriching. “It’s important to us to look after the areas we operate in, especially those who are either most in need or vulnerable. In a time of economic uncertainty, to know that we’re impacting positively in these areas is as rewarding as it is important.”

Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh dies

EMPOWERING LAMBETH'S NEXT GENERATION: MILLENNIUM COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS CONFIRMS LAUNCH OF INNOVATIVE DIGITAL EDUCATION HUB

iving in one of the top 10 most dangerous London boroughs, the youth in Lambeth are vulnerable to recruitment into gangs. One organisation is here to change that by providing children with the unique skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world, helping to better prepare them for the world of work, and protecting them from the allure of gang culture – now, it’s entering the next phase of its work with an exciting new launch. Millennium Community Solutions (MCS), which was founded by Rev Gail Thompson, a wheelchair user of 35 years due to MS, has reached an impressive

milestone. The team have successfully taught over 3000 children, aged 5-11, to code in after-school coding centres situated throughout Lambeth. These centres, active five nights a week within council estates, have become a beacon of learning and opportunity for the community's youngest members. On the back of this remarkable achievement, MSC has confirmed the launch of a new digital hub to transform tech education in Lambeth. This project was made possible thanks to a collaboration with the Borough of Lambeth's resident engagement team. It will open on December 7th at 3 pm at 1 Opal Street, Kennington SE11 4HZ.

From getting online and VR to coding and gaming, the hub will help to bridge the technology gap by providing essential skills training and safeguarding access to digital resources. The joint efforts of Lambeth Council and MCS have been instrumental in creating this transformative facility. The Digital Hub will offer a constructive and engaging alternative for young people, steering them away from the danger of involvement with gangs. The hub has been designed as a safe and nurturing space and will host a variety of digital services, from beginner coding in Scratch to advanced programming in Python, HTML, and JavaScript.

The tech setup at the hub will feature PS5 consoles and expansive TV screens for a fully immersive experience that aims to captivate young minds. Notably, all are services provided entirely free of charge. MSC aims to foster an environment where children aged 5-11 can enjoy technology through both gaming and educational movie sessions, indoors and outdoors. MCS's approach is 360, as these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to make technology exciting and accessible to all ages and encourage them to explore other tech-related skills, such as coding.

It was announced that Kids Company charity founder and social justice campaigner Camila Batmanghelidjh has died – on her birthday - having been ill for some time. Having started the charity in 1996 in south London, to provide support to up to 36,000 deprived and vulnerable inner-city children and young people, in 2015 she stepped down amid allegations of mismanagement - but a High Court cleared her of wrongdoing. Ms Batmanghelidjh was said to have spent her last Christmas at home wrapping presents for vulnerable children. Born into a wealthy family in Iran, she arrived in England aged 12, speaking little English, and went on to gain a first-class degree from Warwick University. After training as a psychotherapist, she founded Kids Company in 1996 and was its chief executive for 19 years. The charity sought to provide support to deprived children from low-income families, and grew to drop-in centres across London, as well as in Bristol and Liverpool. In 2015, she stepped down after

Kids Company ran into financial difficulties. The charity shut down in August that year, after the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations, following the television broadcast of a report. Subsequent police investigations found no evidence of criminality or safeguarding failures. In 2021, Ms Batmanghelidjh and six others won their High Court battle against disqualification from being directors of other organisations. She was appointed CBE and listed among the UK's most powerful women. At the height of her fame, she rubbed shoulders with politicians on both sides of the divide and had celebrity supporters. However, the Charity Commission later ruled it had been mismanaged although it said that there was no dishonesty, bad faith, or inappropriate gain in the operation of the charity. The charity Brixton Soup Kitchen said she had "donated over 100 Christmas gifts last week to less fortunate kids". She was 61.

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THE COUNTDOWN TO BETTER ACCESS TO FLEX BEGINS

he shift towards

proposals to Yasmin Qureshi MP

all parents and

last year, we were hopeful that

carers getting the

the time was ripe for change.

flex they need took

And whilst there’s still work to

a huge step forward in Parlia-

be done before we can say every-

ment, meaning it will become

one has equal access to flexible

law in April 2024.

working, this legislation marks

Once this happens, requesting

a sea change, and will pave the

flexible working will be an au-

way for progressive reform in

tomatic right from the day you

the future so that one day, flex-

start a job, and you will no

ible working will be the default

longer be expected to explain

in the UK. Yasmin Qureshi MP

how the arrangement will work.

said: “I’m grateful to Working

The other changes you’ll notice

Families for helping me initiate

are that you’ll be able to make

and progress the Employment

two requests a year instead of

Relations (Flexible Working)

one, and the processing time

Act through Parliament.

will now be two months instead

“This new legislation will make

of three. And by legally ensur-

it easier for employees to access

ing more communication from

flexible working opportunities

an employer should they want

and will encourage employers

to reject an application, there

to think more about what work-

will be more opportunity to find

ing arrangements they can offer

a solution that works for every-

when advertising vacancies. For

one.

many of the UK's working par-

The legislation is a massive

ents and carers, the ability to ac-

achievement

cess greater flexibility could be

thankful to Yasmin Qureshi MP

and

we’re

the difference between quitting

for allowing us to work along-

work or reducing working hours

side her to develop a draft bill,

to meet their caring responsibil-

and her hard work in making it a

ities and staying in their job and

reality. When we put forward the

maintaining their income.”

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Page 7 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

Business & Finance WOOD WINS DETAILED ENGINEERING DESIGN FOR TRION PROJECT IN GULF OF MEXICO

ood, a global leader in consulting and engineering, has secured a contract from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for detailed engineering of the topsides facilities on Woodside Energy's Trion Floating Production Unit (FPU) in Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico. When complete, Trion will have a production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day and connect to a

Chancellor responds to November 2023 inflation statistics

hancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “With inflation more than halved we are starting to remove inflationary pressures from the economy. “Alongside the business tax cuts announced in the Autumn Statement this means we are back on the path to healthy, sustainable growth. But many families are still struggling with high prices so we will continue to prioritise measures that help with cost-ofliving pressures.”

950,000-barrel capacity floating storage and offloading vessel. This greenfield development will represent the first deepwater development in Mexico at a water depth of 2,500 meters. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) provider for the FPU and Wood's latest award follows the delivery of the Trion pre-FEED and FEED design. John Day, President of Oil, Gas and Power at Wood commented: "We are pleased to have been selected as the topsides engineering provider for Trion by Woodside Energy and the project's EPC Contractor, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. “Wood's innovative design process on the pre-FEED and FEED work positioned us well for the detailed engineering scope on Trion. Applying a practical approach to decarbonisation in the design process has been an important part of this project, whilst ensuring safety and quality. “Our team has a proven history with Woodside, having worked together for two decades, and

our experience designing and delivering solutions for Trion will improve productivity, reduce emissions and maximize the return on investment for our client." SeonMook Lim, Engineering Vice President of Offshore Engineering Division as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries commented: "We are very pleased to reunite with Wood through the Trion FPU Project for the first time since we worked on the East Area Natural Gas Liquids Offshore Project in West Africa in 2005. “We are greatly enthusiastic about creating another EPC success story that will leave a lasting mark in the history of offshore oil and gas development. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Woodside as we embark on Trion FPU project." Wood's teams in Houston (US) and Bogota (Colombia) will deliver the detailed topsides design work for the FPU project over the next three years. In the last decade, Wood has designed more than 50% of topside facilities in the Gulf of Mexico today.

In response, Policy Director at My Pension Expert, Lily Megson (pic), said: “Inflation continues to head in the right direction as yearend approaches. “However, the cost-of-living crisis has plagued budgets throughout 2023 – household finances are unlikely to bounce back immediately. The same will be the case for pension planners. Particularly in the run up to the new year, many Britons will be reconsidering their retirement finances and trying to plan for the future. “A challenge to say the least,

given the unpredictability of the UK’s economic performance. It is therefore vital that the government step up and take the strongest measures to support individuals on their financial journey, particularly by addressing broader cost-of-living challenges. “In 2024, the emphasis should be on boosting pension engagement, increasing access to financial advice, and promoting effective financial planning, ensuring all savers can navigate complexities with confidence.”

What are the major challenges A for SMEs in 2024?

ward-wInnIng journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.

very year, resolutions are made by individuals, groups, communities and nations, as to the nature and type of plans to achieve. Each sometimes has a motto or a conceivable goal to accomplish. For years, small and medium sized enterprises (SMES) have been the engine or the nerve centres of central economies. They comprise more than 80% of all production and service sectors in national and global economies. Yet they receive partial recognition from society for their input into economic and social advancement. The post-COVID period has witnessed revolutionary changes to the way in which the small firm sector is managed. Digitisation has become not only the ‘sacred cow’ but the corporate norm for marketing and communicating corporate image and yet, despite this strategic em-

phasis, SMEs are still struggling with growth, more so, orderly development. The British Chambers of Commerce clamored in the last quarter of 2023, for a series of ‘urgent improvements to unlock the planning systems across the UK”. It called for a more integrated system of planning between national and local authorities, with technology being used to deal with the number of business planning applications. The chamber was responding to its second quarterly survey that showed the number of firms’ investments were reduced to 23% compared to 25% in the first quarter of 2023 (September 28, 2023). Meanwhile the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reported that nearly a quarter of firms were expected to increase their online presence. They adopted to what is known as ‘home office’ trading, with the number

by Dr. Christopher A. Johnson expected to rise to 39% over the next year. Nearly 10% of all firms are expected to be engaged in product diversification. They plan to introduce or add differential products or services to increase market share. SMEs are also likely to improve and enhance ‘business practices and processes” (FSB Report, 2023/2024). Nearly 20% of all small business leaders in the UK have made ‘structural changes to maintain trading while respective social distancing’ regulations (Ibid). another 30% of small firms are expected to alter their business practices to accommodate working from home. Over half (51%) of SMEs consider ‘leadership and management skills’ as seminal for future growth. Other statistics suggest the following:

•

Human capital is most needed in product or service innovation.

•

Skills are also required for organizational innovation.

•

53% of small firms invested in or introduced improvements to working practices.

•

49% introduced new technologies or machinery.

•

41% invested int staff development over the last year.

•

75% of small firms report that have set a strategy for their operations.

•

45% said they are determined to implement their strategies according to the analysis of their respective business situations.

The issue of subsiding or meeting key employment costs for SMEs is another area of immense concern for business

lobbies -locally, nationally and internationally. Undoubtedly, 2024 will probably witness SMEs becoming

beacons of national and international employee production and productivity.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 8

AGREEMENTS WORTH SAR27 BILLION RIYALS SIGNED ON FIRST DAY OF FMF24

he first day of the third edition of Future Minerals Forum (FMF) saw the signing of 20 agreements and memorandums of understanding worth a total of SAR27 billion riyals between government agencies, companies and other organizations participating in the Forum. These included agreements connected with mining exploration, technology and communications, as well as the application of sustainability standards, localization, qualification and industrialization in the minerals sector. Also unveiled at the Forum were details of the 33 sites available for exploration this year, and the first mining belt to be made available for exploration in the region at Jabal Sayid, an area of 4,000 square kilometers. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar AlKhorayef, His Excellency the Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, His Excellency, His Excellency the Vice-Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid Al-Mudaifer, and Eng. Sulaiman

Al-Mazrou, CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Services Program. Among the government agencies and private sector participating in signing these agreements and memorandums of understanding were Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Saudi Geological Survey, the Saudi EXIM Bank, and the Saudi Mining Polytechnic (SMP). Among those signing the agreements were the Saudi Mining Services Company, Moxico Ajlan & Bros Mining, Saudi Aramco, Al-Haytham Mining Company, Manara Minerals, Vale, the Geological Survey of Finland, Maaden, Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security, SABIC, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Energy & Water Academy, and the Al Fada Anode Production Company. The third edition of FMF began this morning (10 January) at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre (KAICC) with more than 16,000 participants from 145 countries in attendance, as well as 250 speakers. Over the course of two days, the Forum will address some of the most pressing issues for the minerals sector.

LEVI ROOTS ANNOUNCED AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR BIRMINGHAM BLACK BUSINESS SHOW 2024 Attendees will have the unique op- will undoubtedly enrich the ex-

he Birmingham Black Business Show is proud to announce that the multi-talented Levi Roots will be the esteemed keynote speaker for the much-anticipated event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 15th June, at the NEC Birmingham. Culinary and entrepreneurial icon,

Levi Roots rose to prominence in 2007 when he introduced his Reggae Reggae sauce on the hit TV show Dragon's Den, securing a substantial £50,000 investment. Since then, Roots has become a household name, expanding his brand to include over 50 products, authoring cookbooks, making TV appearances, and more.

portunity to gain valuable insights from talented Black professionals and founders like Levi Roots, learn from their experiences, and be motivated by their positive impact on both the business and cultural landscape. With returning Headline Sponsor HSBC, the Birmingham Black Business Show 2024 promises to be an inspiring and insightful day for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and enthusiasts alike with over 3,000 attendees expected. Founder and CEO, Raphael Sofoluke had this to say: "Hosting Levi Roots as the keynote speaker for the Birmingham Black Business Show 2024 is a monumental moment for us. His journey from introducing Reggae Reggae sauce on Dragon's Den to becoming a culinary and entrepreneurial icon is truly inspiring. “We are thrilled to welcome Levi and believe his unique blend of business acumen, community engagement, and creative prowess

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perience for our attendees." Not just any trade show, Birmingham Black Business Show boasts several free features for budding entrepreneurs and professionals such as the Careers Zone, Business Advice Hub, Scale-up Sessions and Launchpad Competition. Whether you’re looking for something as simple as C.V. guidance or want one-2-one advice on how to scale your business - Birmingham Black Business Show has it all. Open to everyone, the event is a comprehensive experience designed to empower, connect, and propel Black professionals and entrepreneurs toward success all whilst promoting a more diverse and equal professional landscape. People are advised to take advantage of Early Bird tickets priced at £35 until Friday, 19th January and can secure a spot for a day filled with empowerment, networking, and celebration of Black business excellence.

Chamber reaction to latest GDP figures Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This morning's GDP results underline the fragile nature of the economy as growth flatlined last quarter and fell in October more sharply than expected. “Activity fell across all sectors with the bad weather having an impact on consumer spending and of course, higher borrowing costs continue to act as a drag on investment - a theme which we have repeatedly encountered as part of our research on

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the Business Commission West Midlands. “All eyes will now turn to tomorrow's MPC meeting to see how the Bank of England respond with many city analysts expecting rates to be held until the latter part of next year. “With this in mind, the Government needs to ensure its focus on reducing cost pressures for businesses and unlocking investment remains front and centre of their agenda for growth as we head into 2024.”

Page 9 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

THE FUNERAL OF MOMMA JEN

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT STRENGTHENS INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT IN VIETNAM

hen a scientist, doctor, economist or writer residing in the United States is awakened by a pre-dawn phone call from Sweden, it might bring life-changing news of a Nobel Prize. In many cases, U.S. Nobel laureates are college professors. And their students are as excited as they are. Professor Moungi Bawendi, who teaches at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in Boston, jointly won this year’s chemistry prize for developing quantum dots with scientists Louis Brus of Columbia University and Aleksey Yekimov, who works at Nanocrystals Technology Inc. After what Bawendi called his “surprise and shock” at that phone call from Stockholm, he went to teach his morning class, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. But Bawendi was sidetracked from his planned lesson by the applause of his students and the food and drinks they and his colleagues had brought to class. MIT News reports that, after popping a bottle of champagne,

Bawendi scrapped the lesson and instead gave students a brief history of his work on quantum dot science. Afterward, he obligingly posed for photos with the students. Later, at a press conference, he said that the class “went very well, except I didn’t talk about what I was supposed to talk about.” One of Bawendi’s co-winners, Professor Louis Brus of Columbia University, also helps students understand quantum dots (nanosized particles with unique properties that spread their light from television screens and LED lamps). On the morning of the announcement, Brus received many text messages from students, current and former. “Everyone was thrilled for him,” said Andrew Crowther, who had been a postdoctoral researcher for Brus. “Louis is an excellent mentor, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adviser during my postdoctoral work,” says Crowther, who is now a professor himself at Barnard College in New York. “Whenever anyone needed guidance, Brus’ door was always open.” After learning about his own No-

bel Prize in physics (shared with Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier), Ohio State University’s Professor Emeritus Pierre Agostini joined students he mentors on a Zoom call. He’s based in France, but he visits Ohio State twice a year to work with post-doctorate physics students. On the call, “we were all jumping for joy,” said Louis DiMauro, a colleague who directs Ohio State University’s Institute for Optical Science. Agostini’s work involves producing extremely short pulses of light that can be used to provide images of processes inside atoms and molecules. When he mentors at OSU, “he’s kind to the students but he challenges them, and they love it,” DiMauro says. “Pierre spends his day moving from one student’s office to another. They really enjoy their discussions with him.” Other Nobel winners affiliated with U.S. universities are the University of Pennsylvania’s Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman (who share the 2023 prize for medicine) and Harvard University’s Claudia Goldin (who won the 2023 economics prize).

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CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

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THE FUNERAL OF MOMMA JEN

CELEBRATED PROFESSOR ACKNOWLEDGED WITH NOBEL PRIZE

and instead gave students a brief history of his work on quantum dot science. Afterward, he obligingly posed for photos with the students. Later, at a press conference, he said that the class “went very well, except I didn’t talk about what I was supposed to talk about.” One of Bawendi’s co-winners, Professor Louis Brus of Columbia University, also helps students understand quantum dots (nanosized particles with unique properties that spread their light from television screens and LED lamps). On the morning of the announcement, Brus received many text messages from students, current and former. “Everyone was thrilled for him,” said Andrew Crowther, who had been a postdoctoral researcher for Brus. “Louis is an excellent mentor, and I couldn’t have asked for a better adviser during my postdoctoral work,” says Crowther, who is now a professor himself at Barnard College in New York. “Whenever anyone needed guidance, Brus’ door was always open.” After learning about his own Nobel Prize in

physics (shared with Ferenc Krausz and Anne L’Huillier), Ohio State University’s Professor Emeritus Pierre Agostini joined students he mentors on a Zoom call. He’s based in France, but he visits Ohio State twice a year to work with post-doctorate physics students. On the call, “we were all jumping for joy,” said Louis DiMauro, a colleague who directs Ohio State University’s Institute for Optical Science. Agostini’s work involves producing extremely short pulses of light that can be used to provide images of processes inside atoms and molecules. When he mentors at OSU, “he’s kind to the students but he challenges them, and they love it,” DiMauro says. “Pierre spends his day moving from one student’s office to another. They really enjoy their discussions with him.” Other Nobel winners affiliated with U.S. universities are the University of Pennsylvania’s Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman (who share the 2023 prize for medicine) and Harvard University’s Claudia Goldin (who won the 2023 economics prize).

GLOBAL EDUCATION HOLDINGS ACQUIRES AUSTRALIAN PERFORMING ARTS CONSERVATORY U K-based educational group Global Education Holdings has acquired the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory (APAC). The Brisbane-based performing arts school offers undergraduate courses in acting, screen production, and song and dance. Since its inception in 1993, APAC has produced many successful TV, Theatre, and Film professionals, including actor Mirko Grillini (The Chronicles of Narnia and Home and Away) and Australian standup comedian Mark McConville. Welcoming APAC into the group, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Professor Ray Lloyd said: "GEDU is creating a diverse portfolio of educational institutions and services to offer high quality, accessible,

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skill-oriented higher education across the globe. “The acquisition of APAC, with its outstanding reputation in delivering performing arts education, allows us to extend our curricula offer whilst also extending our geographical reach into Australia." A registered Australian Higher Education Provider APAC is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Earlier known as the Australian Stage Combat School (ASCS), it is also registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. With this acquisition, GEDU has entered the Australian market, extending its global footprint. APAC is the fourth brand to be added to the GEDU group within the last three months.

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Recently, it has acquired maritime school MLA College in the UK, French management school École de Management Appliqué (EMA), and US-based Schiller International University, having campuses in Tampa, Madrid, Heidelberg, and Paris. The Group offers a range of educational opportunities, including the full range of higher education qualifications, apprenticeships, and language schools. It operates in 12 countries, including the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Malta, UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. The group's portfolio covers a wide range of subject areas and is characterised by a keen focus on both employability and student experience to maximise return on investment for students.

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CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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ADOPTION & FOSTERING

PIC - Celebrating the awards are, front row, left to right, Caterina Robinson, Service Manager, Children and Young People in Care, Dalbir Kaur, Client Success West Midlands, CAN Digital, Jazmine Walker, Head of Service, Children and Young People in Care, Councillor Christopher Burden, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and back row, left to right, Jade Lawton,Team Manager, Fostering Assessment and Recruitment, and Matt Kilpatrick, Children’s Portfolio Manager, CAN Digital.

Fostering film COUNCIL SAYS THANKS TO CITY'S scoops two LONG-SERVING FOSTER PARENTS ‘UnAwards’

PIC - Foster parents were joined by the Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Councillor Chris Burden, members of the Fostering for Wolverhampton team and council staff at the For the Love of Fostering celebration

olverhampton has officially thanked all of its dedicated foster parents for the vital work they do looking after vulnerable children and young people in the city. The City of Wolverhampton Council's Fostering for Wolverhampton team recognised the service of their foster parents at the ‘For the Love of Fostering’ awards evening at Molineux Stadium. Over 180 people attended the event, aimed at celebrating the city’s fantastic foster parents and recognising those earning long-service awards. As well as the usual awards for the completion of 10-, 15-, 20-

and 30-years’ service, this year saw the introduction of a new award to recognise those achieving permanency. Foster parents receiving this award may have been linked and matched long term with their foster child or have been successful in securing a Special Guardianship Order. There was also a special thankyou and commendations for the city’s retiring foster parents. The evening was opened by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, with awards being presented by Councillor Christopher Burden, the council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. Councillor Burden said: “I was delighted to celebrate the amaz-

ing work that all our fantastic foster parents do in Wolverhampton. “These are very special people, and it was great to have the opportunity to personally thank them for their efforts on behalf of our city's children and young people and listen to their inspirational stories. We are very lucky to have so many highly committed and dedicated residents in Wolverhampton who provide the best care for our most vulnerable children and young people, but we have more youngsters who are looking for a permanent foster home. "I would urge anyone who has considered fostering to speak to our Fostering for Wolverhampton team to find out more about this

life-changing role.” Fostering for Wolverhampton seek foster parents from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, and ethnic groups. Foster parents must be at least 21 years of age, live within a 20-mile radius of Wolverhampton and have a spare bedroom – but, most importantly, they must have room in their heart to care for the city’s most vulnerable children and young people. The fostering process can take as little as 16 weeks and all foster parents will receive specialist support and training as well as a regular, tax exempt fee and allowance to cover the cost of bringing up a child or sibling group.

Praise for team supporting city’s care leavers

support provided. Every care leaver who responded said they had a good relationship with their Young Persons Advisor - 99% felt supported with their health and well-being (an increase of 5% year-on-year), whilst 96% of young people stating that they felt supported to live independently in the future. The same proportion were getting the right support around money management and finances, and were aware and accessed something from the care leaver Local Offer,

an increase of 2% on the previous year. Meanwhile, the support for care leavers has also been praised by Mark Riddell MBE, National Implementation Advisor for Care Leavers, following a recent visit to carry out a review of the Local Offer. He said: "I was very impressed by the leadership and management approach that was ambitious and aspirational, and I got a real sense of passion and commitment to have a better offer for care leavers across the whole

The help and support for young people leaving care in Wolverhampton has been praised by the National Implementation Advisor for Care leavers – and the city’s care leavers themselves. The City of Wolverhampton Council's Reach Leaving Care Team provides a wide range of services and opportunities to help

improve the life chances of young people aged 16 and over who are leaving, or have left, care. And the 2023 annual survey of care leavers, which was presented to the council’s Corporate Parenting Board found that they rated the Reach Leaving Care Team at 8.65 out of 10 on average, showing the vast majority are happy with the

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film exploring fostering has been commended with two prestigious awards, following financial backing from the City of Wolverhampton Council. Any Of Us, a powerful short film designed to encourage people from all backgrounds to consider becoming foster parents for their local authority, won the Best Collaboration and Best Creative Comms categories at the recent comms2point0 UnAwards, which recognises excellence in public sector communication. The film explores the different attributes needed to be a foster parent, through the perspectives of prospective foster parents dealing with difficult scenarios and shows that having a caring instinct is fundamental to fostering with the City of Wolverhampton Council’s

Fostering for Wolverhampton service. Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We all want to see children and young people get the best possible start in life, so that they can realise their dreams and fulfil their potential. That’s exactly what being a foster parent for Wolverhampton is all about. “The fact that Fostering for Wolverhampton was an important part of this fantastic collaboration, involving more than 80 council fostering teams from across the UK who all jointly contributed to the production, administration and launch costs of Any of Us, shows collaborative working at its best. More importantly, this film shows that it really could be ‘Any of Us’ who can foster for the City of Wolverhampton Council.”

service area. "The local authority is in a good position to get to being great for care leavers in that I could see some outstanding features." Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This annual survey of care leavers is crucial to the overall effectiveness of the service, and I'd like to thank all the young people who took the time to complete it. "Coupled with the very positive

feedback from Mark Riddell MBE, we can see that 2023 was a year of growing successes for the Reach Leaving Care Team and for our care leavers. In particular, the continuation of the regular drop-in service with education, employment and training, health and housing support advisors has been well received, while the encouraging feedback from the Local Offer review and Care Leavers Week highlighted the positive impact the team is having on the young people they work with.”

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CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 12

MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

/streetcredmagazine www.streetcredmagazine.com

DANCEHALL SENSATION

TEEJAY

takes over Nigeria and New York with remix of viral hit

Page 13 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT

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www.streetcredmagazine.com

BRING ME THE HORIZON HEADING OUT ON THEIR MASSIVE NX_GN WRLD TOUR

EDITORS NOTE Yes Street Credders, how are you all! Have to say 2023 is looking amazing for the world of entertainment as the big old skool artists are coming over to UK and of course we are well in to get the exclusives. We celebrate 25 years of Street Cred a true Birmingham legacy, a magazine that has been the eye of entertainment and letting you know whats hot and not whats not because that doesnt matter, if its in Street Cred you know its the top flavour. Look out for the best places to go right here from Restaurants, to Bars and Concerts. This is the lifestyle Always cutting edge and representing the street culture positively! Mark Dwayne

RIT and Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling quintet Bring Me The Horizon is one of the most electrifying and successful rock bands to emerge from the UK. The group kicked off their Post Human era in 2020 with the release of the first of four EPs aptly titled Post Human: Survival Horror. The critically acclaimed release, which features hit singles ‘Parasite Eve,’ ‘Obey’

(with Yungblud), ‘Teardrops,’ and ‘Ludens,’ debuted at Number 1 on the UK charts and was praised by NME for being “rooted in raw relevance for today and the cyber-punk energy of tomorrow.” Headlining a sold-out show at Birmingham Utilita Arena on 12th January, special guests Bad Omens, Casseytte and Static Dress will join Bring Me The Horizon across all UK dates. There’s a lots to come from the band this year!

UK CHOOSES ‘COOL RUNNINGS’ AS FAVOURITE SPORTS MOVIE OF ALL TIME

“

Cool Runnings,” a 1993 film that tells the story of a Jamaican bobsled team’s path to the Winter Olympics, was selected as the United Kingdom’s favourite sports movie of all time. “Cool Runnings” received 18 percent of the vote, which was commissioned by Showcase Cinemas. The Jamaican sports film, which

reached iconic status around the world, defeated “Rocky” by Sylvester Stallone and “Chariots of Fire,” which garnered 17 percent and 16 percent of the vote, respectively. Showcase Cinemas commissioned the research to mark the release of “Next Goal Wins,” the true story of the national football team from American Samoa, on December

26, 2023. The survey also found that 19 percent of the respondents rated “Bend It Like Beckham” as the UK’s favourite football-related movie of all time. In second place was “Escape to Victory” with 11 percent, and “The Damned United” with six percent. Thirteen percent named Sir Alex Ferguson as the UK’s favourite football manager of all

time, and Pep Guardiola of Manchester City as second favourite with four percent. Muhammad Ali was voted the top sporting icon of all time by 17 percent of the respondents, and Cristiano Ronaldo beat out Lionel Messi as the favourite megastar player in the UK with 15 percent of the vote. Thirty-six percent of the Brits surveyed said that watching sports-related movies prompted them to become more interested in the sport, the teams, or individual athletes. The top sporting moment in history the fans would like to see on the big screen was England’s World Cup win in 1966, followed by the 2012 London Olympics “Super Saturday” and the England Women’s Euro victory in 2022. According to the UK marketing director of Showcase Cinemas, Jon Dixon, sports films are highly effective in portraying dramatic and historic sporting feats. He said “Next Goal Wins” is in that tradition. The film is based on a 2014 documentary with the same title and was released on Boxing Day as some 32 percent of Britons consider football to be a Boxing Day tradition.

R.I.P Fatman – A Sound System Legend

Arguably one of the biggest names in the world of the Sound-Systems, since 1972, Tottenham’s finest soon became one of the world’s greatest, as Fatman Hifi reigned supreme in dancehalls throughout the world – with no exceptions. Voted ‘Sound System of the Year’, at the Black Echoes British Reggae Awards in 1979, Fatman, who moved to the UK - from Waterhouse Kingston - in 1962, was the figurehead of the world-renowned set-up from 1974. He, from then, begin to create an ever-growing stir on the Reggae scene, and, by 1977, opened his record shop in Tottenham, where he was getting attention from even back in his native Jamaica – and, inadvertently, around north London: “We used to play for Pastor Morris club,” he once recalled. “Back then Pastor Morris used to run a youth club where we used to play for him. He used to charge 10 pence a head, but we were only playing to keep the youths them off the street. “We didn’t really play to make anything out of it back then. It was just something for the club – where 10p-per-head would go to the club and things like that. By the early 1980's

MC's Raymond Naptali and Roy Ranking were regulars on the sound and were releasing records on Fatman’s KG Imperial Record label. In developing an ongoing relationship with Prince Jammy in Jamaica, he was able to get much-soughed dub plates before any other UK sounds and eventually to some of Jammy's productions being released on KG Imperial. “It was all about coming out of my yard, going to dances and getting beaten by the music. It was sweet,” he once recalled. “That’s how I started out.” During the 1990's Fatman started to focus on production, distribution, promotion and managing his sons sound Gold Star Muzik before, in more recent years, playing out again at revival dances with fellow Sound System legends - Sir Coxsone and King Tubby's. “In those early days I’d be playing the best Roots Reggae music same way,” he once recalled. “Those days were just a breakout from Bluebeat and we worked from that.” Other Sound Systems who followed the trailblazing tracks of Fatman, in London, included Jah Shaka, Sir Coxsone, Jah Whitey and Soferno B. His legacy extended well beyond that!

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 14

Food & Fine Dining Chef and author, Dominique Woolf, introduces The Woolf's Kitchen

SPREADING LOVE THIS PANCAKE DAY WITH A HEART-SHAPED CRÊPE PAN

ove is in the air this February with two deliciously foodie days happening back to back – Shrove Tuesday on Tuesday, 13th and St Valentine's Day on Wednesday, 14th. To help spread deliciousness in a truly heartfelt way this Spring, much loved French brand, Bonne Maman has introduced an adorable, limited

edition, heart-shaped crêpe pan. Heavenly, heart-shaped crêpes are a simple, delicious treat to show you care. Present a pretty stack and spread with your favourite fruity, jewel bright Bonne Maman conserves, perhaps topped with freshly sliced strawberries or berries and maybe a dollop of crème fraîche to finish off – and they will look and taste fantastic.

Remember, for flipping up perfect, wafer-thin, heart-shaped crêpes every time, wipe a little light oil over the base of your pan rather than butter which can burn; less is more when ladling the batter and swirl right into the rounded heart edges. Beautifully decorated, the 25cm non-stick Bonne Maman crêpe pans will be available from 1st February, for a fourweek period in select stores,

F SALCOMBE GIN SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH NEW WORLD DUTY FREE LISTING

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while stocks last. To make this an even lovelier February, there are also thousands of these gorgeous special edition pans to be won courtesy of Bonne Maman - just look out for the entry stickers on the brand's iconic red gingham lids across all stores … and you could be lucky in love!

amed for its craftsmanship, quality and distinctive flavour profiles, Salcombe Distilling Co., proud creators of Salcombe Gin, is thrilled to announce their multi-award-winning flagship gins 'Start Point' and 'Rosé Sainte Marie' are now available at numerous airport duty-free stores. The exciting development allows travellers to purchase Salcombe Gin at prominent airport locations including Heathrow T2, T3, T4, T5, London Gatwick North and South terminals, London Stansted Airport, Manchester

hen it comes to Dominique Woolf's successful career change from singer-songwriter to #1 Sunday Times Best Seller, the proof is in the pudding. With a love of food being her first passion, Dominique decided to hone her skills at Leiths School of Food and Wine before spending lockdown harnessing her creative home cooking; creating big, bold and flavourful dishes for every night of the week. This led her to launching her own business, The Woolf's Kitchen, selling a range of award-winning sauces inspired

Airport terminals 1, 2 and 3 and Bristol Airport. Further expansions are planned, with additional airports from January 2024. The inclusion of Salcombe Gin in airport duty-free follows the company's remarkable growth and success in the travel retail sector over the past year. Salcombe Distilling Co. has formed strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Harding+ onboard P&O Cruises, Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard) and Virgin Atlantic, establishing a strong presence in the travel retail market. The availability of Salcombe Gin in

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by her Thai auntie, Dang. In 2020, the sauces won a Great Taste Award and in 2022, the London-based, Thai-English mum of three won Jamie Oliver's The Great Cookbook Challenge on Channel 4 with her easy Asian-inspired food. The book that followed, Dominique's Kitchen, went on to become a #1 Sunday Times Best Seller. Her next cookbook, The Asian Pantry, is due out this June. Dominique is available for expert comment pieces, chef profiles, recipes, TV, Podcast & Radio appearances and more.

airport duty-free not only signifies a significant achievement for the brand but also strengthens its position in the export market. Angus Lugsdin, Co-founder and Director of Salcombe Distilling Co., says; "We are very proud and excited to offer our exceptional gins to travellers through our collaboration with World Duty Free. This expansion marks a new chapter in our journey, allowing us to share the unique taste of Salcombe Gin with a wider audience”. To celebrate, Salcombe Distilling Co will be providing free sampling at all of the airports throughout December.

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 15 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

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S R O T MO

LAND SPEED SUNBEAM 1000HP RESTORATION REACHES FUNDRAISING MILESTONE AT NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM

he National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has started the year with news that it has reached the £50,000 mark with its Sunbeam 1000hp restoration campaign. The Museum is now appealing for more support to get the restoration to the next step in the goal of hearing its engines roar again and raising £300k to restore World Land Speed record car and taking it to Daytona in the USA

for the centenary of its record-breaking 200 mph attempt in 2027. Visitors to Beaulieu can currently see the exposed chassis on show in the National Motor Museum, and on the January 27th a special talk at Beaulieu will see the Museum’s Manager and Chief Engineer Doug Hill and Senior Engineer Ian Stanfield talk about the efforts to restore the impressive car. The evening will have a special guest appear-

ance from land speed record holder Richard Noble. Proceeds from the Transport Torque evening will go to the Sunbeam 1000hp restoration campaign. The Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign was launched with Hampshire-based Brookspeed Automotive in March. To help raise the profile of the vehicle’s centenary celebrations and fundraising campaign – through individual donations and corporate sponsorship – there are

plans to take it to Europe and on tour to motoring museums across America. Opportunities will also be offered for schools, colleges, and universities to get involved with STEM workshops and activities. The Sunbeam’s two 22.5 litre engines, which each produced 435bhp, have not run since before World War II more than 80 years ago – after corrosion attacked internal workings. With painstaking rebuilding,

using specialist knowledge and bespoke parts, National Motor Museum engineers will recapture the sounds, sights and smells of this ground-breaking machine and help to preserve it for future generations. Designed and built solely to break the 200mph barrier, this immensely powerful machine was driven by Major Henry Segrave to become the fastest car in the world. The Museum’s Michelle Kirwan says:

“Funds are now needed to gear up a level to complete the second engine build and ultimately the full restoration. “Donations for the Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign can be made online. Sponsors and corporate donors who would like to be associated with the campaign are urged to get in touch with the Museum’s Development team.”

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MOTORS

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ZEEKR APPOINTS QOVER AS ITS INSURANCE PARTNER IN THE NETHERLANDS

lobal electric mobility technology brand ZEEKR is partnering with an insurance technology company, Qover, to provide vehicle insurance in the Netherlands, for both private and fleet custom-

ers. Policies are underwritten by Helvetia International Automotive. Customers can choose from three distinct packages – Essential, Advanced and Ultimate – which are tailored to meet the needs of all ZEEKR customers by provid-

FROM UP TO 671BHP THE NEW PORSCHE PANAMERA 2024 IS MORE THAN MORE TECHNOLOGY

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 16

he third generation of Porsche' s large coupe is here: a new Porsche Panamera 2024 which, although it may not seem to change that much at first glance, incorporates some revolutionary solutions, both mechanically and technologically. The interior of the new Porsche Panamera 2024, which was pre-

viewed a few days ago in one of the teasers released by the company, continues to evolve. In this sense, it is no surprise to discover that the brand has opted for screens rather than physical controls, although there are still a few to operate the air conditioning. Prices for this model have not yet been announced for the UK (in Germany, they range from €107,800 to €192,500, de-

ing different levels of cover, such as damage to charging cables or home wallboxes, tire damage, and provision of a replacement vehicle. All three include battery cover, delivering a reassuring level of protection. Stephen Dorman, Head of Cus-

pending on the version) and the first deliveries will take place during the first quarter of the year. A top speed of 195 mph (315 km/h), a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a range in electric mode that increases to 57 miles (91 kilometres). The battery, which has a capacity of 25.9 kWh, can be charged in 2 hours and 39 minutes using the new 11 kW on-board charger. New versions will follow, both less powerful plug-in hybrids and a Turbo S E Hybrid which, according to brand sources, should match (or even better) the 875 bhp output of the Cayenne in the same version. As usual, production will continue at the Leipzig factory, where around 385,000 units have been produced since 2009 (between 160 and 180 per day) and where we have travelled to see and test the new version of this great coupe, sporty and luxurious in equal measure. A successful model, the Porsche Panamera 2024 took many years and prototypes before it became a reality.

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tomer Care at ZEEKR Europe, said: “ZEEKR strives to make every aspect of the ownership experience seamless, and this includes insurance. “We are delighted to be partnering with Qover to provide insurance in the Netherlands as we have a

shared focus on customer service and on making it simple for customers to choose the products and services they need.” Quentin Colmant, CEO and Co-founder at Qover, stated: "Our platform allows us to pivot from fragmented, multi-local insurance programs to

a unified digital customer experience. “We’re dedicated to supporting ZEEKR as the brand navigates the European insurance world and strengthens its presence across the continent."

STREAMING LIVE

Get the 'myTuner Radio' app or scan the QR code below, to listen to New

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Page 17 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Bob Marley

biopic gets royal approval at premier in Jamaica

... Page 19

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 18

ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

www.streetcredmagazine.com over 15 million YouTube views on the official music video. The contagious hook and choreography are storming through nightclubs across the globe, climbing the U.S. Billboard charts (R&B/Hip Hop Airplay, Rhythmic Top 40 Airplay, and Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay), and amassing over a quarter of a billion TikTok views for its viral dance. Teejay has been a mainstay in Jamaican dancehall for almost a decade, known for his impeccable vocal range and lyrical dexterity. He has made an impact on the island’s vibrant musical genre and pumped out hundreds of anthems – ‘People’ (2022), ‘Bitcoin’ (2021), ‘Unfaithful Games’ (2020), ‘Rags To Riches’ (2020), ‘Moonlight’ (2020), ‘Stimulate (Push It Een)’ (2020), and ‘Up Top Boss’ (2018). He

has earned the respect of his fans and dancehall stars like Mavado, who worked with him in the infancy of his career, to Vybz Kartel, who has guest-featured on Teejay’s tracks like ‘Up Top Gaza’ and ‘Pressure’, to Grammy-winning Jamaican superstar Shaggy, who is the executive producer of his forthcoming debut EP ‘I Am Chippy’. Earlier this year, he made his television debut on BET by teaming up with Shaggy for a performance of ‘Gyal Dem Time.’ Everyone from Cardi B and Offset to Burna Boy has been seen dancing to his explosive viral TikTok hit ‘Drift’. In September, it was the #1 Most Shazamed Song in NYC, and DJ Funkmaster Flex summoned Teejay to the Madison Square Garden’s stage to perform his anthem in front of a sold-out

20,000+ crowd for Hot 97. He also lit up Afrotech in Austin, TX, showing the Lone Star State how dancehall is done! Teejay will continue to tour until the end of the year. Last Saturday (Dec 16), he joined Lil Wayne and Friends Performance at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD. On Dec 23, he will perform in Miami at Mana Wynwood, and then will head back up the East coast on Dec 30 for Hot 97’s Winter Jam Performance at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, NY. He also makes stops in The Caribbean throughout the month with shows at Sandals Grande St. Lucian on Dec 19 in St. Lucia and at Glamour The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Gala on Dec 31 in Negril, Jamaica.

DANCEHALL SENSATION TEEJAY TAKES OVER NIGERIA AND NEW YORK WITH REMIX OF VIRAL HIT

eejay, one of Jamaica’s most versatile dancehall artists hailing from Montego Bay, continues to make an indelible impact across the globe with ‘Drift,’ one of the genre’s top-performing and standout songs of 2023. Today, the Up-Top Boss unleashed two genre-spanning remixes now available everywhere as the Drift Pack. Moroc-

can-born, Bronx-bred, Grammy-winning rapper French Montana blesses the track with a fresh, flavourful verse. In an accompanying video (directed by Jedi Productions and shot in NYC), the two artists run the streets of Times Square in Manhattan and French’s stomping grounds of Mott Haven in the Bronx. This release follows a week after multi-Grammy-nominated

Afrobeats icon Davido featured on Teejay’s explosive dance-inspired anthem. The latter remix will be featured on Teejay’s forthcoming debut EP ‘I Am Chippy’, slated for release in early 2024 and executive produced by diamond-selling artist Shaggy. His summer breakout single ‘Drift’ continues to go the distance with more than 60 million global streams, in addition to

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Page 19 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BOB MARLEY BIOPIC GETS ROYAL APPROVAL AT PREMIER IN JAMAICA O ne of music's most iconic figures got the movie biopic treatment, as ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ takes a look at the life and career of the Reggae legend. The movie comes with the blessing of the Marley family, with Ziggy, Ritat and Cedella Marley all on board as producers. Bringing the instantly recognizable Bob Marley to life in the movie is Kingsley Ben-Adir, who is no stranger to playing influential historical figures, previously earning rave reviews for his portrayal of Malcolm X in One Night in Miami. Playing Marley's wife, Rita, is Lashana Lynch - adding to her slew of recent high profile roles like Captain Marvel, No Time to Die, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, The Woman King and Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Other members of

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the Bob Marley: One Love cast include James Norton, Tosin Cole, Anthony Welsh, Michael Gandolfini and Umi Myers. With a script written by Zach Baylin, Frank E. Flowers and Terence Winter the film celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, people can now discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. “Nobody’s Bob Marley,” Ziggy said. “Bob is Bob. So Kingsley’s interpretation of who Bob is captures the essence of him. “You’re never gonna be Bob, but to capture the essence, the spirit, when we saw Kingsley, he held our attention. And”, he went on to say; “if you’re going to play Bob, you have to be able to hold our attention.” It was a red-carpet date night at

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the film’s premiere at the Carib Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica, on Tuesday night for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, as the couple were all smiles as they made a surprise appearance at the premier. As for the biopic, it celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity, according to its official synopsis and the premiere marked Meghan and Harry’s first trip back to Jamaica since 2017. The Duchess and Duke of Sussex were in the Caribbean country to celebrate the Prince’s friend Tom “Skippy” Inskip’s wedding to Lara Hughes-Young, but the trip turned into something much more for the former senior royals. Paramount Pictures set ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ to premiere exclusively in movie theatres on February 14.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 20

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Acousia Therapeutics attracts new investor on its path to make hearing loss treatable

WGSN trends forecasters have 'Hormonal Skincare' predicted as big beauty trend for 2024

Hormones play a role in changing skin conditions, explains Fiona Toomey, founder of NAYDAYA (pic), a wellness brand designed to work with your hormones, "our hormones dictate everything. “We've understood the link between hormones and acne for some time, but finally we have better education on the relationship between hormones and dryness, itching, collagen loss and more." Living M is another brand paving the way when it comes to hormonal based beauty, with its skincare line designed for those experiencing peri/menopause. "Hormonal shifts in menopause have also been found to have a greater impact on skin than that of chronological ageing,” explains Living M Co-founder, Siobhan McCarthy. Fluctuating hormones causes skin cell turnover to rapidly decline and can lead to concerns such as dryness, irritation, and breakouts. “We're more in tune with our bodies and hormones than ever before”, Fiona adds, "there's a growing awareness about how critical our hormones are so skincare that works with your hormones, and not against them is going to be a mainstream requirement for skincare savvy consumers going forwards." Tailored skincare and hormonal skincare trends will align, Fiona predicts, "as women are empowered to learn more about their bodies and harness their hormonal cycles, they'll be able to adapt their skincare routines accordingly." As interest in hormonal skincare grows, expect new innovations and new formats, founder of Faace – the brand that created a first-ofits-kind period mask - Jasmine Wicks-Stephens explains, "as the hormonal skincare sector evolves, so will product line-ups with new formats entering the fold."

SPECIAL GUESTS HELP EDGBASTON CARE HOME LAUNCH SPORTS BAR

care home in Edgbaston has unveiled its very own sports bar with the help of former England cricketer Kabir Ali, and Roger Newman, CEO of The Cricket Foundation. When sports enthusiast Michael Collins, aged 77, suggested that Care UK’s Metchley Manor, on Church Road, where he lives, needed a dedicated sports area – they decided to go one better. The newly created sports bar was officially unveiled by Michael, with special guests, Kabir and Roger, on hand to help cut the ribbon.

The cosy communal space features various games, books, a TV and of course – a bar. Residents, along with their family and friends, can now enjoy their favourite tipple, while relaxing and watching matches on screen. Michael said: “All of my life I have been able to walk into a bar and buy a pint. “Asking for a bar in my own home seemed a natural thing and now we have one is a wish come true. I thoroughly enjoyed the unveiling and meeting Kabir Ali and Roger Newman. I wanted somewhere for the men to come and talk, watch sports, and have a cheeky beer, or two.

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“What we have now, has given us just that, and more.” Kim-Marie Newton, General Manager at Metchley Manor, said: “We are so pleased to have unveiled our new sports bar and to have Michael there to see his idea come to life was brilliant. “Here at Metchley Manor, we understand how important it is for residents to lead fulfilling lives and stay connected to their hobbies and interests, which is why this sports bar is so important to everyone here. The bar is already proving extremely popular with the many sports fans we have at the home, and you can often hear cheering on match

days. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Kabir Ali and Roger Newman for helping us officially open our sports bar. You’re welcome in our bar anytime!” Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Metchley Manor, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

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Acousia Therapeutics GmbH, a clinical-stage biotech company developing drug candidates against acute and chronic forms of hearing loss, proudly announces Esperante Ventures as the latest addition to its esteemed group of investors. The infusion of fresh capital is set to boost the progress of Acousia's Kv7.4 activator programs, with a focus on advancing the ongoing clinical development of ACOU085 - a proprietary, small-molecule, etiology-agnostic otoprotective drug candidate, which recently entered Phase 2 clinical testing for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hearing loss and sensory hair cell death in cancer patients. The significant otoprotective potential of ACOU085 is broadly supported by results from a number of preclinical studies in relevant models. Sustained target exposure by ACOU085 in the cochlea is achieved through local application of a novel, proprietary slow-release gel formulation using standard transtympanic injection. Tim Boelke, CEO of Acousia Therapeutics, said: "Adding Esperante Ventures with their existing position in inner ear therapeutics to our investor syndicate – amidst a challenging macro-economic environment and despite recent drawbacks in competing hearing loss drug development programs – is a testament to the confidence in our unique and proprietary Kv7.4 activator approach. “Our lead candidate ACOU085, currently in Clinical Phase 2, aims to set a new standard for treating acute and subacute forms of hearing loss." Dean Slagel, Managing Director of Esperante Ventures, said: "We are excited to invest in Acousia's novel and compelling approach to treating the significant unmet indication of chemotherapy-induced hearing loss, supported by its excellent leadership, robust data and experienced investors."

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CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 21

FEBRUARY 2024

ACKNOWLEDGING ACCLAIMED FILMMAKER, AUTHOR AND WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE,

DR. MATHURINE EMMANUEL ... Page 22

HIGHLIGHTING BAME ENTREPRENEURS TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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THE ENTREPRENEURS CLUB - CELEBRATING NHS 75 AND WINDRUSH 75

nternationally acclaimed filmmaker and author, Dr Mathurine Emmanuel, is a woman on a mission, with a string of groundbreaking films tackling issues that affects everyday people living everyday lives from a perspective that many other filmmakers too often shy away from. She, especially as a native of the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, remains relentless in her drive for a conscientiously sharp, and thought-provoking society – both at home and abroad – who will always feel safe and at peace in themselves and their surroundings. Having begun her acting career when she was only eight years old, she started teaching, in her local community, from the age of 16, she has remained relentless to this day in making the people around her, as well as the wider world, well enamoured in the best and easier way people should live their lives. A visionary, self-taught filmmaker and author, to give her the precise title, Dr Mathurine – who received her received her degree of Honorary Doctor of Arts at Greenwich University for her inspirational and informative films that continue to inspire young people within the Caribbean region and around the world – is never afraid to tackle the issues she sees around her. From love to hate, and anything in between, she lets the world know

ACKNOWLEDGING ACCLAIMED FILMMAKER, AUTHOR AND WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE, DR. MATHURINE EMMANUEL

her perspective on its ills. One of 12 children, Dr Mathurine, who is also an American citizen, was an actor and teacher (for 20-pluss years), who produced an educational film with the Substance Abuse Secretariat in Saint Lucia, which tackled the idea of the prevention of HIV. Her list of groundbreaking films beyond that includes the likes of ‘Ribbons of Blue’, which won the 2003 M&C Award for best film, and the 2005 New York Independent Film Festival Award Winner for Best Director, ‘Troubled Waters’, ‘Nana’s Paradise’, and ‘Shantaye’s World’. Dr Mathurine was on a mission – to inspire! “My aim”, she said, “was, is, to inspire and uplift young people. ‘Ribbons of Blue’, like all of my films, was made to enhance the youths and especially their relations with their parents.” The film was also co-produced by Oxford University and has been screen in the UK. Having not been funded whilst making films to date, her next project is again proving to be a labour of love. ‘Secrets Of The Ghetto’ is a film that’s due to come out soon. It’s a film which highlights the traumas that young Black men and boys go through whilst growing up in deprivation. “They (Black boys) are too often ignored and not listened to in their communities or their homes. They lack the love and support by all

who are meant to be dear to them. It was used - with the backing of the government – as a learning tool by parents, teachers and government officials ever since. “It highlights just how vulnerable boys and young men are if they are not treated right – from birth, onwards. We owe it to them to love and nurture them ongoing. Afterall, they too breakdown and cry, just like us women. “Young men should be allowed to cry tears – not bullets! That’s why they need to be NURTURED!” She since met with a lot of young men, of many backgrounds and professions, who describe her as their inspiration. Dr Mathurine has also been to many institutions throughout the Caribbean, and beyond, to continue to inspire. “My raison d'être is to sit and work with boys, young men and children in general the tools to navigate their journeys in life.” The book version of ‘Shantaye's World’ is being used as a ‘go to’ in schools, colleges and other institutions of learning and is looking for a world-renowned producer to get it on the big screen. Her upcoming production, ‘Children of the Ghetto’, she says, is a blockbuster that’s waiting to be released. “At 63, I’m ‘pregnant’ with it right now, but I’m desperate for its ‘birth’.

Birmingham City announcement partners with Oak View Group

irmingham City Football Club is pleased to announce it has entered into a multi-year partnership with leading global sports and entertainment company, Oak View Group (OVG) Europe Ltd. Under the terms of the agreement, OVG will work with the Club to develop a long-term strategy to maximise the commercial value of St. Andrew’s and the Club’s training grounds; create a new commercial framework for future infrastructure projects that the Club’s owner Knighthead Capital Management LLC (Knighthead) is committed to delivering; and be responsible for driving additional relationships with global

partners who want to be part of the exciting journey the Club has embarked upon. Blues’ Chief Executive Officer, Garry Cook, said: “It is very important for Birmingham City to join with ambitious businesses who align with the ambition of the club. Our long-term goals are unprecedented, and we are pleased to attract the global expertise OVG can bring to the club.” He added: “OVG has a track record that is second to none, especially in maximising naming rights and ancillary benefits for existing stadiums and new builds. This will be a significant asset for Blues. Revenues generated by OVG will be invested directly

back into the Club, supporting our drive to become world class across everything that we do.” OVG Chairman and Founder, Tim Leiweke, said: “Currently, OVG is developing Co-op Live, the most sophisticated international Arena ever built in the U.K., and the most expensive outside of the U.S. And we seek to work with other like-minded, entrepreneurial partners. “Clearly, Birmingham City and their vision for the Club and Stadium are world class and highly ambitious. We are excited and focused on helping Tom Wagner and Garry Cook deliver on their vision and commitment to Birmingham”.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 23

THE ENTREPRENEURS CLUB - CELEBRATING NHS 75 AND WINDRUSH 75

In conversation with

Dee Burrowes

How Gratitude Journals: Transforming Lives One Entry at a Time

he ticket to happiness is not winning the lottery but instead keeping a gratitude

In the hustle and bustle of present day life, it’s a piece of cake to get caught up in the daily routine and forget to show appreciation for the positive aspects that surround each of us. One of the most accessible and effective ways to incorporate gratitude into our daily lives is through a gratitude journal. Making entries in your gratitude journal is a simple yet transformative tool that has been gaining popularity for its profound impact on mental well-being especially at the start of the year when most access both their personal and professional life. A gratitude journal is a personal diary to document thoughts, feelings and ideas as you express being thankful for each day.

journal. By the act of practicing gratitude and belief in your life, you will not only transform yourself,

Such practice lifts the spirits of reflection on the positive aspects of one's life, fostering a sense of admiration and fulfilment. The concept is simple to make a note of phrases you are grateful for daily. While this may seem trivial, the effects can be truly transformative in every area of one’s life. Gratitude journals have become a powerful tool for personal growth, mindfulness, and overall well-being. The simple act of reflecting on and jotting down things we are grateful for can have profound effects on our mental and emotional health. Transformative impact can be had almost immediately from gratitude journals enhancing you

but also inspire others to do the same.

to a more positive and happy life. Gratitude has to become a habit, a daily practice of shaping our perspective, of coaching our mind to become capable of finding strength even in adversities. After all, we need gratitude the most when it’s most difficult to find. If you’ve trained yourself through daily practice, then you’ll always find things to be grateful about. And just with that powerful emotion of gratitude, you become equipped to transform your life and open up to incredible opportunities for love, joy, and success. There amidst all problems and chaos, you’re able to find a simple answer, a door to contentment.

The benefits of practicing gratitude are pretty much endless. Individuals who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems. Gratitude doesn't need to be reserved only for momentous occasions - sure, you might express gratitude after receiving a promotion at work and also be thankful for something as simple as being given a parking space in a busy shopping centre. Gratitude is more than just saying a mere thank you. It is a mindset shift that acknowledges the greater aspects of life either big or small and as you express gratitude for them. Gratitude has many benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. A few of these benefits include: 1. Cultivating Positivity: Gratitude journals serve as a daily reminder to focus on the positive aspects of life. By regularly acknowledging and appreciating the good things, no matter how small, individuals can shift their mindset towards a more optimistic outlook. This shift can have a cascading effect on overall mental and emotional well-being. 2. Stress Reduction: Research has shown that practicing gratitude can significantly reduce stress levels. When individuals take the time to express thanks for the positive elements in their lives, it helps counteract stress and promotes a sense of

calm. Gratitude journals provide a structured and accessible way to incorporate this practice into daily routines. 3. Improved Relationships: Expressing gratitude extends beyond personal benefits; it can also enhance relationships. Individuals who regularly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those around them tend to foster stronger connections. Gratitude journals serve as a tool to reflect on the positive contributions of friends, family, and colleagues, ultimately strengthening social bonds.

4. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Maintaining a gratitude journal encourages self-reflection. As individuals identify and document the things they are thankful for, they gain insights into their values and priorities. This heightened self-awareness can guide personal growth and help individuals align their actions with their core beliefs. 5. Increased Resilience: Life is filled with challenges, and maintaining a gratitude journal can build resilience. By focusing on positive aspects, even in difficult times, individuals develop a mindset that can weather setbacks more effectively. Gratitude becomes a source of strength, enabling individuals to navigate adversity with greater resilience. 6. Promoting Mindfulness: Gratitude journals anchor individuals in the present moment.

The act of recording what one is grateful for encourages mindfulness, fostering an appreciation for the here and now. This mindfulness contributes to a reduction in anxiety about the future and regrets about the past, promoting a more balanced and centred life. Most are acquainted with gratitude lists or gratitude journals as a daily or weekly practice. Intentionally creating a list of this type is known as gratitude intervention. As a regular practice, or in moments of depression, stress or anxiety, when we take the time to pause and notice all that’s going well for us, guides our minds to a more positive state of being to start living a life of gratitude besides writing down lists. In the fast-paced and often challenging world we live in, gratitude journals offer a simple yet profound way to enhance our lives. It's important to find your own little gratitude ritual, because what works for me might be very different to what works for you. An attitude of gratitude can enhance well-being, force you to focus on the present, improve your mood and make you more resilient in stressful situations too. By acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of our existence, we not only transform our own perspective but also contribute to a more positive and harmonious society. The journey of transformation begins with a single entry, and as the pages of gratitude journals accumulate, so does the potential for a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Contributor’s Bio Dee Burrowes, Certified Professional Coach, NLP Practitioner, Speaker, Trained Teacher, International Awards Judge, Associate Governor, Mental Health and Behavioural Disorder Coach. In 2020, Dee was featured in global publications, awarded for her work in Life Coaching and Hotel, Tourism Education 2022. Newly awarded winner in the Caribbean Global Awards in the category of Journalism and Literary September 2023.

Giveaway:

If you Like, follow, and share on instagram – @ThePhoenixNewspaper and @dee_burrowes you could win a 30 minute complimentary coaching session with Dee!

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“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” —Princess Diana.

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Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

Holiday and

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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Travel

mari Raaya Maldives proudly announces its outstanding achievement in clinching two prestigious awards at the esteemed LLM Readers' Travel Awards 2023. The luxury resort, nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll of the Maldives, emerged victorious in the categories of "Best Beach/Coastal Hotel" and "Best Hotel for Romance." The Maldives stands as one of the world's most romantic destinations, and Amari Raaya Maldives epitomises a romantic paradise, offering an idyllic escape for couples seeking to transcend the ordinary and reconnect. From the moment of arrival, the resort's natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, attentive service, and a plethora of romantic experiences capture the hearts of couples. Whether it's a private candlelit dinner on the beach, a serene couples' spa treatment at the resort's maai spa, a romantic sunset cruise, or simply strolling hand-in-hand along the picture-perfect white sandy beaches, Amari Raaya Maldives curates moments that etch everlasting memories for couples, fostering intimacy and connection amidst breathtaking surroundings. Additionally, the resort's expansive island provides ample seclusion and acres of beachfront for intimate weddings and private moments. The LLM Readers' Travel Awards, now in its sixth illustrious year, stands as a beacon in recognising excellence across the global travel industry. Showcasing the finest hotels, toptier airlines, cruise lines, exotic

AMARI RAAYA MALDIVES CELEBRATES DUAL VICTORY AT LLM READERS' TRAVEL AWARDS 2023 destinations, and exceptional tour operators, the awards celebrate a realm of unparalleled luxury and hospitality. Amari Raaya Maldives distinguishes itself as a haven for travellers seeking a unique and immersive experience in the Maldives. With its sprawling island, the resort offers an array of activities both on and off the crystal-clear waters, catering to couples, families, and friends alike. A recent addition to the resort's repertoire is the unveiling of the extraordinary

private yacht, Raaya. Spanning 20.98 meters and designed to accommodate up to 20 guests across four lavishly appointed cabins, Raaya promises an unparalleled castaway paradise experience. This luxury yacht embodies opulence, offering an exquisite blend of comfort, style, and sophistication on the open seas. "Winning in not just one, but two categories at the LLM Readers' Travel Awards is a testament to our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences for our

guests," remarked Rainer Steinhilber, General Manager at Amari Raaya Maldives. "The introduction of Raaya, our luxury yacht, adds a new dimension to the exceptional offerings we provide. We are delighted to be recognised for our dedication to creating unforgettable memories in the heart of the Maldives." Amari Raaya Maldives was also a runner-up in two additional categories: “Best Hotel for Families” and “Best Spa/Wellness Hotel”.

DCT Abu Dhabi, Miral and teamLab announce the completion of 70 percent of teamLab phenomena Abu Dhabi

Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, and teamLab have announced the completion of 70 percent of the overall development of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Spanning 17,000 sqm of gross floor area (GFA), the mega-project is making steady progress towards its development, with its reinforced concrete structure fully complete, further to the construction of the artwork spaces. The multi-sensory art experience at Saadiyat Cultural District will house large-scale immersive artwork spaces created by the globally acclaimed and interdisciplinary Tokyo-based art collective teamLab, offering inspirational spaces at the intersection of art and technology, igniting curiosity, imagination, and creativity in all who visit. The architecture of teamLab Phe-

Jamaica takes top honours at World Travel Awards

PIC - The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, shares the lens with Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, at the World Travel Awards 2023 gala ceremony in Dubai

amaica received significant international recognition at the 2023 World Travel Awards, winning two world-level awards for ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ at the gala ceremony that took place at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, UAE. On winning the award, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, said: “It is very gratifying to have Jamaica recognized yet again as providing an outstanding experience for visitors. “These awards are a testament to Jamaica’s world-class tourism product, and it is an honour to be a recipient again this year.” In addition to the World category wins for 2023, Jamaica was also named ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 15th year in a row, ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’ for the 17th year in a

row, and the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination’ in the World Travel Awards - Caribbean. Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, added, “We are very pleased to have earned such prestigious distinctions this year as Jamaica’s tourism sector is growing in terms of arrivals, earnings and new product. With many of our partners having also been recognized in this year’s awards, it is truly a momentous occasion for us.” A win at the annual World Travel Awards is widely considered to be the ultimate travel and tourism industry accolade. Voted on by travel and tourism professionals and consumers worldwide, the awards recognize each winner’s demonstrated commitment to excellence. Now in its 30th year, the World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

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nomena Abu Dhabi which was conceptualized and designed by teamLab Architects will play an important role in providing the artworks with an environment to evolve freely and organically. As part of teamLab's new concept, Environmental Phenomena, the architecture for teamLab Phenomena has been designed both from the inside out and the outside in, creating a structure that envelops various environments that produce unique phenomena. Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer of Miral, said: "Together with our partners, Miral's vision for developing teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is to provide a captivating cultural journey that brings a new realm of educational exploration and creative discovery to the emirate. “The curated, experiential space will add yet another outstanding experience to Miral's portfolio of world-class experiences and attractions, appealing to visitors from across the globe." Toshiyuki Inoko, founder of teamLab, said: "A key characteristic of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is the environment and the various phenomena created by it. The environment stabilises the structure of these phenomena, and the stabilised phenomena become the artworks themselves. In other words, unlike stones or man-made creations that can maintain a stable structure on their own, the artworks at teamLab Phenomena do not exist independently, but are dependent on their environment. Even if people break the work apart, the work will remain in existence, as long as its environment is maintained. On the contrary, the work will disappear if the environment is not maintained. In time, people's consciousness will expand to include the environment. A stone can continue to exist in a closed box, sealed off from the outside world, but life cannot sustain its existence in such a box. Life is a miraculous phenomenon that emerges from a flow in a continuous world." Home for infinite curiosity, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi will feature constantly transforming artistic installations that will be unique to Abu Dhabi.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 25

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

HOLLAND AMERICA DELIGHTED WITH CRUISE RECOVERY

PIC - Bermuda’s Jamari Douglas (left) and Donovan White of Jamaica

Tourism leaders named top thinkers

Gus Antorcha, President of Holland America Line (right), speaks with FCCA President Adam Ceserano during the recent webinar.

olland America Line, which in its earliest years transported immigrants from Europe to Ellis Island, is known today as one of the industry’s top lines for service excellence aboard the high seas. Speaking recently during the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) web series with FCCA President Adam Ceserano, Gus Antorcha, President of Holland America, said Cruise Critic’s awards for service over the past

two years are an affirmation of the company’s commitment to its passengers, and he pledged to maintain the traditions of cruising with the provision of incredible service “whether that’s turn down service or (serving) high tea.” Authenticity is an important part of Holland America’s brand reputation and the company does a significant amount of regional sourcing to ensure that local ingredients are incorporated into food served on board, reflecting the tastes of its destinations. The line also brings

aboard speakers and lecturers to brief passengers on local cultural experiences. Some entertainment shows, particularly in the Caribbean, were designed with a Caribbean partner to prepare guests for the colour and rhythms of the region. Once ashore, in addition to shopping, the company offers an extensive array of options to encourage cultural immersion, including, for example, cooking, museum visits, and walking tours. Of the headwinds ahead, Antorcha

said the global geopolitical instability, including in the Eastern Mediterranean, was a concern not only for the company but also for humanity as a whole. Fuel costs are another challenge cruise lines must address. He reported seeing “incredible demand”, which indicates guests are responding well to the itineraries and product enhancements, all of which made him optimistic about the continued recovery and trajectory of Holland America Line.

wo leading Caribbean tourism executives have been named by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) among the 2023 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds. They will be honoured at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration on February 13, 2024, at the New York Marriott Marquis. Jamari Douglas, Vice President Marketing, PR and Communications of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and Donovan White, Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board,

were named among the Top 25 thinkers for the year. The awards recognize exceptional Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution leaders in hospitality, travel, and tourism organizations for their achievements in the preceding 18 months. Selected by a panel of leading industry executives, the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds are high achievers who stand out through their creativity, innovation and cutting-edge campaigns; triumph in challenging situations; and lead efforts that have resulted in dramatic gains.

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Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

OVERSEAS NEWS

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

K2 embarks on incredible expedition to Nepal, trekking to Everest Base Camp and volunteering at schools

JCF encouraging Jamaicans to be careful with information on barrels

he JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) is advising Jamaicans who receive barrels from overseas during the festive season to be careful when displaying the empty containers bearing their relatives’ personal information. Head of the JCF Corporate Communications Unit, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Stephanie Lindsay, told a recent JIS Think Tank that while these containers are very useful for garbage disposal, it’s important to distort the shipping information to deter fraudsters and other criminals. She said: “Use a marker or something, because what they do is they study the information and turn up at your gate pretending to be sent by somebody from abroad, [and] that they are connected to the person, and because they have all that information, they are able to provide you with information that convinces you that they are legitimate. “They are not legitimate. They are just using that bit of information to gain your trust to gain access.”

n November 2023, 24 K2 employees from across the globe flew out to Nepal to take part in a Himalayan trek and a volunteering programme. Half embarked on the Everest Base Camp Trek, whilst the remaining half headed into remote villages surrounding Pokhara to help refurbish local schools. The purpose is to raise money for the K2 Foundation - a charity which supports children around the world whose futures are bleak or uncertain – through which K2 are rebuilding a dilapidated school in a São Paulo favela. The Nepal Expedition is a major fundraising venture: each member of the Nepal Team is requesting sponsorship for the expedition, with the aim of raising a combined total

of £200,000 which will be channelled directly into the São Paulo school. Both K2 groups are now over halfway through their expedition programmes. On 6th December, after a long and arduous journey, the trekkers reached Everest Base Camp, 5,357m above sea level. Over the coming days, they will wind their way downwards, passing through Pherice, Kanguma and Chumoa, before concluding their trek in Lukla. The volunteers have been working at two schools – one in Barang, one in Fumrekhu – stripping and painting walls, digging foundations and renovating classrooms. The next few days will see their work continue, improving the environment in which the children from a local Nepalese community learn and play.

Meanwhile, the senior superintendent further urged that when securing transportation involving luggage and valuables from the airport, particularly during the busy travel season, it is best to travel with someone you know. “Don't just get somebody, because we have seen, in the past, cases that we have investigated, where it is the

very same person that you used to transport you from the airport is the one who set up the robbery and you end up losing your things, because they intercept,” SSP Lindsay (pic) explained. She also advised people to be discreet when travelling from the airport with valuables, both on their person and in their suitcases.

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Belgian commitment to partnership supports new frontier of Europe-US space research

elgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has travelled to Houston, United States, to meet Raphaël Liégeois, the Belgian career astronaut selected as part of the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut class of 2022. De Croo's visit coincides with the ESA cohort's familiarisation trip to NASA's Johnson Space Centre, which is the precursor to a further two years of training, delivered in Houston, to prepare the astronauts for their respective missions on the International Space Station. The visit signals a new phase of the long-standing collaboration between Europe and the United States on space research and exemplifies Belgium's commitment to partnerships in facing global challenges.

Belgium's expertise in aerospace, and in science more generally, is internationally recognised – in terms of both training and industry. Belgium is a founding member of the ESA and its fifth-largest funder. The country's support of the ESA shows its commitment to shaping the development of Europe's space capability and ensuring that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. "For Belgians, the sky isn't the limit, the universe is," said De Croo. "Today, we are very proud to see Raphaël take this important step in his career as an astronaut. He will be an important role model for many generations of STEM students to come. “Space research and innovation

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hold particular importance for Belgium; they are powerful economic drivers which foster the growth of high-tech industries and create jobs – as evidenced by the number of Belgian companies on the cutting edge of aeronautics." The 17 members of the ESA astronaut class of 2022 were selected from a pool of over 23,000 applicants. The process, designed to bring together the finest scientific minds that Europe has to offer, took place over a period lasting 18 months. The selection of Raphaël Liégeois is testament to Belgium's focus on embracing openness, driven by innovation, partnerships, and diversity, to create solutions that drive progress for all.

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 27

OVERSEAS NEWS

German students arrive in Antigua and Barbuda for Practice in Paradise programme

PIC - German Consul for Antigua and Barbuda - Torsten Stenzel, Operations Manager from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority- Javier Jacobs, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment - the Honourable H. Charles Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda's Special Economic Envoy in Bavaria/Germany- Ralf G. Hansen alongside German tourism and hospitality students

QATAR AIRWAYS INTRODUCE NEXT PHASE OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION BY EMPOWERING CABIN CREW WITH SMART ONBOARD FUNCTIONALITY

atar Airways has introduced an inhouse application that enables Cabin Crew to deliver personalised experiences to passengers. In its initial phase, the application offers real-time insights on flight information, and customer and service information. This allows Cabin Crew to view passengers’ profiles, including privilege club members and oneworld members, as well as all special service requests and preferences for a more personalised and integrated journey with the award-winning airline. The application also empowers Cabin Crew by providing access to up-to-date digital training materials. In the coming months, Qatar Airways will have reached the first milestone in this phase of digital transformation by providing Cabin Crew with more than 15,000 mobile devices. The airline will complete the rollout of the new project in multiple stages, with plans to expand its scope to Hamad International Airport and overseas airports and lounges, integrating passengers’ unique itinerary and requirements across all touch-points. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “We, at Qatar Airways, are incredibly excited to introduce a new phase in the airline’s digital transformation, especially one that will enhance our world-class onboard experience. “As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways excels in identifying and responding to emerging trends for the comfort and convenience

of our passengers and this project is a defining step towards a more connected and insightful interaction between our customers and staff.” By embracing digital solutions, the airline is not only streamlining processes but is also demonstrating a commitment to reducing paper waste and taking a step towards more sustainable

ways of working. Qatar Airways has taken major strides in its digital transformation this year, including its collaboration with Google Cloud to explore data analytics and artificial intelligence solutions for enhanced customer experiences and sustainability.

ntigua and Barbuda welcomed German tourism and hospitality students to the destination for a two month 'Practice in Paradise' internship programme. The group of eight students from the private vocational school for hotel and tourism management Dr.Kalscheuer in Traunstein, Germany and their lecturer Nadine Farghaly, arrived in Antigua in January. The group was greet-

ed at the V.C. Bird International Airport by German Consul for Antigua and Barbuda, Torsten Stenzel, Antigua and Barbuda's Special Economic Envoy in Bavaria/Germany - Ralf G. Hansen, Operations Manager from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) - Javier Jacobs, and Tourism Officer from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority - Francine Joseph. Antigua and Barbuda's Special Economic Envoy in Bavaria/Ger-

many - Ralf G. Hansen said the idea for the program for German students of tourism and hospitality came from the desire to further awareness of Antigua and Barbuda within German-speaking countries. The group will spend seven weeks in Antigua - six weeks for the internship and one week on vacation. They will intern at Hodges Bay Resort and Spa, Tamarind Hills and Jolly Beach Resort and Spa.

TURKISH AIRLINES INCREASING FROM 14 ISTANBUL FLIGHTS A WEEK TO 18 FROM BHX

Turkish Airlines will offer Birmingham Airport (BHX) customers 18 flights a week to Istanbul (IST) from summer 2024, it was confirmed today. Türkiye’s flag carrier currently serves this route twice a day (14 times a week). From June next year it will increase frequency to three times a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays while continuing its twice daily services on other days of the week. Eren Ozturk Sales Manager from Turkish Airlines, said: “Customer demand from BHX to Istanbul is strong and growing stronger, so we’re pleased to be able to meet this demand with additional flights.” Tom Screen, aviation director, added: “The popularity of Tür-

kiye as a holiday destination continues to grow and we are seeing this strongly reflected in our customer number forecasts. “More and more customers are also stopping in Istanbul before flying onwards to destinations on Turkish Airlines’ vast global network.” In previous years, Turkish Airlines has flown twice daily to Istanbul in the summer before reducing to 10 a week in the winter months as demand dropped off. This year, for the first time, it is maintaining its twice-daily service through the winter due to increased demand. Forecasts of even greater demand next year have prompted the airline to increase summer frequency to 18 services a week.

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Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

THE FORGOTTEN GENERATIONS

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

‘British Caribbean Veterans Serving Queen and Country’

thephoenixnewspaper.com

A QUEST TO FIND THE FIRST BLACK ROYAL MARINE TO WIN THE GREEN BERET

by Rose Johnson

his is a hugely impor- vices. It gives a flavour of the first tant book in respect of months and years of training as recording the stories of they acquired the skills necessary many men and women to defence of the nation. There of Caribbean heritage, who were are unambiguous descriptions of either born in the Islands of the some of the less savoury, even Caribbean, or were born in the racist treatment to which several United Kingdom, to one or both were subjected. Several achieved parents from those islands. The significant promotions and all book recognises and celebrates served in conflicts around the the contribution made by those world and within the UK. These Caribbean men and women to the amazing service men and women Armed Forces and therefore to the are British and are proud of the Crown and to the country. While service they have provided to their it gives some historical and other country, the United Kingdom. context, it focuses especially on They are representative of sevthe stories of over 30 people who eral thousands more people like served in the United Kingdom af- them who continued proudly, to ter the 1960s. Each story begins join up and enter the Army, Roywith each person’s early life be- al Navy and the Royal Air Force. fore they joined the Armed Ser- They did what was demanded of Hardback - £19.99 Paperback - £10.99 Available form Waterstones, Amazon, or directly from the author, via

them in whichever arena here or abroad, on behalf of the Queen and the country. More of these British Caribbeans are currently in the Armed Forces giving their service to King Charles III and to the country. All of us need to know about these brave men and women and laud and applaud what they have done for all of us. Not enough is known and therefore this book will help to publicise their efforts. The book can be accessed in the British Library and through the national libraries of Wales and Scotland and Trinity College, Dublin, as well as the Bodleian Library, Oxford and the Cambridge University Library.

group of black former royal marines are trying to discover who was the first black royal marine to win the green beret. The focus is between the 1939 -

1945 even though the royal marines did not wear the green beret until 1942. To date the group has evidence of someone as early as 1947. We would like to hear from you

if you had a relative or knew of a black man who was a royal marine during that period. Contact Dennis Osborne on dennisossie@outlook.com or 07714600663

www.rembvoices.com

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

Singer-songwriter Dalton Kerr launches new album at celebration Gospel concert

ighly acclaimed, Walsall-based Gospel singer-songwriter Dalton Kerr invited people to join him and The Generation Choir for an uplifting evening of dynamic, live praise and worship at the Handsworth New Testament Church of God, in Birmingham. As guests experienced an amazing array of soul-stirring melodies, whilst captivating choruses and inspiring lyrics and gospel music at its best, for Dalton, a member of the New Testament Church of God in Chuckery, Walsall, the concert saw the completion of an exciting, God-inspired project which has been in the making for over two years. He comments: “I thought my songwriting days were over, having been active in gospel music for the last fifty years. However, over recent times I began receiving a number of songs in my dreams, which I can only attrib-

ute to the Lord and that inspired me to pick up my pen and produce music once more. “Exactly two years on from writing my first song, I’m so proud and relieved to see the project finally completed and hope the album will be a tremendous blessing to all those who attended on the night, or since.” Dalton was supported on the night by The Generation Choir who provided powerful harmonies on the album and features a number of local and talented gospel artists, family members and friends, who have lived the journey with him. The Black Country Community Gospel Choir, who have graced the West Midlands with their harmonious vocals also performed on the evening, with the Handsworth New Testament Church of God chosen as a fitting venue for the concert to help continue the celebratory vibe which saw the church acknowledge its 70th anniversary.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 29

AZUZA STREET

PIC - Sister Pat Johanssen, left, and Sister Réjane Cytacki of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas.

IN A SECULAR AGE, SOME YOUNG AMERICANS STILL CHOOSING RELIGIOUS LIFE

he number of people drawn to religious orders has dropped dramatically over the past 50 years, although a small, steady stream of Generation Z men and women are still choosing this ways to guide their lives. Sister Jenny Wilson, who until recently taught theology to high schoolers in Buffalo, New York, said some of her students initially learned about nuns by viewing horror movies. “I never even

knew that was a thing,” said Wilson, a vocation director for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - a 200-year-old order of about 6,000 nuns worldwide, engaged in varied ministries including health care, education and spiritual direction. In 1965, there were almost 179,000 Catholic sisters in the U.S. and about 35,000 religious priests and brothers, according to statistics compiled by Georgetown University’s Centre for Applied Research in the Apostolate. In 2021, there were approximately 33,000 women and 14,000 men. “Sisters just aren’t visible,” said Sister Maria Angeline Weiss, vocation director for the Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham, New Jersey. Most Catholic nuns fall under two umbrella organisations - the Leadership Confer-

ence of Women Religious and the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the result of a post-Vatican II split. Some communities belong to both, whilst others - particularly contemplative orders - to neither, with only one national organisation for men in religious communities (the Conference of Major Superiors of Men). In a time when fewer young adults have been raised in churchgoing homes, the work of vocation directors has become more expansive. Part of their job, they say, is helping young women and men embrace what it means to be a faithful Catholic. “We want people to enter our community, for sure,” said Sister Caryn Crook, a vocation director for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.

Young adults choosing religious life reflect the diversity of racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds increasingly characteristic of Catholic life in the United States, Fraser Connolly pointed out. “I think people are more comfortable reaching out on social media,” said Sister Réjane Cytacki (pic), executive director of A Nun’s Life and a member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas. “I get a lot of listeners who aren’t Catholic, so we have to talk through that.” To become a sister, you have to become Catholic first, she tells them. Inquirers from other countries are often directed to look either at religious organisations in their own country or the international community at large.

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Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

NEW HOUSING PANEL EMPOWERING RESIDENTS MEETS FOR FIRST TIME l PIC - (L-R) City Housing Oversight Panel resident members Kate Spilsbury, Leigh New,Victo-

ria Twardvic, Paige Garbett, Gemma Taylor, with Councillor Steve Evans (third from the left) at the first meeting in the Civic Centre

ity of Wolverhampton Council has set up a new City Housing Oversight Panel to empower council tenants and leaseholders. The launch of the new scrutiny panel took place at the Civic Centre, with the panel consisting of residents, facilitated by tenant engagement experts Tpas, and supported by the council’s city housing team. It will form part of a new scrutiny process aimed at increasing engagement with residents of council-owned housing across the city and establishing mechanisms to enable them to hold the council to account and influence service development and improvement. The council is landlord to almost 22,000 homes, and holds the lease for almost 2,500 properties, and is

embracing the new proactive approach to regulating social housing landlords laid out in the Social Housing Regulation Act (2023). The council is also working to deliver a new residents charter across all providers which will be published and promoted to ensure all residents have access to information about services. This will enable transparency and allow individuals to hold organisations to account. The new City Housing Oversight Panel will meet once a month and the venue will alternate between a day meeting at Bushbury Hill Estate Management Board and an evening meeting at the Civic Centre to ensure as many residents, who have shown an interest in being involved, can be. Panel Member and St Peter’s resi-

dent, Gemma Taylor, said: “We’re not here for ourselves we’re here for the city. “We want to make sure tenants and residents’ voices are heard and to improve people’s lived experiences.” Councillor Steve Evans, the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The policy and legislative landscape for social housing is changing; increasing the emphasis on regulation, transparency, and accountability of landlords. “We welcome this change. We are committed to providing safe and healthy homes for all, to listening to our residents’ voices and understanding their experiences. “We want residents of council-owned housing to feel empowered to share their views and experiences and feel confident that

£16M FUND TO HELP HOMEOWNERS PAY FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS

l PIC - Super-efficient insulation is one of the energy-saving measures that residents will be able to get funding for from the WMCA's £16m Home Upgrade Grants programme

ith temperatures plummeting and energy bills rising this month, homeowners across the region can now take advantage of a new £16 million fund offering up them grants of up to £18,000 to make their homes warmer and cheaper to run. The money, secured by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) from government, will pay for energy saving measures such as super-efficient insulation, solar panels, underfloor heating and heat pumps. The grants are available to people who own their own homes in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell and Rugby, that are not connected to mains gas, have an EPC rating of D to G, and meet income criteria. It is estimated that there are currently more than 300,000 homes across the West Midlands that are not connected to the gas grid, which means thousands of households could be eligible for the new grants. Andy Street, Mayor

of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “Improving the energy efficiency of our region’s housing stock is a key part of how we lower energy bills for local people - and create warmer and healthier places to live. “So it’s good news that we’re now able to make grants and expert advice available to homeowners who live in some of the most energy inefficient homes - enabling them to access the support they need to bring them up to modern energy efficiency standards. Initiatives like this - backed by Government investment - keeps us on track to make progress alongside our local authority partners and social housing providers in the months and years ahead.” Those who qualify for Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) will get a free technical survey to see which improvements would be most suitable for their home. Funding is also available for landlords in the charity and private rented sector. The WMCA is working in partnership with local energy chari-

ties Act on Energy and Marches Energy Agency, along with Birmingham, Sandwell, Dudley and Rugby councils to deliver the HUG programme. It is part of £70 million of funding the WMCA has secured from government and social housing providers to improve the energy efficiency of thousands of homes right across region. Councillor John Cotton, WMCA portfolio lead for environment and energy, and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Making our homes more energy efficient is one of the most effective ways that we can improve the lives of local people and tackle the climate emergency with nearly 40 per cent of the region's carbon emissions come from heating and powering our homes. It’s fantastic news that more residents across the West Midlands are now able to access vital grants to make important upgrades to their homes and I encourage anyone eligible not to miss out.”

TEENAGER COMPLETES FASTEST REFURBISHMENT ON HOMES UNDER THE HAMMER THANKS TO ONLINE tion of five barns, purchased for PROPERTY TRAINING £300,000, into three barn conver-

teenager from Caterham, Surrey has shown that age has nothing on ambition after successfully completing his first redevelopment project and setting records on the TV show, Homes Under The Hammer. 18-year-old James Stock took on the role of project manager for a barn conversion which was part of a wider £3 million redevelopment, while studying for A-Level exams. It has been confirmed as one of the largest property developments ever to feature on the popular television show. He juggled his property project with studying after completing an online training course which provided him with the basics of project management. His remark-

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able success demonstrates that age is no barrier to building a career in the property industry, and with access to the right training, anyone can achieve incredible results. Talking about his experience, James said: “I have wanted to get into property development for a while so several months ago, I began studying online with Property Training Limited. “Their property management modules really gave me a solid foundation for everything I needed to know. It was stressful trying to complete the development alongside studying for my A-levels, but I felt like I had all the knowledge I needed to see me through the project.” The development James contributed to involved the transforma-

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sions and a new farmhouse. While the barns sold for approximately £700-750,000 each, the farmhouse is expected to be valued at around £850,000. The project wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge he gained from the Property Training online modules, which teach essential property development skills via a monthly subscription starting just £9.99 a month. Paul, an Experienced Property Developer and Author from Property Training Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for James's achievement, stating: "James's success is a testament to the effectiveness of our online property training courses. “He has shown that no matter who you are, or how old you are, you can achieve so much with professional support. We’re so proud of his achievement and for breaking such an impressive record on Homes Under the Hammer.” Property Training Limited offers affordable and comprehensive online property courses developed to cater for a range of budgets. With offerings for beginners to seasoned developers, their courses cover a wide range of topics, enabling individuals to gain valuable knowledge and skills in property development.

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

STATUE PLANNED TO CELEBRATE SKY BLUES LEGENDS CURTIS AND SILLETT

statue to celebrate the careers of two Coventry City football legends has been an-

nounced. The monument is set to honour George Curtis and John Sillett for their efforts in guiding the club to FA Cup victory in 1987 and will be installed near the South Entrance of the Coventry Building Society Arena. So far, more than £135,000 has been raised by donors towards the project. Curtis, a former captain and man-

ager, is remembered for helping the club rise through the leagues and his appearance total of 543 games from 1956 to 1969 remains the second highest in the club's history. Known as 'Iron Man' George, he went on to play an influential role behind the scenes at the Sky Blues from 1972 to 1994 in commercial roles and as managing director. He died in July 2021 at the age of 82. Sillett joined the club as a player in 1962 and had spells on the coach-

ing staff in the late 70s and the 80s. He then took on the role as chief coach ahead of the 1987 victory and went on to take sole charge of team affairs, achieving tenth, seventh and twelfth place finishes before leaving the club in November 1990. He died at 85 in November 2021. The statue to mark their achievements will be created by sculptor Douglas Jennings. A committee has been formed to guide the fundraising and the statue project, which includes members of the

Curtis and Sillett families. Joe Elliott, the former Coventry chair who is chairing the committee, said: "It is wonderful to be talking about an amazing piece of history that made a city so happy for so long. Winning the FA Cup in 1987 brought the people of Coventry and supporters all over the world together in celebration that still can be felt today." A statue of former manager and television pundit Jimmy Hill was unveiled at the arena in 2011 after £100,000 was raised by fans.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2024 - Page 31

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Chebet breaks women's world 5k record in Barcelona

Kenya's Beatrice Chebet broke the women's world 5km record at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona. The 23-year-old crossed the line in 14 minutes 13 seconds, beating Ethiopian Senbere Teferi's women-only record by 16 seconds. Chebet also finished six seconds faster than the women's world record in a mixed race, set by Ethiopia's Ejgayehu Taye at the 2021 Cursa dels Nassos. Taye, 23, was second in the race and Kenya's Lilian Rengeruk, 26,

third. The win completed a successful year for Chebet, who won the world cross-country title Bathurst in February before claiming the inaugural world 5km title in Riga in October. She also won bronze in the 5,000m at the World Championships in Budapest in August. Britain's Katie Snowden and Holly Dixon finished seventh and 10th respectively. The men's race was won by 25-year-old Dominic Lobalu of South Sudan.

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Statue planned to celebrate Sky Blues legends Curtis and Sillett -Page 31

Chebet breaks women's world 5k record in Barcelona - page 31

BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM INKS MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH removes paywall for all NFL’S COWBOYS DAZN women's football matches

he Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) has solidified a multi-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys to tap into the U.S. Southwest market. The collaboration aims to reach Dallas Cowboys fans across the United States. The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, The Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, along with Ministry of Tourism Director General Latia Duncombe and other executives, were in attendance at the Dallas Cowboys versus Detroit Lions game on 30 December, to kick off the partnership and celebrate Jimmy Johnson’s induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. As part of this multi-year agreement, The Islands of The Bahamas branding will prominently feature at AT&T Stadium home games in Arlington, Texas, along

with TV and radio ads, Bahamian-themed promotions, and onsite activities. Cowboys fans will have the chance to win social media sweepstakes for a home game or an unforgettable trip to The Islands of The Bahamas. “We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to capitalizing on this relationship to drive more tourism business from Middle America to The Bahamas,” said Cooper. “This agreement allows us to combine the love for the Dallas Cowboys with the allure of The Bahamas.” Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Business Operations Chad Estis said: “The Dallas Cowboys are excited to partner with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to help encourage tourism at an incredible destination like The Bahamas. “We know Cowboys fans love great experiences, exciting trips,

world class hospitality and making special memories, which are all things that are easy to have in The Bahamas!” Latia Duncombe, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Director General, described the partnership as a “win-win” and emphasized the exposure for The Islands of The Bahamas within the Dallas Cowboys fanbase. Multiple sweepstakes and marketing initiatives will target fans in the Southwest and across the U.S., anticipating a substantial increase in travel to The Bahamas from this market. Referred to as “America’s Team,” the Dallas Cowboys is, according to Forbes, valued at $9 billion. The Bahamas’ collaboration with this sports giant will bolster the destination’s national “Sports in Paradise” initiative, positioning the country as an ideal destination for sports-related conferences, meetings, and events.

To advertise

including Champions League

roadcaster DAZN has said that it has removed the paywall from all live women's football matches on the platform, to help promote the game. Its New Deal for Women's Football campaign has been introduced to help boost investment

and make the women's game financially sustainable. The Women's Champions League is among the competitions to become free to air. "The women's game has significant commercial potential," said DAZN's co-CEO of women's sport, Hannah Brown. The New Deal campaign is calling

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for clubs, sponsors, media and broadcasters and rights holders to get involved and "come together to build a major global commercial sport". She went on: “Without that, a golden opportunity to accelerate growth is lost”. As well as the Women's Champions League, which English club Chelsea are still in, top-flight matches in Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Saudi Arabia are among those to be broadcast for free. Esmeralda Negron, co-CEO of women's sport at DAZN, added: "We are committed to fostering and cultivating fandom for women's football. Women's football needs investment to realise its potential - developing a first-party relationship with fans across all demographics to scale its audience and become commercially viable".