The Phoenix Africa - June 2023

CHINA PLEDGES $9.5M TO AFRICA’S SECOND LARGEST GEOPARK

MORGAN HERITAGE SPEAK ABOUT THE HOMELAND - PAGE 12

China has deployed a team of experts to Tanzania to help support establishing a pioneer geopark project in the northern tourism circuit.

With a vast territory and complex geological and geomorphic features, China has 289 national geoparks and 41 UNESCO global geoparks, qualifying Beijing as a leading country in the world in establishing and maintaining geoparks.

Chinese experts will undertake a feasibility study for the establishment of a geopark project in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as part of a $9.5 million project support pledged by the Beijing government to Tanzania.

Continued on Page 4

China has deployed to Tanzania to help a pioneer geopark tourism circuit. With complex geological features, China has and 41 UNESCO qualifying Beijing the world in establishing geoparks.

EDITORS NOTE

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China Pledges $9.5m To Africa’s Second Largest Geopark

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China has deployed a team of experts to Tanzania to help support establishing a pioneer geopark project in the northern tourism circuit.

With a vast territory and complex geological and geomorphic features, China has 289 national geoparks and 41 UNESCO global geoparks, qualifying Beijing as a leading country in the world in establishing and maintaining geoparks.

Chinese experts will undertake a feasibility study for the establishment of a geopark project in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as part of a $9.5 million project support pledged by the Beijing government to Tanzania. The NgorongoroLengai Geopark lies between Serengeti National Park in the north and northwest, with Lake Natron to the east, the left arm of the Great Rift Valley to the south, and the Maswa Game Reserve to the west, covering 12,000 square kilometres of rocky hills, lengthy underground caves, lake basins, and hominid discovery sites.

This will be the first geopark in Tanzania and East Africa as well as the first site for geo-tourism in the Sub-Saharan region. The Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark is the second in Africa after the M’Goun Geopark, in Morocco.

Welcoming the Chinese experts, the Tanzania Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr. Mohamed Mchengerwa, said apart from enhancing conservation of geofeatures, the project will also develop new geo and landscape tourism products, build a state-ofthe-art geological museum, and install cutting-edge scientific devices to monitor and detect geo-hazards, as well as build capacity for local experts.

“The project with [a] $9.5 million package, is part of the bilateral agreement signed between Tanzania and China during the President Dr. Samia Suluhu

Hassan’s maiden state visit to Beijing in November 2022,” Mr. Mchengerwa told journalists, adding “Implementation of the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark project will take 2.5 years.”

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) Deputy Conservation Commissioner, Mr. Elibariki Bajuta, said: “NgorongoroLengai Geopark will complement our President Dr. Samia’s painstaking initiatives to expand the tourism attractions in her latest efforts to make tourists stay longer in the country.”

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recently endorsed the NgorongoroLengai Global Geopark, thanks to the aforementioned features.

Geo-tourism is a new concept in tourism and that sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical character of a given precinct including the area’s environment, heritage, aesthetics, tradition, culture, and the wellbeing of its residents, and in this particular case, the Ngorongoro-Lengai entity ticks all boxes, Mr. Bajuta explained. The NgorongoroLengai Geopark encompasses the 3 districts of Ngorongoro, Karatu, and Monduli in Arusha.

The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark comprises ancient Datoga tombs; Caldera Route covering, among other sites; Irkepus Village; Old German House; Hippo Pool and Seneto springs; the active Oldonyo-Lengai Volcano; and the Empakai Crater. Mr. Bajuta said:

“While tourists from [the] USA and Europe favor game driving into national parks to view wildlife, the Chinese and other Asians are different.” According to him, tourists from China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries prefer exploring landscapes, mountains, caves, gorges, and other geological features.

l Steve Williams, Editor, The Phoenix Africa

l Nana Agyeman Amlak, Ambassador, The Phoenix Africa

l Dr Alex Akwaeze, Operations Manager, The Phoenix Africa

l Julian Agyeman, Marketing PR and Events Executive. The Phoenix Africa

l Roland Joseph Tetteh, Assistant Editor, The Phoenix Africa

l Gideon Osei Kankam, Sales & Marketing, The Phoenix Africa

l Ayo Akinfe, Contributor

l Bernard Kwakye, Webmaster, The Phoenix Africa

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin, Editor In Chief, The Phoenix Africa

CELEBRATING THE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III

Gun salutes were made across the UK, as cries of “God Save the King”, inside and outside Westminster Abbey, were audible as the crown was placed on Charles’ head. Following that, his wife Camilla was crowned Queen, with millions of peopleon TV around the

world, as well as over 2,000 invited guests – witnessing what will go down as one of the rarest of the world’s unique of occasions.

The service was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, assisted by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. In his sermon, Justin Welby, said: “We are here to crown a King, and we crown a King to serve.”

As the Lord President of the Council and Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt presented the Jewelled Sword of Offering to King Charles III during his coronation at Westminster Abbey was proclaimed as the “undoubted King” in the first stage of the ceremony. "I come not to be served, but to serve," the King said in his first prayer after

reaching the abbey. The congregation was then asked to show their homage and service, shouting "God Save the King". Charles became King of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms in September 2022, when his mother Elizabeth died after 70 years on the throne. So, it was months of planning for this Coronation celebration.

As the crowds lined the procession route along the Mall, in London, to Buckingham Palace, the newly-crowned couple were cheered as they travelled in their Gold State Coach, through to their final destination of Buckingham Palace!

It was a “who’s who” at Westminster Abbey, as the likes of US First Lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese vice-president Han Zheng, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who read a Bible lesson, and other Commonwealth leaders were present. The world of entertainment was also well represented with the likes of superstar TV personalities Dame Floella Benjamin, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly (Ant & Dec), actresses Dame Joanna Lamond Lumley, Dame Emma Thompson and US singers Lionel Richie and Katy Perry amongst what was a star-studded guest list.

Sitting three rows back from his brother, Prince William, Prince Harry was at the ceremony in Westminster

Abbey – but he was not invited to join his family on the balcony. The

Prince of Wales made a pledge of loyalty to King Charles, and kissed him on the cheek, before members of the congregation were invited to offer their own support. The Duke of Sussex arrived at the abbey alongside his cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.

Prince Harry did not wear robes or military uniform - despite him serving in the army for a decade, including two tours of Afghanistan. Prince Charles served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy.

Prince William served in the military following his officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. About 7,000 members of the UK's armed forces took part in what said was to be the largest military ceremonial operation of its kind for a generation as hundreds of officers travelled into London to be part of British history. It was the first time they had been seen together since Prince Harry's memoir, ‘Spare’, was released!

Following a ceremony that emphasised on diversity and inclusion, with more multi-faith elements than any previous coronation, with contributions from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh representatives, for King Charles III, he becomes the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066.

From all at The Phoenix Newspaper - Long Live The King!

CHINA PLEDGES $9.5M TO AFRICA’S SECOND LARGEST GEOPARK

Continued from Front Page

The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark lies between Serengeti National Park in the north and northwest, with Lake Natron to the east, the left arm of the Great Rift Valley to the south, and the Maswa Game Reserve to the west, covering 12,000 square kilometres of rocky hills, lengthy underground caves, lake basins, and hominid discovery sites.

This will be the first geopark in Tanzania and East Africa as well as the first site for geo-tourism in the Sub-Saharan region.

The Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark is the second in Africa after the M’Goun Geopark, in Morocco.

Welcoming the Chinese experts, the Tanzania Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr. Mohamed Mchengerwa, said apart from enhancing conservation of geo-features, the project will also develop new geo and landscape tourism products, build a state-of-the-art geological museum, and install cuttingedge scientific devices to monitor and detect geo-hazards, as well as build capacity for local experts.

“The project with [a] $9.5 million package, is part of the bilateral agreement signed between Tanzania and China during the President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s maiden state visit to Beijing in November 2022,” Mr. Mchengerwa told journalists, adding “Implementation of the NgorongoroLengai Geopark project will take 2.5 years.”

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) Deputy Conservation Commissioner, Mr. Elibariki Bajuta, said: “Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark will complement our President Dr. Samia’s painstaking initiatives to expand the tourism attractions in her latest efforts to make tourists stay longer in the country.”

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recently endorsed the Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark, thanks to the aforementioned features. Geo-tourism is a new concept in tourism and that sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical character of a given precinct including the area’s environment, heritage, aesthetics, tradition, culture, and the well-being of its residents, and in this particular case, the Ngorongoro-Lengai entity ticks all

boxes, Mr. Bajuta explained.

The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark encompasses the 3 districts of Ngorongoro, Karatu, and Monduli in Arusha.

The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark comprises ancient Datoga tombs; Caldera Route covering, among other sites; Irkepus Village; Old German House; Hippo Pool and Seneto springs; the active Oldonyo-Lengai Volcano; and the Empakai Crater. Mr. Bajuta said: “While tourists from [the] USA and Europe favor game driving into national parks to view wildlife, the Chinese and other Asians are different.” According to him, tourists from China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries prefer exploring landscapes, mountains, caves, gorges, and other geological features.

Celebrating Youth Leadership Success and Resilience

In a powerful display of unity and triumph over adversity, we will honouring the exceptional achievements and resilience of our youth.

As we reflect on the challenges faced by the Windrush generation and their descendants, it is vital to recognise the incredible progress made by young leaders who have risen above obstacles and demonstrated outstanding accomplishments.

The ROYaL Celebrations taking place on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, serves as a reminder of the strength and determination that flows through the veins of our community.

This event not only acknowledges the historical significance of the Windrush generation but also highlights the remarkable achievements of their descendants.

This celebratory occasion offers a platform for young leaders to showcase their accomplishments, both individually and collectively. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs and innovative artists to community activists and academic achievers, the youth of our community continue to shine brightly and inspire future generations.

By raising our youth as leaders, we ensure the continuation of the Windrush legacy, which is grounded in strength, resilience, and excellence. It is through their successes that we truly understand the transformative

power of education, mentorship, and

opportunity.

The ROYaL Awards is for the entire community to come together and recognise the outstanding contributions of our young leaders. It is a chance to acknowledge their ability to overcome challenges, navigate complex environments, and make a positive impact on society.

Moreover, this event serves as a powerful reminder that our community is built on a foundation of greatness and fortitude. It is a testament to the fact that we are royal in our collective spirit and shared determination.

As we mark the milestone of the Windrush, let us celebrate the achievements of our youth and rally behind them as they continue to shape our future. Their accomplishments stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Windrush generation and serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

The Windrush 75 celebration is a reminder that together, we can overcome any obstacle and emerge stronger, united, and victorious. Let us come together on November 25th to honour our young leaders, celebrate their successes, and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where every person matters and give the support to all of them to thrive.

www.weareroyal.co.uk

SERVING WITHIN THE UK BRITISH ARMED FORCES

The Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans at the University of Chester is currently conducting a research study called ‘Understanding the impact of serving within the UK Armed Forces on the Indian sub-continent and African and West Indian veterans and their families’.

The team would like to gain an understanding of the lived experience of those veterans who are of minority ethnicity but have served within the British Armed Forces, and to understand the positives but also the challenges that they and their families have faced.

They are currently looking for veterans from any ethnic minority would like to share their experiences of their time served in any of the Armed Forces, Royal Navy, Army or the Royal Air Force.

This is an opportunity to tell your story and by doing so your input may of be value to this research and its findings, but also of benefit to anyone who intends on choosing the military as a career.

They would also like to interview veterans with Indian sub-continent, West Indian, African or Fijian heritage. This usually takes no longer than 60 minutes, can be conducted via an online meeting platform, and there is a £30 Amazon.co.uk gift voucher to recompense for their time.

I am pleased to confirm that The Forgotten Generations will be working alongside the University of Chester for this part of the research process.

"As an extension of the work he already carries out, Mr Donald Campbell will be helping the Chester team to conduct interviews due to his extensive military experience and knowledge, and his wide-ranging links within veteran communities.

"Together, we have already started to receive a wealth of rich data, but we still need to reach out to more veterans. Are you a veteran and would you be happy to share your story with us?

"Do get in touch if you would like to find out more. You can contact us on veterans@chester.ac.uk or info@theforgottengenerations.com.

Below is a little bit more background information on the study: There is a shortfall in research regarding the UK Armed Forces and ethnic minority populations even though we are aware that such populations are higher users of veterans

specific mental health services and are also overrepresented in the Service Complaints system. Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) awarded a grant to us at the University of Chester’s Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans to conduct research into the experiences of black, Asian, and minority ethnic veterans and their families. The study will use questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups to understand the motivators behind why black and Asian communities choose to join the British Armed Forces, remain and ultimately their reasons for leaving. The aim is to

understand experiences of health, housing, employment, education, and service life including integration, benefits, challenges and what can be improved.

The study will help those working with these communities to gain understanding and awareness of the health and social issues experienced by such communities in the Armed Forces and help shape policy in health, local authorities, the MOD and charities.

You can also find more information about The Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans on their website.

NEIGHBOURS GATHER TO CELEBRATE THE CORONATION ALL OVER THE COUNTRY

Street parties and eventswere held by people up and down the country, including one held by residents at David Wilson Homes’ River Meadow community in Stanford in the Vale, and one at Holford Drive Community Sports Hub, in Birmingham, to mark the coronation of His Majesty The King. The event, which was held at the

development on Ware Road on Sunday 7th May, brought together the community for an afternoon of fun and festivities, which included music, face painting, children's crafts, games, a family quiz and more.

A merry band of volunteer residents set up trestle tables and hoisted the bunting on the day, and the residents also brought along food and drink to share.

David Wilson Homes supported the event with a donation of £200, which went towards kitting out the face painting table and a fundraising collection held on the day for Stanford in the Vale Pre-School.

Oxfordshire County Council and Stanford Parish Council also provided funding towards tableware for parties all around the village.

River Meadow resident Karen Boyle – who runs a party planning and decor business called Parties by Carrie – organised the event with her husband Russ, and the couple were delighted with the success of the day.

Karen said: “The coronation is a key moment in history and it was a great occasion for us to get together as a community. Any excuse for a party!

“Everyone in the neighbourhood did their bit to help out in one way or another, from publicising the party, to baking cakes, and even building party games from scratch.” Karen and Russ have been residents at River Meadow since June 2022, and have been

enjoying life in the village since.

Karen added: “There is a great sense of community at River Meadow. We have a Facebook group and a dog-walking group which has helped to bring us closer together.

As the events-filled King Charles III coronation weekend of celebrations continued relentlessly, the St. Kitts/Nevis (SKN) and Friends Association got in on the act by making sure they played their part by “doffed” their collective royal caps to honor the new monarchy –the head of Britain, and the wider Commonwealth.

As hundreds gathered at the Holford Drive Community Sports Hub, in Birmingham, music, which was led by the indomitable

Gemini Don Surround Sound, food and a whole lot of fun were on tap, which - in the organisation’s own inimitable way - marked the start of a brand-new era, for the first time in their – and many other people’s - lives, since 1953.

“Nothing like this has ever happened before”, said the Association’s Entertainment Officer, Elric Brandy. “And” he went on, “we felt that it tied in well with our ongoing Windrush Generation celebrations.

“It was a weekend to remember for all!” One of countless community and street parties during what was a sun-filled history-making time of our lives, SKN families, friends and associates made this their own time to remember.

ESTHER’S ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF A ‘GIANT’

by Steve Williams

It was at this year’s UK edition of the Women of Purpose Ministry presentation that saw this year’s intake of some of the esteemed women in ministry who were acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to the people and communities that shape their individual, and collective, lives.

Inspired by the Book of Esther in the Bible, Esther’s Academy Birmingham Graduation Banquet, at the Eastside Rooms, saw women – across the generations – rewarded and highlighted for their work and respective contributions to the lives of the women, in particular, and people in general, whose standings may not be known as it should. Pastor Yvonne Brooks was overwhelmed with immense pride.

As a pastor, counsellor, mentor, teacher, preacher, leader of leaders, an esteemed TV presenter, and a woman of outstanding humility, stature and great purpose herself, Yvonne, who is co-pastor of the New Jerusalem Apostolic church, in Aston, in Birmingham, and head of the Esther’s Academy UK chapter, and has established it in other countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, and further afield in Britain, was a fulcrum of what the whole movement represents – in empowering women, especially those who are too often not recognised for their often unseen contributions to family, friends and the everyday people in their lives.

Pastor Yvonne spoke of her work particularly in South Africa and the way in which they have embraced this specific programme. She talked of the passion and need for women to feel good about themselves and to understand that when God is in control, they don't need anything else.

A personal development programme, which helps women live purposeful lives covering health and wellbeing, personal grooming, relationships, and establishing a greater relationship with God, this year’s intake epitomised the full strengths of its engagement with the women who have enlisted, and for the women themselves, this was, in many cases, the first opportunity for them to fully appreciate their contribution to today’s world.

The Esther’s Academy Birmingham 2023 advocates include: Aliyah Daley, Audrey Jackson, Bernice Jeffers, Cynthia Mcleod, Cynthia Revan, Faith Hlala, Herolin Guy, Janice Carter, Layla Khayyam, Lisa McIntosh, Paulette Hamilton, Rachel Moore, Rena Smith, Sharon Gordon, Sharon Williams, Sophia Wongsam, Stacey Beckford, Venessa Callum, Yanique Taylor and Yvonne Richards.

These transformed ‘Women of Purpose’ are now standing proud on the world stage, with thanks to Esther’s Academy, as they - in turn - stand on the shoulders of their ‘giant’ of a leader that is Pastor Yvonne Brooks!

Business & Finance

PIONEERING THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BY EXPORTING DISINFECTANTS AND CLEANERS TO QATAR

Why Should We Encourage More Definitive Ethnic Business Literature?

by Dr. Christopher A. Johnson

Hakluyt Opens New Office In Toronto

HAKLUYT, the global strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, has opened a new office in Toronto.

The office will be the new base for the firm's growing Canadian business. Chris Alexander recently joined as Hakluyt's first local hire, after a distinguished career as a diplomat and politician.

He was Canada's first resident ambassador in Kabul, as well as deputy head of the UN mission in Afghanistan. As an MP in Canada, he held roles including parliamentary secretary for national defence, and minister of citizenship and immigration.

Varun Chandra, Hakluyt's managing partner, said: "I'm delighted that we're opening our first office in Canada – and our fifth in North America. It's a great testament to the ever-growing demand for our advice from Canadian businesses, and to the trusted relationships that a number of excellent colleagues have built there over many years."

Cobb Mixter, who leads Hakluyt's Canadian business, commented: "Opening a new office in Toronto is an exciting step forward for our whole North American business. We have longstanding relationships with many of Canada's most prominent corporations and investors, and I'm looking forward to working with Chris and the team to develop our business in this important market further."

Abusiness based in the home of the industrial revolution, in Tipton in the West Midlands, is exporting a green revolution to the Middle East.

LetSanify, based in Tipton, has sent its first consignment of eco-friendly disinfectants and cleaning products to Qatar, where they will be sold into the Lulu group of supermarkets that has more than 200 outlets across the region. Proven to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19, E-COLI, MERS and SARS, the product is made entirely from natural products, salt and highly filtered water. They contain no alcohol or chemicals and are non-hazardous.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, visited the factory to see off the first batch to Qatar. LetSanify is leading the ‘green revolution’ acclaimed by the mayor, as the world increasingly turns its focus to saving the planet.

The disinfectants and cleaners are entirely safe and can even be sprayed onto food. It also has the advantage of being non-com-

bustible. HOCL is naturally produced in the body to fight pathogens and was first discovered in the 19th century. It was used by nurses treating soldiers in the First World War, where it was made in small quantities in wards and at bedsides.

But it was not stable enough to be viable for commercial manufacture. However, experts at LetSanify have refined the process so that it now has a shelf life of at least two years. The process involves passing a small electric current through water that has been through an advanced filtration process and mixed with top quality Scottish sea salt.

“We have something that can be a game changer in fighting bugs, whilst at the same time having no environmental downsides,” said Mahmudur Jaigirdar, who founded the business.

“The order from Qatar is the first time the disinfectants and cleaners have been exported, so it’s a big step for the business.”

Customers in the UK include the NHS, a contractor for Transport for London, hotels, schools, and event organisers.

This is a question for the faint hearted and others who are keen to redress the imbalance between what is often seen as the distinction between ‘mainstream’ and ‘minority ethnic’ business literature.

True, there have been profuse studies and related writings on the ethnic firm community, from the early part of the 20th century to the present.

Most themes are heavily biased in terms of deprivation, exclusion, immigration, identity, race and underperformance.

Analyses of racial differences are often used as a plausible reason or a pretext to explain the under-performance conundrum of minority firms.

The organisation-performance dynamics of ethnic businesses according to inter-ethnic, cross-cultural and intra-social uniqueness of founders, directors and staffing overall, are seldom discussed.

In 2007, the ‘Handbook of Research on Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship’ was published. It was described as an exhaustive, interdisciplinary handbook’ that explored the

‘phenomena of immigration and ethnic minority entrepreneurship in light of marked changes since the mid-twentieth century and the advent of easier, more affordable travel and more open and integrated national economies’. The handbook covered ethnic communities in parts of America, Canada, China and Europe and other advanced economies. The book was hailed as a remarkable effort in scholarship even though it failed to capture, the organisation and performance of the ethnic firm sector according to industrial classification standards. So, why do we need to publicise more broadly, the ethnic firm contribution to the UK economy?

• Minority ethnic groups for example, make up a projected cumulative disposable income of £16.7 trillion, or £575 billion annually, by 2061.

• Minority ethnic groups spend on beauty care is expected to rise to £10.5 billion annually by 2061.

• 28% of ethnic groups aged 18-54 say they were investing money to increase their wealth, compared to 17% of

English or non-ethnic groups from a similar age cohort. (The Consumer Equality Equation, November 2022). In their Rethinking ‘Diversity’ in Publishing (2020), the authors of a University of London study reported, based on interviews with over a hundred professionals in the publishing industry, systemic issues in the UK publishing trade. They referred to the following issues:

• Audience assumption.

• Inability to attract minority ethnic audiences.

• Lack of creativity in looking for authors.

• Concepts of ‘quality’.

• Fear of ‘niche’.

• Lack of creativity in promotion.

• Lack of awareness.

• Limited resources for distribution.

• Few people in retail decision-making.

• Narrow audience.

• Opacity of online retail. There is a general consensus across mainstream publishing houses and book trade associations and networks in the UK and elsewhere, that there is an urgent need to do some very important things; including: -

• Try and value whilst engaging directly with ethnic communities -both authors and their respective audience-communities.

• Hire more people from a wider cross section of ethnic groups’ pool, without prejudicing communities overall. Writing agencies and audience engagement practitioners should be utilised. Mainstream publishers especially, should invest in long term partnerships and develop talented writers from ethnic communities, to increase publications, audience appeal.

l Mahmudur Jaigirdar, director of LetSanify and Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands

THE RIGHT TO PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATE IN DEMOCRATIC SOCIETIES

By Dr Tony Talburt

One political issue

which continues to divide public opinion, is the right to protest within our democratic society.

Recently, we have seen some protesters face arrests by the police for planning or taking part in demonstrations.

One group, Just Stop Oil, campaigns to raise awareness of climate change and the damage caused by fossil fuels such as oil.

Another group, the Republican Movement, have been campaigning to abolish the monarchy.

In both these examples, significant proportions of the public object strongly to these unelected and unaccountable pressure groups seemingly taking the law into their own hands.

Should, it could be asked, such minority groups be allowed to carry out protests which disrupt our lives?

Is it right for the majority of people to be subject to such protests when they are not interested or perhaps not in support of the issues being advanced by such groups?

On the other hand, however, is it not the case that as a result of protests and demonstrations, major positive societal changes have taken place?

Can these two polarized positions be reconciled within a truly democratic British society?

In light of the arrests by the police of several members of the Republican Movement on the day of the coronation of King Charles 111, on May 2023, the question over the right to protest was once again in the news.

Article 11 of the Human Rights Act points out that everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of their interests’. I

In this sense, peaceful protest is perfectly legal in the UK as long as there are no plans of violence or damage to property or harm to individuals. Peaceful legal protests also provide some benefits such as helping to raise public awareness of a particular issue.

It is one example of direct democracy in which the people ‘speak’ explicitly to the government. Sometimes demonstrations can actually result in governments changing their policies.

For example, when the UK government introduced the flatrate Poll Tax in 1990, there were

widespread protests as people refused to pay the tax. It became clear that it would be difficult to prosecute everyone who refused to pay it and the government eventually abolished the tax.

Where protests become violent, these can lead to physical damage to property and livelihoods.

It can lead some to feel intimidated or even to some people suffering from mental health effects and depression as a result of witnessing violent demonstrations.

In such cases governments could take a firm stance against these forms of demonstrations.

For example, in a report in the Guardian in April 2023, the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman was said to give police the power to ban slow walking in traffic by protesters.

Protests by the group Just Stop Oil, disrupted traffic and subsequently resulted in thousands of drivers being held up in traffic jams.

This proposed Bill would, she said, help stop what she described as the ‘selfish disruptive protesters [who] are wreaking havoc in people’s everyday lives across the country.’

Groups such as the Republican Movement want to see the monarchy abolished and the King replaced with an elected, democratic head of state. They are prepared to take fairly drastic measures to ensure their causes is heard.

Similar hard lines were taken in the late 19th century and early 20th century by women in their campaign to be allowed to vote.

Whilst no one wants to see street fights, bombings and killings being employed by different groups to get their views across, one feature of liberal democracies is that of allowing spaces for popular dissent.

The continued problem is, how we allow people to exercise their right to protest without necessarily bringing entire sections of society to a standstill or endangering their own lives and those of the public.

The members of the Republican Movement who were arrested, finally received an official apology from the police and charges against them were dropped.

However, because we live in a society where dissent and freedom of speech are fundamental human rights, protests are here to stay, and it seems demonstrators will continue to find creative ways of exercising this right.

The authorities will, for their part, likewise be engaged in strategies to mitigate or curb drastic measures.

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Delivering a quantum shift in sporting character and dynamic capability, this new generation of the legendary DB bloodline defines its own new category.

Combining a scintillating driving experience with exceptional refinement, state-of-the-art technology and indulgent luxury, the DB12 demands a new definition. Grand is not enough; this is the world’s first Super Tourer.

The DB12 takes a new direction. One which makes it the most

complete and accomplished DB model in Aston Martin’s history.

Blessed with exceptional performance and handling to satisfy and reward the most demanding drivers, its meticulously honed chassis is perfectly matched to a class-leading 680PS/800NM V8 Twin-Turbo powertrain.

The result is an energised Aston Martin that shines with authenticity, capability and passion to deliver a driving experience that’s second to none.

Engineered to maximise performance and intensify emotion,

the DB12 is the product of a holistic approach. One that starts with meaningful increases in structural stiffness and ends with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tyres made to Aston Martin’s precise specification.

Supported by an all-new suspension system featuring the latest adaptive dampers, control and connection are further amplified by an exceptionally precise and direct Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system and an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff) that enhances agility

and brings the DB12 alive on the most dynamic of roads.

Supported by an industry leading Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, which employs six-axis inertia measurement to predict available grip, the DB12 also gives the driver a choice of five pre-set driving modes allowing the freedom to incrementally explore the limits of grip and traction with complete confidence and safety.

Put simply, no series production Aston Martin has dedicated itself so completely to setting

new dynamic benchmarks.

The announcement of DB12 comes as Aston Martin celebrates two significant milestones in 2023; Its monumental 110th anniversary and 75 years of the illustrious DB model line.

When founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially formed the partnership that became Aston Martin, they ignited

more than a century of automotive passion, cutting-edge British innovation, and high-octane racing success.

Icaught up with the 3 time Grammy award winning band Morgan Heritage who are currently promoting their new

album titled The Homeland.

As you know the Royal Family of Reggae have always been on top of their game when it comes to being current and de-

livering the best quality Reggae music.

The Homeland project is fused with the Afro beat sound and while many will be confused as to why they have collaborated the genres, to Morgan Heritage its just a way to say they are not segregated and their style of Reggae music should be combined as their roots are from the motherland.

Mojo explains that "Why not enjoy the music we love? Jamaica has many genres and we just want to show love for home that's all it is"

When asking why they fused the Afro sound, Peetah Morgan said "Its like when you have a man born in China, they call him Chinese when you have an Indian man from India they say he's Indian why can we not embrace where we are from also... we are African people and showing love for what comes from home.

"Collaborating the Reggae and Afro is not a problem as we really are one sound and it's love!"

It all makes sense when they explain the Homeland album as it is really a statement to say where we are are all from and to stop the argument about which genre is greater. Its not about competition, its

all about peace and showing that Jamaican artists are not at war with African artists.

"We are using the music tool to bring people together - that's what it's all about. You will get the Morgan Heritage vibes, stories of love heartbreak and not nessarily our

own experiences but we like to tell people's stories," explains Mojo

"It was exciting collaborating with some of the best artists in Africa - this project is a true feeling and a story of home."

You'll hear collaborations with Shatta Wale, Capleton, Beenie

Man, Shaggy, Ice Queen Cleo, Alpha Blondy, Bounty Killa, Youssou N'Dour, Eddie Kenzo, I Octane and many more. This is Jamaican and African artists United and not at war...

A good feeling the Homeland WORDS: Mark Dwayne

Àdìre Oòduà textile hub & africa fashion week london partners with aso-ebí festival brand!!!

Get your exotic Adire, Kente & Aso-Oke fabrics etc for your stunning outfits and come vibe with us at Aso-Ebí festival gala night in London on 26th 2023?

For Early Bird & Standard Tickets kindly click through to https://bit.ly/3Yqxjxh PS: Early bird tickets sales ends on 31st May...

We Thank our Official Partners ÀDÌRE OÒDUÀ TEXTILE HUB @Adire Oodua and Africa Fashion Week London @Africa Fashion Week London @afwl for their Kind Support and Sponsorship.

Tell your family, friends & colleagues about this most spectacular not to be missed

experience of the year...

And get our special early bird tickets offer now!!! We look forward to welcoming you all!

-HRH Princess Moradeun Founder & Royal Host ASO-EBÍ FESTIVAL (TM)

If you need further information on Exhibition Stands, Sponsorship Packages and Registration of Group Participation at ASO-EBÍ Festival Gala Night 2023 on 26th October, Kindly contact:

HRH Duchess Bukola AdebiyiProgramme Director & Chief Host ASO-EBÍ Festival Gala Night.

Duchessinspires@gmail.com +44 7850 495 291

Beyoncé kicks off HER RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR

Global cultural icon Beyoncé kicked off her Renaissance World Tour with a sold-out show in Stockholm, Sweden, at Friends Arena, filling the city with powerful dance music from her wildly successful seventh studio album, Renaissance.

The emotional return to the global stage, five years in the making, captivated the 46,000 fans in attendance with songs such as “Plastic Off The Sofa,” “Cozy,” and “Break My Soul,” along with legendary hits from her trailblazing discography like “Flaws And All,” “Crazy In Love,” and “Love On Top” in a nearly 3 hour performance.

The 56-date 2023 tour, produced by Parkwood Entertainment, and promoted by Live Nation will continue with a second night in Stockholm and additional shows throughout Europe including five sold out nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium then North America with shows in July, August and September.

Fans can also access exclusive VIP experiences in Europe including Pure/Honey On Stage Risers –an exclusive opportunity to see the show on the stage with dedicated services, or receive early access to the General Admission BeyHive VIP and Club Renaissance areas, both immersive experiences surrounding the stage.

As with previous tours, Beyoncé will make her mark offstage, too, with BeyGOOD, the initiative she founded in 2013, now a public Char-

ity, to support people and programs around the world.

BeyGOOD will continue its legacy of philanthropy, building out this focus on economic equity by supporting organizations that serve marginalized and underserved communities with access to scholarships, opportunities for internships that lead to job placement, and resources to support entrepreneurship.

In various cities throughout the tour, BeyGOOD will support entrepreneurs through Black Parade Route luncheons, celebrating small business owners, with grant opportunities being awarded and a foray of services with global partners to promote business sustainability.

One thousand small businesses will be supported with a commitment totalling one million dollars.

BeyGOOD will also support students through scholarship funds that will be given to colleges and universities in ten different cities along the tour. Each school will be given one hundred thousand dollars and will select the student recipients.

BeyGOOD’s total scholarship commitment during Renaissance World Tour will be one million dollars.

A noted partner with Beyoncé, Tiffany & Co. is the official jeweller of Renaissance World Tour. Tiffany & Co. has a longstanding commitment to conducting itself responsibly, sustaining the natural environment, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and positively impacting the communities in which it operates.

Summer Theatre At Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Acontemporary tragedy in small-town Ireland, a literary detective story about the Brontë sisters, elopement and scandal in a liberal thinking household, and a classic Shakespearean comedy about unrequited love – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Theatre Company unveils its summer season of shows. Spinning is one of the best-known plays of award-winning Irish playwright, Deirdre Kinahan. Inspired by a real case of the kidnapping of a daughter by her father, Kinahan ponders: what happens when your life spins, how do you react, how do you survive it?

In small-town Ireland, father-of-one Conor is desperate to hold on to a life that is disintegrating before his eyes.

Susan is a mother searching for reason in the darkness of her teenage daughter's killing. When they finally meet, a contemporary tragedy comes to light. Directed by Chris Garner.

Polly Teale's Brontë and Mary Shelley by Helen Edmundson both explore the lives and experiences of famous female authors: families with three sisters who travel different paths in writing and life but with a strong family bond at the centre. These two shows were original produced by Shared Experience Theatre Company.

Holiday and Travel

CARIBBEAN HOTELS OFFER HOT SUMMER DEALS

CTO Membership Expands With Bermuda Addition

THE CARIBBEAN Tourism Organisation (CTO) has announced the expansion of its membership, as Bermuda officially re-joins the organisation through a collaborative partnership with the Government of Bermuda and the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA).

With its unique, distinctive attributes, Bermuda further strengthens the organisation’s ability to promote the depth of the Caribbean experience as it seeks to explore new growth opportunities.

With Bermuda’s membership, CTO marks yet another milestone in its efforts to expand its reach and influence in the regional tourism sector.

l Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau

As the arrival of summer draws near, travellers are preparing to embark on journeys to fresh, unexplored locales as well as tried-and-true favourite destinations.

To woo these would-be visitors, many Caribbean hotels and resorts have come to market with special deals and promotions that are too good to pass up.

One example is Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau in the Ba-

hamas, which is offering an exceptional savings package for families looking for a fun-filled summer vacation experience.

The ‘Suite Family Plan’ offers a range of treats for the whole family, including up to 20 percent savings on brand-new luxury suites, complimentary meals for kids aged 12 and under, movie theatre passes, and 2-for-1 bowling at the resort’s ICONS sports bar and entertainment complex. Guests will also receive a $50 resort credit per

adult per stay.

Margaritaville’s summer deal is valid for travel through September 5, 2023, and travel must be booked by September 4, 2023.

Located on a gorgeous stretch of beach in downtown Nassau, the resort offers guests the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.

The resort features 295 ocean view guest rooms, including 68 suites, ranging from one to four bedrooms. Beautifully appoint-

Sandals Royal Curacao Resort: MINI Cooper Included!

Guests staying in Sandals Royal Curacao‘s Kurason Island Suites and Awa Seaside Bungalows can explore the colourful island of Curacao in a stylish and sporty MINI Cooper as part of their vacation.

Curacao is nestled in the heart of the Leeward Antilles on the coast of a tiny beautiful island where natural and cultural wonders connect to create a beautiful mélange unseen anywhere else.

Sandals’ newest all-inclusive resort in Curacao is where the natural romance of this intimate island comes alive.

Guests will see it in the line where the desert landscape gen-

tly slopes into the azure ocean and in the waters that invite them to dive in and explore what’s beneath. They will see it in the place where Tafelberg Mountain meets the horizon with its inspiring peaks that beckon visitors to climb to new heights and absorb stunning sunsets. Here, the wind catches a sail, propelling adventures yet to come.

Back at the suite or bungalow, vacationers will experience the expansive pool extending into the endless Spanish Water.

Defining All-Inclusive

As if the use of a MINI Cooper isn’t enough, Sandals Resorts defines the very meaning of an all-inclusive vacation.

Eat, drink, and be merry for it’s

included

• Unlimited fine dining at 8 restaurants

• 3 diverse new food trucks

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and anytime snacks

• Unlimited premium liquors

• 13 bars, including swim-up bar

• Stocked bar in every room

• Unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® Wines

• Play time with essentials included

• PADI-Certified SCUBA diving and equipment

• Unlimited water sports

• Snorkeling and equipment

• Tennis and land sports

• State-of-the-art fitness center

• Day and night entertainment and live shows

ed oceanfront rooms offer unobstructed views of crystal-clear Bahamian waters.

The resort’s top-rated Fins Up Waterpark, featuring waterslides, a lazy river and a FlowRider Surf Machine, is rated among the best in the Caribbean.

Margaritaville Beach Resort

Nassau offers a variety of worldclass eateries, from signature steakhouse JWB Prime Steak and Seafood to Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria, where the culinary team serves

up sumptuous Caribbean and various international cuisines.

The main resort sits alongside One Particular Harbour residences, which offer an elevated lifestyle experience for guests and is within easy walking distance to Nassau’s hotspots, such as the Straw Market, Arawak Cay or ‘Fish Fry’, shopping, and dining.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Bermuda back to the CTO,” said CTO Chair Kenneth Bryan, the Minister of Tourism and Ports for the Cayman Islands.

“As we continue our focus on repositioning the region in the new tourism environment, I am heartened when destinations like Bermuda express their confidence in the CTO by re-joining at this time. We are truly excited to engage and collaborate with Minister Vance Campbell and his team.”

Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism, Vance Campbell, J.P., also acknowledged the importance of regional collaboration during this recovery period.

He stated, “As our tourism sector continues to recover following the difficult COVID years, it is important that we have access to and work with similar jurisdictions to share ideas that have been successful and can benefit Bermuda."

• Explore the estate on a dutch bike

• Yes, that’s included, too!

• All tips, taxes and gratuities

• Roundtrip airport transfers

• Wi-Fi in room and all common areas

• Exclusive butler service (in select rooms)

• Club Sandals concierge service (in select rooms)

• Free wedding for stays of 3 nights or longer

You do have to bring one thing

Make sure you pack or wear your favourite hat for those beautiful island drives in your complimentary MINI Cooper! Perfect for a prestigious trip around the island, guests staying in the Kurason Island Suites and Awa Seaside Bungalows can explore every inch of this Caribbean gem in their very own complimentary MINI Cooper, including a guided map to everything there is to see in Curacao. Only available at Sandals Royal Curacao.

l CTO Chair Kenneth Bryan

Tourism Vance Campbell

l Heidi Kühn is the founder and chief executive of Roots of Peace, a humanitarian nonprofit organization that transforms minefields into farmland

WORLD FOOD PRIZE LAUREATE TURNS ‘MINES TO VINES’

Heidi Kühn walked through her first minefield, in Dragalić, Croatia, in 2000. Workers there asked her blood type in case she stepped on a land mine.

“That was such a defining moment,” Kühn said. “I was with a friend and we looked at each

other in the eye and we were like, ‘What have we gotten ourselves into?’ And they suited me up.”

Kühn, a California native, has earned international recognition for Roots of Peace, the non-profit she founded in 1997 that transforms heavily mined areas into sustainable farmland. Or as Kühn puts it, she’s turning mines to

vines.

On May 11, Kühn received the World Food Prize, an international honour that recognizes individuals who help advance food quality and quantity around the world. “I’m just humbled and honoured, and I still think I’m in a dream,” Kühn said.

“As a mother, to be able to

serve as an American to heal the wounds of war, it is my great honour to accept it.” Roots of Peace partners with mine removal groups around the world, including the Croatian Mine Action Centre, HALO Trust and Mines Advisory Group, to remove munitions.

Once that’s done, the group goes in with shovels and trains rural farmers to grow and sell high-value crops. USAID and the U.N. Development Programme have given financial aid to Roots of Peace projects.

The non-profit has facilitated the removal of more than 100,000 land mines and pieces of unexploded ordnance around the world. The farmland made possible by the cleared explosives has given food security to locals in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Croatia, Guatemala, Iraq and Vietnam.

The non-profit has helped export to international markets nearly 160,000 metric tons of fruits, nuts and spices valued at more than $350 million, supporting more than 1 million farmers and families. Kühn remembers feeling elated after detonating her first land mine in Croatia, but those feelings gave way to sorrow because there were still so many left.

She wants now to turn her attention to Ukraine, where it was estimated that there are land mines over 174,000 square kilometres. It’s a section of land bigger than England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.

“The earth forgives us, the earth is bountiful, we’re feeding children,” Kühn said. “I can go to sleep at night and know there’s families I may never meet but through our efforts and our footsteps, we’ve had an impact on their day.”

Clearspring Founder Wins

Prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award

CHRISTOPHER DAWSON, founder of authentic Japanese and organic fine foods brands

Clearspring, was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award at the Natural & Organic Innovation Awards.

The awards ceremony took place on April 16th, after day one of the Natural & Organic Products Europe show at Excel, London. Dawson was presented the award by Marigold Health Foods MD Patrick Tobin, who cited Dawson's impact on the international organic foods sector and as a genuine pioneer, having advocated for and supported organic agriculture, sustainability and a plant-based diet for over 50 years.

From running his own health food shop on London's Old Street in the 1970s, to moving to Japan and working with traditional, artisanal Japanese producers to help them convert to Organic, Christopher Dawson has made a huge impact worldwide on the growth of organic food. He founded Clearspring in 1993 to help support organic farmers reach a much wider international audience. He was even recognised by the Japanese Government in

2007, one of the only non-Japanese people to receive the Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food from the former Japanese Prime Minister, for his distinguished contribution to the promotion of Japanese organic food worldwide.

Christopher Dawson said about the accolade: “I'm incredibly thankful and honoured to have received this recognition, which took me totally by surprise. I feel privileged to be working with such fantastic people and in an industry that is striving to make the world better, healthier and more sustainable.

"Even as I turn 70, and we mark Clearspring's 30th anniversary this year, I am as enthusiastic as ever to continue to work and play to convert an acre back to organic each day”.

The Natural and Organic Innovation Awards celebrate the finest in organic innovation, as well champion the movers and shakers who are making a big impact on the growth of organic and natural food in the UK and Europe.

Clearspring's new Organic Japanese Kuwa Matcha was also a finalist for Best New Organic Drink Product.

Newham Unveils Its Extensive Windrush 75th Anniversary Celebrations Programme

Thanks to funding from Near Neighbours, the London borough of Newham will mark the 75th anniversary of Windrush with a series of events which include art exhibitions, talks, workshops and music with DJs and local artists.

MEET GLADYS WEST - THE WOMAN BEHIND YOUR GPS

tem of pinpointing geographical positions. Her contributions were recently touted by her college sorority sister Gwendolyn James.

WINDRUSH

The celebrations will kick off with a launch event at Stratford Old Town Hall on Windrush Day, Thursday 22 June, 6.308pm, with speeches, networking and refreshments.

JOURNEYS: A black and white photographic exhibition of the Windrush community and the journey they made, with augmented reality will also be on display.

Councillor Rohit K. Dasgupta, Deputy Cabinet Member for Equalities, Social Justice and Culture said: “I’m looking forward to this year’s milestone celebrations as we remember and recognise the huge contributions made by the Windrush generation and their descendants in Britain.

"In Newham, we continue to keep the legacy alive through the extensive programme of events planned for residents of all ages, which reflects the positive impact made by these remarkable group of people in all aspects of our society. It provides an opportunity to share their transformational history with the younger generation in creative and engaging ways through art, music, workshops and exhibitions.

“This year’s celebrations are not to be missed.” The big celebration will take place on Saturday 24 June at Stratford Old Town Hall, 12-10pm, with a day of activities and events. The afternoon activities will feature a Caribbean marketplace, Nail Art by Colour Riot Nails, face painting by NyGlorious face arts and Elizabeth Balogun, BSL performance of Cordelia the Stowaway, storytelling by Jane Grell, a talk on the Windrush generation’s contribution to music and so much more.

From 7pm, the stage programme will be hosted by TV Presenter and Content Creator, Annaliese Dayes. The entertainment will include the Reggae Choir, Pan Vibration Steel Band, and band One Love who will cover popular reggae tunes.

If you rely on a Global Positioning System (GPS) device to guide you on unfamiliar roads, you have Gladys West to thank for it.

West, now 87, is a retired mathematician living in north-eastern Virginia. Her former employer, the U.S. Navy, credits her with playing a pivotal role in developing GPS technology. From 1956 until her retirement in 1998, West worked with a team of engineers at a Navy base in Dahlgren, Virginia.

She recorded satellite locations and performed complex mathematical calculations that led to a remarkably precise sys -

A fellow member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, James learned about West’s ground-breaking work through a short autobiographical statement that West submitted ahead of a sorority function. James alerted the Associated Press, and now West is enjoying some long-deserved recognition as a pioneer.

“Her story is amazing,” James said. “GPS has changed the lives of everyone forever. There is not a segment of this global society — military, auto industry, cell phone industry, social media, parents, NASA, etc. — that does not utilize the Global Positioning System.”

West attended Virginia State University on a full scholarship and worked as a math teacher for two years before earning a master’s degree. When she was hired by the naval base in 1956, she was one of only four African-American employees there.

In a recent interview, West recalled her early satellite-data projects and said she enjoyed working with engineers and scientists in the 1950s and ’60s because “they were addressing real problems facing our country.” Her colleagues,

she said, “were experts in their areas and could see what was needed in the future.”

West’s achievements were recognized by U.S. Navy Captain Godfrey Weekes, a former officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre Dahlgren Division, in a 2017 message he wrote about Black History Month.

“She rose through the ranks, worked on the satellite geodesy (science that measures the size and shape of the Earth) and contributed to the accuracy of GPS and the measurement of satellite data,” he wrote. “As Gladys West started her career as a mathematician at Dahlgren in 1956, she likely had no idea that her work would impact the world for decades to come.” West remains active in retirement. In 2000, she earned a doctoral degree in public administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, known as Virginia Tech. She is now writing a memoir.

She marvels that the technology she helped create is used all over the planet. “It is awesome how GPS technology has changed the thinking and the capabilities of the world, especially on travel,” she said. But she admits that she and her husband are adapting to using the GPS in their own cars.

WINDRUSH ANCHOR HERITAGE EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Windrush Anchor Heritage Education programme is a unique community-focused initiative that showcases a life-size replica of the actual vessels anchor to celebrate Caribbean Commonwealth communities’ cultural heritage and contributions to the United Kingdom (UK).

The Windrush Anchor Heritage Education programme seeks to celebrate the cultural heritage

of Caribbean Commonwealth communities. The Windrush Legacy room allows visitors from all backgrounds and ages to become immersed within households of the 1960s & 1970s Caribbean communities within England.

Rudi Page was on hand to speak about the programme, explaining how it is rooted in the values of respect, inclusion, and belonging and aims to inspire peaceful, caring, and enterpris-

ing neighbourhoods and local communities.

"The programme’s objectives are to engage wider communities on the Windrush Heritage, develop innovative educational approaches to raising cultural esteem, and pass on a legacy to young people by providing opportunities for them to play a key role in shaping cultural outputs."

The 24th May is the date of the leaving of the Windrush from

Kingston Harbour back in 1948. The project showcases an exact replica of the Windrush Anchor to be taken to events all through the programme.

Key Milestones:

• Community Empowerment

• Community Mental Health

• Creative Clusters & Murals

• Cultural Heritage Learning

• Digital Dialogues & Images

• Heritage & Legacy Exhibitions and Festivals

• Intergenerational Storytelling

The Windrush Anchor Heritage Education Programme represents hope, strength and belonging, aligns with 2030 National development plans and promotes a sense of cultural pride and unity amongst Caribbean Commonwealth communities.

Members of JESA UK will be joining the educational programme and youth development programmes for young people.

"Young people need some-

where to go, young people need something to do, and young people most importantly need someone to show them how, and having members of JESA as part of that dialogue is going to be very important," Rudi explained. To find out more, get in touch with Rudi at rudi@makingconnectionswork.com or visit www. makingconnectionswork.com/ windrushanchor

Building on its long tradition of helping refugees, the United States has launched Welcome Corps, a program to allow everyday Americans to sponsor refugees for resettlement.

Volunteers will help refugees to obtain housing, buy clothes, secure employment for adults, and get children enrolled in school.

“The Welcome Corps will allow Americans to do what we do best: be guides and friends to our new neighbours, put them on a path to realizing their full potential — to the benefit of not just refugee families, but all our families,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, whose own relatives came to the U.S. searching for freedom and safety.

U.S. citizens who form private sponsor groups can apply to help refugees build new lives in the U.S. The sponsors can come from local communities, faith-based organizations, veterans groups and other organizations.

Each group must raise at least $2,375 per refugee and commit to helping the refugees for 90 days.

Program officials expect informal support to continue well after 90 days.

A consortium of non-profit organizations that specialize in resettling refugees is partnering with the U.S. Department of State to implement the program and support sponsors.

Those non-profits include the International Refugee Assistance Project, the International Rescue Committee and Welcome.US.

The State Department is earmark-

WELCOME CORPS EMPOWERING EVERYDAY AMERICANS TO SPONSOR REFUGEES

The Solution Is...

“Knowing Who to Hold Accountable”

What if every time a person makes a mistake, she/he is rewarded for owning up. Will there eventually be a notation that we reward people for making mistakes?

Integrity, the state of being honest and having a strong moral compass, seems like an eroding character trait in modern society.

The proliferation of news headlines about corruption, fraud, and dishonesty in politics, business, and society is alarming.

The widening chasm in ethics and morals being manifested in some institutions has eroded the trust we have in our leaders, companies, and government.

Notwithstanding this onslaught, one decisive action ingrained in the solution that accountability offers is the fulcrum to preserve and restore integrity in all spheres.

ing $15 million over three years for the consortium. Private sponsor groups will receive training and information on how to help with cultural adjustment, as well as access benefits and services.

Accountability is defined as the state of being answerable to someone or accepting responsibility for one's actions. To keep the public’s trust, people in positions of power must be held accountable for their decisions and actions.

When individuals are held responsible for their actions, they are more likely to act honestly and ethically.

Accountability encourages people to be honest, transparent, and answerable to the consequences of their mistakes. It helps to build trust among all stakeholders – internal and external.

Accountability also promotes fairness and justice. It fosters opportunities for the errant and witnesses to evaluate the behaviour, identify effects (negative and positive), remedy/repair or attempt to lessen fallout, live through consequences, and eventually learn from their mistakes, all with the expectation that similar action will be avoided in the future.

Although systems to support accountable conduct is key to preserving integrity, consistently applying this principle at all levels in all sectors comes with inherent risks, especially where there is increasing value given to teamwork and task delegation.

Have you ever heard someone say: “you can delegate responsibility, but you cannot delegate authority?” Leaders are expected to delegate responsibility to ensure the success of their organisation, it provides for a robust succession plan through employee development.

It exposes potential leaders to experiential education at a more senior organisational level. It provides avenues to gradually build leadership confidence.

Conversely, it exposes the person who delegates, to the innate risks associated with the inexperience of junior managers/ proteges navigating the learning curve which could lead to the C-Suite.

While delegation affords the medium to assign responsibilities for continuity in organi-

by Khori Hyde

sational growth, it constantly dangles the awareness that any failing by the performer is a failing by the one who delegated in the first place. Robert Townsend, renowned author said it best: “The great leader is one who knows when to delegate and when not to.”

Though a manager may be held accountable for not meeting a goal, owing to missteps by an individual assigned responsibility, the team member is still to be brought to account for the performance gap – no matter how miniscule the effects are perceived to be on the big picture.

Further expanding my point, delegating tasks to others can free up management's time, allowing them to focus on bigger-picture issues. However, delegating responsibility also means that there is a risk of tasks not being completed correctly or on time.

If an employee or manager does not take ownership of their actions, regardless of them being delegated, it can lead to chaos, misunderstandings, and unhappy stakeholders.

Delegation should therefore be done in metered doses and have interwoven throughout accountability indicators for the assigned responsibilities, because it can become difficult to track and ensure follow-through.

Clear communication of a work plan is key to optimising performance. Everyone needs to understand their roles and responsibilities. This helps to prevent misunderstandings and avoid conflicts. Additionally, expectations for individual and team performance standards are to be documented and etched in the mind of each team member.

These are to be monitored on a prescribed schedule using predefined performance metrics and incentive programs to serve as incentives for employees to take ownership of their work, as well as to build accountability individually and collectively.

Reiterating my central point: accountability is a key ingredient in preserving integrity. Taking ownership of your actions, delivering on your promises, and accepting the consequences of any mistakes made is a character defining moment in anyone’s life.

The will to stand for the right even when all around you seems to be murky requires a thick

shell and a sharp awareness to build an organisational structure where accountability is a culture at all levels – from management down to line workers and even extending into one’s personal life.

Sometimes, when things go wrong, the first impulse is to assign blame. While in assigning blame one may experience some sense of satisfaction, it does nothing to resolve the issue at hand.

It can even hinder one’s ability to learn from the experience. Instead of focusing on blame, it's essential to focus on the principles of accountability.

This means taking ownership of the problem, accepting responsibility for fixing it, and learning from the experience to prevent similar problems from happening again in the future.

Accountability affords the leverage for one to become more effective in one’s role. Accountability can help us develop a growth mindset, where we are always looking for ways to improve our performance and add value to society.

Every leader, whether appointed to a position or leaders of our individual destiny, has a responsibility to set the tone for accountability. It starts with holding ourselves accountable for our actions then expanded into holding others accountable, for agreed commitments. By doing so, we can build a culture of integrity that will permeate throughout society.

Accountability is the foundation upon which trust, and credibility are built. The renowned thinker and entrepreneur Jim Rohn famously stated, “Successful leaders understand that accountability and responsibility go hand in hand.” This emphasises the importance of holding individuals and organisations accountable for fulfilling their delegated duties.

By accepting responsibility for one’s actions and taking ultimate responsibility for output and outcomes rather than germinating a culture of blame, we will readily identify and acknowledge our mistakes, be keen to learn the lessons, accept the consequences and use the overall experience as a pillar of growth for integrity with its foundations set in the knowledge that one is always answerable for one’s stewardship of one’s responsibilities in all situations.

The refugees with whom Welcome Corps pairs private sponsor groups have already been approved for resettlement by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

Elena Rybakina, Kazakhstan's top tennis player, made it to the Forbes's 30 Under 30 Asia list, cementing her position as one of the most outstanding young athletes in the Asia-Pacific region.

The tennis star rose to the 4th place in the world's tennis rankings after winning the Italian Open Tournament in Rome on May 20.

The list features 300 young entrepreneurs, leaders and trailblazers across the region, all under the age of 30, who are effecting positive change and driving innovation amid global economic uncertainty and a challenging environment.

Rybakina was one of the 30 notable honourees selected for the Entertainment & Sports category, Forbes reported in a statement.

The list features a total of 10 categories, each represented by 30 honourees.

More than 4,000 candidates were evaluated by the Forbes Asia team and a panel of expert judges on a variety of factors, including funding and/or revenue, social impact, inventiveness, and potential. She became the first Kazakhstani player to win a major tennis title when she secured victory at the Wimbledon tournament in July 2022.

She only recently won her second WTA 1000 title at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome after defeating Angelina Kalinina in the final match. In March this year, she has won her first WTA 1000 title at the Indian Wells tournament where she has sealed victory in the final match over then world's No. 2 Arina Sabalenka of Belarus.

At the beginning of this year, the 23-year-old tennis star donated part of her income from the matches to junior tennis players and to dog-rescue program in Kazakhstan.

RYBAKINA ENTERS FORBES 30 UNDER-30 ASIA LIST FOLLOWING ITALIAN OPEN WIN

Tribute To Three-Time Olympic Medallist And Ex-World Champion, Bowie

THE ONLY AMERICAN woman to win an Olympic or world 100m title since Carmelita Jeter in 2011, Tori Bowie won 4x100m relay gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, plus 100m silver and 200m bronze.

She also won the World Championships 100m in London, as well as relay gold.

USA Track and Field said that Bowie's impact on the sport is immeasurable, and that she will be greatly missed. A statement from Team USA, the country's Olympic and Paralympic fraternity, added: "She was an admired friend, team-mate, and a great representative of Team USA."

Born in Mississippi, Bowie converted from long jump in 2014 and had an immediate impact on the track, becoming the fastest woman in the world that year. Her agent, Icon Management, said: "We're devastated to

share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away.

"We've lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister. Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright. We're truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends."

Fellow-athletes also paid tribute, with fellow sprint-great, and current 100m world champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said: "My heart breaks for Tori Bowie's family.

"A great competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me. “Rest in peace." Two-time men's world 200m champion and US record holder Noah Lyles added: "This breaks my heart to hear, and I will keep the family in my prayers." World Athletics said: “We are deeply saddened by Tori’s death”. She was 32.

Perry And Ali To Lead Birmingham Phoenix In The Hundred

INTERNATIONAL superstar all-rounders Moeen Ali and Ellyse Perry will take centre stage this summer after being confirmed as Birmingham Phoenix captains for The Hundred.

Ali, born just a few miles away from Edgbaston, will lead his hometown team for a third time, having skippered Birmingham Phoenix in the inaugural final in 2021.

Perry meanwhile will captain for the first time in the tournament, replacing Sophie Devine, who will still play for Birmingham Phoenix.

Moeen Ali said: “I’m incredibly proud to represent and captain Birmingham Phoenix. Edgbaston is my home ground and the support we’ve received over the first two years has been fantastic. I’m really excited to lead my hometown team once again and all our focus will be on securing the trophy.”

Ellyse Perry said: “To be asked to captain Birmingham Phoenix is a special honour, and I’m incredibly grateful to the club for the opportunity to be a part of the leadership of a special team. The support we have received, particularly playing in front of our home crowd has been very special and I’m excited for our side to be back at Edgbaston soon.

For World No.1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone it’s a first captaincy role: “I’m buzzing to be captaining Manchester Originals this year. The Hundred is such a great competition to take part in and I can’t wait to lead the girls out at Emirates Old Trafford.

"I like what we’ve done in the draft, we’ve got the makings of a world class side, and hopefully our fans will come out in their numbers as ever to cheer us on.”

Tom Abell, who’s moved from Birmingham Phoenix to join Mike Hussey in Cardiff, is also looking forward to the challenge: “I jumped at the opportunity to come and take a leadership role with Mike here at Welsh Fire. I’m really excited by the challenge that lies in front of us and we’re both really keen to bring some success to Welsh Fire."

HERO CUP STARS SET FOR BETFRED BRITISH MASTERS HOSTED BY SIR NICK FALDO

Hero Cup players

Ewen Ferguson, Robert MacIntyre and Victor Perez will return to The Belfry this summer for the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, from June 27-July 2.

The trio will tee it up alongside former World Number One Justin Rose and defending champion Thorbjørn Olesen when the popular event returns to the iconic Brabazon Course, assuming a new summer date for 2023.

A sell-out Sunday crowd saw

Olesen crowned champion last year, and fans are urged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Both Ferguson and MacIntyre have two DP World Tour victories to their names, with Ferguson securing both of his titles to date in 2022 and MacIntyre securing his second victory at the DS Automobiles Italian Open, which he will defend later this week.

“The British Masters is a fantastic event and it’s a tournament I’ve played well at in the past, so I’m looking forward to the week,” MacIntyre said.

“The atmosphere last year was electric and it was great to get out in front of such supportive crowds once again.”

Ferguson, who recorded backto-back top four finishes in his last two DP World Tour starts, added: “The Belfry is a great venue and the Betfred British Masters is the start of a really exciting summer of golf back home.”

The Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo will be the 20th DP World Tour event held at there.

More than 15,000 spectators saw Olesen win his sixth DP World Tour title at last year’s Betfred British Masters, producing an incredible eagle-birdie finish on the renowned Brabazon Course.