The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2024

By Dr Tony Talburt

The appointment of Vaughan Gething as First Minister of Wales, was not only significant for Wales, but marked a unique political milestone in which, for the first time, three men from minority ethnic backgrounds currently lead the three countries of the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Indian heritage is Britain’s first Hindu leader. The Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf is of Pakistani Muslim heritage. Vaughan Gething is the son of a Welsh father and a Zambian mother. He is, therefore, being reported as Britain’s first Black political leader and also the first such leader in Europe. It needs to be taken into consideration that although Gething is of African ancestry, the claim of being Britain’s first political leader from an African ancestry can be contested.

Before 2002, the country had never had a non-white Cabinet minister so in this way, Gething’s achievement is significant. Gething was born in 1974 in Zambia and his family moved to Monmouthshire in Wales when he was 2 years old. He attended Aberystwyth and Cardiff Universities in Wales, and later worked as worked as a trade union lawyer before being appointed as the first Black president of both the Wales Trades Union Congress. He later joined the Welsh legislature, or Senedd, in 2011, thereby being regarded as the first ever Black minister.

Despite what the papers and the media are saying regarding Vaughan Gething being Britain or Europe’s first Black political leader, this needs to be clarified. The statement is partially correct in that Vaughan’s African ancestry is not in doubt and he can rightly be referred to as a Black man. He was, after all, born in Africa, south of the Sahara and his mother was a Black Zambian woman. There was, however, another political ruler born in Africa who was an even greater or significant political leader. This was to Lucius Septimius Severus who lived between AD 145–211. He was born in what is now Libya and became Roman Emperor in AD 193. Although he was not from Africa, south of the Sahara, or as dark skinned as Gething, he was an African. Septimius Severus was the Emperor of Rome. He was, therefore, political leader over a vast territory which covered three continents encompassing

VAUGHAN GETHING: EUROPE’S FIRST POLITICAL LEADER OF AFRICAN DESCENT?

Asia Minor, north Africa and most of Europe. He was, therefore, Europe’s first political leader of African ancestry. Septimus Severus came to the north east of England with an army of about 30, 000 to help defend

the country against threatening attacks from Scottish forces in the north, and even attempted to reinforce the Hadrian’s Wall. The central point to note, here, is that people of African ancestry have been playing significant

roles in Britain’s political history and culture for a very long time. The appointment of Vaughan Gething in Wales, continues this long, and often forgotten history of Africa’s contribution to the wider British society.

Former soldier takes on challenge for military charity

Ben Ground, of Sutton Coldfield, formerly of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, is taking on a tough running challenge to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Ben has just started volunteering for the organisation as a caseworker and views the voluntary work and fundraising as a way to “give back” to a charity which has supported so many of his friends.

He said: “When you are serving you have a very clear identity. When that is taken away from you [when you leave the military] that is a very difficult thing. So many ex-military personnel struggles to find their place in the world.

“My time in the military was so important in sculpting who I am today. I was lucky to leave on my own terms, but I lost people in combat, and I know what the repercussions of that can be. Volunteering for SSAFA was the sensible thing for me to do.”

Ben will be carrying an 11-kilo-

gram bergen (military backpack) around the Cannock Running Festival’s 10-kilometre race on the 14th of April. He went on: “I’m in my mid-50s so this run is a testament to the perseverance and spirit of those we aim to support.

“Despite my age, I am ready to face this challenge head-on, symbolising the resilience and determination we need to overcome the problems we sometimes face as service leavers.” To promote the charity and raise awareness that it looks after serving personnel as well as veterans, and to reflect that it is a tri-service charity, Ben has been training for his challenge with the Army at Kendrew Barracks.

He will also be visiting the Royal Navy’s HMS Raleigh to complete the assault course with the new recruits and visiting RAF Cosford in Wolverhampton to train there too in the coming weeks. For anyone interested in supporting Ben visit: justgiving.com/page/benground-1707301496267.

Costing £11.5 million, the building in Bolton sits opposite a car wash and fly-tipping spot. It has previously been criticised as “tacky” and “looking like an office building”.

Named The Balmayna, images show a huge chandelier hanging from a corrugated metal ceiling near a smoke alarm and cables. A room also features Louis Vuitton and Chanel books stacked on a marble table.

The complex’s eye-catching front features glass walls that spread into a crown design at the top of the building. However, some residents have said the Dubai-inspired building looks like the Premier League trophy.

Work on the wedding venue has taken much longer than expected, with Amir Khan investing £5 million of his own money. The former boxer said the delays were the result of “unprofessional management”.

Now open for couples, The Balmayna promises a “royalty experience” and “a touch of magnificence and excellence in every celebration”. Inside, there are palm trees and a waterfall – complete with greenery and a floral design.

In another opulent room with red velvet sofas and an armchair, books about famed designers Chanel and Louis Vuitton as well as butterflies in a domed display case can be seen. There are also candles and leaflets about The Balmayna.

A spokesperson for the venue said: “Anticipation builds as we approach the grand reveal of The Balmayna’s exquisite charm.

“Join us for an exclusive preview of our booking office, an elegant space with picturesque views. Let us make your dream come true, get in touch to arrange a viewing.” In 2013, Khan spoke about his ambition to have “something like this” in Bolton.

But he said: “It was about getting the space and the area right. We want to make the town better, we

INSIDE AMIR KHAN’S £11.5M

LUXURY WEDDING VENUE

want to get people talking about it and coming into Bolton to do their business work here.

“Hopefully people can follow in our footsteps and start building more and investing into Bolton. It is going to provide jobs and will be really good for the town.

“I’m putting the money back into

Bolton and giving something to the community. A lot of people go out of town for meals, to Manchester or wherever but why, when we’ve got Bolton here and the town deserves 100% to have the best facilities.”

Despite being a main figure in the building’s creation, neither Amir Khan nor his wife Faryal Makhdoom are named as directors. Instead, it lists two officers – Mohammad Jaberansari, who is also a director at Excellency Midlands who teamed up with Khan over the venture, and the owner of events catering firm Plaza Event, Muhammad Hasseb.

PIC - Ben Ground with Sgt Aron Walker, 2nd Batt Royal Anglian Regiment

DR.

ACKNOWLEDGING

THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF

DR. DAME NESLYN WATSON-DRUÉE

DAME NESLYN WATSON-DRUÉE WITH HER HUSBAND PETER DRUÉE

Dr. Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée former Chair of The Phoenix Newspaper was awarded her Damehood in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List - reported by the publication June 17, 2023).

Dame Neslyn’s investiture took place on 13 February 2024 and, with the publication a long-standing supporter of her, is incredibly proud of her achievement – especially for the development of women and minorities. A native of Jamaica, aged 19, she arrived in the UK in March 1969, with very little (seven cotton dresses, enough underwear to last for a week without laundry and 3 pairs of pyjamas).

She was met at Heathrow Airport by distant relatives, with a coat and a pair of boots, before going on to the training school that had accepted her for State Registered Nurse Training - only to be told that the training school was recently downgraded to second level nurse training. With no resources or support Dame Neslyn decided to be trained as a second level nurse (State Enrolled Nurse - SEN) rather than working as an auxiliary nurse (now known as health care assistant).

Soon after completing her SEN training, she began her State Registered Nurse Training. Since then, she has been qualified as a State Registered Nurse, State Certified Midwife, gained a Higher Diploma in Health Visiting (Public Health Nurse), has been a Trained Teacher in Further and Higher Education, an Executive Nurse, business owner, Non-Executive Director, and Chair in both public and private companies.

Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée took the internationally renowned ‘Women Economic Forum’ to Birmingham. Of her, Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc, Editor in Chief of The Phoenix Newspaper says: “I am very proud of Dame Neslyn.

“She demonstrates that class and colour is no barrier to ambition, and she hold the Jamaican Flag with Pride and Honour.” Dame Neslyn currently works as a premier coach to His Majesty’s Civil Servants in the UK and is a highly acclaimed international public speaker. Her extensive list of awards in-

clude:

• 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award –Zenith Global Health

• 2018 Woman of Excellence –Women Economic Forum

• 2017 Leadership & Empowerment Award – Phoenix Newspaper

• 2017 Stardust Award - Radio Works World

• 2017 Women of the Decade in Community Leadership & Social Change Award –Women Economic Forum

• 2017 Radio Works World Author’s Award

• 2017 Inaugural Best 100 Global Coaching Leaders – World HRD Congress

• 2014 Wise Women Award for Business Innovation

• 2013 Inaugural Top 50 HSJ BME Pioneer

• 2013 Her Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth 11 Medal for Health Service Innovation and Leadership July 2013

• 2012 Windrush Award for Nursing Innovation

• 2012 Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Health Service Development.

• 2005. Hon Doctorate Birmingham City University

• 2005. Hon Doctorate Bradford City University

• 2005. Fellow of City and Guilds London Institute

• 2001 Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing

• 1999. Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for Nursing Leadership 1999. Millennium Nurse - Special Recognition Award by Secretary of State for Health for outstanding contribution to nursing

• 1999. Gold Standard Special Pioneering Award - Leadership Development in Public Sector (British Diversity Awards – BDA)

• 1997 Special Honours Windrush Achievement Award (BDA)

• 1996 Gold Standard Award by British Diversity Awards for improving employee potential.

• 1996 National Training Award by the Government Office for London

• 1996 Consultancy and Training award by American Express through EFBWBO

• 1986 Industrial Society ESSO Management Development Scholarship. Many would say – and many have said –would have to go far and wide to find a woman anywhere as near as deserved of the achievements of Dr. Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée!

LONDON’S CELEBRATED BT TOWER TO BE TURNED INTO A HOTEL

The BT Tower, a futuristic landmark on the London skyline for 60 years, is to become a hotel, owner BT Group PLC said.

The company, formerly known as British Telecom, said it has agreed to sell the tower to U.S. company MCR Hotels for 275 million pounds (about $347 million). The 581-foot (177-meter) structure, originally called the Post Office Tower, was completed in 1964 and was London’s tallest building until 1980.

A further section of aerial rigging brought the total height to 620 feet (189 meters). The tower was covered in microwave aerials that carried communications across the U.K. and also housed a rotating restaurant with panoramic views across London.

The restaurant was closed after a 1971 bombing, claimed both by anarchists and the Irish Republican Army. It never fully reopened to the public, apart from special events and occasional tours.

Technological changes have

gradually rendered the tower’s original role in Britain’s telecommunications network obsolete. Its microwave aerials were removed more than a decade ago.

“It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means,” said Brent Mathews, property director at BT Group.

“This deal with MCR will enable BT Tower to take on a new purpose, preserving this iconic building for decades to come.”

MCR Hotels owns about 150 hotels, including the New Yorker Hotel and the modernist TWA Hotel at New York’s JFK airport.

The company said it would work with British architect Thomas Heatherwick on the hotel’s design. However, travellers shouldn’t plan on making reservations just yet.

The hotel firm said it will “take a number of years” for BT to move out due to the complex equipment on site.

IMPROVING POLICING FOR BLACK PEOPLE

The Police Race Action Plan is the biggest coordinated effort ever across every police force in England and Wales to improve trust and confidence in policing among Black communities.

Dr Alison Heydari T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Programme Director, Police Race Action Plan

Every Chief Constable has signed up to support the plan and achieve its objectives, the first time there has been such a coordinated, unified response across policing to making the vital improvements envisaged under the plan.

Policing is determined to become an anti-racist organisation that actively roots out bias and discrimination from our ranks.

Delivering the long term, institutional changes we want in things like culture, outcomes and behaviour will take time.

But there has never been so much support, focus and determination to ensure policing is representative of and can be trusted by Black communities across the country.

I understand that people may be sceptical. The Scarman report, the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, the Lammy review. There have been too many reviews, reports and enquiries over the years into the relationship between the police and Black communities.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION, NOT JUST MORE WORDS.

Our plan has achieved a considerable amount since launching in May 2022.

We have had conversations with thousands of people about the plan, its work, what we want to achieve and how we can best do it.

This includes more than 1,600 Black officers and

staff currently working in policing, who gave us their invaluable views on our culture and what steps we can take to make policing more inclusive.

Our Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB) has been established to oversee and scrutinise our work, holding our delivery of the plan to account and making recommendations and suggestions on the best ways for the plan to move forward.

A Community Reference Group has also been set up, with this network of dozens of experts drawn from across the country coming together to advise and guide the plan and ensure what it is doing has the best chance of achieving community buy-in.

HELP

Acknowledging policing’s past experience and interaction with Black communities is a key part of our plan. We have made bespoke materials for forces to help them educate their staff about Black history and especially the history of the Black community with the police, while a Black Heritage Advisory Group has been set up with the College of Policing to advise on policies and practices within policing.

Changes have already been delivered to the way policing does its work. This is particularly true around data and ensuring ethnicity is recorded in areas it was not done previously.

STEPHEN LAWRENCE INQUIRY

The ethnicity of those subject to traffic stops is now recorded by most UK police forces. This was a key recommendation of the inquiry following the death of Stephen Lawrence.

The plan commissioned independent research into the use of taser by police officers and has subsequently put in place actions to address disproportionality in how these powers are used.

Similar work is underway to ensure the ethnicity of missing people is recorded more effectively and consistently.

One of the key actions in our plan is to adopt an ‘understand any disparity, seek to explain it or build a case for potential reform’ approach to race disparities and develop a new national approach to help forces tackle race disparities in their use of powers, including stop and search.

From April, forces will be publishing an ethnicity pay gap and put action plans in place to address gaps in pay.

Some chief constables are now being mentored by mentors from the Black community, as part of the Elevate programme being run through the Police Race Action Plan.

PROGRESS

The plan has also sparked a conversation about institutional racism in policing. Several chief constables, including National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) chairman Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, have said they believe policing is institutionally racist. While it is for individual Chief Constables to make their own assessment, there is a growing number of the most senior police officers acknowledging that discrimination and bias still exists in policing – and that we must all work together to stamp it out.

While change is happening, we know we have a long way to go. For decades, progress has not gone far or fast enough in policing.

Put simply, we want to be better.

We want Black victims of domestic abuse to be confident in coming forward. We want Black boys and girls subject to exploitation to be confident in coming forward. We want Black communities to look at policing and feel that we are representative of their community, we ‘get it’ and we understand their concerns.

Sadly, for too many people at the moment, this is not the case. We are determined to change that

YOU CAN HELP US MAKE THE CHANGE

Scan the QR code on the page to give us your feedback, or for anything else you can email wearelistening@npcc.police.uk

By: Steve Williams

Dr Alison Heydari T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Programme Director, Police Race Action Plan

Business & Finance

SPIRIT ANNOUNCES TERMINATION OF MERGER AGREEMENT WITH JETBLUE

Spirit Airlines, Inc. has announced that its merger agreement with JetBlue Airways Corporation has been terminated by mutual agreement.

"After discussing our options with our advisors and JetBlue, we concluded that current regulatory obstacles will not permit us to close this transaction in a timely fashion under the merger agreement," said Ted Christie, Spirit's President and

XPO (NYSE: XPO), a leading provider of freight transportation in North America, announced today that senior service centre manager Tena Fisher and vice president of human resources Nicole Neumann have been named 2024 Top Women to Watch in Transportation by the Women In Trucking Association.

The award recognizes women who have had significant career accomplishments in the last year and demonstrate a commitment to supporting and advancing gender equality within their own companies and across the industry.

Chief Executive Officer. "We are disappointed we cannot move forward with a deal that would save hundreds of millions for consumers and create a real challenger to the dominant "Big 4" U.S. airlines. However, we remain confident in our future as a successful independent airline.

“We wish the JetBlue team well."

Christie continued: "Throughout the transaction process, given the regulatory uncertainty, we have always considered the possibility of continuing to operate as a standalone business and have been evaluating and implementing several initiatives that will enable us to bolster profitability and elevate the Guest experience.

“As we go forward, I am certain our fantastic Spirit team will

continue delivering affordable fares and great experiences to our Guests." Spirit is confident in its strengths and is focused on returning to profitability.

The Company has been taking, and will continue to take, prudent steps to ensure the strength of its balance sheet and ongoing operations, including assessing options to refinance upcoming debt maturities. In that regard, Spirit has retained Perella Weinberg & Partners L.P. and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as advisors. As part of the termination, JetBlue will pay Spirit $69 million.

While the merger agreement was in effect, Spirit stockholders received approximately $425 million in total prepayments.

Two XPO leaders named top women to watch in transportation

How Important is the Wellness Architecture to Global Humanity?

Since COVID-19, there have been stories of neglect, isolation, and destitution among sections of the elderly population. Then there are the challenges of older employees suffering from emotional, mental, physical, psychological, and psychosocial disorders. While some conditions are perceived to be mild to moderate, others are severe, and need respectful interventionist measures for assessment and treatment care.

Over the last decade, there has been increased public funding for local organisations to find practical solutions to health and wellbeing issues affecting whole communities. Resources are allocated for disadvantaged or excluded communities such as minorities, women and vulnerable youngsters struggling to maintain their wellbeing at pre-COVID and post-pandemic levels respectively. However, to date, there is little evidence regarding whether funding has impacted significantly on persons most affected by incidences of long-COVID.

Aby Dr. Christopher A. Johnson

weekly wellbeing sessions in local community spaces where citizens live. These activities provide elders with comfortable settings to share experiences of personal ill health along with ‘informed solutions’ to either manage or resolve complicated illnesses or disorders.

Tena Fisher is a 26-year veteran of freight transportation and has served as an inspiration to other women looking to advance at XPO. She started as a customer service representative, gaining an understanding of customer satisfaction while also learning the inner workings of the trucking business. Fisher was promoted to key supervisory roles, where she made significant contributions to the advancement and transformation of the business, including her local service centre.

Through development programs and outreach initiatives, Neumann has advocated for personal growth and professional advancement opportunities for all employees across XPO. Carolyn Roach, chief human resources officer at XPO, said: “Tena and Nicole are role models who have opened doors in an industry that historically has been dominated by men.

With over 25 years of HR experience, Nicole Neumann has played a pivotal role in developing and empowering female talent across the trucking industry. Having spent the majority of her career working in supply chain and transportation, she created a successful HR path for herself and mentored countless women along the way.

“That’s changing and changing fast, thanks to their leadership and the ongoing efforts by leaders across our company.” Women In Trucking is a nonprofit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and provide opportunities for women working in the industry.

The unwell conditions of the elderly are worth emphasizing since little is known about the gravity of their circumstances in relation to family bereavement, anxiety, worry, indecision, fa-

tigue, uncertainty, and isolation. Firstly, these are symptomatic of multiple neglect (personal, familial, or societal). Secondly, these situations also reflect a lack of poor communication on elderly care in a modern world where the health of aging societies has implications for the public purse. Figures from Age Concern (January 2024) showed that approximately 23.4 million over-50s were worried about ‘the cost-of-living’, with ethnic groups complaining about living with long term health conditions. Another 8 million elders said that their health had worsened over the past year due to material deprivation and social pressures. The West Midlands-based charity-agency, Community Education Academy of Leadership (CEAL) is re-pioneering the wellness agenda by applying simple, but culturally sensitive and specific interventionist measures, to help reduce incidences of ill health amongst ethnic communities especially. Its work in Sandwell and other parts of the region is indicative of the determination to contribute to wellbeing policy through practical means rather than a ‘light-touch’ approach. With its small core of staff and volunteers, the organisation delivers

In today’s highly, technologically pacey environment, wellbeing must be considered a policy of necessity rather than one of convenience. Wellbeing refers to “a positive state experienced by individuals and societies. It is a resource for daily life and is determined by social, economic, and environmental conditions” (WHO, 2021). The quality of life and the ability of communities to contribute to their surroundings can add meaning and purpose. However, without the equitable distribution of resources and the lack of accountability, the well-being progress of society can be stultified or ignored all together. Preserving the lives of our elderly, especially in their twilight years, is essential for everyone in society (young or old).

Elders participated in a well-being talk on ‘How to Manage Stress’ in Sandwell recently.

KEON HOMES TAKE TOP ‘PROPERTY’ PRIZE AT BUSINESS AWARDS

One of the UK’s fastest growing developers of much-needed affordable housing and Extra Care schemes has secured a prestigious business prize.

Keon Homes, which has gone from a standing start in 2019 to £40m turnover this year, beat off tough competition from Bond Wolfe, Cubo, Estilo Interiors, Potter Space and The Harrogate Group to win the ‘Property

Business of the Year’ title at the Business Desk West Midlands Awards. The Burntwood-based company impressed the high-profile judging panel with its ability to unlock complex sites and solve critical housing stock issues by forging strategic partnerships with several housing associations, including Midland Heart, Citizen, Bromford and GreenSquareAccord.

It has also secured two notable firsts, breaking into the difficult

UK-based international job aggregation platform, The BIG Jobsite, has partnered with leading global MarTech and customer experience company, Netcore Cloud, to maximize the power of email with AI-powered interactive experiences.

This partnership is expected to significantly increase reach and thereby improve click-through

rates via the email channel. Netcore's AI-powered, blazing fast email delivery will enable The BIG Jobsite to reach its rapidly growing database of 3.5 million registered job seekers worldwide.

Speaking about this, John Bradshaw, Chair at The BIG Jobsite, said: "We have been committed to efficiently connect job seekers with the right opportunities.

“Email proves to be an ideal channel to help us achieve this. In our

to enter marketplace of Extra Care schemes with work starting on sites in Lichfield and Newport, with one in Shrewsbury coming also soon. This represents over £60m of income for the business.

“This is the perfect way to mark our 5th anniversary and highlights how far we have come in such a short space of time,” commented Richard Williams, Managing Director of Keon Homes. “The Award is for our

50+ staff, who are so important to our business.

“Our mantra is to ‘do the right thing’ and this means how we treat our people, giving them ongoing training and the freedom to bring new ideas and solutions to the table.” Keon Homes is on course to finish its fifth year in business with a £50m turnover, representing a £12m increase on the previous 12 months. Staff levels have risen to over 50 people and the recent growth has

seen more than 100 jobs created in the local supply chain. Existing partnerships with housing associations have been boosted in the first few weeks of 2024, with agreements signed to start work on four new sites and 150 homes for Black Country Housing Group, Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust, Stonewater and Citizen. The company’s full pipeline of work is currently worth over £150m and covers 850 units.

Warren Bolton, Founding Director, concluded: “This is just the start. We’ve had an amazing first five years in business, but now we need to focus on what is next, including making the most of new opportunities and, importantly, helping the region increase its availability of high quality, affordable housing.”

beta stage, we have seen a significant increase in click-through rates backed by Netcore Cloud's AI-powered, interactive email innovation. We look forward to a long-standing affiliation with Netcore, towards enhancing the value we offer to our registered users."

Abithab Bhaskar (pic), CEO of International Business at Netcore Cloud, reflected on the collaboration's success: "At Netcore Cloud, using our expertise over the last two decades and backed by AI, we are empowering The BIG Jobsite with email capabilities that are more intuitive, meaningful, and seamlessly integrated into their customers' daily lives."

Netcore Cloud, a global leader in marketing technology, empowers marketers with its comprehensive Customer Engagement and Experience Suite to create personalized experiences across digital channels such as Web, Email, App Notifications, WhatsApp, SMS, and RCS.

Leveraging AI to integrate customer data, Netcore enables targeted segments and meaningful digital interactions. Trusted by over 6,500 brands across sectors like Ecommerce, Retail, Banking & Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, and Travel, its marquee clients include Walmart, Unilever, Tommy Hilfiger, Domino's, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Crocs.

Acclaimed as a Leader in Commerce Search and Product Discovery by The Forrester Wave 2023 and in Marketing Platforms by G2's Winter 2024 Grid, Netcore stands as the only Forrester-rated global vendor in its category. For over two decades, Netcore has empowered brands achieve unmatched conversions and ROI with email capabilities.

With a presence in over 20 countries, Netcore drives revenue growth, maximizes customer lifetime value, and accelerates business profitability worldwide.

‘Pragmatic and open discussion’ needed as council reveals budget cuts – say Chamber

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “We are continuing to work through the implications for the business community.

“While Birmingham continues to be a vibrant place to live, work, start and grow and enterprise, local authorities are important stakeholders in making our cities great places to do business. That

includes ensuring support for the most vulnerable in society”.

Henrietta (pic) continued: “The significant financial strain Birmingham City Council is facing is well known. What's critical now is a pragmatic and open discussion about the impact that these cuts will have and what can be done to best mitigate the most challenging of them.”

PIC - (l-r) Alex Turner (Business Desk), Chloe Lloyd, Richard Williams, Warren Bolton, Matt Beckley (all Keon Homes) and Anna Cooper (Business Desk).

PromotingExcellence

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.

PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN EXPERIENCEENGINEERING EXCELLENCE THIS BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK

Young students got hands-on with crawler robots, drone simulators, and 3D printers at a state-of-the art engineering centre to celebrate British Science Week. More than 50 children were treated to an immersive experience at Sellafield Ltd’s Engineering Centre of Excellence, shining a light on the exciting careers available in robotics, artificial intelligence, and more. The visit from Distington Community School to the engineering centre at Cleator Moor saw children aged seven to 11 set a series of engineering challenges. They enjoyed a host of activities led by the team at the centre, each set up to show the diversity within an engineering career. Some tried their hand at constructing marshmallow and spaghetti towers, night rover robots, and paper rockets, while others took to the sky on a drone simulator. The school visit was timed with British Science Week, a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) that runs from March 8-17. Through these events, the Engineering

Centre of Excellence team endeavour to peak children’s interest in STEM subjects.

The activities gave students an interactive opportunity to practice their scientific knowledge in an environment outside the classroom, where they were able to ask questions and learn more about life as an engineer. Claire O’Connor, Socio-Economic lead at the Engineering Centre of Excellence, said: “It’s always a pleasure to see the kids interacting with our team and enjoying all aspects of STEM.

“We enjoy these days just as much as they do, and we hope that the students from Distington left the centre with enthusiasm for a career in engineering. This is where it starts, the experiences you have at school shape your attitude and expertise for the future.

“We want to play our part in laying the foundation for the next generation of engineers and innovators.” From Year Three to Year

Six, the visitors from Distington School thoroughly enjoyed what was on offer.

Scarlett, a Year Five student, said: “There has been lots to do and

I’ve really enjoyed it. The drone simulator was my favourite, and I managed to drive it without crashing. I’ve never done something like that before.”

Olivia from Year Three said: “The Lego was definitely my favourite, I have Lego sets at home but I got to build a robot with my friends here. We also saw a robot dog walk down the stairs!”

Teachers from Distington School approached the Centre of Excellence to help them expand on their science curriculum. Steven Bragg, Year Four Teacher and Science Lead, said: “Science feeds into everyday life, and with so many STEM careers here in Cumbria we wanted to let the children see what was right on their doorstep.”

“It’s been great to see them having a go at something different and they really enjoyed getting out of their comfort zone - we’d love to come back!” This was the first school visit to Sellafield’s Centre of Excellence this year. The facility regularly hosts students, apprentices, and offers upskilling - helping to shape the region’s engineers.

PIC - Claire O'Connor from Sellafield helping a student to construct a night rover

PRIMARY SCHOOL BECOMES CITY'S 12TH SCHOOL OF SANCTUARY

for Children and

Mmembers of the school community with an emphasis on supporting every child and family’s dignity.

Headteacher Laura Towle said: “Merridale has always been proud to be a welcoming and safe space for all. Our values of kindness and respect really do permeate all areas of school life and our children embody these values and demonstrate them every day in helping to create a place of belonging for all.

"We value every single member

of our school community, whether they are new to our school, the city or the country – everyone truly is 'welcome here'.To receive this recognition as a School of Sanctuary is a proud moment for our school as it really does reflect our dedication to promoting empathy and unity within our school and across Wolverhampton.” The award was presented to the school at a special assembly attended by the City of Wol-

verhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Chris Burden, on Wednesday, March 2024. He said: "We are really pleased that we now have a total of 12 Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton, which are all demonstrating the lengths they go to ensure they provide a safe and welcoming place for their children and families. I would like to congratulate the staff and pupils at Merridale on

their achievements.”

Other Schools of Sanctuary in Wolverhampton include Bantock Primary, Dunstall Hill Primary, Goldthorn Park Primary, Rakegate Primary, St Andrews CofE Primary, St Lukes CofE Primary, St Regis CofE Academy, Stowlawn Primary, Villiers Primary, West Park Primary and Colton Hills Community School.

IMPROVING DIGITAL INCLUSION AND SKILLS IN THE WEST MIDLANDS WEBINAR

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is creating opportunities for the public and key stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors to come together to discuss how best to improve digital inclusion and skills in the West Midlands. They are inviting people to join them on this webinar where attendees will have the chance to learn, connect and help shape thinking in this very important policy area. You will:

• learn about the latest insights/ findings from industry experts and thought leaders.

• connect with others, be able to exchange ideas, potentially set-

ting the foundation for

• working together again in the future.

• help shape future digital inclusion and skills programme delivery.

This event is for those who are/ have:

• developing and delivering digital inclusion and skills projects and initiatives in the West Midlands.

• community organisations that are delivering services to those impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and/or living in poverty.

• capturing and publishing data on poverty and the links to digital inclusion and skills.

• lived experienced of benefitting from digital inclusion and skills

projects.

• have strong interest in the digital inclusion and skills.

The WMCA recently updated the West Midlands Digital Roadmap, with support from its key partners which includes the seven metropolitan councils across the region.

The updated roadmap sets out how we will work together to achieve our joint ambitions of making the region truly digitally inclusive. There is a specific section of the roadmap which is dedicated to preventing digital exclusion by supporting residents to have better connectivity, digital skills and access to devices and equipment.

PIC - Celebrating School of Sanctuary Status are pupils who are young interpreters at Merridale Primary School, with the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member

Young People, Councillor Chris Burden, Parent Ambassador Elena Stan, Headteacher Laura Towle, the council's Citizenship, Literacy and Language Advisory Teacher Claire Sumner, City of Sanctuary volunteer Pam Allan and Deputy Headteacher Sarah Byrne

11TH Manchester, at Co-Op

TH

Manchester, UK

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

HOOKIE RETURNS IN GRAND STYLE FOR JAMAICA'S CARNIVAL 2024

Hookie, the premier event brand which is synonymous with vibrant Caribbean entertainment in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area (DMV), is set to make its return to Kingston, Jamaica for the 2024 edition of the island’s Carnival festivities on the morning of Friday April 5th.

The Organizers of the event, HookieLife Entertainment are promising an unforgettable experience for patrons from near and far which takes the form of a ‘Breakfast Fete’ on what is referred to as Jamaica’s Carnival Friday morning.

After a hiatus due to the global pandemic, Hookie's return is highly anticipated by Carnival enthusiasts and partygoers alike.

The event known for its pulsating beats,

infectious energy and for always delivering a memorable pool party experience has become a beloved brand that attracts thousands of international attendees each year with its annual Hookie Weekend festival in the DMV and Hookie Miami Carnival fete. The promoters of Hookie Jamaica, who’ve collaborated with the famous Renaissance Disco for this event, anticipate a fantastic production in the land of wood and water.

“We're thrilled to announce the return of Hookie for Jamaica's Carnival 2024,” they said. “Hookie has always been about celebrating the spirit of Carnival, the music, the culture, and the sense of unity it brings.

“We've been working tirelessly to ensure that this year's event surpasses all expectations and delivers an unforgetta

HIPPODROME ANNOUNCES NEW COHORT OF YOUNG ADVOCATES FOR 2024

Bble experience for everyone involved.”

The Friday morning affair takes place at the swanky Kingston venue, Summit Kingston and will not only offer a fully stocked bar and Jamaican food on sale, but also a refreshing poolside atmosphere featuring top local and international DJs who will provide a diverse array of musical genres including Soca, Dancehall, Reggae & Afrobeats. The Hookie Team members encourage attendees to rise and party with them and bring their swimwear for poolside vibes and an amazing time this coming Jamaica Carnival Friday. The Hookie Jamaica Breakfast Fete takes place on Friday April 5th, 2024, from 9AM at ‘Summit Kingston’, 16 Chelsea Avenue, Kingston, Jamaica.

irmingham Hippodrome have announced their newest cohort of Young Advocates, a group of 14–22-year-olds from the West Midlands who will support and influence the Hippodrome’s work with and for young people.

The Young Advocates will be supported with their individual development as well as working on a collective vision for Birmingham Hippodrome’s future, feeding back to the organisation’s senior team and Board. Alongside working closely with the Hippodrome team to programme and produce events for young people, the Young Advocates will also receive training, mentoring and access to a range of different opportunities within the arts industry.

Previous cohorts of Young Advocates have launched the Young Community Drop In sessions, which are now a regular part of the Hippodrome’s programme of events for young people, hosted their own events as part of TEDxYouth@Brum, curated a stage of artists at Birmingham Weekender, and spoken at a fundraising event

Shaznay Lewis announces London Jazz Cafe show this May

If you’ve been away for twenty years, you want to make sure you come back in style – which is precisely what Shaznay Lewis is doing right now.

Her two new tracks, ‘Kiss of Life’ and ‘Miracle’, brim with the grace, class and emotive songwriting that fans first fell for, while her return has been magnified by a premiere play from Zoe Ball at Radio 2, an interview on Sunday Brunch, and fresh coverage from the NME, The Line of Best Fit, The Times and The Independent. Shaznay’s next step comes with the confirmation of a headline show at London’s Jazz Cafe on May 14th. Her first full solo gig in twenty years, the show also represents a special launch night ahead of the release of her eagerly anticipated new album ‘Pages’ on May 17th. Shaznay says: “I'm excited to be doing my first ever show at the legendary Jazz Cafe, I'm looking forward to sharing this special night with music lovers performing songs from my album Pages”.

Fans who pre-order the ‘Pages’ album from Shaznay’s official store received access to a ticket pre-sale, with album formats including a CD, white vinyl and white cassette. All album bundles include a signed A4 print.

which raised £10,000 for Birmingham Hippodrome’s work with young people. Birmingham Hippodrome’s 2024 cohort of Young Advocates are: Rachel, Charisma, Izzy, Olly, Thomas, Pravita, Tori, Will, Kate, Tallulah, Saffy, Matilda, Harvey, Gurdev, Ellie, Claire, Chevron, Ava, Bradley, Daniel, Jaheem and Oceanna.

Mathilde Petford, Young People and Community Manager at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “This is our third and biggest cohort of Young Advocates.

“We had almost 50% of last year's group wanting to stay on the programme so we have a lovely mix of experienced and new young people. The group include writers, dancers, actors, costume designers, musicians who come from all over the West Midlands and are particularly interested in access and inclusion in the arts.

“The Young Advocates will work closely with Hippodrome to help shape the future of the organisation, supporting us in the delivery of our new five-year strategy. I'm pretty certain we have some future leaders in the group, so watch this space!"

Shaznay Lewis first came to prominence with the phenomenal success of the era-defining All Saints, whose big hits such as ‘Never Ever’, ‘Pure Shores’, ‘Black Coffee’ and ‘I Know Where It’s At’ set them on course for multi-Platinum album success and awards including two BRITs, a MOBO and an Ivor Novello. She then released a strong, stylish solo debut with ‘Open’ which featured the Top 10 hit ‘Never Felt Like This Before’ before stepping away from the spotlight to embrace motherhood and marriage.

She returned to the charts with All Saints in 2016 and 2018, while a rare live appearance occurred when she joined Coldplay on stage at Wembley Stadium in 2022. Sessions that same year made the prospect of a long overdue second solo album a reality.

What emerged was ‘Pages’, a luscious set of sophisticated soul and classic R&B informed by two further decades of life experience. Renowned artists such as Self Esteem, Shola Ama and General Levy feature on the album, while Shaznay’s other collaborators include Emily Phillips and Ant Whiting (Florence + The Machine, Sigrid), Ben Cullum (Celeste), Michael Angelo (Sam Smith, Not3s), Johan Hugo (Self Esteem, Diplo), Jez Ashurst (Maisie Peters, Little Mix), Moyses Dos Santos (Freya Ridings) and Charlie Stacey (Ezra Collective).

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PROGRAMS EXPANDING IN THE CARIBBEAN

Last year, Children’s Home shared news about the opening of two new international adoption programs with Jamaica and St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG).

Since then, the countries of Dominica and Grenada have been added to the Caribbean program portfolio.

These new country programs came through collaborative efforts with Creative Adoptions, Inc., which voluntarily relinquished their Hague accreditation.

Children’s Home assumed responsibility for more than 60 Caribbean transfer cases and has begun ac-

cepting new families, primarily serving kinship and relative cases (i.e., when adoptees are known or related to the adoptive family). Children being adopted range from infants to teenagers, including many sibling groups.

Thanks to their Adoption Support Fund, they can now offer financial assistance to kinship and relative families who often face financial hardships during the lengthy and expensive international adoption process.

It is both challenging and extremely rewarding to play such an integral role in placing vulnerable chil-

DfE publish plans to remove therapy requirement for aducts

TThis follows a government consultation earlier in the year after pressure from the sector.

It has been highlighted that adult adoptees report a significant lack of available therapists because the registration requirement acts as disincentive to providers. Up to 57% of adult adoptees reported that counselling, therapeutic services and mental health support services were not available to them.

Dr Julie Elliott (pic), Clinical Director at Adoption UK said: “The

dren with their loved ones here in the U.S. International Programme Director, Therese Bartlett, shared: “The new Caribbean countries are a welcome addition to our international program.

“We’ve been able to learn from our colleagues doing kinship/relative work in foster care and have been able to adapt our practice and process to serve these families in greater numbers on the international side.

It is both challenging and extremely rewarding to play such an integral role in placing vulnerable children with their relatives and loved ones here in the U.S.”

trauma and loss experienced by those who are adopted can last a lifetime. However, to date there has been very little support for adult adoptees and, understandably, they report feeling abandoned.

“The announcement came as a welcomed step in opening up the support available to those who may be struggling with issues surrounding their adoption. We work with adoptive families every day, which has taught us the vital importance of proper training to

The new Caribbean programs have resulted in a boost in clients for both the Minnesota and East Offices. The transition has been greatly facilitated by the intake, application, and international staff, as well as Philippa Street, the former Executive Director of Creative Adoptions, who is now a country representative for Children’s Home.

Philippa brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Caribbean island programs.

deal with specific adoption related issues.

“Therapists who now want to work with adult adoptees will need the same training. We will work with the sector to ensure that happens.”

There is also support for proposals to remove the requirement for Adoption Support Service providers to be Ofsted registered, where they are working under contract with an agency. It is hoped that it will increase the number of providers available and reduce the

burden on providers.

With three quarters of those responding to our Adoption Barometer this year reporting a constant struggle to get support, any measures that will improve available support services are to be welcomed. However, we urge those responsible to ensure the necessary safeguards and checks are in place when contracting providers, and that all those working with vulnerable children and young people and their families are suitably qualified and experienced.

he Department for Education (DfE) have published plans to remove the requirement for therapists providing adoption-related services to adults, with some adoption support service providers to be Ofsted registered.

It is hoped that both measures will increase the support available to adopted people and their families.

Food & Fine Dining

Sir Lewis Hamilton's alcohol-free Agave Spirit launches in the UK

CLARENDELLE AND FAMILY COMPANY, DOMAINE CLARENCE DILLON, CELEBRATE CINEMA AT THE 96TH OSCARS

For the second consecutive year, Clarendelle and family company, Domaine Clarence Dillon, a historic French wine group, are to be the official 2024 wine partners of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Furthermore, on March 10th, from the Oscars ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood to the Governors Ball and extending to all other Oscar-related events, including Oscars Night at the Museum, Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon wines will be the exclusive red and white wines poured for the stars of Hollywood. Clarendelle was created by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, representing the fourth generation in a family story that began with his great-grandfather's purchase of the historic Château Haut-Brion in 1935.

While primarily renowned for its excellence in the worlds of oenology and gastronomy, Domaine Clarence Dillon has long

been a supporter of the arts, with Prince Robert's early professional life even including screenwriting. Today, under Prince Robert's leadership as Chairman & CEO, Domaine Clarence Dillon has grown to include three prestigious wine estates (Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion and Château Quintus). In 2015, the company opened a Paris restaurant, Le Clarence, proclaimed one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World.

The elegant and original restaurant has enjoyed its two-star Michelin status since its opening. In the same year, "La Cave du Château" was launched, a unique fine wine merchant with an exceptional collection of wines and vintages that today enjoys four locations in Bordeaux and Paris, including its online presence at www.lcdc.wine.

Like the Academy Awards, also steeped in a nearly century-long tradition, Clarendelle offers a contemporary expression of our times

and the celebrated French "Art de Vivre."

The highly experienced Château Haut-Brion winemakers oversee the blending process for Clarendelle, vintage after vintage, as they do for the notorious Château La Mission Haut-Brion and Château Quintus estates. The Clarendelle bottles are then cellared before being released to the market when they are judged to have reached their ideal drinking age, offering the finest expression of their Bordeaux terroirs to wine lovers globally.

"Since its earliest days, our family company Domaine Clarence Dillon has been a fervent supporter and promoter of the arts both in France and on the international stage," says Prince Robert of Luxembourg.

"With Clarendelle, we are thrilled and honoured to be part of the biggest night in Hollywood. We join the millions of viewers from all around the world to celebrate the

outstanding achievements of the 96th Oscars nominees."

"We are really looking forward to enjoying the exquisite menu from Chef Wolfgang Puck and his catering team, expertly paired with our wines," continues Prince Robert. The list of Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon wines poured at all the Oscars events, catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering, includes:

• La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2017

• La Chapelle de La Mission Haut-Brion 2010

• Clarendelle Bordeaux Red 2016

• Clarendelle Bordeaux White 2022

This year, there will be a special focus on the wines of Château La Mission Haut-Brion by highlighting the exceptionally rare La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2017 and pouring one of the best second wines ever produced at this famous estate: La Chapelle de La Mission 2010.

"The finest La Chapelle de la Mission ever made." - Robert Parker, 93 points.

HUMOUR, RELIEF AND TEA FOR TWO = AN INDIAN INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA FOR LADIES OF A CERTAIN AGE

Mandira's Kitchen are inviting ladies of a certain age to enjoy a Humour, Relief and Tea for Two Indian Inspired Afternoon Tea.

As a company who employs women who definitely fall into that category, sharing a day of mood swings and 'personal summers', the team at Mandira's Kitchen thought up this special event for ladies who are in the same boat going through the trials and tribulations of menopause to get to-

gether and enjoy some delicious dishes over conversation with friends.

The menu includes an array of delicious authentic dishes – all carefully named to reflect the time of life.

Thursday, May 23: 1.30pm to 3pm or 4pm to 6pmClassic and Vegetarian options available.

Venue: Mandira's Kitchen, Silent Pool, Shere Road, Albury, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9BW.

Seven-times Grand Pric World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s first expression to launch in the UK is Almave Ambar Distilled Non-Alcoholic Blue Agave Spirit, which is the perfect sipping tipple.

The liquid itself captures the authentic aromas and flavours of its key ingredient, giving tasting notes of roasted blue agave, sweet caramel and toasted wood. Whilst tequila is Hamilton's drink of choice, the Formula One star had been looking for a non-alcoholic drink that kept his mind clear on important days.

He found there was a sea of imitations but nothing authentically agave, so he teamed up with Mexican craft spirit experts, Casa Lumbre. Combining Hamilton's passion and determination with the expertise of Casa Lumbre's Master Distiller and Founder Ivan Saldana – together they redefined what's possible for Blue Agave. Sir Lewis said: “There's a huge appetite for quality alternatives for those times when people don't want to drink alcohol but also don't want to compromise on flavour, which is why it was important that our product includes agave to reflect the taste of conventional Tequila.

“I think it tastes amazing and what we have created is unlike anything else on the market, so I can't wait to see what you all think.” An entirely new distillation process was created for the 'spirit', with the

team carefully adapting the traditional methods used in Casa Lumbre's Mexican home in Jalisco. By skipping the fermentation process, Almave captures the complexity and delicate flavours of freshly milled agave without producing alcohol. All of which was achievable thanks to Ivan's background in biochemistry and knowledge of agave.

Casa Lumbre’s Ivan Saldana added: “We are pleased that we have maintained the true production and craft of making Tequila, but without the alcohol. While there are faster ways to make this, we could not imagine a worthwhile 'spirit' without it.”

Nick Gillett, Mangrove Global MD said: “Tequila is a growing market, as are non-alcoholic drinks so this new SKU meets the demands of conscious drinkers and satisfies a glaring gap in the market. They have long looked for a non-alcoholic drink that captures the essence of agave without the alcohol and we have it here with Almave.”

The UK's no alcohol market is expected to see a volume growth of 10% between now and 2026, according to IWSR. With consumers increasingly drinking 'less but better', premium positioned non-alcoholic brands are enjoying substantial growth and now overtaking low-alcohol products. Almave is available to both the on and off trade market through Mangrove Global.

MOTORS

ELECTRIC AND HYBRID – THE FACES OF TOMORROW’S WORLD OF MOTORS

In the United Kingdom, the automotive landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles. Let’s delve into some noteworthy developments:

MG Motors, owned by Chinese company SAIC Motor Corp, has positioned itself advantageously in the electric car market. In

2022, its UK sales surpassed £1 billion, more than doubling its sales volumes compared to the previous year.

The brand’s success is attributed to the demand for its electric and hybrid vehicles, including models like the MG ZS, MG 5, and HS PHEV. The MG ZS, one of the cheapest electric cars available in the UK, has been turning heads and quietly out-

selling competitors like Polestar and Tesla.

The UK government is grappling with decisions related to emissions and vehicle types. Reports suggest that by 2040, new cars unable to travel at least 50 miles on electric power may face a ban. This ruling could impact popular hybrids like Toyota’s Prius2.

Additionally, a Zero Emission

Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is set to take effect in 2024, compelling manufacturers to ensure a portion of their sales consists of fully electric cars. While petrol and diesel cars are due to be banned by 2030, some hybrids will still be allowed until 2035.

China has emerged as a major player in the electric vehicle market. In the first three months of 2023, China exported over a

million vehicles globally, surpassing Japan as the world’s largest car exporter. Its brands, often electrified, are finding strong demand in fiercely competitive markets.

Exports from China have also been boosted by sales to Russia, especially amid Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Hybrid cars serve as a bridge to-

ward full electrification. Models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe are gaining popularity, enticing drivers who may be hesitant to fully embrace electric vehicles.

The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, and the transition to cleaner, more sustainable mobility is at the forefront of industry discussions.

Following the recent launch of the Lotus Eletre, the iconic British sports car maker is now coming out with an all-electric four-door GT car for 2024.

The all-new Lotus Emeya is the brand’s second foray into the world of EVs, following on from the Eletre SUV which launched early last year. With a styling heavily inspired by that car as

well, it will be available with the same bonkers 905hp tri-motor setup as the Eletre R, which makes for some pretty impressive performance figures.

The designers at Lotus were obviously very pleased with the Eletre SUV, because the styling of that SUV has been translated onto the new Emeya saloon. The sleek sloping roofline and flared wheel arches help add to the coupe-esque

look and there’s something of the Audi A7 about the silhouette.

Powered by the same dual-motor setup as the Lotus Eletre R, it has 905hp and 985Nm of torque. With all that power, the Emeya is fitted with the same huge 102kWh battery as the Eletre.

Seeing as this car has the same motor setup as the Eletre R, it makes sense to benchmark the range against that car, with up to

several models were already on order at the end of 2023, with the launch of new ranges and models and, as is the recent trend, also the landing of new brands, including some from China.

April is expected to be full of important debuts, from the highly anticipated Dacia Duster (pic) to the Volkswagen Tiguan via Mini Countryman, also electric, to the medium SUVs Hyundai Santa Fe, Renault Rafale and Skoda Kodiaq.

The most exciting part, however, is the sports and super sports cars expected to be unveiled, such as the new 100% electric Porsche Boxster and the Ferrari hypercar, heir to the LaFerrari. Jaguar should also finally show us its first electric model, the SUV known for now as the J-Pace, while Polestar is preparing the interesting Polestar 4 coupe-crossover.

T304 miles of range. However, the Emeya will be more aerodynamic and is likely to be lighter as well - expect to see a figure of around 320 miles.

Just like the Eletre, the new Emeya will be capable of 350kW DC fast charging - meaning you can add 93 miles of range in just 5 minutes and top up from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes. This new Lotus Emeya has more of a

focus on comfort for long-distance cruising, with air suspension fitted as standard, and its adaptive setup which can read the road ahead 1,000 times per second and adjusts the dampers to glide over bumps with ease.

Like the recently-revealed Lotus Eletre, the new Emeya has a pretty posh-looking cabin with plenty of luxurious materials to help it feel more premium. The overall design

is pretty similar to the Eletre, albeit with a more low-slung driving position.

The materials used also look pretty cool, and many of them are sustainably sourced. Expect to see cars appearing on driveways in the UK by the end of next year!

The 10 most anticipated new cars of 2022 include the Alfa Romeo B-SUV, Audi Q6 e-tron, Citroen e-C3, Dacia Duster, Ferrari hypercar, Fiat Panda, Lamborghini new Huracan, Lancia Ypsilon, Porsche Macan E and the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric.

In fact, the arrival on the road of

he market may be in crisis with manufacturers looking to downsize their offerings, but manufacturers are looking to catch up after the slowdowns and delays caused by Covid and the component crisis, and this is one reason why 2024 is set to be a year full of launches or landings.

ARIJIT SINGH’S 2024 UK TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Arijit Singh has announced his 2024 UK tour, which is scheduled to be held from August 11, 2024, to August 17, 2024, in venues across the mainland.

This will mark the singer's first tour in the country since 2022, and fans are over the moon about the same. He will perform in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and London. He will also be the first South Asian artist to take the stage at Manchester's Co-Op Live. The tour was announced via the offi-

cial ticket vendor, AXS' Twitter account. Presale for the tour will be available from February 20, 2024, at 10 am GMT and can be exclusively accessed by Co-Op Live Members. Individuals who wish to get their hands on tickets during this presale can register via the official Co-Op website. Arijit Singh shed light on the new tour in a general press statement on February 9, 2024, stating: "I'm so excited to return to London for the first time since 2022. I love coming to the UK and cannot wait to perform live at the O2.

“It

lifts my spirits seeing my fans around the world singing my songs with me and my London fans are the absolute best!"

Meanwhile, Co-Op Live's Executive Director and General Manager Gary Roden elaborated on the firm's thoughts on the upcoming concert in Manchester, stating: "We’re so excited to welcome Arijit Singh to Co-op Live as the first South Asian artist to headline the UK’s largest live entertainment arena.

“We are always striving to represent the brilliantly diverse communities that make up both

to open on April 24, 2024. Harry Styles is one of the shareholders of the arena and in a statement released by the venue in October 2020, he said: "I’m incredibly proud and excited to be partnering with OVG on their plans for “It very much feels like coming home. I was drawn to this project on every level, from the opportunities it brings, to the contribution it will make to the city, and most

importantly, that it will allow even more live music to thrive in Manchester."

Arijit Singh is best known as a playback singer in the Indian entertainment industry. He has also worked on projects such as A Foreign Affair by Spyro Gyra and Stories by Rabindranath Tagore. General tickets are available now and can be purchased via Co-Op Live, Ticketmaster, or AXS.

TALK SHOW QUEEN, WENDY WILLIAMS THANKS FANS FOR SUPPORT AFTER DEMENTIA AND APHASIA DIAGNOSIS

Former US talk show host Wendy Williams has thanked fans for their support over her dementia and aphasia diagnosis.

Williams, 59, said their response had been "overwhelming" and she had "immense gratitude for the love and kind words" received. In a statement released to the Associated Press, the star said the messages had reminded her of "the power of unity and the need for compassion".

She hosted the nationally syndicated ‘Wendy Williams Show’ for over a decade. It ended in 2022 amid the health struggles she has been facing.

Her care team announced her diagnosis "to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumours about her

health". A statement said: "As Wendy's fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves' Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health.

"Over the past few years, questions have been raised at times about Wendy's ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy's condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions."

The care team added the diagnosis was confirmed by "a battery of medical tests" last year.

Aphasia is a nervous system syndrome that affects the ability to communicate, with patients often

struggling to express thoughts and even losing their ability to speak or write. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is an incurable brain disorder caused by damage to the left side of the brain that affects language and communication abilities.

Its symptoms, which get worse over time, can be managed but there is no treatment that can slow or prevent their progression, the National Institutes of Health say. The rare disease tends to strike people at a younger age than other forms of dementia, with most diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 64 years old.

Hollywood star Bruce Willis also suffers from aphasia and frontotemporal dementia - the conditions meant he had to give up his acting career.

Damning new data shows underspends of up to 1/3 on NHS dentistry

The British Dental Association has said Government must wake up to the crisis in NHS dentistry, following damning new analysis from the HSJ showing nearly a third of local dental budgets are going unspent in some areas of England.

Lincolnshire and Hampshire Integrated Care Board are on course to underspend their dental budgets by 30% in 2023-24. Norfolk and Waveney are heading for 27%, Somerset 25% and Herefordshire and Worcestershire 17%.

There is again expected to be a substantial underspend against the national dental contract. The new data suggests this is forecast to be around £350m, representing around 10% of the budget. Underspends do not reflect any lack of demand for NHS dentistry – but are the result of struggling practices unable to hit their punitive targets.

Practices in the same high street receive different levels of payment, and the BDA stress that underspends are highest in areas where Unit of Dental Activity (UDA) rates are lowest. The BDA dubbed the Government’s recent ‘Recovery Plan’ for NHS dentistry as “unworthy of the title”, with a higher UDA rate benefiting just 1 in 10 practices.

Fundamentally the BDA is seeking a break from the discredited contract fuelling these underspends and the wider crisis in the service. The Government has refused to budget.

Shawn Charlwood, Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee said: “We’re seeing the results of a postcode lottery designed in Westminster.

“Better funding supports better access for millions. The Government knows this but has set a new minimum rate that will only benefit one in ten practices.

“But we need more than tinkering with a broken system. Solving this access crisis requires real reform and fair funding.”

Freedom of Information requests by the Health Service Journal

WHO PANDEMIC TREATY NEGOTIATIONS RESUME WHILE CONCERNS MOUNT ABOUT CENSORSHIP THREATS

Negotiations have resumed this week at the World Health Organisation (WHO) on a “pandemic treaty”, a legally binding instrument that aims to strengthen the WHO’s role in preventing, preparing for, and responding to future pandemics.

Free speech experts have raised concerns about the intended restrictions on freedom of expression in the international agreement. The draft text currently under consideration would commit states to “combat” such things as misleading information, misinformation, or disinformation, without offering a definition for these terms or specifying how this would be done.

It would also require the “management” of so-called “infodemics,” defined as “too much information, false or misleading information during a disease outbreak” causing “confusion” as well as “mistrust” in health authorities. Giorgio Mazzoli, Director of UN Advocacy at ADF International, Tweeted: “The current draft of the WHO Pandemic Agreement implies that people must be protected from ‘information’ that could subjectively be labelled ‘misleading’ or simply considered ‘too much’ by authorities.”

“Especially in the context of a pandemic, the unrestricted flow of information is essential. Yet, the current draft of the WHO Pandemic Agreement implies that people must be protected from ‘information’ that could subjectively be labelled ‘misleading’ or simply considered ‘too much’ by authorities. Such an approach poses a clear threat to freedom of expression.

“The imperative of effectively preventing and responding to future pandemic threats should not come at the price of our fundamental freedoms.”

The freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas is protected by numerous international and regional human rights treaties. Yet, if adopted as currently drafted, the WHO Pandemic Agreement would set a dangerously low standard of regard for free speech during a public health crisis. Any government could refer to its obligations under the treaty to limit freedom of expression at such times.

“Freedom of expression, including the right to seek and receive information, is necessary to ensure scrutiny and accountability over critical public health decisions,” Mazzoli continued. “Without publicly available in-

formation, people cannot assess the lawfulness and effectiveness of the actions taken by authorities.”

The Pandemic Agreement is poised to serve as a blueprint for how the WHO and the international community will head off future pandemics. Considering its importance and binding nature, the process for negotiating the text – which began in March 2023 – has been exceptionally fast compared to typical timelines. Concerningly, the draft text expressly excludes the possibility for states to enter “reservations” – that is, opting out of any provision of the treaty. Mazzoli concluded: “We must be vigilant to protect hard-won rights – especially in times of crisis. Everyone agrees that life is precious and that states have an interest in protecting public health.

“But some of the most grave and systematic human rights abuses of the last century unfolded during public emergencies and we must be vigilant to protect hardwon rights – especially in times of crisis. When it comes to vague and undefined concepts such as misinformation or disinformation, the cure is far worse than the disease.”

medac unveils new Global Corporate Brand

The pharmaceutical company medac, founded in Germany in 1970, has evolved into an internationally renowned corporate group with two contract development and manufacturing organizations in Europe and a distribution to 91 countries.

The focus of medac’s work is on improving established pharmaceutical products as well as developing new therapeutics in four key areas rheumatology, urology, haematology, and oncology. After decades of impressive and successful growth, the company is now unveiling a new global brand to express the transformation as a global player and to extent global impact.

The newly established unified brand reflects medac’s commitment to excellence and its global reach, consolidating its position as a key player in the pharmaceutical industry. With a new global brand positioning and design, the brand aims to pursue medac’s promises, such as customer proximity and high expertise.

With the new brand claim, "Improving human health", medac positions itself as an international pharmaceutical company determined to make essential treatments available worldwide. Collaborating with longstanding global business partners, medac is dedicated to providing high-quality pharmaceutical products and services worldwide.

The new brand identity is reflected in a new global corporate website, accessible at www.medac-group.com.

All international websites have been harmonized.

In a statement, Frank Lucaßen, CEO of medac, emphasized the significance of the unified brand strategy, stating: "The consistent brand strategy across our company network worldwide reflects our international strength in a unified design, and will shape our actions for years to come."

A significant focus in developing the corporate brand has been on highlighting medac’s role as an employer.

The employer brand aims to enhance medac’s visibility and attractiveness as an innovative employer globally, which increases both the employees' own identification with medac as an employer and the awareness among potential applicants. As part of the new brand positioning, medac has revamped its logo, visual presentation, and language across all channels and touchpoints.

The logo features a sovereign violet colour, representing confidence and resilience, evoking a comfortable warmth and familiarity, and boldness for maximum market impact. This distinctive colour serves as a unique identifier in the competitive landscape, enhancing visibility and differentiation.

The updated brand identity marks a new chapter for medac, emphasizing its commitment to improving human health globally and reinforcing its position as a dedicated and innovative pharmaceutical leader in the focus areas rheumatology, urology, haematology, and oncology.

VAUGHAN GETHING 1ST

THE BLACK LEADER OF AN EUROPEAN COUNTRY

MEETING JAMAICA’S COMMISSIONER TO MR. ALEXANDER

Jamaica’s new High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency, Alexander Williams, was in Birmingham, for a meet-and-greet event, to introduce himself to the people of the Diaspora.

During the ‘Town Hall Meeting’ event, at the Legacy Centre for Excellence, Attorney at Law, Mr. Williams – who succeeds previous incumbent, Seth George Ramocan – made clear his aims to maintaining Jamaica’s position as a global cultural superpower in the international market. “Waah Gwaaanm,” he greeted all with – making them feel culturally ‘at one’ with him.

“My fellow-Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica, this is my first visit to Birmingham –meeting civic leaders and leading businesspeople, as well as introducing myself to the Diaspora here in the UK. I feel privileged and honoured to have taken up this position and I felt that there was a need for me to be here.

“With me coming from the private sector, I’m looking forward to accessing the necessary facilities and securing meaningful partnerships in the UK.” And, in a one-2-one, he pointed out his intentions of continuing the special relationship between the Jamaican High Commission and its leading supporter in the UK, The Phoenix Newspaper. Then, speaking of his country’s strengthening economic state, Mr. Williams emphasised: “Our economy has recovered greatly, since the Covid pandemic and our credit rating has improved massively (the highest increase ever) on the world market, with the

JAMAICA’S NEW HIGH TO THE UK, WILLIAMS

highest trade balance seen in 40-years. This means that the country has exported more goods than it it has imported for that period – thus, attracting more global partners than ever before.

He then faced questions on the much-talkedabout ‘exclusion of native Jamaicans from some of the island’s prominent beaches.’

The H.C. said, vehemently: “I have to tell you, if any Black person is excluded from any beach, there would be riots and war in Jamaica!

“I suspect,” he went on, “there are other issues at play. We must concentrate on the positive that’s being achieved in the country and not dwell on what is becoming an issue of the past. The government is facing those issues face-on.”

Mr Williams then highlighted the historical constitutional transformation in the removing of the British monarch, with the Jamaica Reform Committee being formed, and interest groups across the country educating people on the changes. “We’re looking at 3-4 years for the referendum,” he said.

“We want the Diaspora to be part of everything we do. Jamaica is at a renaissance point right now. So, don’t sit back on your laurels and let people from other countries come in and invest in Jamaica ahead of you.

“Please – Jamaica is open for business!”

High Commissioner, His Excellency, Alexander Williams, is already ahead of the game, when talking about all things – and all peoples – Jamaican!

By: Steve Williams

VAUGHAN GETHING

With the outgoing first minister, Mark Drakeford, set to step down from the post next week, Vaughan Gething has been announced as the winner of the Welsh Labour leadership election.

Gething, Wales' economy minister and a former solicitor, was born in Zambia and will become Wales' first Black leader after he ran against Wales' Education Minister Jeremy Miles, also a solicitor, who was born and brought up in the mining town of Pontarddulais

Gething was health minister between 2016 and May 2021, and oversaw Wales' initial response to Covid. In his speech, he said that it was an honour to become Europe's first Black leader after he was voted Welsh Labour leader. The former health and economy minister is due to be confirmed as first minister next week, after Drakeford steps down. A total of 57.8% of Labour party members took part. There are thought to be about 18,000 of them. A total of 9.4% affiliates took part - people who are members of trade unions and other organizations affiliates to the Labour party.

Following the result, Mr. Gething said: “Today, we turn a page in the book of our nation’s history - a history we write together.

“Not just because I have the honour of becoming the first Black

leader in any European country – but because the generational dial has also jumped.

“Devolution is not something I have had to get used to or adapt to or apologise for,” he said, “it’s in my blood and It’s what I’ve always known.”

“I know we can win the next General Election … We can win if we stand together, linking arms to defeat the narrow forces of division that seek to turn a warm nation cold.”

His challenger, Jeremy Miles, the current minister for education and Welsh language, left the Cardiff University venue without giving interviews. In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, he congratulated Mr Gething: "I wish him every success for Wales' future."

"While the result is not what we worked hard for, I am incredibly proud of the passion, dedication, integrity and professionalism of our campaign." He added: "Welsh Labour has been elected to serve the people of Wales. We must never forget

this is an honour and responsibility underpinned by trust that must be continually earned."

THE 1ST BLACK LEADER OF AN EUROPEAN COUNTRY

In conversation with

Dee Burrowes

Uncertain Times – How to Navigate the Turbulent Storm

Anxious people, notably adults who worry unnecessarily are more likely to be very intolerant of uncertainty.

Often they try to plan and prepare for everything as a way of avoiding uncertainty. The constant barrage of news headlines, economic fluctuations, and personal pressures will have us feeling overwhelmed and uneasy. In times like these, it's crucial to manage our stress levels effec-

tively.

In the midst of life's turbulence, where the winds of uncertainty blow fiercely, it's no wonder that anxiety often becomes an uninvited companion. Whether it's economic upheavals, or personal life challenges, the human psyche can easily be thrown off balance, nosediving into the depths of stress. Yet, among this squall, there exists a beacon of hope –a path illuminated by tools and techniques that empower indi-

viduals to navigate through the storm with resilience and grace. Anxiety can be a vehicle, shadowing our every move and clouding our thoughts that threaten to overwhelm us. By acknowledging the universal nature of anxiety, we are not alone in our struggles. This simple recognition can provide a sense of solace, fostering connection and understanding in a world that often feels isolating.

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, let’s delve into the twisted landscape of coping with anxiety in uncertain times. With adept insights and personal anecdotes to explore the multifaceted terrain of mental well-being, uncovering the resilience that lies dormant within us all.

As the world continues to evolve at an unmatched pace, it's vital to equip ourselves with the inevitable tools to weather the storms that life inevitably brings. From mindfulness practices to cog-

Giveaway:

nitive behavioural techniques, from the nurturing embrace of self-care to the transformative power of community support, this edition serves as a compass, guiding you towards calmer waters amidst the turbulent seas of uncertainty.

Through the lens of compassion and understanding, we unravel the intricacies of anxiety, offering a lifeline to those who find themselves adrift in the tumultuous currents of modern existence. With each other, we can venture on a voyage of self-dis-

covery, cultivating resilience, reclaiming our peace of mind, and forging a path towards a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.

In the tumultuous landscape of modern life, navigating through uncertainty has become a defining challenge for us. The commonness of anxiety chaos has surged, with millions grappling with feelings of apprehension, fear, and unease – it is likely that uncertainty seems to loom large which casts a shadow on our daily lives.

Anxiety is a natural human re-

sponse to stress, alerting us to potential threats and preparing us to react. However, when anxiety becomes chronic or overwhelm-

sense of calm and presence, enabling you to navigate uncertainty with greater ease.

2. Grounding Techniques: When

thinking by examining evidence and adopting more balanced perspectives.

6. Establishing Routine: Estab-

ing, it can significantly impair our ability to function and diminish our quality of life. The uncertainty of the future often serves as a breeding ground for anxious thoughts and feelings, fuelling a cycle of worry and apprehension. Recognising the signs of anxiety, such as persistent worry, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, is the first step towards managing constructively. In times of heightened stress, we may be quick to criticise ourselves for feeling anxious or overwhelmed. The need to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding, recognising that anxiety is a natural response to uncertainty. By practicing self-compassion, there is a chance to cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience, even in the face of adversity. As a life coach specialising in anxiety management, I've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you cope with anxiety in uncertain times.

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly, focusing on your breath and observing your thoughts without judgment. This practice can help cultivate a

Contributor’s Bio -

anxiety strikes, grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present moment and alleviate feelings of panic. Try engaging your senses by focusing on the sensations of touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. For example, you can hold onto a comforting object, savour a piece of chocolate, or listen to soothing music.

3. Positive Affirmations: Combat negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Create a list of affirmations that resonate with you and recite them daily. Remind yourself of your strengths, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges. By shifting your mindset towards positivity, you can build resilience in the face of uncertainty.

4. Limiting Media Consumption: While it's important to stay informed, excessive exposure to news and social media can exacerbate anxiety. Set boundaries around your media consumption and prioritize sources that provide accurate information without inducing fear or panic.

5. Cognitive Behavioural Techniques: Cognitive-behavioural techniques, such as cognitive restructuring and thought challenging, can help you reframe negative thought patterns and reduce anxiety. Challenge irrational beliefs and catastrophic

lishing a sense of structure and routine can provide stability during uncertain times. Create a daily schedule that includes regular mealtimes, exercise, relaxation, and sleep. Having a predictable routine can help reduce feelings of chaos and overwhelm. Ultimately, navigating with anxiety serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with anxiety within the turbulence of life. By offering 7ords of encouragement, it empowers us to cruise the challenges of uncertainty with orderliness and goodwill. In embracing self-compassion, practicing mindfulness, and prioritising self-care, we can learn to ride the waves of anxiety with greater ease, knowing that calmer shores very much lie ahead as there is always an anchor of hope to hold onto.

In conclusion, while uncertainty may persist, acknowledging and addressing our anxieties empowers us to cultivate inner strength and adaptability. By fostering a sense of community and compassion, we can collectively navigate these challenges, emerging stronger and more resilient than before. Remember, in the face of uncertainty, we possess the capacity to endure and thrive.

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.

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

“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.

Holiday and

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, was presented with the PATWA (the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association) ‘Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism as a testament to his erstwhile dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchanges and advancing the Caribbean country’s tourism sector on a global scale.

A nonprofit international media organisation of travel writers committed to recognizing excellence in the industry, PATWA - founded in 1999 - honour Minister Bartlett to reaffirm his status as a visionary leader and trailblazer in the field of tourism. At the forefront of enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through the tourism industry, on accepting the award, he showed immense gratitude for the acknowledgment of him shaping the future of travel.

MINISTER BARTLETT EXCELS AS PATWA GLOBAL TOURISM ICON Travel

for the international tourism industry, facilitating knowledge and networking.

In a momentous victory for Caribbean tourism, Jamaica clinched the prestigious title of Global Destination of the Year at the renowned travel trade show, ITB in Berlin. The accolade, bestowed on Wednesday by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), underscores Jamaica’s burgeoning reputation as a top-tier travel destination.

Founded in 1999, PATWA is a nonprofit international media organization of travel writers committed to recognizing excellence in the industry.

brating its authentic and unique tourism offerings.

Last year, the island secured the title of ‘Caribbean’s Best Culinary Destination’ at the World Culinary Awards.

Additionally, Jamaica clinched an impressive 33 World Travel Awards, including the coveted title of ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination.’

On receiving the award, he said: “It has been my life’s mission to ensure that the tourism sector in Jamaica flourishes in terms of arrivals, earnings, economic growth and resilience.

As he went on to highlight Jamaica’s reputation for its cuisine, music, and hospitality, he went on to say: “I am pleased that, through public-private sector partnerships, we have not only weathered the most devastating period in global tourism history but have elevated Jamaica as a premier travel destination and also set a benchmark for excellence in the global tourism landscape”.

The global recognition adds to the country’s growing list of awards celebrating its authentic and unique tourism offerings. The award comes on the heels of phe-

nomenal tourism achievements for Jamaica.

In 2023, the island welcomed over 4 million international visitors and generated US$4.2 billion in earnings, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the global tourism landscape. The PATWA awards ceremony, a highlight of ITB Berlin, marked a pinnacle in the tourism calendar.

PATWA’s primary objective is to serve as a catalyst for responsibly developing the travel and tourism industry with a founding philosophy of supporting the sustainable development and growth of travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation worldwide. Its works with governments, organisations and companies in both the public and private sectors adheres to the fundamental principles of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), the United Nations (UN), and UN Tourism.

Currently, Minister Bartlett is leading a Jamaican delegation at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show. With more than 20 thousand participants expected

this year, ITB Berlin is viewed as an important platform for the international tourism industry, facilitating knowledge sharing and networking. His unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability serves as an inspiration to industry professionals and travellers alike.

This esteemed accolade, that was presented yesterday (March 6), comes as a testament to Minister Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.

Upon receiving the title of Global Tourism Icon, the Minister expressed gratitude to the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association for this esteemed recognition. He emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing the tourism industry, underscoring the role of collaboration, innovation,

and inclusivity in shaping the future of travel.

“It has been my life’s mission to ensure that the tourism sector in Jamaica flourishes in terms of arrivals, earnings, economic growth and resilience. I am pleased that through public-private sector partnerships we have not only weathered the most devastating period in global tourism history, but have elevated Jamaica as a premier travel destination and also set a benchmark for excellence in the global tourism landscape,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association’s decision to honour Minister Bartlett as a Global Tourism Icon reaffirms his status as a visionary leader and trailblazer in the field of tourism. His unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability serves as an inspiration to industry professionals and travellers alike.

Minister Bartlett is leading a delegation at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show. With over 20 thousand participants expected this year, ITB Berlin is viewed as an important platform

Accepting the award on behalf of the destination, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, expressed profound gratitude for the acknowledgment.

Highlighting Jamaica’s reputation for its cuisine, music, and hospitality, Minister Bartlett emphasized the profound impact of these experiential offerings on visitors, creating lasting memories that transcend time.

The PATWA awards ceremony, a highlight of ITB Berlin, marks a pinnacle in the tourism calendar. With over 20 thousand participants anticipated this year, ITB Berlin stands as the world’s largest travel trade show, fostering crucial networking opportunities and facilitating knowledge exchange among industry professionals.

The Global Destination of the Year award comes on the heels of phenomenal tourism achievements for Jamaica.

In 2023, the island welcomed over 4 million international visitors and generated US$4.2 billion in earnings, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the global tourism landscape.

This recent honour adds to Jamaica’s growing list of awards cele-

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry 12. This accolade, presented on Wednesday, is a testament to Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale.

According to PATWA, Minister Bartlett has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience, and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism. His leadership has not only weathered the most devastating period in global tourism history but also elevated Jamaica as a premier travel destination and set a benchmark for excellence in the global tourism landscape.

Upon receiving the title, Minister Bartlett expressed gratitude to PATWA for the recognition. He emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing the tourism industry and underscored the role of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in shaping the future of travel. Bartlett is currently leading a Jamaican delegation at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show, which facilitates knowledge sharing and networking within the international tourism industry 2.

UK overnight stays in Portugal up 39.5% in 10 years

Figures from Portugal’s national statistics institute (INE) reveal that the number of overnight stays by UK visitors in Portugal has increased by 39.5% in 10 years, from 7,095,996 in 2013 to 9,901,272 in 2023. The huge increase shows how comprehensively Portugal is now on the radar of many UK tourists, as well as those from elsewhere; the Iberian Peninsula country welcomed a record total of 18 million visitors in 2023. But is it just UK holidaymakers who are flocking to Portugal? Figures from the Portuguese border and immigra-

tion authority (formerly known as SEF, now renamed AIMA) show that there were 16,471 UK citizens residing in Portugal in 2013. By 2022, that figure had nearly tripled, with 45,218 UK citizens now calling Portugal home. The rapid increase in interest in Portugal is something that Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, has witnessed in her role over the past decade.

She comments: “As more UK visitors have discovered Portugal over the past decade, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand

from those seeking to live and work in Portugal, as well as holidaymakers.

“This appetite is driving demand for properties up and down the country, particularly in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto and in the sun-blessed southern Algarve region. The attractive taxation and visa regimes in Portugal have certainly helped, with property buyers and entrepreneurs from the UK finding a range of routes to residency available to them.”

For those interested to make the move to Portugal, the free-to-attend Moving to Portugal Show, organised by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, is the ideal resource for finding out about the legal, tax and financial implications of doing so. Taking place at London’s Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel, from 10:30-19:30 on 14th March 2024, the show will feature seminars and presentations from expert speakers, covering all aspects of moving from the UK to Portugal. Free tickets are now available to book online.

CARIBBEAN CONNECTS IN COLOMBIA FOR ROUTES AMERICAS 2024

The Caribbean’s presence was strong in Bogotá, Colombia during Routes Americas 2024, the route development forum for the Americas.

Held last week, the conference attracted several Caribbean destinations, whose executives connected with senior decision-makers from the region’s leading airlines and other tourism and aviation stakeholders. A panel discussion on ‘Avi-

ation Competitiveness in the Caribbean’ provided much food for thought in addressing some of the key challenges facing the region’s aviation sector.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) played a lead role in orchestrating the powerful discussion, which featured Dr. Kenneth Romer (Deputy Director General of Tourism & Director of Aviation, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Avi-

ation); Trevor Sadler (CEO, interCaribbean Airways); Hans van de Velde (CEO, Windward Islands Airways International – WINAIR); Rafael Echevarne (Director General, Latin America & Caribbean, Airports Council International – ACI); and Peter Cerdá (Regional Vice President, The Americas, International Air Transport Association –IATA), with David Appleby (Director, ASM) moderating. Panelists discussed the high

taxation and fees in the region, with some arguing that reducing these could increase demand and make travel more affordable. They also discussed the need for more deregulation and liberalization of the skies, and the potential for designating the Caribbean as a single domestic market. The role of state-owned carriers was also debated as well as the need for more public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and technology.

easyJet puts thousands of flights on sale from newly launched Birmingham base for winter 2024

EasyJet has put more flights on sale for its winter 2024/25 schedule today from Birmingham Airport, meaning half a million seats on around 3,000 flights to 18 destinations from the airport between 1st December and 2nd March 2025, are now available to book from £26.99*.

On 18 March 2024 Birmingham Airport became easyJet’s first new base in the UK in more than a decade creating 140 direct jobs for pilots and crew in the UK and supporting around 1200 jobs in total. The base also brings the launch of 16 new routes from this summer including Antalya, Berlin and Barcelona. Across the UK over 10 million seats are now on sale meaning customers can get a great deal by booking early at easyJet.com or via the mobile app, with seats available from £24.99*. From those looking forward to visiting friends and family over Christmas and winter sports lovers looking to hit the slopes, to city breakers and winter sun chasers, easyJet and easyJet holidays offers something to tempt everyone and those booking early from today can get the best value fares and an unrivalled choice with 500 routes across Europe and beyond added today. Today also sees thousands more package holidays for winter 2024/25 available to book through easyJet holidays – the UK’s fastest growing tour operator. Following the launch of the network’s ninth Birmingham base, holidaymakers for the first time will have opportunity to book an easyJet holiday from the

26 destinations on offer for this winter. easyJet holidays offers packages including flights, hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on all beach breaks. Ali Gayward, UK Country Manager for easyJet, commented: “We are delighted to be putting more of our winter schedule on sale today from our newly launched Birmingham base so that our customers can book early and get the best fares on flights and package holidays for a Christmas break, their next ski getaway or to enjoy some winter sun.

“With half a million seats now on sale until 2nd March 2025 across 18 routes across Europe and beyond, we are pleased to be providing more choice and value for our customers in the Midlands and look forward to welcoming them onboard.” Flights for next winter are now available to book at easyJet.com and via the mobile app, including:

• Birmingham to Malaga from £26.99*

• Birmingham to Berlin from £29.99*

• Birmingham to Alicante and Faro from £32.99*

• Birmingham to Barcelona from £34.99*

Book with easyJet holidays (www.easyjet.com/en/holidays tel: 0330 365 5005)

• easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 4* Bahia Principe Sunlight San Felipe on a Half Board basis for £549 per person including 23kg of luggage per person and flights from Birmingham to Tenerife on 11 February 2025.

*flights one way per person including taxes

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper (centre) with Routes Americas panelists (l-r) Trevor Sadler, CEO, interCaribbean Airways; Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism & Director of Aviation, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; David Appleby, Director, ASM; Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President, The Americas, International Air Transport Association (IATA); Hans van de Velde, CEO,Windward Islands Airways International N.V. (WINAIR); and Rafael Echevarne, Director General, Latin America & Caribbean, Airports Council International (ACI)

World's second largest renewable energy park opens in India

Adani Green Energy Limited

(AGEL), India's largest renewable energy company and the second largest solar PV developer in the world, has operationalised 551MW solar capacity in Khavda, Gujarat, by supplying power to the national grid.

AGEL achieved this milestone within 12 months of commencing work on the Khavda RE park, starting with the development of basic infrastructure, including roads and connectivity, and creating a self-sustaining social ecosystem. AGEL also transformed the challenging and barren terrain of the Rann of Kutch into a habitable environment for its 8,000-strong workforce.

AGEL plans to develop 30 GW of renewable energy capacity at this RE park. The planned capacity is expected to be operationalised in the next five years. When completed, the Khavda RE park will be the largest renewable energy installation in the world.

Energy from the Khavda RE park can power 16.1 million homes each year. With proven expertise in developing largescale renewable projects, a robust supply chain network and technological prowess, AGEL is best positioned to build this record-setting giga-scale plant with no parallel in the world's clean energy sector.

The region is endowed with one of the best wind and solar resources in the country, which makes it ideal for giga-scale RE development. AGEL conducted extensive studies and deployed multiple innovative solutions to accelerate the development of the plant.

Marley hotel hideaway and tropical property on sale after featured in One Love biopic

Bob Marley's Jamaican hotel hideaway Strawberry Hill and tropical 47-acre property is on sale after being featured in One Love biopic.

The Strawberry Hill Hotel that was frequented by Bob Marley and depicted in the 2024 film 'Bob Marley: One Love' is officially on the market. The 47-acre mountaintop resort was built on a coffee plantation and belonged to a British royal family in the eighteenth century. It was named by its reputed original owner Horace Walpore, who was the son of Prime Minister Robert Walpore, who was in office from 1721 to 1742. The Strawberry Hill Hotel was portrayed in the film 'Bob Marley: One Love,' which has made over $160 million at the box office.

In the process, it is supporting the development of an indigenous and sustainable supply chain. "Adani Green Energy is creating one of the world's most extensive renewable energy ecosystems for solar and wind," said Mr Gautam Adani, chair of Adani Group. "Through bold and innovative projects like the Khavda RE plant, AGEL continues to set higher global benchmarks and rewrite the world's

The hotel was named by its reputed original owner Horace Walpore, who was the son of Prime Minister Robert Walpore, who was in office from 1721 to 1742. He enjoyed the elevation of the property because it was 'ideal for growing strawberries.'

The property also includes scenic views of the Blue Mountains and was a Foreign Officers' Navel Hospital in the late eighteenth century.

The property was owned by prominent families like the Cargills and the DaCostas before it was eventually bought by its current owner and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell in the 1970s before Marley was shot.

According to the hotel's website, Horace discovered that 'the property’s elevation was ideal for growing strawberries.'

planning and execution standards for giga-scale renewable energy projects. This milestone is a validation of the Adani Group's commitment and leading role in accelerating India's equitable clean energy transition journey towards its ambitious goals of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and carbon neutrality."

Madinah gets the SDG Cities Gold Level from UN-Habitat

The city of Madinah has received the Cities Gold Level from the United Nations human settlements program, UN-Habitat. A recognition of the hard work of Madinah towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The SDG Cities initiative objective is to catalyse local governments' sustainability efforts and build their capacity to localize the Sustainable Development Goals.

It also aims to celebrate cities for their sustainable development achievements by sharing their promising practices and policies globally. Madinah is the 1st Saudi city, the first Arab city and the 3rd city worldwide

in achieving the SDG Cities Gold Level.

Madinah is, as well, the first city in Saudi Arabia with engaged in the SDG Cities Global Initiative. A clear recognition of the firm commitment of the Saudi city to be an inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable city. Indeed, Madinah's efforts are focused on putting the well-being of the citizens at the centre and to advance in the direction of the SDG.

Madinah has achieved SDG Cities Silver recognition in 2022, signifying the city's steadfast commitment to prioritizing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) actions. With the SDG Cities Gold Level, UN-Habitat recognizes the region of Madinah on attaining

a comprehensive baseline data assessment of city's progress on sustainable urban development, and an inclusive, strategic vision and plan with transformative actions to deliver the SDGs by 2030; and wishes the city and people of Madinah the greatest success in implementing these actions.

Indeed, the city of Madinah is not only a sacred treasure, but also an example of technological evolution and inclusion, as demonstrated by its Madinah Smart City Program, an ambitious project from Madinah Region Development Authority, where the most cutting-edge technology operates to boost the quality of life of the population.

LAGOS SET TO HOST AFRICAN FORUM ON CLIMATE ACTION

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, will host the inaugural Climate Action Africa Forum in June.

The event, scheduled to be held from June 17 to 19, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable future for Africa. At an international press conference in Abuja, leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the world unanimously agreed on the significance of protecting the environment from the growing impact of climate change.

The forum’s main goal is to discuss how urgently the African continent needs sustainable development plans and climate-smart investments. Under the theme, ‘Green economies, brighter futures, innovating and investing in Africa’s climate-smart development,’ the gathering provided a platform for insightful discussions, strategic collaborations, and impactful engagements on measures to provide solutions to Africa’s environmental challenges.

This brought together an es-

teemed gathering of leaders, experts, and stakeholders to explore solutions to Africa’s pressing environmental challenges. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director and Co-founder of Climate Action Africa, Grace Mbah, declared that registration for the June gathering in Lagos would commence on April 2, 2024, calling on tech-driven solutions and innovations in the fields of emissions reduction, transportation, agriculture, energy, building, and construction to apply to participate in the deal room.

Giving insights on how innovative approaches and collaborative action are at the heart of CAAF24, Mbah called on like-minded organisations and volunteers to make use of the opportunity to have their voices heard. “It’s no news that the world stands at a critical juncture, where decisive action is imperative to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change,” she said. Against this backdrop, CAAF24 is a pivotal platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discourse, and forge collaborative pathways towards a greener, more sustainable future.

She went on: “The essence of CAAF24 lies in its commitment to shaping a climate-resilient Africa through co-creation, innovation, and sustainable investment.

“Through this initiative, we aim to catalyse solutions that enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the continent’s natural resources, people, and economies.” Various speakers took turns to elaborate on the imperative of collective action to tackle climate change challenges.

A climate change officer at the African Development Bank Group, Gerald Esambe, expressed optimism about the outcome of the initiative. “The discussions underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to combat climate change,” he said. “Working together can drive meaningful action and create a more sustainable future for Afri ca and beyond.”

Similarly, the Director-Gener al of the National Council on Climate Change, Salisu Dahiru, maintained that “CAAF24 holds immense promise in galvaniz ing collective efforts towards a greener, more prosperous Afri ca”.

COTTON CANDY SETTING OFF HEALTH FEARS IN INDIA

Can cotton candy give you cancer?

Some Indian states think so and have banned the sale of the pink, wispy, sugary-sweet treat. The southern state of Tamil Nadu implemented the ban after lab tests confirmed the presence of a cancer-causing substance, Rhodamine-B, in samples sent for testing.

In recent weeks, the union territory of Puducherry banned the sweet treat while other states have begun testing samples of it. Cotton candy, also called buddi-ka-baal (old woman's hair) in India because of its appearance, is popular with children the world over.

It's a fixture in amusement parks, fairs and other places of entertainment frequented by children, who like it because of its sticky, melt-in-the-mouth

texture. But some Indian officials say that the candy is more sinister than it seems.

P Satheesh Kumar, food safety officer in Chennai city in Tamil Nadu, told The Indian Express newspaper that the contaminants in cotton candy "could lead to cancer and affect all organs of the body". His team raided candy sellers at a beach in the city last week. Mr Kumar said the sweet sold in the city was made by independent sellers and not registered factories.

A few days later, the government announced a ban on its sale after lab tests detected the presence of Rhodamine-B, a chemical compound, in the samples. The chemical imparts a fluorescent pink hue and is used to dye textiles, cosmetics and inks.

Studies have shown that the

Celebrating America’s oldest person at 116

When Edie Ceccarelli was born in 1908, horsedrawn carriages still ran the streets of her hometown of Willits, California. She was in her 30s when World War II broke out. While she has outlived several close relatives, she is not alone. Ceccarelli still lives in the small city of Willits, and the whole town celebrated her 116th birthday, which falls on February 5, with a parade. Neighbours waved

and shouted “Happy birthday!” during the parade, held Sunday, February 4.

In fact, residents of Willits have held festivities on Ceccarelli’s birthday every year since she turned 100 years old. In a past year, she’s said her secrets to longevity are “a couple of fingers of red wine with dinner, and mind your own business,” it was reported.

As the oldest person living in the U.S. and the second-oldest person in the world, Ceccarel-

li, along with the city of Willits, has drawn the attention of a documentary featuring the world’s oldest people and of media outlets in places as far as New York and London.

“Her birthday, ever since she was 100, has always been a community thing, a public party,” parade organizer Suzanne Picetti said. “It brings community together to celebrate a really special human being. It brings a lot of joy and happiness to our community.”

chemical can increase the risk of cancer and Europe and California have made its use as a food dye illegal. While banning cotton candy in Tamil Nadu, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said in a statement that using Rhodamine-B in the "packaging, import, sale of food or serving food containing it at weddings and other public events would be punishable under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006."

Taking a cue from Tamil Nadu, the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh has also reportedly started testing samples of the candy to check for the presence of the carcinogen. And earlier this week, the New India Express newspaper reported that food safety officials in Delhi too were pushing for a ban on cotton candy.

On board a factory ship: gutting, cleaning, and storing cod in the hold. Engraving from Encyclopaedia of Natural History, Augsburg, 1804 © Bridgeman Images.

A History of Salt Cod

The Portuguese national dish with a global past of ingenuity and exploitation.

Salt Cod is a favourite in Caribbean cuisine. But little do we know of its origin in the area. Salted Cod found its way to the Caribbean with the Slave Trade, with salted cod being imported from Europe as convenience food.

For almost 600 years, sailors bustled hither and thither, unloading

A HISTORY OF SALT COD

cargoes of salted cod, merchants haggled over prices and stallholders sliced up the freshly arrived fish for eager customers, using the guillotine-like blades attached to their benches. Rise of the stick-fish

The Atlantic Cod – from which virtually all salt cod is made – is a remarkable beast. Measuring up to 1.2m long and weighing as much as 40kg, it roams the icy waters of the North Atlantic, from Cape Hatteras to Greenland and from Iceland to the Barents Sea, with an almost aristocratic assurance. Its white flesh is dense, flaky, and low in fat; its bones are easy to separate.

Fishermen on both sides of the At-

lantic have been eating cod since the earliest times. Recent archaeological research has revealed that it was an important part of the Native Americans’ diet; and it is probable that it was caught in Scandinavia’s coastal waters before historical records begin. But the practice of preserving cod is much more recent.

Most likely, it began in the late eighth or early ninth century, when Viking shipbuilders began constructing the first craft with keels. Graceful, elegant, and able to cut through rough swells with ease, these early longships allowed the Vikings to roam further than they had ever done before. But if they were going to make the most

of this opportunity, they needed some way of feeding themselves during their long journeys. Cod offered the ideal solution. Though the Vikings were happy enough to catch it en route when they could, they preferred to preserve it before they set out and lay it in store, to be safe. After hauling the cod out of the water, they would slice it open, remove its spine and innards and dry it in the open air – sometimes on wooden racks, but more often on the rocks by the shore. With just 15-20 per cent water content, it made the fish much more durable.

Salt-cod drying, Twillingate, Newfoundland. Robert Bird/ Alamy.

Stockfish required careful preparation. Before it could be cooked, it had to be soaked in water for just long enough. Too long and it would become soggy; not long enough and it would be like shoe leather. But it was nevertheless highly versatile and could be cooked into any number of delicious recipes, from simple stews to lutefisk, still a Scandinavian classic.

If stockfish’s initial popularity was due to its suitability for long voyages, however, it owed its lasting fame to the Christian calendar. Throughout the pre-modern period, the Christian calendar was peppered with fasts, on which no meat could be consumed. Though in coastal regions fresh fish could be counted upon, this was not true elsewhere. Stockfish offered an alternative. Easy to keep, cheap to buy and delicious to eat, it ensured everyone could be sure of something tasty for dinner, no matter what.

Worth its salt

able commodity into an economic sensation. By the late 17th century, much of the Caribbean had been given over to sugar production. The cane was grown on large plantations and was notoriously labour-intensive to grow. To keep costs down, plantation owners relied increasingly on slaves, brought over from West Africa. But there was a problem: in order to grow enough food to sustain large numbers of slaves, plantation owners would have to devote great swathes of their land to crops or animals – which they were unwilling to do. Their solution was to give the slaves salt cod instead. The New England fishermen could hardly believe their luck.

Although salt cod was relatively easy to produce, the salting and drying process could go wrong in any one of a number of ways. Since Europeans had become rather particular about the quality of their salt cod, defective produce had previously been thrown away.

lition of slavery brought an end to the trade, but salt cod continued to flourish. It remained popular in Scandinavia, in Spain and in the Caribbean – surviving in dishes such as bacalaitos (Puerto Rico) and ackee and saltfish (Jamaica). It also continued to be a favourite of diners in Italy, especially in the Veneto, gaining a particular following among the poorer sections of society. In Portugal, it became an object of almost religious veneration.

The appearance of steam trawlers in the early 20th century encouraged the consumption of salt cod further. But the writing was on the wall. When large-scale commercial freezers burst onto the scene after the Second World War, the need to salt cod evaporated – and huge quantities of frozen cod were now shipped to eager consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. The consequences were devastating. By the 1990s, cod had been fished almost to the point of extinction. Yet, if quotas are enforced, there is still hope that stocks may recover.

Source HISTORIAN'S COOKBOOK, HISTORY TODAY, written by Alexander Lee | Published in History Today Volume 69 Issue 11 November 2019

Conclusion:

I believe this is another fascinating story on how human beings exploited those who were under their control; often believing that some beings were less than human. A business venture that yielded great profit certainly superseded the health and wealth of workers as subjects who were owned, controlled, and totally manipulated by others.

It was only with John Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland in 1497 that salt cod made its appearance. On reaching the coast of North America, Cabot gained access to the richest and most plentiful supply of Atlantic cod on the planet. Given the huge popularity of stockfish in Europe, he and his contemporaries quickly realised the enormous profits to be made from exploiting this resource.

Buoyed by demand, fishing stations were established along the New England coast. (New England was a region comprising six states in the Northeastern United States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). In less than ten years, settlers founded more than half a dozen different ‘cod’ settlements in Massachusetts alone. And the money came rolling in. But it was sugar which transformed salt cod from a valu-

But plantation owners weren’t so picky. Concerned only to feed their slaves cheaply, they would take whatever the New Englanders could supply – provided the price was right. This meant that the New Englanders could turn waste into profit – and a profitable new trade was born. Before long, producers abandoned European markets to concentrate on making low-grade salt cod for the Caribbean. This was only the beginning. It did not take producers long to realise that, if they were going to send ships laden with salt cod to the Caribbean, they may as well reinvest their profits in valuable Caribbean products they could sell back in New England. By the 1640s, captains were coming back with holds full of salt, sugar, indigo, cotton, even tobacco. But the real money was in slaves. New England ships would cross the Atlantic, buy slaves in the Cape Verde islands or West Africa, sell them in the Caribbean, then take cargo-loads of spices and fibres back to New England. They would then return with the salt cod needed to feed the slaves they had sold earlier and the whole process would begin again. It was a classic case of market-making, and it delivered huge profits – especially after 1713, when the development of the schooner, a faster, sleeker ship, cut travel times dramatically. By the early 18th century, cod was so central to the economy of New England that Boston Town Hall even had a golden cod hanging from its ceiling.

Religious veneration

The suspension of the Atlantic slave trade and the ultimate abo-

This story is a classic case of how far humans are willing to take advantage of each other. If those in power are not directly affected, then they are willing to pursue and take advantage of given opportunity to ensure they achieve maximum wealth. The story of reparation for slavery etc is very topical today, but just how much can be compensated for in terms of health is a colossal question. High blood pressure, as far as I know, is largely attributed to by salt and poor diet. This history of defected cod fish, that was hardly fit for human consumption, was preserved with salt, and fed as a daily diet to millions of slaves who worked harder than any other human beings, was a recipe for a lifetime of extremely poor health. How can that be compensated for in monetary terms?

By Donald Campbell 19 March 2024

Muslims worldwide preparing for Eid celebrations

With the predicted end of Ramadan set for April 9, the following day would mark the first day of Eid Al-Fitr - one of the two celebratory holidays in the Islamic faith.

Muslims will be in prayer and celebrate to complete this year’s Ramadan cycle, with traditions varying across the world. Although, it’s more common for families to buy new clothes, get dressed up, gather together, and give presents or money to each other.

Imam Ebad Rahman, Religious Life Associate for Muslim Life at Columbia University, describes it as a festive holiday to look forward to 1. Remembering that the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the crescent moon, and this year the moon was sighted on Sunday, March 10, this holy month bring blessings and joy to all who observe it.

Eid al-Fitr, the festival which falls at the start of Shawwal, will be a very special time for mil-

lions of people around the world after concluding the observation of Ramadan. As the month that comes immediately after (Ramadan), Saudi Arabia's national lunar calendar predicts that Eid ul Fitr will fall on Wednesday, April 10, whilst in the UK, based on a British moonsighting, people are expected to be looking for the moon on April 9 and announcing Eid as either April 10 or 11.

So, at the moment, it is looking like April 10 or 11 will be the dates to bear in mind in any particular location. Eid ul Fitr lasts three days and there will be public holidays on those dates in Islamic countries.

Astronomical calculations are sometimes used to decide the dates of all months in advance, but these can be adjusted closer to the time, based on moonsighting reports. Muslim organisations in some countries, such as Australia, decide dates ahead of time using forecasts that state whether it will be possible to see the moon.

PRIEST REMOVED AFTER CALLING POPE FRANCIS A ‘USURPER’

ASan Antonio priest who recently called Pope Francis a “usurper” has had his faculties for public ministry removed by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, who said the decision was made to prevent “further confusion and grave scandal.”

García-Siller not only stripped the priest, Father John Mary Foster of faculties for public

ministry, but he also withdrew the status of the apostolate that Foster founded in 2010, Mission of Divine Mercy, as an official apostolate of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In a recent letter on the decision, García-Siller explained that Foster posted three alleged prophetic messages on the Mission of the Divine Mercy Website, in February and March, that contained false teachings.

After refusing to take down these messages, Foster posted another message where he explains why the messages were posted without García-Siller’s approval. In the message, titled ‘We Must Obey God,’ Foster repeatedly calls Pope Francis a “usurper,” and claims three justifications for the messages: Because they are coming from God, because the Church is facing an “extreme crisis,” and because

by publishing the messages they are obeying God. The message’s conclusion stated: “We are living in an unprecedented crisis. God is telling us that the Throne of Peter is occupied by a usurper, and we should not submit to him nor those who are carrying out his unjust designs.”

“We Must Obey God” was the final straw that led García-Siller to his decision, as its passages are cited throughout his decrees on the matter. In his letter, García-Siller said he hopes Foster will work with him to “repair” the damage that has been caused by his messages. “I pray that Reverend Foster will work with me to repair the damage that has been caused and find a path forward for his ministry.”

The mission’s director of communications and development,

Emily Jebbia, said the mission is currently preparing a response to García-Siller’s decree that will be posted in the next day or two. She also said Foster will continue to say Mass in defiance of the decree. “Father John Mary is continuing to say Mass, not in defiance of the Archbishop’s decree, but in obedience to what he believes God is asking of him and of this community,” she addded.

The Mission of Divine Mercy, in Canyon Lake, Texas, in the USA, has offered retreats and sacramental ministry on its large campus. It was granted status as an approved Catholic apostolate of the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 2010 by Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, who previously led the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Until now, it has had continued support from García-Siller, as well.

HIGH RURAL HOUSE PRICES CREATING MORE LOCALS RENTERS

Rising house prices in the English countryside have pushed more than half a million people into renting over the past decade, a new report has found.

A 19% increase in rural rent-

ing has outpaced rises in London and England's other cities, says local authorities' group, the CCN (County Councils Network). It says house prices in rural counties are the most unaffordable outside London at an average of £309,000, whilst

the government says it is committed to creating a fair housing system.

In the Cotswolds, which has long attracted the wealthy and famous, locals like Sophie Brown are finding they have been priced out of the property

market. It is a region-wide situation that Gloucestershire Rural Community Council has been dealing with.

Cara Loukes, the GRCC's affordable housing manager, said holiday lettings and second-home buying had seen many landlords take properties out of the longer-term private rental sector. That in turn has seen "more and more people need to move onto council waiting lists" while it was taking years for new affordable rental homes to be developed.

For local people on lower incomes the options were limited, Ms Loukes said. "You will probably need to rely on friends and family, possibly sofa-surfing, inappropriate rentals - people are living in caravans, insecure housing, garages - or hoping eventually for affordable hous-

ing to come through," she explained.

If the situation is not tackled, Ms Loukes warned, "communities will die, socio-economically."

The new CCN report warned that the number of households in private and social rental properties in rural areas has increased by 550,000 between 2011 and 2021.

It found that rented properties - both social and private - now make up almost one third of all housing in England's county council regions. In private renting, there had been a 31% rise - higher than London's increase of 25%.

The report also found that property prices in those counties are the most unaffordable in England outside of London, with the average price now more than £309,000, that waiting lists for

council housing in the countryside increased by 10% between 2018 and 2023 and that temporary accommodation use was up by 52% over the last five years.

CCN's housing and planning spokesperson, Richard Clewer, says: "This report does not suggest that we alleviate these issues by concreting over our countryside.

"Instead, it sets out a number of important yet easily deliverable recommendations that, taken together, could accelerate the delivery of new homes of all tenures where there is most need." A spokeswoman for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said it was putting £10bn towards boosting housing supply and £11.5bn into providing more affordable homes.

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO BUYING PROPERTY IN GHANA

Ghana is an exciting venture, whether you’re a local resident or a foreign investor. Let’s explore some key points: Foreigners can buy property in Ghana legally, with the Ghanaian government welcoming non-citizens to invest in real estate, with investors able to own both residential and commercial property, including land and buildings. Lands sold to foreign investors with a valid residence permit or work permit to buy property are typically on a 50year leasehold basis according to Ghanaian laws. Essentials for buying property

0208

in Ghana include having a residential or a work permit, before searching - it meets your needs and budget. You should also consider contacting a reliable real estate agent or developer for guidance.

Government land is owned by the state, whilst vested land is held by traditional authorities – Customary, or Stool Land is Managed by local chiefs. Family, or Private Land is Owned by families or individuals.

There are currently 3,233 available houses for sale in Ghana, with a listings that includes various property types: townhouses, detached duplexes, semi-detached bungalows, terraced

bungalows, and more.

Locations span regions like Accra, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, and others and properties can be serviced, furnished, or unfurnished. While the process is relatively straightforward, it’s essential to follow legal requirements and verify property details against registered records. Foreign property investors can own land for up to 50 years, with lease renewal options, but, above all, remember to engage professionals to guide you through the process and ensure compliance with all legal criteria.

Child sprint prodigy makes history at Millrose Games UPDATE ON THE RETURN OF WASPS RFC

Wasps Rugby Football Club is continuing its substantial efforts to return the men's and women's teams to the highest level possible of performance rugby.

In October 2023 they outlined the three pillars that define their intent and their direction of travel. They are:

A competition entity - One that is fit for purpose and reflects the val-

ues that WASPS and others adhere to.

Sustainable finance - The cornerstone of their recovery relies on sustainable finance and a robust business plan that avoids a single point of failure.

A stadium in which to play - They have made substantial progress in the establishment of a suitable ground in which to play as we progress the planning for our new stadium.

What has changed? - They can now inform people that they have secured the core Sustainable finance and a temporary stadium location in the Greater London/Kent area, aligning with their strategic plans to eventually relocate to Kent. All they are waiting for is a competition to join that will allow Wasps to compete at the highest leveland one that shares their values.

As they navigate through their most challenging period, this is

a call to all who have shared this journey with them. Whatever entity they join will want to know the level of support they enjoy.

By signing up to their new database, you are not just showing support; you're becoming a foundational part of their return. Every sign-up is a step towards revival, a testament to the enduring legacy and the future potential of the club and be part of their story.

In a remarkable display of talent and determination, eightyear-old Jamaican sprinter Bella Brown has captured the spotlight at the Millrose Games in New York, solidifying her place among the fastest young athletes in the world.

Brown’s journey to the top began on the local tracks of Jamaica, where her speed and agility quickly caught the attention of coaches. Her impressive performances on the national stage earned her a spot at the prestigious Millrose Games, where she faced off against top U8 athletes from around the globe.

Despite the stiff competition, Brown remained unfazed. In a thrilling 60m race, she blazed across the finish line in just 8.66

seconds, securing a decisive victory and showcasing the raw talent that Jamaica’s youth possess. Brown’s triumph at the Millrose Games is not just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the hard work and dedication that young Jamaican athletes like her put into their craft. Her victory serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with perseverance, anything is possible.

As Brown’s journey continues, there is no doubt that she has a bright future ahead of her. With her talent and determination, she has the potential to achieve great things in the world of sprint athletics, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

EUROPEAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS TO RECEIVE FURTHER WMCA FUNDING

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has approved an extra £600,000 of funding towards the cost of hosting the 2026 European Athletics Championships (EAC) in the region.

The WMCA Board also reaffirmed a £13.7 million contribution towards the staging of the EAC from the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund, £3 million of which had originally been earmarked for grassroots sports. All EAC partners, including the WMCA, have been asked to consider whether they can make further contributions to bridge a £2.2m shortfall in the delivery budget.

The WMCA has been working closely with the UK Government and wider partners to secure additional funding with the Government also now agreeing to commit up to £680,000.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the

WMCA Board, said: “The 2026 European Athletics Championships is a major event for our region as a whole and the biggest since the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“We know from previous experience that these high-profile events do deliver positive impact - bringing in valuable investment and creating local jobs – and it’s important we build on the success of the Commonwealth Games to continue to establish the West Midlands as a leading location for major sporting events.”

Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: "This is brilliant news for Birmingham's status as a host of major sporting events. By working together, the Government, West Midlands Combined Authority and wider partners are providing the additional certainty to enable for the region to welcome the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

“Having successfully deliv-

ered the record-breaking Commonwealth Games in 2022, the Championships will deliver an estimated £30 million economic boost for the city.” At the Board meeting, the Mayor moved an amendment to instruct the WMCA finance director to see whether it would be possible to find the £3 million intended for grassroots sports initiatives from alternative WMCA funding streams to ensure community and grassroots organisations do not miss out.

Mr. Street added: “It’s really important that major events like this leave a lasting legacy for residents. That’s why I’ve asked my team to ensure they strain every sinew to protect grassroots and community funding.

The 2026 European Athletics Championships will be the first time a British city has hosted the event and is expected to bring 120,000 spectators to the West Midlands.

Ismail bowls fastest recorded delivery in women's cricket

in the Women's Premier League.

Ex-Australia captain Meg Lanning was hit on the front pad by the delivery but an appeal for lbw was turned down.

It is the first time the 130km/h barrier has been broken in the women's game. The Mumbai seamer broke the record with the second ball of the third over of the match unaware she had done so until the end of the innings, saying she doesn't "look at the big screen when I am bowling". Ismail, 35, also holds the record for the quickest ball in women's international cricket - 128km/h (79.54mph) against the West Indies in 2016 - and hit 127km/h twice during the 2022 World Cup. Despite her record-breaking delivery, it was a tough day for Ismail as she took 1-46 from her four overs in a 29-run loss for Mumbai.

Jemimah Rodrigues starred for Delhi, hitting an unbeaten 69 from 33 balls.

Shabnim Ismail has bowled the fastest delivery in women's cricket since speeds have been recorded.

The former South Africa fast bowler was clocked at 132.1km/h (82.08mph) playing for Mumbai Indians against Delhi Capitals

What to expect at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - page 37