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Inside this Month MAY 2013
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STC-14 in safe hands
Monopoly Madness for Wolverhampton - Page 3
Shafqat Amanat brings Bollywood to town - Page 10
Apprenticeship news from across the country Education starts on Page 31
Cricket legend ‘Keeps’ Trinidad & Tobago focused on Sustainability See centre pullout
STC-14 Coverage from Trinidad & Tobago Pullout starts on Page 15
And much more...
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NEWS
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A Note From the Editor
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The Phoenix – May 2013
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l Travis Chase, News Editor/Foreign Correspondent
t was the great American author and humorist, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain who said, quote, “If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you're mis-informed.” I am certain that many of you prefer to be mis-informed. Notably though, the Phoenix Newspaper is not about mis-information. The Phoenix Newspaper is a multi-cultural newspaper focus-
ing on positive, informative and objective news. It is a regional Newspaper that recognizes the obvious change in the integration of communities and the rich cultural diversity it brings to Britain. However, May is the first month for me as Phoenix Newspaper news editor, and as you rightfully guess, it comes with loads of responsibilities that I am prepared for. I've been writing and covering news across the world for a number of years. Most recently, I was the
managing editor of the Guyana News Agency/www.newswatchguyana.com and before that, the reviews editor and community special reporter at News2 in Georgetown Guyana and a High School teacher at the Academy of Apex Education also in Guyana. As your Editor at the Phoenix Newspaper, I encourage you to throw back and relax while you read this specially designed Newspaper as the Phoenix team brings all the exciting stories to be told from across the world by connecting the dots between events to discern the clear picture of where we've been and where we are going. I now bring to the readership of the Phoenix News Paper a blend of news savvy and charismatic perspectives. I reckon that when the Phoenix team is at its best, our readers are likely to want more information, Not to worry, we have you covered or as they
say in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana ‘nah bada yuhself’. To this extent, Phoenix News paper has a wonderful tradition of not only entertaining, but seeking questions from the community and the general readership at large. I'm ecstatic to be here, and I can't wait to get to know the Phoenix Newspaper community. Sit back and hold tight, because things are about to get very exciting for our readers and I couldn't be happier to be hurtling towards the next generation with you. Sincerely,
Travis Chase News Editor
travis.chase@ thephoenixnewspaper.com editor@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
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Sandwell's youth have their say in Parliament
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n March the team at Ramada Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield gathered together to present a cheque for £3,025 to their locally based Cancer Support Centre. Chairman of the Trustees, Paul Williams and Pat Brighton, Head of Fundraising, were on hand to receive the cheque on behalf of the Centre who offer support, information and complimentary therapies to people in the West Midlands affected by cancer and their carers. Fiona Lockyer, General Man-
ager said “We were delighted with the fantastic amount raised thanks to the generosity of our Christmas party guests, and our colleagues from BDL Hotels at the recent annual awards ceremony which was held here at the Ramada.” Built around former cable mill, Penns Hall and with 14 rambling acres and a picturesque lake, Ramada Birmingham Sutton Coldfield, located in Walmley, has 15 conference and event suites with capacity for up to 600 guests, as well as 170 bedrooms.
l Jugan Sahota, aged 13; Amrit Braich, aged 15; Liam Salt, aged 16 and Dawud Ahmed, aged 15
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our young people from Sandwell have been voted on to the United Kingdom Youth Parliament where they will represent the borough at regional and national level. Jugan Sahota – Member of Youth Parliament, Amrit Braich – Member of Youth Parliament, Dawud Ahmed – Deputy Member of Youth Parliament and Liam Salt – Deputy Member of Youth Parliament, are the new representatives for 2013-2014. On a busy schedule, engagements include meeting with their members of Parliament, attending weekly Sandwell Shadow Youth Cabinet Meetings, regional conventions, consultations, surveys, and UKYP House of Commons event in November. Jugan Sahota said: "I am overjoyed at being re-elected to a second term of office on the youth
parliament. During my previous term, I became the editor for the regional UKYP Magazine, attended all the regional conventions, participated at annual sitting, consulted with young people on the top five issues that they wanted in Sandwell and hosted a debate evening to listen to their voices and represent these. This year, I want to build on my work and continue to campaign on the national campaign - Curriculum for Life." Cabinet member for leisure, Councillor Linda Horton said: "I would like to congratulate the four young people who have been voted onto the UKYP to represent Sandwell young people at a regional and national level. They have a busy schedule ahead of them and I wish them a fulfilling term of office."
The Phoenix - May 2013
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l
olverhampton is ‘Passing GO’ and landing its very own Monopoly board. The city is to get its very own customised board, which will be out later this year in time for Christmas. And it will be the great Wolverhampton public who will get to vote for the 22 property landmarks that make it onto the board. So, for example, Wulfruna Street could replace Mayfair, or Molineux Stadium could appear on Old Kent Road! The board will see Wolverhampton’s finest landmarks swap places with the famous London sites like Trafalgar Square and Oxford Street. In addition, the four London train stations will be handed over to a city ’travel’ theme. Some of the Community Chest and Chance cards are being customised too, with very bold plans for one to say ‘You will be fined for going to Birmingham’. Dan Taylor, Monopoly Manager at London-based Winning Moves UK - the company producing this game under license from Monopoly owners Monopoly Manager at Winning Moves Ltd Dan Taylor and Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Christine Mills officially launch Wolverhampton’s Hasbro – announced the launch when
Wolverhampton ‘Passes GO’
own Monopoly board game at the West Park bandstand.
Freeman Frank's special Statue show
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ward-winning comedian Frank Skinner will host a special show to help raise funds for The Celebration statue. The Sandwell-born star will perform his one-off ‘Three Degrees Cooler’ show at Birmingham’s Town Hall this summer with proceeds going towards ‘The Celebration’ statue which highlights the careers of pioneering Black footballers the late Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson. The trio played for West Bromwich Albion it the late 1970s and paved the way for future generations of Black players in Britain. Frank, who was made a freeman of the borough of Sandwell
in 2004, is a lifelong Albion fan and will perform fresh material about the club during the show and be joined by some very special guests including Brendon and Cyrille. The fundraising project is being led by Black Country businessman Jim Cadman with the support of l Frank Skinner in his WBA Shirt Sandwell Council. sculpture in the borough and this Leader of the Council, Darren event will help make that a realCooper, said: ity.” “It’s fantastic to see Frank, one The statue will stand in West of Sandwell’s most famous sons Bromwich town centre when it’s and fellow West Brom fan, get- unveiled in July 2014, marking ting involved and supporting the 25th anniversary of the death this great cause. We’re looking of Laurie Cunningham. forward to seeing this excellent
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NEWS
he was joined by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Christine Mills. A self-confessed Monopoly fan, Councillor Mills said: “Monopoly is a classic game for all the family and it’s fantastic news that the great and greater Wolverhampton public will be able to expand their property empire by snapping up some famous landmarks in our city.” Mr Taylor said: “We are delighted to be making this exciting announcement that Wolverhampton is ‘Passing GO’.” The spirit and shape of this customised edition will remain the same as with the traditional Monopoly board game – so, for example, the playing pieces will stay the same as will the rules and the four corner squares (GO, Jail, Free Parking and Go to Jail). Set to feature for the first time as a playing piece will be a cat to sit alongside the Scottie dog and the other famous counters like the boot and ship. Monopoly first hit shop shelves in the US in 1935 and is today played in 111 countries and enjoyed in 43 different languages. The new Monopoly: Wolverhampton Edition will be available from this October in time for Christmas.
Vaisakhi an all-time high in a sea of saffron and blue
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sea of saffron and blue washed over Birmingham, the largest Vaisakhi open air celebrations in Europe was back in Handsworth Park is seen as one of the most cosmopolitan of its kind, in one of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant city in Europe. A cornerstone of one of the city’s success, the Nagar Kirtan (holy street procession) organised by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras saw the Vaisakhi, in Handsworth Park, bring communities together in the true spirit of celebration Organisations, service providers with a message and product to sell found the ideal event to be at. The celebrations, which mark
the Sikh nation’s collective birthday, saw two huge processions set off from Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in the Jewellery Quarter and the Bab Sang Gurdwara in Sandwell. Led by five Sikhs in ceremonial dress to represent the five original Panj Pyare – The Beloved Ones – who founded the order of the Khalsa, the processions met in the park for live music, entertainment, Punjabi food and crafts. Dr Pyara Singh Bhogal, Chair of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham,
said: “Vaisakhi is a very important event in the Sikh calendar. The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham has organised a fantastic Vaisakhi celebrations in Handsworth Park with the support of the Sikh community, Birmingham City Council, our sponsors and local businesses. Sikhs and non-Sikhs joined together in festive harmony.”
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
The Phoenix – May 2013
Meet the Buyer event a hit with local traders
H Largest Asian business organisation appoints four new recruits to board
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our new business representatives have been elected to the board of the largest Asian business organisation in Greater Birmingham. At the AGM of the Institute of Asian Businesses, part of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, new members joined the board for at least one year in office. Newly elected members include Ms Emb Hashmi, Asian World Newspaper; Ms Dee Kundi, Irwin Mitchell LLP; Mr. Raza U Samar, RUS chartered accountants; and Ms Mashkura Begum, Birmingham Leadership Foundation. They join other members of the committee who until the election of the president are Mr. Nasir Awan, Awan Marketing plc; Miss Anjum Khan, Basic Training Centre Ltd., Mr. Kashif Latif, Hanged Man Productions; Mr. Zaheer Afzal, St. Philips Chamber; Mr. Saqib Bhatti, Younis Bhatti & Co Ltd., Ms. Amina Bukhari, Acorn Primary School; Mr.Aftab Chughtai, Aftabs; Mr. Kamal Hanif, OBE, Waverley School; Mr. Ammo Talwar,MBE, Punch and Mr. Sarabjeet Soar OBE, ITM Economic Development Ltd. At the organisation’s AGM, current president, Nasir Awan
said: “The IAB delivers high quality business services which are complimentary to those offered by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Asian businesses don’t look for help so encouraging them to join an organisation which provides help and support is difficult. Asian businesses are playing a greater role in growing the local economy, so the Chamber set up the IAB to bring Asian businesses into the Chamber, so that they can contribute to the business voice of Greater Birmingham. The IAB works on local issues but national issues affect us locally as well. Previously we have not had a national voice but I have worked with colleagues to establish the National Asian Business Association (NABA) which was launched a couple of months ago. We now have a business voice direct to central government. The Institute of Asian Businesses is a fantastic local organisation, which links to a large group, the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, which links nationally through the NABA. I am delighted to welcome a wide range of skills and expertise to the new committee to drive the organisation forward in 2013.”
undreds of local suppliers found out about a range of business opportunities available to them at a special event in Wolverhampton. ‘Building on Business Success’ gave big name buyers including Wolverhampton City Council, Jaguar Land Rover, Interserve, Beck & Pollitzer, and the finditinwolverhampton business network to showcase their services. And more than 300 traders from across the region took advantage of the opportunity and attended the event, organised by the council and finditinwolverhampton, at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux stadium. Speakers at the event included Councillor Andrew Johnson, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Amar Gangani, Senior Buyer
at Jaguar Land Rover and Mark Green, Senior Project Manager at Interserve. C o u n c i l Business Engagement & Procurement officers took part in one-to-one meetings runnung pre-book- l The speakers at the ‘Building on Business Success’ event. Wolverhampton Council Chief able workshops Executive Simon Warren greeting Jaguar Land Rover’s Senior Buyer Amar Gangani, with Manabout becoming aging Director of IceBlue Marketing and Design Jennifer Long. Looking on are Wolverhampa council sup- ton Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources Councillor Andrew Johnson, Senior Project Manager (Interserve) Mark Green, Business Development and Investment Manager (Wolverplier. Jaguar Land hampton Council) Jay Patel, and General Sales Manager (Beck and Pollitzer) Karl Zimmer. Rover’s conturing Centre at i54 South StafIt is vital for all businesses to struction partner Interserve explained the remain- fordshire, also discussed the in- explore all avenues and see what opportunities are out there for ing supplier opportunities for the ternal fixtures and fittings. Councillor Andrew Johnson, them so it was great to see so building phase. Beck & Pollitzer, strategic Wolverhampton City Council’s many here showcasing their serdevelopment partner for Jaguar Cabinet Member for Resources, vices to a number of big name Land Rover’s Engine Manufac- said: “I am delighted with the buyers.” success of this event.
Immigration Song & the Arts
Ammo’s
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’ve always been behind our city’s unique diversity, and always will be but is our easygoing Brummie openess a flaw? Could it be the reason why Birmingham is rafting down the UK’s deprivation rapids, year after year? Low living standards, low learning standards; a low standard of life Many of the UK’s poorest and most deprived lives are being lived out right here, by our fellow Brummies. Today, in Ladywood, Sparkbrook and Small Heath, people are riding out some of the UK’s highest jobless rates. Could it be that Bir-
mingham’s Job Centres have been looted? Looted by an unrestricted flood of economic migrants??!! Scroungers from Solihull!? Arrivistes from Knowle!? Roughnecks from Little Aston!? Strangers from Sutton Coldfield!? Barbarians from Barnt Green!? Carpetbaggers from Cannock!? As far as most Brummies are concerned, the Blair-era career gravy train rocketed right past, like the HS2. But a human tide of middle class professionals floods Birmingham each day from the suburban shanty towns that ring our City. And nowhere is the gap between the lives of us Brummies and our “executive guest workers” more obvious than in Birmingham’s Multimillion pound cultural sector. Groomed by the Local Authority and a small elite of ‘tastemakers’, half-a-dozen ‘flagship’ venues and ventures in the city centre now hoover up most of the taxpayer and corporate cash. Just like the banks, they’ve become ‘too big to fail’. More and more their program-
ming reflects the tastes – and train timetables – of an exclusive alien clique. And these are venues that could be nurturing our own local talent; developing and bringing to market our own authentic indigenous superstars. That was the recipe over in Bristol and Manchester yesterday, and up in Sheffield and Leeds today. No venue where the wine list is more important than the playlist will ever transform us into Britain’s Barcelona. Instead, a smokescreen of high brow arts, pantos and community projects hides a city centre that looks and feels like an Arts Ibiza for suburban thirtysomethings. Or maybe, another Prague. At Punch, we shudder at a future for Birmingham, where the orchestral hits of John Williams play to stag parties of drunken hedge fund managers every night. Where every new art show is work by old musicians, instead of young painters, and where the real talent performs in derelict warehouses and empty shops, before moving out. We’d
love to start a debate about how your money is spent, or how the our Local Authority in particular without a lead on culture (although Albert Bore says he is the lead, had a culture summit and did nothing after) and others could better support and promote the city’s indigenous independents. We really don’t want privitisation of the arts – or do we? Online comments, tweets and retweets very welcome. Where you at? Ammo Talwar CEO Punch Records @punchrecords
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The Phoenix - May 2013
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Chamber Calls For Greater Links Between Schools and Businesses Group, Steve Brittan, said that preparing young people for later life, particularly in forming links with local businesses, should be one of the core aims of the National l Steve Brittan, President of the Birmingham Chambers. Curriculum. He said: usiness Leaders have “For far too long companies have called upon the govhad problems finding school and ernment to put a university graduates with the greater emphasis on right soft-skills and knowledge preparing young people for for employment. Businesses employment whilst at school, should be able to play an active in response to a consultation on role in the education system and National Curriculum Reform offer valuable careers advice and in England. work experience opportunities.” The president of the Birming“Furthermore, the current sysham Chamber of Commerce tem of school league tables is far
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too narrow. Schools should be rated on the destinations of their leavers, be that employment, apprenticeships, or further education. This would give a real indication of the value that schools provide to pupils and their communities.” In its response to the Department for Education consultation the Chamber expressed concerns about the proposals to strip back curriculum aims and content. The proposal is that individual teachers would have unprecedented freedom over the content they teach. Steve Brittan said: “Combined with proposals to scale back centrally provided support and allow individual schools to commission training as they see fit, this may lead to further educational inequality in the UK, as well managed schools would excel and poorly led schools would fall further behind.”
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Council, doing free assessments at home and other places of choice by clients. “We are commissioned by social services and local authorities to provide that vital support to people in need of help with shopping, cleaning, activity planning, support with self health and wellbeing. One of the vital things we do at Vitality Care is based on nutrition and hydration; Help with planning the right menu so that
our clients eat healthy. Our clients enjoy the food we help prepare, they value the advice and support we give” says Nadene. Providing a full domiciliary service Nadene and Dornette are fully registered with the Care Quality Commission and with a diverse and thriving client-base throughout Walsall with intentions of expanding beyond the borough and also into the private sector.
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HEALTH AND FITNESS
The Phoenix – May 2013
Strategy in place for autistic adults
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new strategy addressing the needs of adults with autism in Birmingham was launched on World Autism Awareness Day last month. Supported by a Birmingham-wide Joint Strategic Needs Assessment the strategy was developed following the Autism Act of 2009 and the National Strategy ‘Rewarding and Fulfilling Lives’ which were brought in by the Government in response to an identified gap in provision for adults It sets out the vision for supporting the 10-20,000 adults with autism in the city, clearly defining that whatever their age, they should have the same opportunities as anyone else to live “rewarding and fulfilling lives”. Developed in partnership with adults with autism, parents, voluntary organisations, charities, West Midlands Police, NHS, Autism West Midlands and the local authority, the strategy has a clear aim to improve the lives of those living with autism.
City Hospital Cardiologist achieves international acclaim
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l Professor Lars Rasmussen, Professor Gregory Lip and Finn Kjærsdam, Rector of Aalborg University.
Dr Ashok Roy, Chair Birmingham Partnership Autism Board said: “This strategy is needed to ensure that we are supporting adults and their families living with the issues surrounding autism.”
Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, Councillor Steve Bedser, comments: “This strategy represents a major step forward in terms of support and care for people across the city living with autism.”
City Hospital expert has won international recognition for his work to help treat heart patients. Consultant Cardiologist, Professor Gregory Lip, has been given an honorary doctorate from Aalborg University in Denmark. The doctorate was awarded in recognition of the significant contribution Professor Lip has made tothe University and the field of cardiovascular medicine. For a number of years, Professor Lip has worked closely with Professor Lars H Rasmussen from Aalborg University’s Fac-
ulty of Medicine, where he also teaches and supervises research students. The honorary doctorate particularly acknowledges the extensive research Professor Lip has carried out into the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. His research is internationally recognised and has had a major impact on national and international guidelines for the treatment of this condition. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat affecting people over the age of 65. The successful management of
this condition is critical because it dramatically increases a patient’s risk of stroke. As an international authority on atrial fibrillation, Professor Lip’s research and recommendations havechanged the way patients with this common type of irregular heartbeat are assessed and treated, in order to reduce their overall risk. The honorary doctorate was presented to Professor Lip by Finn Kjærsdam, Rector of Aalborg University, at a formal graduation ceremony in Aalborg.
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Boots UK new in-store programme helps asthma sufferers
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ith a new instore asthma support programme started, pharmacists at all Boots UK 2,500 stores have received bespoke training to help people to improve its management. Sufferers can get an Asthma Control Test (ACT), Inhaler Technique Check and a comprehensive pack containing information and advice on living with asthma. The check helps people prescribed with an inhaler to understand all aspects of how to use their inhaler (For your information, research shows that three
million adults in the UK do not have their asthma under control and 71% are not using their inhalers properly) For 21-year-old classical soprano and opera singer, Kendal Bradshaw, the new service is a God-send. Kendal first found out she had asthma when she was approximately 11. As a child, she found her condition caused her to feel out of breath and gave her symptoms such as wheezing. However, when Kendal took up singing, she felt that her asthma symptoms improved and she was able to breathe more easily. Kendal now finds that she rarely needs to use her inhaler to con-
trol her condition. She said: “As it has been my dream since childhood, I was keen to continue to sing and not let asthma get in the way of my ambition. Since I decided to take up singing, my asthma has really improved and it no longer gives me any problems.” Despite having asthma, Kendal continues to grow as a classical singer; she now tours regularly with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and has had the opportunity to perform in many concert halls nationwide, as well as in Italy and Austria.
The Phoenix - May 2013
LEGAL SERVICES - SUPPORTED BY
Supported by
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Ryan Sparrow
Features Co-ordinator
ryan.sparrow@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
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elcome to the May edition of The Phoenix Newspaper’s Legal Services section. In this months edition, the Birmingham Law Society talks us through the recent legal aid cuts and what that means for you and we also have a feature on the reasons that people choose a career in law, with a number of lawyers giving their reasons. As usual, we also have barrister, Jennifer Housen giving her monthly offering of immigration advice. My ambition to become a lawyer wasn’t something which came to me one day or at all recently. I have held this ambition to become a solicitor for about the past 10 years. I can’t say that it has been my only career ambition for the past 10 years, but that is when it began, somewhat embarrassingly when I watched the film Legally Blonde.
I
am a law graduate from Nottingham Trent University, having a particular interest in commercial areas of the law.
The course has been described as a ‘mini-degree’ such is the content covered and what should have been a two-year course was condensed into one. I managed to obtain a C grade and with it a greater ambition to continue to study the law. This, I did at college, studying A-Level law where a couple of excellent teachers helped me to grow as a law student and advised me to go to university.
Each month, we will bring you the latest legal news and advice, which is suitable to you with the full backing and support of the Birmingham Law Society. We will present editorial from participating law firms who feel the need to share some advice on the options available to a person in particular situations.
I ended up studying law at Nottingham Trent University, three years that I can truly say were the best of my life so far. During this time, unlike some who study law at university, my ambition didn’t fade. I decided that I wanted to work in commercial law having enjoyed studying it greatly, even doing my dissertation on a commercial topic, which has now been published. I completed my degree with a 2.1.
It is hoped that this section will help to establish links between the legal profession and the wider public and break down barriers to legal advice for ordinary people. If you have any legal problems that you would like advice on, or if you would like to advertise in the Legal Services section, please email me at ryan.sparrow@thephoenixnewspaper.com or you can follow us on Twitter at @ThePhoenix_Law.
In my young and impressionable state, studying law at Harvard and commanding a court room seemed fascinating and firmly planted the seed in my mind that I would one day like to become a lawyer. This seed started to sprout when in year 10 at school, the opportunity arose for me to study law at GCSE, albeit after school as an extra qualification.
Legal News in Brief The trial of Mick and Mairead Philpott and Paul Mosely has come to a conclusion. All three of the defendants in the case were found guilty of six counts of manslaughter in relation to the house fire that killed six of the Philpotts’ children. Mick Philpott was sentenced to life in prison, but will be eligible for parole in 15 years, whilst Mairead Philpott and Paul Mosely have both received a 17 year sentence, of which they will serve half. The Chambers 100 shortlist, listing the 100 best business
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lawyers in the country has been announced. Of the London dominated list, which is ranked based on legal capability and customer service, three Birmingham lawyers appear. The three Birmingham lawyers are Simon Baylis and Patrick Duxbury, each of Wragge & Co; and Anne O’Meara of Squire Sanders. 81 of the 100 solicitors listed were from London, with Clifford Chance the most heavily featured firm with 19 of its solicitors listed. Greater Manchester Police has become the first police force to classify attacks against members
of subcultures, such as goths and emos, as hate crimes. Previously, hate crime only included attacks based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity. It is not known whether other police forces will follow suit. Stella English, winner of the Apprentice in 2010, has lost in her claim for constructive dismissal at the tribunal brought against Alan Sugar’s company, Amshold Group. Miss English claimed that she had no real role at IT firm, Viglen, for which she was paid £100,000 per year. Lord Sugar stated that he had no case to answer and that Miss English was effectively blackmailing him. The tribu-
nal judges agreed with Lord Sugar, stating that “this was a claim which should never have been brought”. Keir Starmer QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who is the head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that he is to step down from the position having held the post for the past five years. The DPP is responsible for prosecution and criminal justice decisions. On leaving the post, Starmer said “I have enjoyed my time very much and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the important work of the CPS until my term of office ends.”
Tel : 0845 475 1996 Employment Law 0121 270 1566 Injunctions Law Fax: 0121 523 5295 Domestic Violence Law
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Branston Court, Branston Street, Birmingham, B18 6BA
Page 8
LEGAL SERVICES - IMMIGRATION
with Jennifer Housen
The Phoenix – May 2013
My Child, I will not forsake you
O
ur focus for this month is child immigration. How do you tackle the immigration process as it relates to obtaining a visa for to have your child come and settle with you in the UK? As usual, we encourage questions but strongly urge you to seek individual advice on your particular circumstances. The process involved in having your child (or children) come to settle with you in the UK can be a heart-breaking and tedious one. It means, therefore, that you have to be prepared to produce the documents that will be required to show that you (and your child) meet the criteria for the child to come and live with you in the UK. There are slightly different rules for (1) British citizens and persons with ILR from (2) EEA National families living in the UK. Although we will mainly review the law relating to British Nationals and persons with ILR, if you are in an EEA family unit, then you have a lower threshold to satisfy to have your child come to live with you in the UK. You will only need to show that (1) you are the parent/step-parent of the child, (2) you are an EEA national living in the UK and (3) the child is under 21.
If you are a British National, or if you have ILR, and wish to have your non-EEA child join you in the UK, there are stringent requirements for you and your child to meet. You must show that (1) you (the parent) are a British Citizen, or Non-EEA national with Indefinite Leave to Remain; (2) you have accommodation and enough funds to care for the child when the child arrives in the UK (3) the child is under 18 (if a child is over 18 he/she has to apply in their own right and a child application can-
not be made) (4) both parents are living in the UK OR one parent is living in the UK and that UK parent has ‘sole responsibility’ for the child. Generally, persons are able to meet the criteria for the first three requirements and if both parents are in the UK the fourth is also satisfied and an application will not be too difficult to make. However, most cases fall within the category of there being one parent in the UK and it is that parent who is seeking to have the child join him/
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We: Understand the Caribbean Community Office in Jamaica for your convenience Serving the Immigrant Community since 2005
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020 7738 6081 (876) 754-1170 (Jamaica) To make an appointment in Birmingham call
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her in the UK. As such, the biggest obstacle you will face as the UK parent making a visa application, is to show the immigration officer dealing with your child’s visa application, that you are the parent with ‘sole responsibility’ for that child. Regarding meeting the ‘sole responsibility’ requirement, the UK parent must show that he/ she has been solely responsible for exercising parental care over the child for a substantial period. That means that the factors which are taken into account include (1) whether the child has been left in the care of the UK parent’s family, or with the family of the non-UK parent (or worse, lives with the other parent), (2) if there is a custody award to the UK parent (3) the length of time the parent has been away from the child and visits made by the UK parent to see the child (4) arrangements which were made for the child before the UK parent’s departure (5) the support of the child by the UK parent not only by financial remittances, but by direct personal care and
making important decisions regarding the child. If you and your child meet the requirements, you stand a good chance of your child joining you to live in the UK. If you are not the parent of the child, and you are the child’s guardian, you need to show that there are serious and compelling reasons such as emotional, physical or mental, requiring the child to come and live with you in the UK. Contact The Immigration UK Partnership for more details, and for an appointment in London or Birmingham.
FREE SUMMER IMMIGRATION SEMINARS LONDON BIRMINGHAM BRISTOL All your immigration questions answered!! Venues and Dates TBC Contact us for further information 020 7738 6081
07432638198 (876) 754-1170 (Jamaica) Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing in this column, or associated pages, advertisements, documents, comments, answers, responses or other communications in connection with it should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information in this column and on this page, or viewing of this information does not constitute a legal relationship or legal privilege, nor is it intended to be relied upon, solely or otherwise, as a basis of legal advice for subsequent action.
http://www.facebook.com/immigrationuk
About Jennifer
J
ennifer Housen is a barrister-at-law qualified to practice in England & Wales. Additionally, she is an attorney-at-law qualified to practice in the USA in the state of New York, and also qualified to practice in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Jennifer was born in Jamaica and moved to Britain as a teenager. Jennifer gained experience in immigration law having been an oversight Director of Programmes on the Immigration & Asylum Accreditation Scheme when the UK government sought to set an assessment framework all for immigration lawyers and advisors. Building on her academic experience in the area, Jennifer’s immigration practice has helped thousands of applicants with their immigration matters including entry clearance, visitor applications, deportations, removals and leave to remain. She has particular associations with the Caribbean community and has a dedicated immigration office, Immigration UK Limited, in the Jamaican capital of Kingston, which has assisted her many clients over the last few years. She has appeared as a guest adviser on immigration law on several radio and television programmes in Jamaica and the UK. With an expanding immigration practice, and conscious of the needs of her clients in the UK who she had assisted with their entry clearance visas, Jennifer opened The Immigration UK Partnership in July 2011, together with Kemesha Lynch, an experienced immigration solicitor. The Immigration UK Partnership has worked intimately with its clients in their immigration matters including detention, indefinite leave to remain, discretionary leave to remain and deportation matters. The firm continues to go from strength to strength as it takes a personal and sensitive approach to its clients and their needs. The firm further supports its clients and the community by delivering free immigration seminars at various locations/times throughout the year. The Immigration UK Partnership’s office is in Brixton, London, however Jennifer is able to see clients in Birmingham by appointment. Questions can be asked through the firm’s Facebook page, but responses are limited as individual circumstances differ and may require an appointment. Jennifer Housen, Barrister-at-law (England & Wales), Attorney-at-law (USANY & Jamaica).
The Phoenix - May 2013
LEGAL SERVICES - SUPPORTED BY
The impact of Legal Aid changes
S
ome say that April Fools days was an apt date for the implementation of those sections of The Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 ("LASPO") that made significant changes to the supply and scope of Legal Aid. Changes in eligibility limits mean only the poorest will qualify for legal aid, leaving a larger number of people on very low incomes without the possibility of access to specialist legal advice, because they simply cannot afford it. Those still eligible for legal aid may find that this of no benefit,
given its limited availability for a number of areas of law. People who might otherwise have the contact with their children, the correct level of benefits or compensation for housing disrepair, will lose out because they cannot afford the necessary specialist advice. Those firms focused on providing legal support to the most disadvantaged in society will suffer a loss of income and some may no longer be viable. Where cases reach court or a tribunal, judges are likely to be under greater pressure dealing with people stressed by their circumstances and the legal process, without the medium of experienced legal representatives. Cases are likely to take longer as a result, or there may be more scope for miscarriages of justice to occur. The legal and social consequences of people not having effective access to justice could mean that rather than saving any money, it costs us all more in the longer run. Perhaps the only positive note is that lawyers are likely to be more appreciated by their absence than they have been when more readily available. Martin Allsopp, President of
l Martin Allsopp, left, President of the Birmingham Law Society the Birmingham Law Society
Page 9
Why embark upon a career in the law? “What I wanted from a career in law was to be part of a culture that has a strong sense of community. Whilst solicitors come from very different backgrounds and we each do very different types of law there are certain underlying principles that bind us together and give us common ground on which to share jokes, experiences, debates even build friendships. Equally, through community, junior solicitors are given the opportunity to become engaged in developing and directing the profession and in this way we play a small part in a history that helps maintain a stable society.’’ Oliver Geidel, Solicitor, Christine Lee & Co (Solicitors) Ltd.
''Having worked in human resources in the law for 9 years, I can safely say that the challenges never end, nor the opportunities for personal development that they present. Working within the business support area of the law means that you can closely align yourself to the sector and become an expert in your own field. I chose to work within the law due to the variety of roles within the profession which in turns creates variety in my role, for example, in recruitment and looking at training needs for the wide range of professionals within the firm.''
“I completed my undergraduate degree at The University of Liverpool in French and Hispanic Studies, graduating with a 2:1. Whilst at University I took the decision to pursue a career in the law following graduation. The reason for this was because I wanted a career where there would always be the opportunity to progress, embrace change, and explore new opportunities, building on experience gained, and using and developing skills learned. I saw that the skills I was acquiring during my time studying languages would be directly transferrable to a career in the law, and that was exactly right. I find working as a solicJennifer Nicholson, Human Re- itor to be a varied, intellectusources Manager, SGH Martineau ally stimulating, and satisfying LLP. career. My advice to anyone
''It sounds clichéd but I wanted to go into the law in order to help people. I wanted to do a job which was both intellectually engaging and involved a high level of contact with people. I felt that as a solicitor I would meet a wide section of society and
help people at times in their life when they needed someone with the right skills and knowledge of the system to stand up for them or find a solution which they couldn’t see themselves'' Ann Houghton, Solicitor, Irwin Mitchell LLP
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Page 10
ENTERTAINMENT
The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine
www.streetcredmagazine.com
W
elcome to the new exciting Street Cred Magazine entertainment and lifestyle section to be featured every month in the Phoenix Newspaper. Myself and assistant editor Daniel Riley will bring you the most funky and glamorous news in the Fashion world, weighty news in the music industry and keeping you in the know with what’s
really hot in gadgets. Street Cred brings to you what we see as the in thing. We are very excited about our collaboration with The Phoenix as we are able to reach more readers every month and of course these pages are only a teaser from our 100 page digital edition which you can view online at our website above. SC is always cutting edge bright and devoted to bringing
The Phoenix – May 2013
Check out the newest edition of Street Cred out now! Mark Dwayne
positive news to our readers. We also accept editorial contributions and ideas you may have for our section. Street Cred entertainment is one of the biggest and most credible features you will ever find in a newspaper. We are a 16 year established name brand so what we will bring to you will be the very best international news.
Daniel Riley Ian McLaughlin
Shafqat Amanat brings Bollywood to town
C
lassical singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan will be visiting Birmingham’s LG Arena on June 16 with a mind-blowing performance, full of hits. Some of Shafqat’s most popular works include ‘Aankhon Ke Saagar,’ ‘Khamaj,’ ‘Ankhiyan’ and ‘Mitwa’. More recently he sang ‘Teri Jhuki Nazar’ for the 2013 movie Murder 3 starring Randeep Hooda and Aditi Rao Hydari. He was also recently featured on
MTV Unplugged Season 2. The Pakistani singer belonging to Patiala Gharana lineage and is the youngest brother of the late Asad Amanat Ali Khan. A lead vocalist of the Pakistani rock band Fuzön, he was awarded the President's Pride of Performance civil award in 2007. Shafqat was introduced to Bollywood by Shankar Mahadevan and sang "Mitwa" composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy for the movie Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
The song made it into the Indian charts, helping propel Shafqat into stardom. He was also the voice behind the critically acclaimed song ‘Yeh Honsla’ in the Bollywood film Dor. After leaving the band Fuzon in 2006, Shafqat concentrated on his solo career. Based on folk and Sufi works, the album Tabeer was commissioned and released by Music Today in mid-September 2008. He released his second solo album Kyun Dooriyan in 2010.
Rem Conway is banging the drum talent in the arts
Damage Look out for the full story in the June edition of Street Cred Magazine
H
e’s come a long way, from regular schoolboy at Birmingham’s Hamstead Hall School, to one of Britain’s most outstanding new playwright. Actor, director and author, Rem Conway, has already written his first book and set up his own production company. And now, still only 18-yearsold, he’s about to stage his own self-wrote and directed Jamaican-style comedy; ‘Uncle Ben The Wedding.’ The hugely talented Rem, who founded his own; ‘G.R.A.F.T Entertainment/Productions’ company at just 17-years-old has played host to many shows across Britain, picking up awards along the way, including the ‘Art Award’ at the Celebrating Youth Excellence Awards 2012. His first book is: ‘Do you feel me?… The Mind Unleashed…’ With a life-long yearning for the performing arts, Rem cut his teeth at the renowned YGB (Young, Gifted, Brum) Work-
by Steve Williams
steve.williams@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
shop, at The Drum Theatre, in Birmingham. YGB is a programme of free
weekly creative workshops for children and young people with an emphasis on developing practical skills in acting, design, filmmaking/digital art and scriptwriting. Under the expert guidance of Sarah Blackstock, Head of Young People & Creative Learn-
ing at The Drum, with drama tutor, Dan Donaldson and spoken word specialist, TaN Mathews he starred in their highly acclaimed ‘The Carnival,’ before again massing great reviews in second role there, in the equally successful YGB play; ‘Ransom.’ “It’s been a wurlwind past few years,” says the amiable Rem, continuing: “but, with the the fantastic support from mum, Donna and positive influence from my Uncle Clint (Dunkley) I knew the sky would be the limits for me. What great role-models they are in my life.” Famed fellow Brummie, Adrian Lester is another inspiration for the young star in the making: “Adrian’s a great friend and inspiration in this field. He gave me some valuable advice which I will always go by,” he said. ‘Uncle Ben - The Wedding’ tells a story of a precarious marriage to be. We all make mistakes but has eager bride, Collet mades the biggest mistake of her life? See it is at The Drum from May 30 to June 1.
The Phoenix - May 2013
Page 11
ENTERTAINMENT
The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine
MASTERS OF THE AIRWAVES
A
The Rise and Rise of Underground Radio
discussion list of guest speakers including Lindsay Wesker of MTV Bass, Dave VJ, who with Wesker created Kiss FM, musician, entrepreneur and PCRL founder, Cecil Morris, former RadioWM funkmaster, Freaky Dee, ex-Piccadilly Radio’s Mike Shaft and organiser, DJ and radio presenter, Anthony Quaile, aka Frenchie-T, led a forum to launch ‘Masters of The Airwaves - The Rise and Rise of Underground Radio.’ Created by the afore mentioned Kiss FM founders, the launch, at The Penthouse Loft Lounge, was the Birmingham leg of a nationwide tour highlighting the history of underground radio in Britain, with forwards from the
likes of Trevor Nelson and Soul II Soul’s Jazzy-B. Sharing their individual experiences, it proved a night where appreciation was the order of the day, with every speaker, on the panel and in the audience, The book, a hardback in the shape and size of that own bit of history, a 12” record, is full of facts, figures, stunning images, afros and flares and, above all, an in-depth history of the forerunner of what we here and how we here what we here today. With equally-distinguished names like Kenny B, Robbie Holland, Andy Ward, Pilot, Mr. Merry, Bruce Q, G-Man and Gary Ward leading a ‘who’swho’ of the very best of radio in the 80’s, 90’s and onwards. With a distinctive lack of today’s young, fresh voices of
the airwaves present, it was underground radio pioneer, Morris, who, in reminiscing over his own considerable groundbreaking, history-making, often life-threatening contribution to the formation of radio for underground music, highlighted the importance of involving the next generation as plans are already afoot to launch Masters of The Airwaves II: “For the history of underground radio to be nurtured you have to tell the next generation your story,” he said. “This is a part of our legacy for radio and media today,” says Wesker ‘Masters of The Airwaves - The Rise and Rise of Underground Radio’ is on sale in bookshops and online.
When Ian met Lindsay
D
Js Dave VJ and Lindsay Wesker, two influential figures of underground radio in the 1980’s, relive the era in the book; ‘Masters Of The Airwaves.’ Featuring a series of great interviews and stunning pictures, it’s contributors include the likes of David Rodigan MBE, Trevor Nelson MBE, Norman Jay MBE, Jazzie B OBE, Judge Jules, Gordon Mac, Caron Wheeler, and many more. As part of the nationwide tour, Wesker talked to Big Screen Editor, Ian McLaughlin.
IM: Why did you want to do the book? LW: The subject has never been written about before. IM: How did you contact the contributors involved? LW: You know what DJs are like. They’re a disorganised bunch. Getting round to them was a nightmare. With the aid of Steve Ripley, a veteran of Sony and CBS, we did a questionnaire for promoters, DJs and the likes. Then worldwide response was overwhelming. The feedback was fantastic. IM: I read that you are already an author. LW: Before I got involved
with music I followed my father, who was a playwright. I wrote plays and screenplays before moving on to writing fiction and non-fiction books. IM: And KISS FM came along. Was that a tough road to tread? LW: I worked with KISS for four years, doing whatever to pay the bills, playing sets up and down the country. But I believed in the cause and had to take a gamble. IM: Moving forward, you played at Birmingham’s Powerhouse on a Monday night. What was that like back then? LW: I enjoyed it there. A
beautiful venue! Between 1981 and ‘83 I was invited there many times, not headlining, but just having a great time at that club. I loved travelling up to Birmingham. IM: You must have played Powerhouse’s club-within-aclub, the Bali High? LW: Yeah! That’s where I first met Anthony “Frenchie” Qualley, Shaun “Red” Williams, Mambo Shaun Upland and many more. IM: You kinda discovered Madonna when you wrote for Black Echoes. What was she like? LW: We did a big feature when she first came to Britain. I was assigned to interview her and she was scheduled to do a PA at a club. Madonna was/is a focused
business woman. I took photos of her-one of which is featured in the book. She broke; ‘Holiday’ and ‘Get into the Groove’ here which blew up soon afterwards. IM: Ok so you got most of the DJs to contribute but along the way you interviewed a lot of your heroes. Do you wish they were in the book? LW: A lot of those who I interviewed back then are dead now; Luther Vandross, Donna Summer, James Brown, Nick Ashford and Gil Scott Heron. IM: You have plans for a second edition? LW: Yeah, that should be easier to do as we’re meeting at lot more DJs along the journey. Just watch the ride.
Page 12
BIG SCREEN
The Phoenix – May 2013
The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine
G.I. Joe:Retaliation (12A)***
BIGScreen A Edited by Ian McLaughlin
ll hell lets loose in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, the delayed sequel to 2009’s rather good “The Rise of Cobra”. My hopes were high that this movie might have a better script, a better storyline and better
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Channing Tatum, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Stevenson, Ray Park. Directed by Jon M. Chu
characterisation than the slambam ‘let’s blow up Paris for the Hell of it’ original. Sadly, this is full of muscular men running around firing guns, and more guns. And hey, London whooped this time round but that’s cool because it’s not in America. There is a plot. We are reintroduced to the G.I. Joe squad in a sequence which is visually not bad on the big screen and we’re reminded that the Cobra organisation has infiltrated the White House and replaced the President with an evil double (played by Jonathan Pryce) and he gives the order for the GI Joe squad to be wiped out and it’s up to new ‘Joe,’ Dwayne Johnson to organise the survivors into a crack force to destroy Cobra’s sinister plan to plunge the world into complete nuclear chaos. His plan involves chasing off to the Himalayas (and this action set-piece genuinely thrills) and brining back the original GI Joe, Bruce Willis.
In no time, Dwayne and Bruce are rushing round, shooting down the bad guys and blowing up everything in sight so they can sign up for the obvious sequel. GI Joe: Retaliation isn’t dumb stuff but it’s far better than ‘The Rise of Cobra’. The script is soso and movie becomes a rush of explosions and bangs and flashes but the 3D conversion which caused the nine month delay in the film’s release actually work wonders! Overall, it’s a waste of good actors who deserve a better script because they do have a large presence. Dwayne actually acts, Bruce is moody and gives his usual one-liners and there’s some well choreographed but great fight sequences. Regardless, this movie looks like it will make more cash than its predecessor at the box office and swell the coffers of toy manufacturer Hasbro. A third G.I. Joe waiting for the go ahead.
Iron Man 3 (12A)****
I
‘
Place Behind the Pines (15)***
E
ven longer at 140 minutes, but a safer bet if you’re in search of entertainment, is The Place Beyond The Pines. Three films for the price of one, the first stars Ryan Gosling as a motorbike stunt-rider who turns bank-robber to support his illegitimate baby son, born after a one-night stand. The scenes between Gosling and Eva Mendes (now his reallife girlfriend) have chemistry, and there’s pathos in the way Gosling’s none-too-bright character tries and fails to do the right thing. The second part traces the ca-
Starring Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper Directed by Derek Cianfrance reer of a cop (Bradley Cooper), who again tries to do the right thing when he becomes a hero within his department and tries to blow the whistle on police corruption. The third part of the triptych occurs years later, when the cop’s and robber’s sons become friends at high school. Neither tries very hard to do the right thing. Derek Cianfrance’s second film is more ambitious than his first, Blue Valentine, and
has the sweep of a blockbuster novel. Unfortunately, Gosling’s charisma unbalances the three stories, making the second and third anti-climactic. Either of the first two sections could have been deepened and expanded to make a decent movie. The third is nowhere near as well acted, and seems tacked on to please a teenage demographic that won’t like the movie anyway.
ron Man Three’ (not Iron Man 3 as shown in all the ads) is a straight follow up to The Avengers! Tony Stark is now prone to many panic attacks, thanks to the after effects from the New York battle in that movie and he practically use his iron suits for sheer personal protection, a bit of a recluse but he has to contend with two new villains taken from Marvel comics. The Mandarin, (Kingsley), an evil leader of a worldwide terrorist group and Aldrich Killian (Pearce), a manic geneticist at his company A.I.M., who has invented ‘Extremis’, (from the excellent 2006 graphic novel of the same name) a virus that, vaporizes his victims’ guts in his early experiments but later, perfects it to make himself and his henchmen ‘hot weapons’. Shane Black, who created the Lethal Weapon films, famously set the blueprint for the buddy cop genre for the years to come. He does not lose touch with the man behind the ‘iron mask’ as Tony Stark is unmasked and is after all, a mere mortal. His new Mark VIII armour is radically
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle and Jon Favreau. Directed by Shane Black different thanks to the new technology created by Stark. The new suit can be, at will, be a swarm of free-flying components that individually clunk into place on his body, so in some scenes he’ll have an armoured left leg and right arm, while the rest of him remains human, vulnerable, and visible. Black and co-writer, Drew Pearce has injected some life support in this fourth outing for the superhero as the writer and director to deliver a funny, moving and action-packed adventure. Shane has an instinctive trademark feel for maintaining action set-pieces against soap-opera scenes that seem to work naturally. Robert Downey Jr. is brilliant and this time he benefits from being able to show off a somewhat more serious side. The guy is a great, dramatic actor and that’s on full frontal display in this, that maybe his final outing. The supporting cast are great too; Don Cheadle, as Col. James Rhodes, Stark’s best friend and pilot of
Iron Man’s official US military counterpart War Machine, channels the Lethal Weapon style ‘banter’, like Murtaugh to Downey’s Riggs and as Tony’s PA and girlfriend Pepper Potts, Gwyneth Paltrow is clearly having fun, especially when she gets her chance to wear the Mark VIII armour. Kingsley’s Mandarin is the best on-screen ‘villain’ I‘ve seen since the late Heath Ledger’s Joker in The Dark Knight; this characters dialogue is impeccable and there is a twist with the character that die-hard Marvel fans may not like but the revelation is something I was not expecting! WETA Digital takes over the special effects duties from Industrial Light and Magic, and they produce some stunning CGI effect sequences. Disney and Marvel have another exciting blockbuster on their hands, and make sure stay behind for the usual post credit sequence that features a well known Marvel character!
The Phoenix - May 2013
The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine
First Look!!
Page 13
BIG SCREEN
Jamie Foxx As “Electro”In The Amazing Spider-Man 2!
S
hooting on the sequel has been in full swing (whoops!) for some time now, and the public hanging around Times Square in New York got a surprise when the production crew moved in to film a scene featuring Jamie Foxx as Electro. This photo of him on set shows
W
alt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm have made a collective statement at the recent Las Vegas’ CinemaCon to confirm that we can expect to see a lot more STAR WARS goodness from 2015. With J.J. Abrams’ STAR WARS: EPISODE VII already confirmed for 2015, it’s now been announced that we will then see a new STAR WARS film every year after that. Don’t be expecting the saga to rush through EPISODE VIII and EPISODE IX, though. The format will apparently alternate each year between the new trilogy and standalone solo outings from characters. So, those stories of Han Solo, Boba Fett and Yoda getting individual films may just come to fruition. That said, there’s still no confirmation on exactly how many solo films are being planned, although the possibilities are literally endless as long as there’s a dollar to be drained from the franchise.
him coated in a silver-blue paint with selecate silver lines streaking across his face. He also appears to be wearing contacts. When the LED lights in his ‘hoodie’ are switched on, Foxx’s look gets a bit more intense, but this is definitely different from the classic Electro costume design from the comics. It remains to be seen how Foxx looks once CGI effects are added to his costume and how fans will respond to the change. “Director Marc Webb and all those guys who are doing it are smart,” Foxx said of the new costume back in December.
“They know that it has to make sense in 2013 so the suit is really slick. It’s not green. It’s actually black.” Peter Parker (Garfield) finds that his life is busy, between taking out the bad guys as SpiderMan and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), and wishes high school graduation can't come quickly enough. Peter hasn't forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen's father to protect her by staying away but that's a promise he just can't keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past. "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" opens April 18th 2014.
Olympus Has Fallen (15)***
G
erard Butler plays a former Presidential security guard who has shifted to a desk job after failing to save the First Lady in a car accident. (Ashley Judd in a small role). From his desk he sees Korean terrorists commit mass slaughter in the White House, (yep, corny I know) taking the President (Aaron Eckhart) and making Morgan Freeman, the acting Prez, withdraw all forces from the coast of North Korea. It’s uncanny that North Korea are the villains of the piece here given today’s real life antics of that country. This is blatant ‘Die Hard in the White House’. If you like seeing a ‘Scottish American’ shoot, punch and stab Koreans, well this is right up your street. Director Antoine Fuqua and the studio has brought this movie out before the release of anoth-
Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Angela Bassett and Morgan Freeman Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
er ‘get the Prez!’ movie “White House Down”, a near-copycat movie starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx. In Olympus, the good ol’ Prez says America does no deals with terrorists, but hey, the acting Prez does the opposite. The script does a competent job of gradually raising the stakes. As the film continues, the whole country is under threat from nuclear annihilation. Rick Yune is the leader of a
small terrorist group who have an impressive of American military technology and knowledge of a top secret system that destroys US missiles. Nowhere in the film, is it explained how they got them in the first place. Overall, this is a typical, slick Hollywood action movie, very fast-paced. Some people will find it stupidly entertaining. I could not wait to get home and watch Die Hard again, to clear my head.
The Return Of Machete!
PREVIEW: Ron R Howard’s ‘Rush’
T
wo-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon), teams once again with fellow two-time Academy Award® nominee, writer Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen), on ‘Rush’, a spectacular bigscreen re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The epic action-drama stars Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers) as the charismatic Englishman James Hunt and Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) as the disciplined Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda, whose clashes on the Grand Prix racetrack epitomized the contrast
between these two extraordinary characters, a distinction reflected in their private lives. Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, Rush portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the world has ever witnessed— handsome English playboy Hunt and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Lauda. Taking us into their personal lives on and off the track, Rush follows the two drivers as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error. If you make one mistake, you die. In UK cinemas on Sept 13th.
emember in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, Tom Savini's Sex Machine had that awesome groin gun thingy? Well looks like Sofia Vergara's ‘Madame Desdemona’ has taken a leaf out of his book and come up with a unique method of dispatching her enemies too! ‘Machete Kills’ is an upcoming action film, written and directed by Robert Rodriguez. It is the second in a proposed series that started with the 2010 film Machete. Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba and Michelle Rodriguez will be reprising their roles from the first film, and are joined by new-
comers Sofía Vergara, Demián Bichir, Amber Heard, Antonio Banderas, Zoe Saldana, Edward James Olmos, Vanessa Hudgens, Cuba Gooding Jr., Alexa Vega, William Sadler, Lady Gaga, Marko Zaror with Charlie Sheen and Mel Gibson.
The film will follow the titular ex-federale (Trejo) as he is recruited by the US President (Sheen) to stop an arms dealer (Gibson) from launching a deadly missile. Out in cinemas September 13, 2013.
Page 14
GADGETS
The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine
World First Curved OLED TV
URGEON IMULATOR
D
L
G Electronics (LG) presented a revolutionary curved OLED TV at the 2013 International CES. This new step forward features a dramatic curved design and vivid picture quality providing true to life colours. Utilising a number of algorithms, superior proprietary technology and refinements, LG’s
The Phoenix – May 2013
OLED TV’s ensure rich colours and deep black expression. Due to the usage of OLEDs, which generate their own light, the reduced weight and depth that comes from having no need for a separate backlight structure creates a beautifully formed appearance. LG’s OLED TVs combine the company’s industry-leading
CINEMA 3D technology with Smart TV capabilities, creating LG’s most immersive and comprehensive home entertainment experience to date.
20I3
eveloped out of a demo created for a 48 hour game jam in January, Surgeon Simulator 2013 is a hilariously difficult, yet oddly compelling game allowing you to take part in what could be described as a digital version of the boardgame "Operation". Assuming that in the original game you could 'accidentally'
game throws you into the operating room and lets you get on with killing your patient as fast as you can. At least that's how it worked for me! Once you get used to the controls and manage to get a grip on the tools at your disposal, you find yourself happily toiling inside your poor victim, uh, I mean patients, body. With a number of easter eggs and a rather catchy
drop a coffee cup in your patient, and lose half of their vital organs out of the back of the moving ambulance of course. Using a control system that will have you pulling your hair out just as quickly as you will pull out your patients intestines with an accidental twitch, the
soundtrack, the game does what it does so well. The game is joyously addicting and over the top silly which just adds to it's charm. A snap at only £6.99 on the Steam Store, Surgeon Simulator 2013 is a great timesink. 7/10
W
atch out for the June edition of The Phoenix for information about the next generation of the Xbox console.
Unveiling is scheduled for May 21st at 10.00am, with rumours of a launch date to be around the same time as the previously announced PS4.
T&T SPECIAL REPORT
United in Sustainable Tourism
l Officials cutting the ribbon to mark the start of the 14th Sustainable Tourism Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago between April 15-18 2013.
Look inside for all the information from the 14th Sustainable Tourism Conference
Reduced Money Transfer Fee to the Caribbean Available at all Agent locations FAST
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Subject to money transfer terms and conditions.
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Page II
The Phoenix – May 2013
INTRODUCTION
About the hosts : Trinidad & Tobago
T
he twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 14th annual Sustainable Tourism Conference. Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Tourism, Raye Sandy, received the CTO Sustainable Tourism Mahogany Scroll from Guyana’s Tourism Minister, the Honorable Irfaan Ali at the closing of STC-13 in Guyana, confirming Trinidad and Tobago as host of the 14th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC14). Trinidad hosted the second STC in April 1998, while STC7 was held in Tobago in April 2009. Trinidad and Tobago officially the Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago, is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying just off the coast of north eastern Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. It shares maritime boundaries with other nations including Barbados to the northeast, Grenada to the northwest, Guyana to the southeast, and Venezuela to the south and west. The country covers an area 5,128 square kilometres (1,980 sq mi) and consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and numerous smaller landforms. Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the main
islands, comprising about 94% of the total area and 96% of the total population of the country. The nation lies outside the hurricane belt. Trinidad and Tobago is known for its Carnival and is the birthplace of steelpan, calypso, soca, chutney and limbo. The true Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago offers travelers a unique experience like no other. While there you should Exp he true Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago offers travelers a unique experience like no other. Explore our Caribbean islands rich history, culture, and biodiversity. Find the
perfect accommodation for your trip to Trinidad and Tobago, from villas, bed and breakfast, or hotels. Learn about the many special events taking place throughout the year in Trinidad and Tobago, from Carnival to sporting. Our dining and shopping guides will help you find the perfect restaurant or shopping experience you choose. Experience the islands rich history, culture, and biodiversity. Find the perfect accommodation for your trip to Trinidad and Tobago, from villas, bed and breakfast, or hotels. Learn about the many special events taking place throughout the year in Trinidad and Tobago, from Carnival to sporting. The country’s dining and shopping guides will help you find the perfect restaurant or shopping experience you choose.
The Coat of Arms T
he coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago was designed by a committee formed in 1962 to select the symbols that would be representative of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. The committee included noted artist Carlisle Chang and the late designer George Bailey. The palm tree crest at the top of the coat of arms was taken from Tobago’s coat of arms before it was joined in political union with Trinidad. The wreath represents the crown of the monarchy of the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago’s colonizers at the time of independence. The shield has the same colours (black, red, and white) as the nation’s flag and they carry the same meaning. The gold ships represent the Santa María, La Niña, and La Pinta: the three ships Christopher Columbus used on his journey to
From the Office of the President
S ,
the “New World”. The two birds on the shield are hummingbirds. Trinidad is sometimes referred to as the “Land of the Hummingbird” because more than sixteen different species of hummingbird have been recorded on the island. “Land of the Hummingbird” is also believed to have been the Native American name for Trinidad. The two larger birds are the Scarlet Ibis (left) and the Cocrico (right), the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago. Below the Scarlet Ibis are three hills, representing the Trinity Hills in southern Trinidad, which, it is believed, convinced Columbus to name the island after the Holy Trinity. The island rising out of the waters beneath the Cocrico represents Tobago. Below these birds is the nation’s motto, "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve."
"Forged from the Love of Liberty" is the national anthem of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Originally composed as the na-
tional anthem for the short-lived West Indies Federation (19581962), this song was adopted by Trinidad and Tobago when it became independent in 1962.
Forged from the Love of Liberty Forged from the love of liberty In the fires of hope and prayer With boundless faith in our destiny We solemnly declare: Side by side we stand Islands of the blue Caribbean sea, This our native land We pledge our lives to thee. Here every creed and race finds an equal place, And may God bless our nation Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our nation. Words and music by Patrick Castagne (1916-2000).
Special Message from the High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
T
he Bar
Senior 94 to stant, Public d as tions. e was t the at the bunal and in tional wanda, ty, he ppeals rimes of the nerals, ldiers
The National Anthem
His Excellency Anthony
Above: His Excellency Anthony Thomas Carmona, SC, of the Aquinas Carmona, SC, President Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. President
Carmona has a wealth of experience as an educator, both in Trinidad and Tobago and in Jamaica, where he was a teacher at the primary and secondary school levels, between 1972 and 1975, first at St. Hugh’s High School and Merle Grove High School, Kingston, Jamaica; then in Trinidad and Tobago, at Palo Seco Government Secondary and Fyzabad 1, he Anglican Secondary Schools.
The Hon. Kamla PersadBissessar, Prime Minister
The Hon. Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs
14th Annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development TRINIDAD: APRIL 15-18, 2013
His Excellency Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner
his April, Trinidad and Tobago hosted the 14th annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, focusing on the theme, “Keeping the Right Balance: Enhancing Destination Sustainability through Products, Partnerships, Profitability”. Attended by leading local and regional tourism experts and practitioners, the Conference yielded seminal discussions and proposals on tourism development and sustainability in the Caribbean. As High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the United Kingdom, I see the advancement of tourism as imperative to the necessary diversification of the Caribbean economy. As we transcend the classification of “sun, sea and sand” destinations, we must use our deep well of natural resources and rich heritage to
foster a thriving, sustainable tourism sector. In my capacity as High Commissioner I am committed to the growth of this sector and continue to seek new avenues for its development I applaud the Caribbean Tourism Organization for providing a platform for tourism developmental talks and education, and I am pleased that the Phoenix Newspaper will be illustrating the Conference’s proceedings in this supplement. We hail from lands of huge untapped potential. I look forward to further regional and international cooperation as we strive to develop a sustainable, globally competitive Caribbean tourism sector High Commissioner, His Excellency Garvin Nicholas
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
The Phoenix - May 2013
Page III
CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANISATION
What is the CTO?
T
he Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of over 30 countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO has headquarters in Barbados and offices in New York and London. According to the Organization, its vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination by 2017, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, and One Caribbean. Notably, The Caribbean Tourism organization was established in 1989 with the merger of the Caribbean Tourism Association (founded in 1951) and the Caribbean Tourism Research and Development Center (founded in 1974).
Objectives
The primary objective of the Caribbean Tourism Organization is to provide to and through its members the services and information necessary for the development of sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean people by: • providing an instrument for close collaboration in tourism among the various territories, countries and other interests concerned; • developing and promoting regional travel and tourism programs to and within the Caribbean; • providing members with opportunities to market their prod-
ucts more effectively to both the Caribbean and the international tourism marketplaces; • assisting member countries, particularly the smaller member countries with minimal promotional budgets, to maximize their marketing impact through the collective CTO forum; • carrying out advertising, promotions, publicity and information services calculated to focus the attention of the public upon the Caribbean as one of the world’s outstanding tourist destinations;
Types Of Members
• Governments - ministries of tourism, national tourism boards • Allied members - private sector companies
sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, and research and information technology. Further, the CTO, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, jointly and equally owns the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, a marketing and business development entity dedicated to promoting the Caribbean brand worldwide.
Provisions
CTO provides its members with the opportunity to: meet and network with decision makers of Caribbean Tourism including Ministers and Directors of Tourism, and National Tourist Office representatives, be recognized as “preferred partners” to have their services utilized by CTO and its members, meet with tourism executives in the private sector-hoteliers, media, airlines and cruise lines, tour operators and travel agents, be represented on the CTO Board of Directors l Hugh Riley, the secretary general and to elect their representatives, participate in the Annual General Meeting, the annual • Affiliate members - organiza- Caribbean Tourism Conference tions whose work complements and the annual Caribbean Conthat of the CTO ference on Sustainable Tourism, Additionally, among the ben- at special rates, receive market efits to its members the organi- intelligence and industry trends zation provides specialized sup- information from CTO -which port and technical assistance in keeps members abreast of sta-
tistical developments in Caribbean tourism and provides helpful marketing information, gain access to research, statistical and other select publications, gain access to CTO’s Website and Intranet communications channels, have access to current discussions and trends that relate to Caribbean travel and to have access to thousands of travel agents who are pre-qualified to sell the Caribbean tourism product through the CTO Chapters. The CTO also functions as the Regional Authorizing Agency for several regional tourism aid programs and therefore acts as a central coordinating body and an instrument of negotiation for a number of major programs.
CTO has close working relationships and has collaborated with
the following organizations:
How Is CTO Funded?
Countries pay membership dues and contribute to a Regional Marketing Fund (RMF). The dues and the RMF payments are based on a tourism arrivals formula, thus ensuring an equitable distribution of the financial obligation across the 30+ membercountries. • Extra-Regional funding agencies support projects and services • CTO’s income-generating
activities
Grab a Bite in T&T The Hyatt Regency
A
lthough Doubles is a common street food in Trinidad and Tobago, many people believe that the sandwich made with two bara (flat fried bread) filled with channa (curried chick peas or garbanzo beans), topped with a variety of chutneys (mango, shado beni cucumber, coconut, tamarind) and extra pepper sauce (ranging from a dash "slight" to much more) is the main dish of Trinidad and Tobago. Don’t be fooled though, because actually the cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago is indicative of the blends of Amerindian, European, African, Indian, Chinese, Creole, and Lebanese gastronomic influences, and is also more similar to the cuisine of Guyana than most other countries in the Caribbean. A representative main dish from Trinidad and Tobago is cal-
laloo, a creamy and spicy sauce made of dasheen leaves, okra, coconut milk, pumpkin and chandon benit (French thistle or fitweed). Crab and callaloo is generally considered a national dish of Trinidad and Tobago; it is often prepared for Sunday lunch. Pelau, a rice-based dish, is also a standard dish in Trinidad and Tobago. Doubles on the other hand is a delicacy and is the most popular fast food in Trinidad and Tobago. It is usually eaten for breakfast, and sometimes lunch, but can be a late night snack as well. Try it, you won’t regret!!!!
l Crab and Callaloo
- Host of STC-14
I
want to believe that many of the delegates who attended STC 14 will have the most everlasting memories of the fist class hotel- Not just a hotel, but more like a home away from home. The Hyatt Regency is strategically located in the capital city of Port-of-Spain where there is no end of action and easy access to other towns. The hotel rooms are well appointed with a stimulat-
ing ambiance in both city view and sea view rooms. There are countless meeting rooms and spaces that can accommodate multiple functions from different agencies. This Modern hotel is immaculately clean - the staff is well trained and efficient, the food is excellent. I dare say that the hospitality is genuine- Genuine, because you could see that the staff there execute their duties from
Social Media
Get the latest CTO updates on within their personal self. Efficient and friendly service, top accommodations and a perfect location characterize this hotel. Breakfast lunch and snack menus all very tasty and well presented. This hotel boasts an upscale clientele, swank decor, beautiful rooms, an amazing pool and above all safety and security. The rooms are beautifully decorated with postcard. Sporting all glass showers which flow from the ceiling as their centerpiece, serenity and romance are sure to abound. The 4th floor in-
Twitter at http://www.twitter. com/ctotourism. Connect with CTO on Facebook at http://www.facebook. com/CaribbeanTourismOrganization The Caribbean Tourism Organization has been staging its Annual Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, otherwise known as the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC) since 1997. This Conference is part of the information dissemination and regional awareness component of CTO’s Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. It looks at how member states can design and implement sustainable tourism policies and programs, offering a regional forum for information exchange on the successes and pitfalls of national, regional and international initiatives. STC also serves as a primary arena where new and creative ideas about enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Caribbean tourism product are generated. This is a Conference from which everyone involved in tourism and doing business in and with the Caribbean tourism industry can benefit. finity edge pool is ripped from the pages of scandalous celebrity magazines, celebrities whom commonly adorn its surround. Thankyou to Mr Russell George and his staff for their hospitality during our stay.
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
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The Phoenix – May 2013
STC-14 - CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT Leeward Island Air Transport was established in 1956 on the island of Montserrat. In 1971 Court Line Aviation of the UK acquired control and renamed the airline LIAT. Ownership of the airline was acquired by Eleven Caribbean Governments in 1974 and it was renamed LIAT (1974) LTD. The airline was recapitalized in 1995 with small shareholding remaining with the Governments. In 2007 LIAT purchased some of Caribbean Star’s assets with equity investment from three countries – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. More than 90 per cent shareholding in LIAT is shared between these three countries.
in the North to Guyana in the South. LIAT serves 22 destinations including two French islands (Guadeloupe and Martinique); two Spanish speaking destinations (Santo Domingo and Puerto Rico), the Dutch island of Curacao and the unique French and Dutch island of St. Martin/ St. Maarten.
LIAT’S NETWORK
LIAT’S FLEET
LIAT’S HISTORY
The LIAT network covers most of the Caribbean countries from the Dominican Republic
‘STC 14 was a unique experience for me particularly because it was my first time covering a function of this level and I think it is commendable that the Caribbean tourism organisation continues to provide opportunities
‘The Annual 14th Sustainable Tourism Conference held in Trinidad from April 15-18 2013 was very informative. The conference which was hosted by Caribbean Tourism Organization and Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Ministry was well organized with different speakers who gave great insight on how important it is to have sustainable tourism in the Caribbean Countries. What caught my attention as a journalist was what Dr Rufus Ewing, Premier of the Turks and Caicos and Trini-
LIAT’s fleet consists of 18 De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft operated in 50 and 37
for journalist so that they could be educated and get indepth information in turn that we informs the public….I rate STC14 as an A class event.’
Edona Baptiste-Marpin TV News Dominica
dad and Tobago’s Tourism Minister Stephen Cadiz said that regional leaders needs to put tourism high on the agenda in order to see great results in their country. It is my hope that all Caribbean countries that was present at the conference took the various advice to strengthen their sustainable tourism. As Caribbean countries has a lot to offer to tourist.’
Andrea Perez Caribbean Lifestyle Communications
T seat configuration.
he regional carrier, Caribbean Airlines is somewhat appreciative of sustainable Tourism, since the Airline offered special fares for STC-14. In July 2007 Caribbean Airlines became the first airline in the region to launch an initiative to provide sustainable air travel with the CarbonNeutral® programme. In partnership with the CarbonNeutral Company, Caribbean Airlines offered passengers the opportunity to offset airline carbon emissions by investing in eco-friendly projects. Presently Caribbean Airlines
What the journalists say about STC-14 ‘I thought it was well informative- STC14 opened my eyes to news ideas regarding all aspects of tourism and, what the approach should be in terms of marketing the Caribbean to the rest of the world
who probably think that we, here, in the Caribbean have nothing to offer at all’
‘STC14 was quite a memorable experience. Sustainable tourism is not a subject that we always get easy angle from, in fact we have to keep searching for angles to keep the viewership…Coming out of STC14, and I’ve been able to get quite a number of dif-
ferent angles that I will be embarking upon. It also gave me the opportunity to interact with my colleagues from across the world’
De Naye Hinds Miami Tourism Industry
Brenton Henry Observer Media Group
serves 16 markets in the Caribbean, South America and North America, operating a core schedule of 530 weekly departures with a fleet of 21 aircraft. Caribbean Airlines acquired routes operated by Air Jamaica on 26 May 2011, and currently employs 1, 124
employees with the Air Jamaica headcount at 650. Caribbean Airlines was incorporated in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on 27 September 2006, beginning flight operations on 01 January 2007 ‘STC-14 was an absolute eye-opener for me and probably most Caribbean people living in the UK. It was a pleasure to be given the opportunity to cover such a prestigious event in our calendar.
with 128 weekly departures to 10 markets operating five Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Caribbean Airlines initiated simplified one-way fares inclusive of taxes and fees that provided flexible fare combinations and extended stay options. The new fare program also featured a permanent discounted fare, senior citizen discounts and no change fees for students. We launched a Web check-in feature allowing passengers to check in for flights and print boarding passes from the comfort of their homes, offices or anywhere with an internet connection. Caribbean Airlines’ codeshare with British Airways took effect with a codeshare flight between Port of Spain, Trinidad and London Gatwick International Airport in March 2007. The codeshare allowed Caribbean Airlines to continue to sell London connections to our passengers.
To be given an invitation and treated as a diplomat and learn so much about sustainable tourism and understanding how it impacts on the Caribbean diaspora was humbling.
Marcia McLaughlin The Phoenix Newspaper
‘This is my first time in the Caribbean covering an assignment like this, I love the entire concept CTO brought to the table about tourism and I am now ready to tell the folks in Spain what the Caribbean has
to offer in terms of tourism, I really enjoyed it’
‘STC 14 was yet another well put together, informative and a rejuvenating experience for any journalist covering such events. It brought out the true power and potential of the Caribbean diaspora. Once again, I have learnt a lot from STC 14 and
I am now better equipped to inform the rest of the world about tourism, especially in the Caribbean.’
Susana Mc Intyre Spain International News
Desmond Browne Communication Chief - LIAT
The Phoenix - May 2013
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STC-14 - CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT
My kind of people...
A
personal recollection of a fantastic experience. This is the first time I had the opportunity to visit such a great country. The people are as beautiful as the colours seen in the highlights of carnival both inside and out. I had the opportunity to visit the home of Tony Fraser where I was given an education on Trinidad and the women who live and work within this unique culture. They were proud, knowledgeable and understanding of the country’s economic status. Personally it is clear to see that the women and indeed the men took care of themselves
with daily exercise being part of a daily diet. I was invited to dine and experience some of the delightful food eaten by the natives of Trinidad. First I sampled a very special fish soup exquisitely flavoured with big chunks of fish. Then I had a type of seasoned rice with saltfish, pigs tail and pumpkin among other vegetables. Finished off with home made coconut ice cream. I didn’t get the chance to sample the cake, it was far too much and I had had my fill of fruit punch subtly flavoured with a touch of alcohol. Meeting with people who had so much knowledge it was heartwarming. Marcia, one of
the 3 sisters I had the pleasure to meet set the standard for the rest of my stay on the island. I met with a great team of dedicated journalists from all over the world. We all shared and took care of each other as we soaked up the first class hospitality afforded to each and every one of us. The Ministry of Tourism should be saluted for the many different tours and entertainment laid on for all the journalists. The experience we all shared can only sum up the delightful way that we were all treated. To the dear friends and journalists I met during my stay, I hope you enjoy this feature as a keepsake, a great source of rec-
ollection captured in the many experiences we all shared. A very big thank you has to go out to Mr Johnson JohnRose for his unique communication skills and his determination and genuine love of the Caribbean island developments in sustainable tourism. I think he can safely say he has done a fantastic job and the world now knows of the CTO as we also continue to support the cultural awareness of the CTO and it’s activities. These are just a few of the shots taken over a conference that is the landmark and success of the hosts, Trinidad & Tobago. Well done!!
My Mentor : A True Mentor
M
y success in the media fraternity is highly attributed to Mr. Johnson Johnrose. He has taught me everything I know and I am forever grateful to him.
Travis Chase News Editor
travis.chase@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
Johnson is a career journalist, broadcaster and media trainer, with nearly 30 years experience, having written extensively on issues of interest and concern to the Caribbean region, including politics, economics and tourism.
the Caribbean. He has also presented at major conferences and events, both within and outside the Caribbean. Johnson has guest lectured in journalism, delivers training for journalists and helps train public figures on how to speak to the press and in crisis communication. Among those who seek his expertise are heads of government and senior public servants. To him, training is a passion.
A multiple journalism award winner, Johnson’s work has been lauded and held as example by industry officials and journalists alike. His pieces have been used as bases for discussion on matters affecting the tourism industry and media in
Johnson was trained as a journalist, producer and media trainer by the BBC and contributed to the then BBC’s l
Johnson JohnRose is Communications Specialist at the Caribbean Tourism Organization, where he began in 2002 as a Consultant before joining the organisation full time in January 2003.
Greater London Radio (which later became London Live) and BBC Radio 4’s A World in Your Ear. He was also one of the main architects of what became the English-Speaking Caribbean’s top television news programme, Primetime Caribbean on the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) – the news organisation where he was head of radio and television news before moving to the CTO.
Johnson JohnRose: Travis’ Mentor
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
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The Phoenix – May 2013
STC-14 - CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT
We were entertaine
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
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STC-14 - CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT
d from start to finish
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
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The Phoenix – May 2013
STC-14 - CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT
Mac Farlane bows out of Carnival Travis Chase News Editor
travis.chase@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
H
e is considered by many Trinidadians the Icon of Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival since 1984. Brian Mac Farlane who is the 2010's recipient of Trinidad and Tobago's prestigious Chaconia Gold Medal in the sphere of Carnival arts and culture and has left an indelible mark in creative entrepreneurship both locally and abroad. This internationally recognized Conceptual Designer/Artistic Director, and CEO of Mac Farlane's
final band for Carnival 2013, “JOY, THE FINALE’. Speaking with the Phoenix Newspaper, Mac Farlane attributed his leave on the fact that he continues to lose money instead of profiting from his costume designs and is somewhat hopeful that Governments now and the future understand the importance of the art form. “I am losing money, year after year and it’s not working for me, chutney l Mac Farlane with Phoenix’s Managing Editor and soca monarchs getting millions of Design Studios, the premier dedollars, and yes they sign and theatrical event compa- deserve it, but the prize for large ny of Trinidad and Tobago, has bands is still $300,000. That canbeen creating Vanguard designs not sustain since in the early 80’s for malls us, I hope the and events in Trinidad and, more governments recently, Tobago, Barbados, of now and Guadeloupe, and Martinique. the future can He designed and developed the u n d e r s t a n d decor for the visits of General just how imColin Powell and Rudolph Gi- portant an uliani to Trinidad and Tobago, as art form this well as both the Coronation Ball is.” he told for Miss Universe 1999 and the the Phoenix 5th International Conference of Newspaper. Gas and Energy Producing NaMac Farlane tions on the only occasion it was who also chostaged outside of the Gulf States. r e o g r a p h e d Sadly though, this costume t h e a t r i c a l enthusiast is bowing out of the presentations Traditional Trinidad and Tobago for the visits Carnival after presenting his of both Prince
Charles of England and the King and Queen of Spain, told the Phoenix that he has broken all records in Trinidad and Tobago and he feels it is time to pass the baton unto another person. ‘ Apart from the prize money not being sustainable enough, I think I have broken all records as it relates to costume designing, and I believe someone else should get the chance to fully showcase their work’ Mac Farlane's designs have not only won both King and Queen of Carnival on numerous occasions but have secured the Large Band of the Year title for the past seven years. In an impromptu inter-
view during the closing ceremony of the STC-14 at the Hyatt Regency in Port Of Spain, Mac Farlane lamented that he will however hosts several shows leading up to Carnival and plans to take his work further afield. ‘I will not be participating in the competitions, but I will have several costume shows in the carnival spirit, I have plans to do similar shows in Canada, U.S etc…..” Brian Mac Farlane has won: 2012—Sanctification… In Search of 2011—Humanity the Circle of Life 2010—Resurrection: the Mas 2009—Out of Africa: Africa— Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears 2008—Earth: Cries of Despair, Wings of Hope 2007—India—the Story of Boyie and 2013 Joy – The Finale. His Finale!
G
‘
ood things come in small packages’ were exactly the sentiments expressed by many of the delegates after touring the Tobago Cocoa Estate on the island’s southern coast. Yet, few would believe that the sweet cocoa from which the square bar of chocolate is made was grown locally in Tobago although the package says ‘Made in France’. The Tobago Cocoa Estate was established by Tobagonian Duane Dove in 2005.
Made in France, grown in Tobago
This thriving cocoa estate located in the lush hills above the town of Roxborough, grows and ships the raw cocoa beans that are returned to the island as chocolate from Chocolatier Francois Pralus. If you taste the chocolate as I have done, your taste buds are likely to explode as the dark, rich chocolate melt in your mouth with the perfect bitter-sweet everlasting taste. So flavorful that the Tobago Estate Chocolates are the Silver award winners of the “Best Dark Chocolate Bean-to-Bar 2013” award by the UK-based Academy of Chocolate Awards 2013. Tobagonian Duane Dove who established the estate in 2005 lived and worked in Europe for several years within the Food & Beverage Industry, Dove says on the company’s website, that he saw the need to rejuvenate the Cocoa Industry on the island, where cocoa was one of the major crops grown throughout history there. Today, the acres and acres of land are largely planted with Trinitario cocoa, considered to be a satisfactory or toothsome cocoa.
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
The Phoenix - May 2013
A Wonderful Surprise Wow!!!
T
he 14th Annual Sustainable Tourism conference was not limited to lengthy speeches and the usual question and answer segment. Delegates of the conference had their chance to visit several tourists’ destination sites, but Grande Riviere, I am sure has left an indelible mark in the hearts of many of its visitors. Grande Riviere is a village on the north coast of Trinidad located between Toco and Matelot. The area was originally settled by immigrants from Venezuela and Tobago who cultivated cacao and subsistence crops. After falling cocoa prices in the 1920s and expanding pest problems caused the collapse of the cocoa industry, Grande Riviere went into a decline which continued until the development of ecotourism. Between 1931 and 2000 the population of Grande Riviere fell from 718 to 334. Meanwhile, over a dozen delegates and journalists on a study tour at STC-14 were treated to a
rare sight – a leatherback sea turtle nesting during broad daylight. Just after midday, the group arrived at Grand Riviere, a stretch of shoreline along Trinidad’s north coast; and delegates were told during a 30-minute briefing that they would not see the nesting process as the turtles come ashore during the night. However, on arrival on the beach a leatherback was spotted in the final stages of the nesting process. Many of the Journalists there were awed by this once in a lifetime experience, some leatherback enthusiasts were even moved to tears while viewing this.
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Association (GRNTGA) - a non-profit, community based organisation, specializing in turtle protection, environmental conservation, awareness and eco-tourism within the beautiful village of Grande Riviere and environs. Notably, Leatherbacks, the largest sea turtle, can grow to almost 10 feet and weigh 2000 pounds and GRNTGA – a thriving eco-tourism project, is involved in protecting the animals on land from persons who would poke, ride or sometimes kill
them. In the ocean, Leatherback turtles feed mostly on jelly- fish and in turn jelly-fish feed mostly on baby fish. This means that fewer leatherbacks would likely cause an increase in the jelly-fish population which would mean more baby fishes being eaten and hence less mature fish would develop. Thus, this will certainly reduce the amount of fish caught by leather fishermen. So therefore, Leatherback turtles can be very helpful to fishermen, yet fishing nets contribute
to the highest cause of sea turtles mortality in the world.
Stunning
Grande Riviere is Trinidad’s most nest-intensive beach during the laying season of sea turtles, including the critically endangered leatherback, and is the third most prolific site in the world. The nesting season runs from May to September every year. The Grande Riviere Environmental Awareness Trust (GREAT) was established some-
time in 1992 with the aim of protecting nesting Leatherback turtles on Grande Riviere beach. ‘GREAT’ began training tour guides, but a subsequent split led to the formation of Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guides Association (GRNTGA) which focused more on tour guides, while the remainder of GREAT focused on protection of turtle hatchlings. In addition to sea turtles, there is an interest in nature tourism more broadly.
Unexpected
‘I have never seen anything like this in my entire life, it is a wonderful experience and I thank CTO for this super opportunity’ Desmond Brown, Communication chief of the Leeward Island Air Transport told The Phoenix Newspaper. The group was given a guided tour by members of the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guide
l The visiting press were shocked and in awe at the sight of a leatherback turtle nesting in broad daylight.
T&T to launch global marketing initiative at WTM London
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l Trinidad & Tobago’s Tourism Minister, Stephen Cadiz at STC-14
he Ministry of Tourism of the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will be launching a global marketing initiative at the World Travel Market World (WTM), the leading global event for
the travel industry, which is scheduled to take place in London from November 4-7, 2013. This special announcement was made by Trinidad and Tobago’s Tourism Minister Stephen Cadiz while delivering the feature address at the Sustainable
Tourism Conference (STC-14) at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. “It’s the first time Trinidad and Tobago is embarking on a global marketing initiative,” he said. “We’ll be going out for tender very soon. What we are looking for is a company that has global reach, a company which understands the markets that we are going into. Apart from its traditional markets of North America, the United Kingdom and Europe, Trinidad and Tobago will be targeting other areas of the globe.” The tourism ministry of Trinidad and Tobago quoted Cadiz as saying, that ‘in order to take Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism industry to the next level the country’s marketing strategy must be more structured and organised. To achieve such a goal the Ministry is working on the re-engineering of its marketing and implementation agency the Tourism Development Company (TDC).’ “The TDC has been given a
broad yet exclusive mandate to not only market Trinidad and Tobago worldwide, but to also ensure that a high quality product with high quality standards is put in place and that we attract the investors we will need to partner with us to take us to the next level,” he said.
Opportunity
Mr. Cadiz said whilst Tobago is a “clean green and serene” destination offering all the charm and beauty expected of a typical Caribbean island, Trinidad is building upon its diverse and vibrant society to become the meeting place of the southern Caribbean. “A place to meet not just for business reasons but for social reasons, to participate in our many and varied festivals and events, to participate and watch our myriad sporting events, and to meet to experience our unrivalled diversity of flora and fauna,” he said. The tourism minister believes that Trinidad and Tobago has
l Trinidad & Tobago’s Tourism Minister, Stephen Cadiz with Marcia an enormous opportunity to become a major player in the tourism industry of the Caribbean region. “In the case of Trinidad and Tobago the tourism industry plays a key role in transforming the national economy,” he said. “I am happy to say that this Government is committed to developing and expanding our tourism industry. We are looking
to tourism to stimulate a greater level of inward investment, foreign exchange earnings and employment. Tourism is also been positioned as the driver for the development and engagement of our rural communities.” The marketing initiative, which is yet to be named, will be launched in Trinidad and Tobago ahead of WTM.
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
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The Phoenix – May 2013
STC-14 - CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT T&T making headway in authentic and responsible tourism marketing
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rinidad and Tobago is the second most searched destination in the Caribbean for authentic and responsible holidays. This is according to Trudi Pearce, Head of the UK based Destinations Partnerships, during her interaction with over 100 Journalists gathered at the 14th Sustainable Tourism Conference in the Twin Island republic at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Trinidad, she says, comes in behind Cuba. ‘Responsible Tourism is tourism that creates better places for people to live in, and better
l Trudi Pearce
places to visit,” she said. “When you’re looking for holidays where the authentic experience is, you can type that into Google and find us and that’s how you will find authentic experiences in Trinidad and Tobago.” Pearce told reporters that Responsibletravel.com conducted the research which showed Trinidad and Tobago’s ranking. Ms. Pearce says although Trinidad and Tobago is catching up to other destinations, there’s still more to be done through the use of social media. She posited though that Trinidad and Tobago has been working with responsibletravel.com by targeting its editorial database. “In order for the country to be more positioned for authentic experiences, the programme needs to be expanded into both islands. The product marketing has mainly been out of Tobago. I think there are some fantastic experiences here in Trinidad that can be displayed on the website and packaged for clients.” Tourism, she says has evolved massively and people now want and demand authentic experi-
ences. “Tourists want more than just leaving behind footprints, People want to reconnect with their product. They want to know the truth about the product. They are using social media. First they buy it (online) and then they see it”. She advised Caribbean destinations to re-position their desti-
nation with higher value authentic tourism, if they’re not the cheapest, Figure out if they’re in the service industry or in the business of orchestrating events, Learn from other Caribbean destinations and Look beyond the existing image/brand.
About responsibletravel.com
Responsibletravel.com was launched in April 2001. Travelers can use the site to find more real, authentic and responsible holidays and to make a booking. They can also read operators responsible travel policies; review how they meet responsible travel criteria; see how every
trip benefits local people and the environment; and read independently published travelers feedback which is used to help tour companies improve their practices. The site has a monthly traffic of 350, 000 visitors. Three (3%) percent of the visitors generate an enquiry and ten (10%) percent book destination trips.
Speakers at STC-14
l A full list of the speakers, including some background information is available at http://www.caribbeanstc.com
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
The Phoenix - May 2013
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Digicel Caring for communities
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he bigger better mobile network Digicel has been, since 2004 giving back to communities worldwide. It is mandatory; according to Denis O’Brien Chairman of the privately-owned Digicel Group that the company gives back to the community as this ‘has allowed the company to prosper’. The Digicel Foundation and Digicel’s Caring Connections are corporate responsibility programmes established in 2004 with the purpose of strengthening Caribbean communities by addressing education, youth, social and cultural needs. Digicel’s vision is to support projects which cater to educational, social and/or cultural opportunities that can inspire positive energy in young people leading to stronger self sufficient communities. ‘We know the best people to drive our corporate responsibility programmes are Digicel staff members themselves. We want communities to not only benefit from the financial support of our CSR programmes but also from the skills, team work and dedication of our extraordinary staff in order for the projects to be truly sustainable. We do it the Digicel way: careful planning, efficient management and rapid rollout!’ Digicel is quoted as saying. In 2004, Digicel Caring Con-
nections was born out of a strong commitment to serve and improve the quality of communities. The Digicel Caring Connections Programme has served several communities over the island of Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the world in different ways. The Digicel Foundation strives to ensure that communities are healthy, primarily through the support of Community based and driven activities which should embrace social, cultural and particularly educational objectives. The Digicel Foundation was created to work with Government and Non – Governmental organizations which strive to support projects worldwide that cater to educational, social and cultural opportunities that will inspire and build positive energy in its citizens, which will in turn lead to stronger, self sufficient communities. According to the Global mobile Network, they have recognized that the youth represent fifty percent of the population of most developing countries.
About Chairman of Digicel
Denis O’Brien founded Digicel in 2001 when the company launched a GSM cellular phone service in the Caribbean. Digicel has extended its operations to 32 markets with over 11 million subscribers in the Caribbean, Central America and Pacific regions. He
is one of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs with extensive investments across several sectors including international telecoms, radio, media, property, aircraft leasing, golf and other leisure interests. He also founded Communicorp Group which owns and manages a portfolio of media and broadcasting-related companies in Ireland and eight other European countries.
About Digicel Group
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and Vanuatu. Digicel also has coverage in St. Martin and St. Barts in the Caribbean. COMPETITION
Celebrate International Mothers Day for the entire month of May with See details online and look out for the Mothers Day competition online.
Award-winning Eastenders star launches Film Festival in Birmingham
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elebrated actor, Rudolph Walker OBE, was in Birmingham recently to launch the city’s seventh annual Black International Film Festival and his own promote his youth initiative mentoring program. The Trinidad-born awardwinning star of stage and screen, best-known as Easterenders’ Patrick Trunam, visited the city ahead of the launch promoting the program which will be aimed at disadvantage inner city youths. He already runs a successful
The Richmond Great House
mentoring program in London in the guise of the inter school drama completion; ‘Rudolph Walker's Inter-School Drama Award’ (RWISDA). The legendary actor met with Sir Albert Bore, Leader of the City Council, to discuss the mentoring program and the film festival. The Black International Film Festival, incorporating the Music Video & Screen Awards, runs in the city from October 27 – November 2
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rinidad and Tobago has several tourist attraction sites. However at STC14, the Phoenix team chose to visit the Richmond Great House in Tobago, since we were given several tourist sites to choose from. The Richmond Great House in Tobago is an eighteenth century plantation home sitting on a sprawling five acres of land. One of the remaining and preserved great houses in the Caribbean: Richmond was built back in 1760. Its whitewashed walls sit on brick posts quite majestically on a hill. Owned by Dr. Hollis Lynch, a retired Professor, the house also offers a spectacular ocean and nature view. The house was restored and is known for its rustic charm and authentic décor; as it boasts of a display of African artifacts from the Professor’s travels. If you are looking for a quiet retreat, at one with nature, then this Great House will charm you. It is available for rent to private groups on vacation as well. Richmond Great House - in the North Eastern part of Tobago is really an insider tip for people, who are ready to experience something. In the Richmond’s Great House, you don't feel like being in a hotel, you feel much more like being sent back about 200 years to the colonial times. It's really difficult to describe the feeling of Richmonds Great House, for the Phoenix team it was just one of the most memorable moments, and we will definitely be back there as soon as possible. Don't miss to experience something unusual and at Richmond’s Great House!
Phoenix Special Report sponsored by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
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STC-14 - CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT
HOWZAT!!
O
ne of the most exciting tours delegates of the STC 14 were a part of, was a trip to the famous Queens Park Oval in Trinidad, as this is the home of the greatest batsman ever, Brian Charles Lara. It is not certain at what point the game was first played in Trinidad. George RC Harris, 4th Baron Harris (1851- 1932), was the second ever captain of the English team and a born Trinidadian, being the son of colonial governor Lord Harris and Sarah Cummins who was an English Creole born on the island. In the late 1870s, a group of genteel white men (primarily English) formed the Sovereign Cricket Club. Their pitch was in the people’s playground, the Queen’s Park Savannah. By the late 1880s the game had become fairly popular and the Sovereigns gave way to the Queen’s Park Cricket Club. In 1896, the Club acquired a parcel of land on the old Government Farm which comprised what is modern-day St Clair. The land was leased for 199 years at an annual rent of $1,000. This became the Queen’s Park Oval. This space was soon graded, seeded with turf and an ornate pavilion erected in addition to a ladies’ stand (a great concession to gender rights in the rigid Victorian era) as well as a public stand. A cycle track was constructed too. The club came under severe pressure from social activists like Edgar MaresseSmith who pointed out the obviously exclusionist membership policies. As a result, the first coloured player was admitted in the form of Lebrun Constantine, father of the immortal Sir Learie Constantine. Financial difficulties plagued the club and the board was forced to seek an $8,500 government bailout in 1909. This loan took 30 years to repay; the organisation was re-incorporat-
ed as the Queen’s Park Cricket Ground Association. 1930 was the year in which Patsy Hendren, an English cricketer, scored the first test century at the Oval. Those early test matches saw “unofficial” spectators climbing the samaan trees near the ground to catch the action. In 1952 renovations took place to the old pavilion. Club members participated in football, cycling and hockey. There are indoor facilities too, for snooker and table tennis. In 1966 a children’s rally was held at the oval to mark the official visit of Queen Elizabeth II (then still the Head of State) and Prince Phillip. In 1970 the club came under the aegis of the West Indies Cricket Board of Control. In the leadup to the Cricket World Cup in 2007, the Oval underwent a remodeling which was estimated to cost over $70 million. The old pavilion was completely demolished and state-ofthe art facilities erected. Now expanded, the Oval has seating capacity for over 20,000 persons. The club has produced many distinguished cricketers including the late Jeffrey Stollmeyer, Gerry Gomez, Deryck Murray and more recently, Justin Guillen. The Queen’s Park Oval is considered to be one of the most scenic in the West Indies with the forested hills of the Northern Range as a backdrop.
*
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l Former West Indies Wicketkeeper Deryck Murray
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l The Managing Editor of the Phoenix with Brian Lara
* Western Union also makes money on currency exchange. Terms and conditions apply £4.90 transfer fee is for sending up to £100 with our Next Day service. Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional Restrictions may apply. See Send form for details. Authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for the conduct of payment services business in the UK. D_UK_Pricing_TRINIDAD_170x530.indd 1
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The Phoenix - May 2013
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FASHION
The ‘Hand of God’ that is fair to man and hair
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he Hand of God Hair Salon is far more than a beauty parlour, in fact, it’s not a hair salon in the more conventional way. The Hand of God serves as a treatment clinic for damaged hair, scalp and, above all, spirit. Whilst today’s men and women are going to any lengths to look as good as the next, for Clotilde Telewane, the hair deserved to be treated with the same sensitivity and care afforded to every other part of our mind and body. A clinical adviser, she runs the salon, in Perry Barr, Birmingham, as a clinic, advisory clients. Using the best natural products, the fully qualified hair treatment clinic is attracting clients, with severe hair and scalp damaged, to bring it back to its original glory. “I have been catering for people who have lost their hair through chemical use and mistreatment, advise them on the best naturally based products to use without the influence of science.”
Endorsed by the NHS, her aim is for women and men to really value their own, natural hair. Ivory Coast-born Clodilde insists: “Too many people call themselves hairdressers but have no idea what they are putting into hair. The Hand of God will only use products that are good for our natural hair.
People want to look nice, but if the hairdresser doesn’t know how to look after natural hair, that’s dangerous. As a qualified hairdresser, I see myself as a ‘doctor of hair.’ I never put my clients’ hair in danger.” Always busy, she also finds
valuable time for her other deep passion; AESDA (Association for the Economic and SocioCultural Development of Africa) which she sees as: “a vision from God.” “With the pain of seeing the mistreatment of people in Africaespecially women and childrendrove me to try and bring the continent together as one, motivating them into building their own economy by creating jobs and educational programmess. It’s about building a better Africa together.” It’s not about sending money, it’s about people having a say in their own respective countries’ financial, educational, political and social being.” AESDA has already held large fundraising events, with further to come, with monies raised going direct to programmes taking place throughout Africa, for the equal benefit of all. Whilst giving fair treatment to hair in Birmingham, Clodilde Telewane is fighting for fair treatment for her and hers.
‘Blinging’ a priority but at what cost?
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he handbag you carry and the watch you wear are the signs of success, according to new research2 from Quidco – the UK’s number one cashback site. Research reveals that 13% of people judge someone’s success on the bag they tote on their arm, whilst 11% think owning a blinging timepiece means that you have made it. After bigger ticket items like the house, car and how often you go on holiday, other modern day symbols of status include the department stores you shop in, iPads and tablet computers, and even the size of TV you own. In Birmingham, how successful you are is also dictated by where you go on holiday, with
the Bahamas, Caribbean and Maldives top of the wanderlust list.
However, in a bid to appear more successful 25% of Brummies
admit to buying certain items or brands they can’t really afford in order to appear successful. In the region those that indulge in pricier luxuries are happy to rack up debts to the tune of over £3k in order to ‘keep up appearances.’ Andy Oldham, Managing Director of Quidco, the UK’s biggest cashback site, comments: “The definition of a status symbol is changing to fit with 21st Century demands, with technology having a big impact on what is perceived as ‘luxury.’ However, as the cost of living in the UK continues to rise and price tags for luxury items gradually get bigger, it’s important that we embrace savvy shopping behaviour.
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FASHION AND EVENTS
The Phoenix – May 2013
Make your bridal dream a reality at Gisele’s
A
thriving hair and beauty salon in Birmingham is attracting the biggest names from near and far making it the ‘must go to’ venue when you want to look and feel special for that special moment. Gisele’s Bridal specialises in bridal hair and make-up attracting clients from stage and screen both here and as big and far as Bollywood stars from the Indian subcontinent. It’s the result of vast experience and business accruement of Hira Begum, a beauty therapist with a
l Hira doing makeup at Catwalk Fashion Shows
BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY
May 02 Colin Hay 03 Old Man Markley 04 Ones To Watch 05 alt-J 08 Dick Valentine 11 The Twang & Cast 12 Lana Del Rey 12 Athlete 13 Lana Del Rey 13 5 Seconds of Summer 16 We Are Lost Boys 18 Manifest Live ft. Modern Minds 21 The Specials 21 Brian McFadden 22 The Specials 23 A$AP Rocky 24 The View Live at Propaganda 25 Ovation Music Management Presents: Severed Ties 26 Boat To Row 27 Young Kato 28 District3 29 Dizraeli & The Small Gods
BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE
May 01 The Pigeon Detectives 02 Sharks 02 Trailer Park Boys 03 Electric Guest 04 We Are The In Crowd & Never Shout Never 04 Killswitch Engage 05 Rondo 05 A Decade in Dance 08 Unknown Mortal Orchestra 09 John Grant 10 Lordi 10 Franko, Dave Giles plus Centre Excuse 11 Title Fight 11 Godskitchen Presents Garuda 17 The Phoenix Foundation 18 Public Service Broadcasting 18 The Abyssinians 19 Craig David 19 Mali Music and Friends 20 Little Green Cars 22 Benjamin Francis Leftwich 23 Tribes + Superfood + The Brute Chorus 25 The Upload Tour 2 26 Widowspeak
27 Lucy Rose 28 The 1975 29 Tyga 30 The Enid 31 Swim Deep
l Eric Clapton @ LG Arena
LG ARENA
May 12 The Big Reunion 13 Eric Clapton 24 Mark Knopfler 26 Rush 28 Journey / Whitesnake
TOWN HALL
May 01 Loudon Wainwright III In Concert 03 Mick Foley: Tales from Wrestling Past 05 Thea Gilmore with Strings and Special Guests 09 Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers 12 Marie Fel: Rameau’s Muse 13 Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter 15 Benjamin Grosvenor plays Schumann’s Piano Concerto 17 BBC Big Band: Blowin’ Up a Storm 18 That’ll Be the Day 19 Vivaldi and Bach from the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra 25 Jack Jones 26 Rising Stars: Isabelle Druet & Anne Le Bozec 29 Spot’s Birthday Party 31 Purcell’s King Arthur
SYMPHONY HALL
May 02 CBSO Andris Nelsons and Mitsuko Uchida 03 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Trondheim and Birmingham Conservatoire’s Exchange Bands 03 Jimmy Carr: Gagging Order
degree in business studies that has seen a host of women-and men-call on her when looking for the beat results for that unique, special look. Called on by leading organisers of the biggest bridal and fashion shows, 32-year-old Hira has working back-stage at Miss India and off-screen during some of Bollywoods biggest productions. Her forte based in hair, make-up, nails and photo shoots, one of her more memorable experiences here to date is working back-stage at the recent Bollywood Dreams showcase at the LG Arena. The salon caters for women only, with people coming from near and far by appointment as well as simply dropping in, with a special service for hyjab styling. That said, one of the biggest names on her list of accredited clients is Bollywood star, play-back singer Shaan. “I’m never fazed when working with my clients. Whether famous or not, everyone I work with is treated like a star,” she says. Hira worked alongside Bolly Flex FX Productions backstage at the Bollywood Showstoppers event. She has already established her name despite only very recently
04 Musical Picnic: The Jasmine Moon Ensemble 05 Worcestershire Youth Music Gala Concert 08 CBSO Viva Italia! 10 Jazzlines Free Gigs: David Grey and the Greyish Quartet 10 An Evening with Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell 12 We’ll Meet Again 14 Prodijig presents Footstorm 15 CBSO Variations on America 16 Folk For Free: Dirty Old Folkers 16 Steve Hackett - Genesis Revisited 17 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Jazzlines Trio and the Jazzlines Ensemble 17 CBSO Silent Heroes - Harold Lloyd 18 Mid-day Mantra: Deepa Nair Rasiya 18 The Mavericks 19 CBSO Family Concert: Incredible Adventures 20 Steve Earle & The Dukes 21 Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony 22 CBSO Trifonov plays Tchaikovsky 24 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Dan Messore and Indigo Kid 25 Sax In The City With The Notebenders 26 Roger Hodgson: Breakfast in America Tour 28 CBSO A Boy Was Born: Nelsons conducts Britten’s War Requiem 30 Beyond Classical: Nymphs and Tangos 30 Bruce Forsyth 31 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Bryan Corbett Quartet 31 Elvis Costello and The Imposters
NEC
April 30-May 02 Sign & Digital UK 2013 (Trade) 30-02 Naidex National 2013 01-02 Roofex (Trade) 01 Evolving Connectivity 2013(Trade) 06 Toy Collectors’ Fair (Public) 13-16 IFSEC International (Trade) 13-16 FIREX International (Trade) 14-16 Safety & Health Expo
setting up shop in Erdington but her business mind is already looking to make Gisele’s Bridal a byphrase when it comes to looking your very best. You would be hard-pressed to go anywhere better for anything better.
Gisele’s Bridal 330 Slade Road Erdington B23 7LP www.giselesbridals.com www.facebook.com/PerfectLooksHairAndBeautyStudio 0121 384 6617 07890 620 400 hira50@hotmail.co.uk
l Hira doing makeup for Bollywood singer ‘Shaan’
(Trade) 14-16 The Facilities Show (Trade) 17-19 The Baby Show 17-19 Body Power (Public) 19-20 Hair UK (Trade) 19-20 Holistic Health (Trade) 19-20 Aesthetics UK (Trade) 19-20 Beauty UK (Trade) 22-23 Primary Care 2013 (Trade)
NIA
May 04 The 47th KUGB National Karate Championships 06 Leona Lewis 15-16 Eddie Izzard 25 Alicia Keys
l Eddie Izzard @ NIA
CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON
May 02 Chas n Dave - Back by Demand (Wulfrun Hall) 05 Quest (Civic Hall) 06 Bring Me The Horizon (Wulfrun Hall) 08 John Shuttleworth - Out Of Our Sheds (Wulfrun Hall) 09 Elkie Brooks (Wulfrun Hall) 11 McFly (Civic Hall) 16 Andy Parsons : Ive Got a Shed Tour 2013 (Wulfrun Hall) 17 Lee Nelson (Wulfrun Hall) 18 75th Anniversary Organ Concert (Civic Hall) 18 The Vintage Fair (Wulfrun Hall) 24 Psychic Sally : On the Road (Civic Hall) 25 VIP Record Fair (Wulfrun Hall) 26 AWW Wrestling presents DangerZone (Wulfrun Hall) 27 Slam Dunk Festival Midlands 2013 (Civic Hall) 28 ELO Experience - Mr. Blue Sky Tour (Wulfrun Hall) 31 Julian Clary - Position Vacant Apply Within (Civic Hall)
BASS FM: Birmingham’s youngest radio station is on the right wavelength.
P
unch, one of the UK’s leading music and arts development agencies, is marking the eighth anniversary of their annual BASS festival with the launch of an exciting new local radio initiative. BASS FM will broadcast citywide throughout the month of June, bringing some of the city’s emerging DJs to the airwaves for the first time. Birmingham’s aspiring young broadcasters will be able to try out for their own slot on BASS FM. A free hands-on taster day took place in the city centre in April where industry professionals worked alongside talented hopefuls and help them refine their skills.
Development Manager Ray Paul, a veteran of twenty years in the radio industry, says; “The excitement around BASS FM shows that radio is still relevant to young people today. It’s is an opportunity for them to be mentored by the best in the business, and in a safe, legal environment.” BASS FM will broadcast for four weeks, going live on the 2nd of June in the run-up to Punch’s BASS Festival, the UK’s only month-long celebration of Black music, and one of Birmingham’s most significant independent festivals. Festival highlights to be broadcast will include the nationwide Soul Acoustic tour, and an Amy Winehouse tribute event.
The Phoenix - May 2013
Page 29
ADOPTION AND FOSTERING
W
ith a national shortage of Foster carers across the UK, there are more children than ever who need a caring and loving environment which every child has the right to experiencing. Whether a crisis in the family, illness or relationship difficulties could be some of the reasons
why a child is placed in care. There are already so many fantastic individuals who foster and adopt children into their families- but we need more ! At the Phoenix, all of our team are committed to raising awareness of fostering and adoption through our campaign not just for the month of May, but for an entire 12 months!
We will be highlighting the inspiring work of current carers, the extensive support and training that is available and the difference that you could be making in a young persons’ life. If you feel that you can offer this, or even if you would like to find out a little bit more – relax: don’t hesitate! it could make the greatest difference to a child’s life.
With support from
Adoption & Fostering Our ongoing campaign to help the children in need in our communities
Foster Carer of the Year Award 2013
T
he annual event, hosted by Michelle Mcllveen MLA is a celebration of the amazing job that foster carers do across Northern Ireland and names a Foster Carer of the Year an a carers of Distinction. Alongside a number of awards, a new category has
been introduced – Kinship Carer of the Year. Interestingly around 40% of children in Foster Care in Northern Ireland
today live with carers approved kinship carers. This category acknowledges the different but equal roles of foster carers and
kinship carers who care for vulnerable children and young people. The Foster Carer of the Year from the previous year Irene McKay shared: “ I'm as proud as punch to receive the award, it is lovely to be appreciated and the youngsters have give us a lot back.”
New Online service to help potential adoptive parents.
A
new, national tool has been launched online during last month. The First4Adoption service gathers ( for the first time), all the information people need to navigate and make an informed decision when considering adoption. This launch co-insides with recent research, suggesting that over 4 million people in England would consider adopting, but chose not to due to many myths surrounding the system or barriers to communication. The online services gives, objective, independent information about adoption- from
I
Cllr David Simmons, Chairman of the LGA's Children and Young People Board shared: “There are too many children in care waiting for a loving home, and to few adoptive parents ready to provide a family. This needs to change.” He continued to say: “Parents tell us they value the consistent support that a council worker offers through the process, with many continuing to offer assistance long after the adoption has taken place.”
Its clear that the plans outlined just demonstrates the tireless effort which all people involved are dedicated to making a difference in children's lives by increasing their chances to be part of a family.
who have successfully adopted and their experiences of doing so. The much needed First4Adoption will be running in concordance with existing information, to aid overcome any foggy or difficult to understand areas. Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and Families with two adopted brothers commented: “There are lots of children out there, who need families, all over the country.” He continued : “I urge anyone considering adoption to access First4Adoption, to take the first steps towards the challenge-and joy- of being an adoptive parent”.
Fostering Charity launches a new programme backed by Comic Relief.
Plans to speed-up adoption set out by councils. n a collective effort to speed up and get more children into loving families, government, councillors and directors of children's services have outlined proposals to significantly increase the volume of adopters and speed up the long process of finding new homes for children in care. Under the proposed reforms, councils would work even closer with to aid in matching suitable adopters with children in other parts of the country. This scheme aims to target those who have been in care the longest.
the process to who is eligible to adopt. The site offers even more, showcasing a range of people from many different backgrounds
A
fantastic new initiative which promises to transform the lives of children in care is being launched by one of the leading charities. Over the next four years the Head, Heart Hands programme will introduce a new way of working with foster care. With the £4 million programme, partially funded by
Comic Relief, foster carers and social workers in six sites across England and Scotland will be trained using Social Pedagogy to revolutionize the way in which they look after there children. Rather than emphasising procedures and processes, there is an emphasis on helping children in care build positive relationships to increase their stability and contributing to long-term well-being. The demonstration sites will make cultural changes in support of this brand new approach. Consisting of intensive learning and continuous personal development and continuous support
from trained professionals. Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and Families shared: “Foster carers are unsung heroes of the care system and make an invaluable difference to vulnerable children's lives. He continued: “The Head, Hearts, Hand programme is an innovative approach, which will inform our wider reforms to the system to attract more foster carers and to give children the stability and routine they need” Brewing with potential success, on completion of this project there are aspirations to work extensively with the Government Councils and Comic relief to support and encourage Pedagogy on a wider basis.
The Phoenix–February 2013
Page 3
NEWS
The Phoenix - May 2013
EDUCATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH -
Hereward College students team up with The Phoenix Newspaper
AND
Page 31
Lambeth to boost apprentice numbers “ ” S
tudents from Hereward College looking to move into a career in the Media and Journalism industry are to undertake a work placement at The Phoenix newspaper in Birmingham.
L
ambeth Council is set to increase the number of apprentices it takes on by 25% as part of the borough’s ‘More Jobs’ campaign. Apprenticeship places across the council and its supply chain include eight young people working with Lambeth Living, others in various town hall departments and with Capita. A further twelve new council apprenticeships offering training in health and social care are due to begin shortly in partnership with Lambeth College. Deputy Leader Cllr. Jackie Meldrum said; “I’d like us to get to a position where every entry level job is an apprenticeship but this is a good start. We want to
It is hoped that their time at the newspaper will encourage the students to become more confident in their skills and enhance their knowledge.
Some of the things the students will be doing include design work for the paper, writing articles for already established features and starting their very own features.
Working in partnership with the newspaper, Phoenix Managing Director Marcia hopes to help the students develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of media.
A student involved in the partnership, Katy Oakes, said, “I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills. I have already enjoyed the amount of freedom and creativity I have been allowed to have, it’s allowed me to progress quickly!”
Students will be given the chance to work with staff at the magazine to develop their own features which will be featured either in The Phoenix or in our sister publication, Street Cred.
With a diverse range of students, it is hoped that the students will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the paper and help further promote it within the local community we serve.
The Phoenix Managing Director commented “I am excited to be working with the students of Hereward College to not only help them develop themselves but also to develop this paper. The skills that these students have already shown to us make me confident that big things will be happening in the near future. Watch this space!”
who will oversee their work and give them help on how to improve. Students will be given the opportunity to work either from college or they can work in the office and get a feeling for journalistic life.
Phoenix Managing Director added “We are looking forward to letting the students into our office and giving them a real taste of what it is like in the world of media work. They will be given the chance to work with our own designers and writers to further their own knowledge.
To support the students, they will be guided and helped by senior staff at the newspaper
I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills.
Aboutemployus encourage more ers to take on apprentices so it’s important that we lead by example.” Latest figures from the National Apprenticeship Service show there are almost 2600 apprentices in Lambeth and of those, more than half are over 25. The planned regeneration of Vauxhall Nine Elms and Waterloo will create a jobs bonanza over the next decade and Cllr. Meldrum said; “There are huge opportunities on the horizon and we want to make sure that local people are well placed to make the most of them.” Lambeth Council is also looking at the experience of Hereward College is a general FE College in Coventry providing both day and residential places. We welcome all students including those with diverse and complex support requirements. In addition to residential students, day disabled an non disabled students also attend the college.
College Address:
Hereward College Bramston Crescent Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9SW Tel: 02476 461231 Fax: 02476 694305 www.hereward.ac.uk
other London boroughs including Lewisham, Newham and Waltham Forest where the number of apprenticeships has been significantly increased through offering financial incentives to employers from a central fund.
Qatar Airways Partners With Kidzania Kuwait for New Children’s Entertainment And Education City
Malala launches school fund with Hollywood heroine
H
ollywood star Angelina Jolie has honoured Pakistani schoolgirl activist Malala Yousafzai, who has launched a charity to fund girls' education. In New York, Ms Jolie said Malala would be "in charge" of the Malala Fund. 15-year-old Malala said: “The launch was the happiest moment of my life." Its’ first grant will fund the education of 40 girls in Pakistan. Malala who was shot in the head by the Taliban in retribution for her advocacy for girls' education now attends school in Birmingham following her recovery from the shooting and has signed a book deal worth about £2m for
her memoir "Announcing the first grant of the Malala Fund is the happiest moment in my life," Malala said in a video message at the Women in the World conference in New York. "I invite all of you to support the Malala Fund and let us turn the education of 40 girls into 40 million girls." The teenager started school again in mid-
March following surgery to fit a titanium plate and cochlear implant into her skull. ’I am Malala’ is scheduled for publication in the autumn.
Q
atar Airways have announces an exciting partnership with KidZania Kuwait, an award-winning children’s city concept globally recognised for its unique blend of education and entertainment offering youngsters an array of interactive entertainment and learning activities in a new 7,000sqm children-centric city experience, where visitors have an opportunity to role play real life aviator activities. Children will learn about the cockpit, control panels and take-off and landing manoeuvres using stateof-the-art flight simulators and will also role-play cabin crew duties such as carrying out safety procedures and serving food and beverages. Designed to educate and inspire children into their early teens, KidZania Kuwait will help youngsters learn about working life in a fun and engaging way by offering a kid-sized city experience, all in a safe and self-contained scaled-down city.
Airline To Sponsor Aviation Section Of Facility In Kuwait Shopping Mall - Youngsters Gain Insight Into Aviation World; Role Playing Pilots & Cabin Crew With similar set-ups in almost a dozen cities around the world KidZania expects to open its doors in a few months at its large The Avenue shopping mall offering 78 roles and 100 engaging activities – all reflecting real life professions and businesses such as being a police officer, shopkeeper, doctor, journalist,
as well as a pilot and cabin crew. Qatar Airways announced the partnership with KidZania at a press conference held in Kuwait’s capital Kuwait City, where the airline’s Senior Vice President GCC, Levant, Iran, Iraq & Indian subcontinent, Fathi Al Shehab spoke of how children’s dreams can turn to reality at KidZania Kuwait: “Through KidZania’s unique
offering, children fascinated with aviation will be able to live out their dream in an enjoyable and interactive environment. Kuwait is one of our high-traffic Gulf routes with eight daily flights linking Kuwait to our Doha hub and onward connections to over 125 key business and leisure destinations across the world,” he said. Fernando Medroa, Vice President of Leisure and Entertainment at M.H. Alshaya, which operates the franchise of KidZania Kuwait’s operators, added: “We are thrilled to have Qatar Airways as the sponsor of KidZania Kuwait’s airport counters and airplane activities. We are certain that children will develop an understanding of various aviation roles by being immersed in a real-life aviation environment, provided by Qatar Airways’ renowned state-of-theart in-flight experience.”
The Phoenix–February 2013
Page 3
NEWS
Page 32
EDUCATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH -
Hereward College students team up with The Phoenix Newspaper
S
tudents from Hereward College looking to move into a career in the Media and Journalism industry are to undertake a work placement at The Phoenix newspaper in Birmingham.
It is hoped that their time at the newspaper will encourage the students to become more confident in their skills and enhance their knowledge.
Some of the things the students will be doing include design work for the paper, writing articles for already established features and starting their very own features.
Working in partnership with the newspaper, Phoenix Managing Director Marcia hopes to help the students develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of media.
A student involved in the partnership, Katy Oakes, said, “I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills. I have already enjoyed the amount of freedom and creativity I have been allowed to have, it’s allowed me to progress quickly!”
Students will be given the chance to work with staff at the magazine to develop their own features which will be featured either in The Phoenix or in our sister publication, Street Cred.
With a diverse range of students, it is hoped that the students will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the paper and help further promote it within the local community we serve.
The Phoenix Managing Director commented “I am excited to be working with the students of Hereward College to not only help them develop themselves but also to develop this paper. The skills that these students have already shown to us make me confident that big things will be happening in the near future. Watch this space!”
“
AND
Phoenix Managing Director added “We are looking forward to letting the students into our office and giving them a real taste of what it is like in the world of media work. They will be given the chance to work with our own designers and writers to further their own knowledge.
I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills.
”
About us
Hereward College is a general FE College in Coventry providing both day and residential places. We welcome all students including those with diverse and complex support requirements. In addition to residential students, day disabled an non disabled students also attend the college.
College Address:
Hereward College Bramston Crescent Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9SW Tel: 02476 461231 Fax: 02476 694305 www.hereward.ac.uk
Uni academic’s artwork in running for major award
A
n academic from Coventry University’s School of Art and Design is up for an illustrious award after his painting was selected for a top exhibition in London’s National Portrait Gallery. John Devane, head of the University’s Department of Design and Visual Arts, has been short-
listed for the 2013 BP Portrait Award and will have his oil painting; ‘The Uncertain Time’ – which depicts his three children Lucy (25), Laura (20) and Louis (15). It will be the second time Devane’s work has featured in the National Portrait Gallery; his painting entitled ‘In the House of The Cellist’ was selected for an
The Phoenix – May 2013
who will oversee their work and give them help on how to improve. Students will be given the opportunity to work either from college or they can work in the office and get a feeling for journalistic life.
To support the students, they will be guided and helped by senior staff at the newspaper
exhibition there in 1995. Painted over three years, ‘The Uncertain Future’ sets out to show how children emerge from childhood and begin to assert their independence, revealing something of their adult selves. Mr Devane cites his key points of reference as the works of Courbet, Chardin, Degas, Balthus and Samuel Beckett. The BP Portrait Award, described as the most prestigious portrait painting competition in the world, is in its 34th year at the National Portrait Gallery and has a cash prize of £30,000 for the winner. Mr Devane said: “I am greatly appreciative of the opportunity to show work in the National Por-
trait Gallery, and to have been shortlisted for this award.” Speaking of the painting itself, he remarked: “The composition suggests an almost stage-like shallow space constructed in two zones, with the three figures presented as if they are awaiting some kind of event.” The exhibition will be on display from June 20th to September 15th 2013, and will go on tour later in the year where it will be shown at the Aberdeen Art Gallery (November 2nd 2013 – February 1st 2014) and Wolverhampton Art Gallery (March 3rd – June 14th 2014).
Apprenticeship Scheme
Y
oung people from Birmingham who aren't have much luck within the current labour market have been given a fantastic opportunity of access to employment on the Library of Birmingham build project through an apprenticeship scheme. The first nine young apprentices are the first to be awarded the apprenticeship under a new training and employment agreement between Birmingham City Council's Employment Access Team (EAT) have already donned their hard-hats in preparation. Excitingly, over 25 apprentices will be established over the duration of the project. The many young people who are being recruited are being fully supported through the apprenticeship process and also benefitt from preemployment training with Carillion Training Services ( contractors appointed to the new library). Undergoing a 14-
week training period which consists of Diploma in level 1 Joinery or bricklaying. Together with other essential skills, will be offered employment on successful completion of the course. Shilpi Akbar, Assitant Director, Regeneration, Birmingham City Council who are responsible for the Employment Access Team commented: “Local unemployed people who are marginalized in the current labour market and living in the most deprived areas of the city have maximum opportunity to benefit...”. The Operations Director at Carillion, Simon Dingle added: “We are delighted that we have give 9 new apprentices the chance to widen their skills at Carillion Training Centre in Birmingham.”
INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION!
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Check out Levi Roots Reggae Reggae sauce mogul reading the Phoenix Newspaper
PICK UP THE PHOENIX! ITS A “GOOD NEWS” READ ADVERTISING: 08432891207 - Option 1 NEWSDESK: 08432891207 - Option 2
www.thephoenixnewspaper.com
l Apprenticeship Ambassador to Business, Gordon Birtwistle MP and Apprenticeship Ambassador to Parliament, Andrew Jones MP.
New Government ambassadors promote apprenticeships
T
wo new government apprenticeship ambassadors have recently been appointed as Apprenticeship Ambassador to Business and an Apprenticeship Ambassador to Parliament- who's main aim is to increase the quantity, quality and impact of apprenticeships in England. Established by Business Secretary, Vince Cable and Education Secretary Michael Grove, aspire to raise the profile and prestige of apprenticeships amongst employers and wider support from the public. As part of his new role, Apprenticeship Ambassador to Business, Gordon Birtwistle
MP- who actually started life as a craft engineering apprentice- will engage with employers showcasing the mutual benefit of apprenticeships for employers and employees. Specifically, his role will focus on promoting apprenticeships for young people 16-24 in priority sectors, such as engineering. Andrew Jones MP, recently appointed Apprenticeship Ambassador to Parliament, will be responsible for engaging with employers and encouraging MPs to get involved in promoting apprenticeships to their constituencies with informative advice and all the information they need. Words from Michael Gove resonates with many views that :
“I am delighted that we have appointed two ambassadors to promote apprenticeships. It is vital that the qualifications and assessment involved in every apprenticeship are rigorous, trusted, and give employers confidence in the ability of their apprentices.” This recent appointment comes with the government plan to redefine apprenticeships and to build on the success which they already display, to make them global competitors. Furthermore it will also raise standards and place apprenticeships firmly in the hands of employers and young people.
The Phoenix–February 2013
Page 3
NEWS
The Phoenix - May 2013
EDUCATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH -
Hereward College students team up with The Phoenix Newspaper
S
tudents from Hereward College looking to move into a career in the Media and Journalism industry are to undertake a work placement at The Phoenix newspaper in Birmingham.
It is hoped that their time at the newspaper will encourage the students to become more confident in their skills and enhance their knowledge.
Some of the things the students will be doing include design work for the paper, writing articles for already established features and starting their very own features.
Working in partnership with the newspaper, Phoenix Managing Director Marcia hopes to help the students develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of media.
A student involved in the partnership, Katy Oakes, said, “I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills. I have already enjoyed the amount of freedom and creativity I have been allowed to have, it’s allowed me to progress quickly!”
Students will be given the chance to work with staff at the magazine to develop their own features which will be featured either in The Phoenix or in our sister publication, Street Cred.
With a diverse range of students, it is hoped that the students will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the paper and help further promote it within the local community we serve.
The Phoenix Managing Director commented “I am excited to be working with the students of Hereward College to not only help them develop themselves but also to develop this paper. The skills that these students have already shown to us make me confident that big things will be happening in the near future. Watch this space!”
“
AND
who will oversee their work and give them help on how to improve. Students will be given the opportunity to work either from college or they can work in the office and get a feeling for journalistic life. Phoenix Managing Director added “We are looking forward to letting the students into our office and giving them a real taste of what it is like in the world of media work. They will be given the chance to work with our own designers and writers to further their own knowledge.
To support the students, they will be guided and helped by senior staff at the newspaper
I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills.
”
About us
Hereward College is a general FE College in Coventry providing both day and residential places. We welcome all students including those with diverse and complex support requirements. In addition to residential students, day disabled an non disabled students also attend the college.
College Address:
Hereward College Bramston Crescent Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9SW Tel: 02476 461231 Fax: 02476 694305 www.hereward.ac.uk
A
n apprenticeship fair held in Stourbridge last month, was a great success. The event saw a number of recruiters attend to give the hundreds of youngsters in attendance the information necessary to gain an apprenticeship in a range of fields. The event took place at Glasshouse college, located in the centre of Stourbridge. Operated by Ruskin Mill Trust, the college provides Practical Skill Therapeutic Education for young people aged 16 to 25 years old with a range of learning difficulties. Also in attendance, was Conservative MP for Stourbridge, Margot James, who was promoting the value of apprenticeships for young people in this period of massive youth unemployment. Amongst the recruiters on
Apprenticeship Fair Ryan Sparrow
Features Co-ordinator
ryan.sparrow@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
show, were Barclays, who presented their 'Brides into Work' program, whereby Barclays support businesses in finding, training and employing young apprentices in an attempt at tackling youth unemployment. Also at the event, was Aldi, who showed off their retail apprenticeship, with the prospect of eventually becoming a store manager. The scheme offers a wage more than twice the minimum wage for an apprentice with yearly rises as an apprentice gains experience and with it a greater chance of ascending through the ranks. Another apprenticeship provider in attendance was JTL, who
offer a number of apprenticeships in the building industry. These range from apprenticeships in plumbing to apprenticeships in electrical installation, each providing would be apprentices with the skills and experience necessary to build and maintain a successful career in their chosen industry. Nova Training were another company at the event. They also offer a number of 'earn as you learn' schemes', including a motor vehicle apprenticeship, and apprenticeship in business admin and also an apprenticeship in l customer services. All in all, the event was a huge success, with hundreds of youngsters gaining the knowledge necessary to put them on the track towards gaining employment and starting a successful career in whichever industry they choose.
MP for Stourbridge, Margot James
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TRAVEL
Focus on Africa for your dream break
A
frica-in-Focus operates top quality, unparalleled mobile camping adventure and photographic safaris through east and southern Africa, from Nairobi to Cape Town, Uganda to Rwanda and beyond. For travellers who wish to gain knowledge and appreciation of African wildlife, landscape and culture, safaris of 2, 3 and 4 weeks are available, or combining two or more tours together, longer overland expeditions through 7 countries. Mobile camping safaris are semiparticipation and while they have a road crew to give you every assistance, you will be shown how to put up and take down your own tent, help with meal preparation and with tasks around the camp like washing the dishes and maintaining strict hygiene - this will all help you get into the spirit of the trip and give you those special memories. AIF integrates photographic workshops and tutorials for those who have
an interest in obtaining more memorable images than just snaps with crew members who have a photographically knowledgeable guide throughout the duration of your tour. Even if you are not a keen photogra-
pher they are sure that you will bring some sort of camera to Africa and therefore be in a position to capture those memorable photos.
The Phoenix – May 2013
The Phoenix - May 2013
Page 35
TRAVEL
Turkish Airlines expands global network from Birmingham
T
urkish Airlines celebrated the launch of its new schedule from Birmingham Airport increasing its daily flight from seven to ten flights each week to Istanbul and beyond. To celebrate the occasion, the airline specially arranged for its 200th aircraft, a Boeing 737-900, to operate the afternoon Istanbul service. This development means that the number of flights a week to Istanbul and beyond with Turkish Airlines has doubled since starting operations from Birmingham in December 2008, due to both the high demand from the
Midlands to Istanbul as well as the two hundred plus global destinations available from Turkish Airlines Istanbul hub, throughout Europe, the Far East, the Middle East and Africa. Selim Ozturk, General Manager for Turkish Airlines at Birmingham, said: “Since starting flights from Birmingham in 2008, we have been very grateful for the demand that is in the Midlands region and I’m very proud of the growth that we have achieved.” “The extra flights offer even more choice than ever thanks to our growing network from Istan-
bul, which now spans across 98 countries.” Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: “We are delighted that Turkish Airlines has gone from strength to strength and has committed so much into making its Birmingham operation such a
l Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport (left) and Selim Ozturk, General Manager, Birmingham (right) are pictured with the Orchestra of the Swan to celebrate the airline’s increased flight programme from Birmingham
l Turkish Airlines’ 200th aircraft arrives at Birmingham Airport to celebrate the carrier’s increased flight programme from Birmingham and is welcomed with a water salute.
success.” Turkish Airlines, with a fleet of 211 aircrafts flying
Royal Ascot week racing breaks at Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa
M
acdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa, the nearest fourstar hotel to Ascot Racecourse, is hosting exclusive racing experience packages during this year’s Royal Ascot meeting. Set a mile away in gated landscaped grounds with free parking, the elegant hotel is offering B&B from £225 per night for two sharing plus special champagne breakfast, lunch and dinner menus for race goers. A private transfer service is also available between the hotel and racecourse. You can start the day in style with a pre-race champagne breakfast, or pick up the day’s tips and enjoy a ‘Royal’ luncheon before making your way to the racecourse, both are available for
hotel guests and non-residents. The renowned dressed buffet lunch with its amazing ice and vegetable carvings, created by the hotel’s AA rosette team of chefs, is served, with breakfast for non-residents is £25 per person while lunch is £45pp. After an exhilarating day’s racing, celebrate your winnings with a bottle of chilled champagne on the roof terrace or indulge in a glass or two of Pimms in the grounds; then enjoy a two-course brasserie dinner from £35pp. The great style and excitement of Royal Ascot is perfectly captured at the Berystede; full coverage of each day’s racing is available in the Diadem and Terrace bars, the hotel’s dedicated concierge service can provide buttonholes for gentlemen plus copies of the Racing Post and
race cards to study the day’s form before arriving at the course. The hotel’s spa therapists will also be on hand offering mini Decléor Revival Foot Relief treatments, a welcome treat for aching feet! The country house hotel has played host to Royal Ascot guests for over 100 years and continues to cater for top jockeys, owners and trainers during the week. Overnight guests also have use of the hotel’s luxurious VITAL Spa which includes an 18-metre indoor pool, indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, Technogym, relaxation area and six beauty studios where therapists offer top-to-toe pamper treatments for men and women using Carita and Decleor products from Paris (treatments extra).
worldwide, preserved its title of Best Airline in Europe scoring a resounding success at the 2012 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Travelers voted the airline as
the ‘Best Airline in Europe’, the second year running and it was named by Skytrax as the winner in the categories, ‘Best Airline in Southern Europe’, ‘World’s Best
Premium Economy Class Airline Seat’ for its Comfort Class seats and ‘World’s 2nd Best Catering in Economy Class.’
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CTO
The Phoenix – May 2013
Turks & Caicos Islands Premier leads delegation at region’s premier sustainable tourism conference
T Discover Dominica this May
T
his month has once again been declared as ‘Tourism Awareness Month’ and will be celebrated under the banner “Tourism is Everybody’s Business, Let’s Play Our Part,” reminding all Dominican’s of their role in maintaining and developing a stake in the tourism industry. The annual public awareness campaigns and activities for ‘TAM’ are organized by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Discover Dominica Authority and the Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association to highlight the importance of the tourism industry to Dominica. The theme for this year, “Re-
Music
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Theatre
discover Dominica”, urges Dominicans to make a special effort to re-discover their home and enjoy Dominica’s Tourism Products and Services. Some major activities during the month long celebration includes; Jazz n’ Creole Fringe Events and Main Stage; Service Providers Appreciation Day at the Melville Hall Airport and Roseau Ferry Terminal; Erecting of Beach Signage at four beaches illustrating precautionary measures and Tourism Fun Day at Freshwater Lake organized to foster greater camaraderie among tourism stakeholders. All Smiles Day will be highlighted during Customer Service Week to encourage greater cus-
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Comedy
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Dance
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tomer service practices. Online Video Contest named “Let’s Rediscover Dominica through video” will have the public invited to create and submit professional or amateur short videos focusing on ways to ‘Re-discover Dominica.’ Roseau Paint – a – Thon will seek to beautify and uplift four houses in the city; Radio Quiz aimed at educating the general public on tourism related matters; Tourism Youth Congress among Secondary Schools; Hike Fest, this year extended to include Hike n ‘Jazz for a total of ten hikes; and the National Tourism Cocktail to climax the Tourism Awareness Month activities.
he Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. Rufus Ewing, led a three member delegation to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 14th annual Sustainable Tourism Conference, which opened in the Trinidad and Tobago capital, Port of Spain, next week. It was Dr. Ewing’s first CTO event since he was elected Premier last November, and since he took the tourism portfolio as part of a cabinet reshuffle. In addition to attending the various sessions, the TCI Premier made a presentation on how the Turks and Caicos Islands and small developing states can continue to advance destination sustainability in the context of the ongoing economic downturn and with limited resources. “Rest assured that the Turks and Caicos Islands has a great presentation to make in this regard based on our experiences over the past five years,” Dr. Ewing said. The TCI hosted the 10th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-10) in 2008 and, at STC-11 in 2010, reported progress in a
Literature & Spoken Word
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l Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr Rufus Ewing number of important areas. Dr. Ewing was joined by the head of the secretariat in the Office of the Premier, Ronlee James and Brian Been, the senior product development officer at the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board. Mr. Been is the deputy chairman of the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Technical Committee. STC-14 began with an official opening ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. Prime Minister Kamla Persaud Bisses-
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sar addressed the opening, with Carlos Vogeler, the World Tourism Organization’s point man in the Americas, who delivered the keynote address. Themed, ‘Keeping the Right Balance: Enhancing Destination Sustainability Through Products, Partnerships and Profitability,’ the conference explored ways that the Caribbean can enhance destination sustainability and competitiveness in the current global environment by examining a number of critical issues.
Workshops
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Young People
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The Phoenix - May 2013
Page 37
OVERSEAS
Haiti Honours the late Hugo Chavez
I New Frontiers: Recover. Repair. Rebuild.
F
or the past 6 years, ATM has recognised, through its New Frontiers Award, destinations that have overcome great adversity to bring much needed tourism back to their shores.
As well as honouring the strength and determination of local people who work tirelessly to rebuild their lives following disaster, the award also serves to highlight the consummate crisis management of local tourism authorities.
This year they are looking back at past award recipients and hear direct from them about how the New Frontiers recognition has helped them on their road to recovery and what future plans they have for rebuilding their
communities to share. The session, will also announce the 2013 recipient of the New Frontiers Award in the Seminar Theatre, Ibis Al Barsha, Dubai, on May 7.
n an attempt to honour the Late President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Haiti is naming an airport in the country's north after the late Venezuelan President Hugo. Cap-Haitien International Airport will now be called the Hugo Chavez International Airport, Gary Bodeau, a spokesman for Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe told international journalists. Notably, the airport's 17,500foot runway was repaved in October with a loan from the Venezuelan government. The repair came just in time for the inauguration of an industrial park in the north that is largely financed by the U.S. government. Like the United States, Venezuela has been one of Haiti's biggest supporters. Venezuela pledged $1.2 billion for Haiti, more than any other country,
following the 2010 earthquake but has released just $222 million. Venezuela's PetroCaribe fund has also helped Haiti. Haiti has used millions of money from the pact that was created in 2005 to pay for fuel, renovate power stations and develop a social program for the country's poorest people. Both Lamothe and President Michel Martelly attended Chavez's funeral and Martelly left Haiti on Thursday to attend the inauguration of Venezuelan President-elect Nicolas Maduro.
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MOTORS
The Phoenix – May 2013
Are we nearly there yet?!
A
s May day approaches, many families will be looking forward to getting away for a couple of days. What most parents won’t be looking forward to are the inevitable bored or irritated children in the back seat. Coupled with traffic jams, travelling over the bank holiday can be a traumatic experience! Research carried out by vehicle manufacturer Peugeot found that it takes on average only 29 minutes before children first exhibit signs of irritation and boredom. To help parents survive the long journey, Ring has a range
of products to ensure the little angels/devils are occupied and happy. Every car has at least one 12v power supply, commonly known as a cigarette socket. It is a feature that is underused, but with Ring’s in-car connectivity products it can be used to power a range of devices to keep the family entertained. In-car DVD players are a popular device for keeping kids entertained. But if using a plug in sat-nav as well you will need additional 12v sockets. Ring’s RMS9 multisocket has three 12v sockets to keep all your devices powered.
Mobile phones and tablets are now an obligatory piece of equipment in today’s modern world. To ensure power is maintained Ring’s RMS15 multisocket not only provides additional 12v sockets, but a USB charging point for smartphones and tablet devices. Games consoles and laptops are great for occupying children’s minds. Ring’s MP:120 invterter takes the vehicle’s 12v power and turns it into mains power to keep them gaming.
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ou can still rely on British-built vehicles, according to Warranty Direct, which has revealed that LDV is the most dependable van brand in the UK. Van drivers typically rely on their vehicles to make a living and, although Leyland DAF Vans closed its doors four years ago, its vans remain robust, suffering fewer breakdowns than all of its rivals. Duncan McClure Fisher, Managing Director of Warranty Direct, said: “Time is money for van drivers so every minute they’re off the road costs them. It’s great to see British build quality faring well. The irony is that the most reliable manufacturer is one that did not survive the recession, but at least you know it’s a good used vehicle buy.”
The most common faults recorded are suspension damage, often caused by speed humps and potholes, accounting for almost one in 10 garage visits. Electrical and fuel system issues are the next most reported woes. LDV’s factory, in Birmingham’s Washwood Heath, closed its doors in 2009. It has since been demolished and the site is being considered as a depot for
the new HS2 rail network.
The Phoenix - May 2013
Page 39
SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
Re-live Olympic glory at London Anniversary Games
T l Back L-R – Donna Pugh (18), Ashleigh Sperring (17) and Omar Myers (21) Front L-R – Henry Gaskin (17) and Abbie Ferns (18).
Students Kick Off Sport Week
W
alsall College took part in national ‘College Sport Week’ this month to encourage more students to get into sports. Organised by the British Colleges of Sport association, the event was designed to get more college students across the UK involved in different types of sport and continue the legacy of the 2012 London Olympics.
Walsall College’s sports department organised a number of free activities including football, netball, rounders, volleyball, badminton and squash for students across the college to take part in throughout the week, while students on sports courses competed against teams from other local colleges. Rayna Jones-Crawford, Curriculum Manager for Sport at Walsall College, said: “Sport Week
was a great opportunity for students to try out different sports, have fun and learn new skills, as well as improve their health and fitness levels. Students across the college really embraced the week and we had a high number sign up for various activities.”
Italian Queen is the ‘Last Man Standing’ at explosive night of mixed martial arts by Steve Williams
steve.williams@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
I
t was a night when the best of European mixed martial arts stars graced Birmingham’s New Bingley Hall, all vying for the right to walk away with the champion prize of £3,000. Coming from some of the top ranked mixed martial arts gyms throughout Britain and abroad, in front of a sell-out, knowledgeable and respected crowd, it was Italian stallion, Angelo ”The Devil Man” Camponi, who proved the eventual winner on a night of twenty-one grooling bouts, with World, European, Com-
monwealth and UK titles also up for grabs. Each fight with something significant on it, the ISKA Woman’s World Flyweight title fight between Brit, Ruqsana Begum, the face of ‘Last Man Standing,’ and Italy’s Sylvia La Notta provided star billing with the star
from the Azzuri a bit too much to handle for Bethnal Green challenger. A mention for Naqqash Khan of Birmingham-based Black Widows Mixed Martial Arts Academy who was far too much to handle for brave Luke De Burgh from the Wu Tang gym in a highly anticipated C Class contest. Khan an overwhelming winner in a one-sided affair. Camponi was the last man standing beating Britain’s Andy Lefthouse with a devastating flurry of telling blows in the first round.
he world’s best athletes will return to the nation’s capital this summer as the London Anniversary Games host two days of Diamond League competition, followed by a day of Paralympic events, at the Olympic stadium in July. A host of champions from last year’s magical summer are guaranteed to be out in force to rekindle the unique sporting extravaganza that was London Olympics & Paralympic Games 2012. Double Paralympic T34 100m and 200m Champion, Hannah Cockroft said: “The London Anniversary Games is fantastic news. It will bringing the attention back to where it all began
and gives us a chance to re-live the glory of last year. Last year’s Games was a massive buzz and I’m looking forward to recreating that again this year. It’s a brilliant opportunity for us paralympiads, as it gives us another major event to aim for. I can’t wait to get out in front of that crowd again.” Christine Ohuruogu, former Olympic 400m champion and current London 2012 silver medalist said: “It’s brilliant news that the London Anniversary Games will be held over three days at the
Stadium. The London Diamond League has always been one of my favourite meets so it’s fantastic that it’s retaining its two day format.” Last year’s Olympic opening ceremony took place on July 27.
MMA Champion - Page 39
MoneyGram brings schools to games with England Test star
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quest autographs. PE teachers will need to submit a 500-word creative essay at moneygram.com/cricket explaining why their school should be given this great opportunity. Four schools will be selected as finalists to compete for the Champions Trophy. MoneyGram Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Juan Agualimpia said: “Last year’s campaign with Alec resonated with our customers in England who follow cricket and as a result, we look forward to working with him again to bring customers closer together.” Since retiring from the games, Stewart has also been serving as club ambassador for Surrey C.C.C. He said: “Just like these children, I also started out as fan who truly loved cricket,” said Stewart. “Through MoneyGram’s contest, I hope to
steve.williams@ thephoenixnewspaper.com
help all the aspiring cricketers have an unforgettable experience. I look forward to the children teaching me a thing or two as well.” Students from the winning schools will visit the Edgbaston changing rooms, tour the famed facilities and receive coaching from the cricket legend. To conclude the event, the schools will play in a tournament, with the winner receiving a trophy provided by MoneyGram. The ICC Champions Trophy will be played at The Oval, Edgbaston and SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff, and Stewart will participate in promotional events hosted by MoneyGram, including press conferences, personal appearances and coaching sessions for secondary schools across the country.
2012 legacy continues in youth athletics league
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eading global money transfer company, MoneyGram, have announced that former England cricket captain Alec Stewart will continue to serve as the company’s ambassador for events leading to the company sponsorship of next month’s ICC Champions Trophy. And for the second year running, secondary schools across England and Wales will have the opportunity to spend a day training with former Surrey star at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham Batsman-wicketkeeper Stewart will visit the four finalists, giving students the opportunity to meet the most capped Test match England cricketer of all time. During the visit, students also will have the opportunity to interact with Stewart, take pictures and re-
by Steve Williams
he inaugural season of the Youth Development League gets underway with the first of four league matches taking place this weekend. Following competition reviews, feedback and with the support of the Young Athletes League and National Junior League it was decided that the Youth Development League would be formed with an upper age group for under-20 and under-17 athletes and a lower age group for under-15 and under-13 athletes. There will be Midlands, north-
ern and southern regions for the upper age group with a Scotland and Northern Ireland region being added to make four regions for the lower age group. Following the four league matches there will be promotion and relegation per each of the divisions and National Finals will take place the weekend of 7-8 September at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. Upper Age Group (u17 & u20 athletes) - April 28th - June 2nd - June 30th - July 28th
Lower Age Group (u13 & u15 athletes) May 4th - June 1st - June 22nd- July 13th May 5th - June 2nd - June 23rd - July 28th (Scotland) May 4th - May 25th - June 22nd - July 27th (Northern Ireland) For more information please visit http://www.ukydl.org.uk/