The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2015

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The Phoenix – April 2015

Opposition Leader wins Nigerian Election in Landslide Victory

T

he overthrowing of incumbent, President Goodluck Jonathan, by former military ruler, Muhammadu Buhari, was seen by millions of Nigerians, throughout the diaspora, as a ‘step forward’ for a country that has been through some of the most traumatic years in their history.

The first opposition candidate to in Nigeria’s history to unseat a sitting leader at the ballot box, General Buhari’s All Progressives Congress victory, by more than 2.5 million votes, was generally praised by observers, despite allegations of fraud and corruption.

The 72-year-old, at the helm for a second time, graciously congratulated outgoing President Jonathan for peacefully relinquishing power. As a signal of deepening democracy in Africa’s most populous nation, Jonathan himself phoned

Buhari when conceding defeat, urging his supporters to accept the result. “President Jonathan was a worthy opponent and I extend the hand of fellowship to him,” Buhari told reporters.

Page 3

NEWS

“We have proven to the world that we are people who have embraced democracy. We have put one-party state behind us.” A spokesperson for Gen Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) party praised Mr Jonathon saying: “He will remain a hero for this move.

The tension will go down dramatically.”

Buhari led Nigeria from 1983 to 1985 and this, his fourth attempt at leadership since, campaigned as a born-again democrat to allay fears about his strict military regime, while stressing that Nigeria’s security needs to be the next government’s focus and against a backdrop of violence in the North, he has vowed to make security a priority.

The APC won 15,424,921 votes with Jonathan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gained 12,853,162 votes.

l Out: Goodluck Jonathan

Congratulatory Message

l Chief Uzo Owunne

l General Muhammadu Buhari

Residents’ association transformed a neglected space into a green oasis

S

ince its formation in summer 2014, the Hubert, Andalus and Tasman Residents’ Association (HATRA) has been extremely active. Set up at a meeting attended by over 20 residents from the three roads, they are now 60 strong and growing.

Their greatest success has been the Tasman-Andalus junction triangle which has been transformed from a rubbish-strewn concrete mess into an uplifting community garden.

Working in partnership with Lambeth Council and Father Nature, HATRA members young and old planted up three beds with trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs (and one resident’s

cabbages).

The autumn weather was kind, and after its gardening group turned out twice to weed, the beds were looking very fine and ready for winter. We’re very much looking forward to spring and another round of planting.

On the same Sunday the gardening group was out weeding the triangle, Father Nature was back to install a planter bed on the corner of Hubert Grove. This is another fly-tipping hot spot and the hope is that by showing these areas are being looked after and made beautiful, the flytippers will be shamed into stopping their anti-social behaviour.

His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR It is my distinct honour and pleasure on my personal behalf and on behalf of INGO UK and compatriots in the Diaspora to convey our most sincere congratulations on your election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The rightfulness of the desires and wishes of the Nigerian people as expressed in the just concluded polls, confirms your acceptance as the chosen one to lead our great country. The current improvements by the Independent Electoral Commis-

sion of Nigeria (INEC) under the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to deliver a free and fair election is commendable in the spirit of our shared commitment to democratic, stable, united and prosperous Nigeria.

I wish you success in the execution of the high office of President and Commander in Chief and its responsible functions, good health and personal happiness.

Please accept the assurances of my highest considerations.

Chief Uzo Owunne Chairman INGO UK

Election date in diary..

Ready for my say on national issues..

Ready for a say on the future of Birmingham..

Registered to vote..

Make your voice heard

?

Go to birmingham.gov.uk/brumvotes15 to register now Registration closes 20 April #brumvotes15

To Advertise - Tel : 0121 231 3235 or email advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 4

COMMUNITY NEWS WITH LJ

H

LJ’s

nity u m m Co Slot

er Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba celebrated her 60th birthday in style, a number of distinguished guests and friends were invited to the High Commission office to share in her celebrations.

High Commissioner Aloun Ndombet-Assamba took office in this role in the UK for the Government of Jamaica in May 2012.

Born in St Anns bay, the former Member of Parliament for Saint Ann South Eastern and served as Jamaica's Minister of Tourism,

Entertainment, and Culture before taking up the role has High Commissioner.

This well educated and decorated Jamaican who in her earlier employment was a lawyer, and although equally serious about business and all things Jamaican, Her Excellency is easily identified by her ever beaming smile.

Her guests of honour included Minister for Justice Minister Mark Golding, High Commissioner from Grenada, H.E. Joslyn Raphael Whiteman (Mr.), Deputy High Commissioner Mrs Deidre

The Phoenix – April 2015

A Jubilee Year

Mills and her full support staff at High Commission House, Dignitires from Victoria Mutual and Jamaica National Building Society.

A host of well wishers traveled from Birmingham the place Her Excellency dubs her second home well wishers included Jamaica Honourary Consul Mr Wade Lyn Monica Coke , Ms Beverly Lindsay OBE OD, Deputy Lietuient of the West Midlands, Chairs of Association of Jamaica Nationals

guests from the Diaspora True to her roots the High Commissioner made a request for donations so she could in turn offer 6 scholarships to deserving students in 3 High Schools Ferncourt High , Merl Grove High , Covent of Mercy Alpha.

"I would like to give a scholarship to two students from each of the three High Schools I have attended, in honour of each decade of my life. The scholarship is in recognition of the contribu-

tion each of the has made to any success I have" stated H.E Aloun Ndombet-Assamba.

She was also keen to say "The High Commission is very proud to say she has supported Past Student Association and been on the board for many years and supported students by paying their fees.

Donations are welcome throughout the year. Give when you can, whatever can" http://assambafund.wix.com/ thealounassambascholarshipfund

Operation Black Vote - BWiP

A

s we we approach the crucial change in Government next month who is interested in the vote of African and Caribbean?

Black Women in Politics initiated by Rachel Toussaints a Solicitor by day, wife and mother of 4 was selected as the Conservative local candidate in the competitive ward of Stockland Green October 2015.

Rachel, although very softly spoken, has strong views about

the representation of the African and Caribbean communities and having their voices heard and also being able to effect change.

Once Rachel became interested in politics and the vote she soon realised the black community had fallen off the agenda in UK politics.

By the time the 2015 election campaigns were on the way, it became apparent that none of the political parties had included a strategy to attract the African and Caribbean Vote.

Primarily this is because the African and Caribbean are amongst the community least likely to register to vote and then turn out at elections.

On recognising that this needed to change Rachel spoke to African and Caribbean activists and other female politicians and decided they would tackle this on a cross party basis.

Black Women in Politics (BWiP) is a cross party initiative with women from all the main political parties involved forming core

group to ensure the integrity of the cross party approach.

Their first BWiP event was community luncheon with guest speakers including Lorna Patricia-Campbell former Labour Councillor for Lambeth, and Mrs Camille Ade-John strong Labour supporter who has worked tirelessly for years to share their experience.

The group have formed to encourage the African and Caribbean women in the UK to engage in UK politics to provide political support to women led initiatives in business, community campaigning and the third sector.

BWiP strongly believe women can spearhead this community into taking their vote seriously, and pass this on to their families and community circles.

Rachel has taken to the streets to introduce herself to people in the ward. With a child in a local school and family members in the area, Rachel feels she understands how she could well represent this ward.

“This has been interesting journey,” says Rachel "what solicitor has to go through to practice law, which is contrast to politicians who make the law with limited training, which impacts on people.

Which is Rachels point; why it is important for local people to vote as they are the ones living by these politicians decision.

African and Caribbean community have voted labour over

the decades, however as the polls show these are the people not currently voting.

On forming the Black Women in Politics core group their shared view is that they are here to give this cross party approach and to involve the African and Caribbean communities who have become disengaged over the years from parties whom offer them no challenge and share their interest.

We congratulate and wish good luck to our Black Women in Politics

Rachel Toussaints Conservative Candidate for Stockland Green Monica Hardie Conservative Candidate for Selly Oak Alison Gavin Parliamentary Candidate for the Green Party in Meridian

Councilors up for reelection

Yvonne Mosquito for the Labour Party in Nechells Paulette Hamilton for the Labour Party in Handsworth wood Sybil Spence for Labour in the Soho

Councilors in their seats until 2018

Karen Trench for the Liberial Democrat in Perry Barr Sharon Thompson for Labour in the Soho Ward.

Women from all backgrounds who have an interest in our community issues are welcome to work along side the core group.

People wanting to get involved can contact bwipUK@gmail.com, or connect with them on Facebook facebook.com/BlackWomeninPolitics

The Phoenix – April 2015

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women's day event 9th-10th May 2015 Too many of us procrastinate from embodying our dreams and becoming the visible women we were truly meant to be.

We often wonder 'What if?' and mumble 'I would but ‌' and make excuses for holding back our lives.

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Prize Draw: Win a Saturday VIP + Ticket

Theatre & Music Two’s Company and The Drum presents

Different Is Dangerous

Legends of Reggae

My Father and Other Super Heroes

Drum Got Soul

Sat 30 May / 9:30pm

Thu 16 Apr / 2pm & 7:30pm

Thu 23 Apr / 2pm & 7:30pm

Sat 25 Apr / 7:30pm

Tickets: £28 + BF

Tickets: £6 (£5)

Tickets: £8 (£6)

Tickets: £18.50 (£16.50) MOTD

Tower Ballroom / Edgbaston

Using a combination of performances derived from audio recordings and fictional monologues Different is Dangerous gives a unique insight into the idiosyncratic life of the Asian community living in Leeds. This is a devised piece performed by its creators from Two’s Company; Nyla Levy and Fadia Qaraman.

My Father and Other Superheroes is a one-man show that follows Nick’s journey dealing with subjects of fatherhood, loss, heroes and hope from being smuggled out of his home country of Uganda at a young age - to learn what it takes to truly become a hero and a father.

“Vivid, funny and painfully honest”

Drum Got Soul is a night where The Drum celebrates the world and sound of Soul and RnB. To launch this spectacular evening we have invited two of the UK’s giants to perform their Greatest Hits!

We have the UK soul legend Omar, also appearing singer songwriter Don-E.

Page 32

ADVERTORIAL

The Phoenix – April 2015

Kesa Nkulu is bringing the Marcus Garvey Legend to the masses

A

lthough he would not say so himself, when it comes to role models then look no further than Kesa Nkulu, Managing Director of the Kalunga organization which provides a 36-panel R.H. Marcus Garvey Exhibition, touring schools, colleges and universities, youth groups, penal insti-

tutes, retirement homes and the likes, to exhibit and facilitate workshops to learn more about the historical spiritual leader and orator.

Along with facilitator, Yaya Sam Sue, the mentor and lecturer is the custodian of the largest exhibition of the iconic figure in Europe.

Determined to broaden the knowledge of one of his-

l Kesa Nkulu with Robin Walker

l Kalunga took 4 coaches to the british museum where Robin Walker

gave a lecture in the auditorium

tory’s greatest, yet unrepresented, figures, he, since 2009, almost single-handedly, carries the exhibition to wherever it’s called upon.

Why? “Marcus Garvey is one of the greatest, inspirational icons in history. He is famous for galvanizing and inspiring other historical figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, the leader of Ghana and its predecessor state, the Gold Coast, from 1951 to 1966, before becoming the first Prime Minister of the Gold Coast in 1951, leading it to independence as Ghana in 1957, becoming the new country's first Prime Minister.

He was also often mentioned by human rights activist, Malcolm X and civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King and with that, Kesa knows full well that, he says; “It will leave you inspired, as he was the ultimate leader, inspiring organized change, in the face of violent oppression and opposition, without violence himself.

Garvey was about self-reliance, continuing the philosophy of the likes of W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T Washington, two of the premier Black activists of their time and it was after he was exiled from the USA that other American-based groups would pop up to fill the void.

King’s visit to Gar-

vey’s grave, in Jamaica, adding that something extra to his fight.

A short synopsis of his importance today, but my 36-panel exhibition, full with photos quotes and manuscripts, is set out to educate, enhance and fulfill his impact on today’s society and that the young people, of all races and cultures, are fully aware of his contribution to history.”

Originally created by Imani of ABC Productions, the Marcus Garvey Exhibition targets 4-18 year-olds to instill community cohesion and create a legacy for the next generation to move l forward with.

“I am now creating a 100-panel exhibition on Black achievers, which, along with the Garvey Exhibition, take it worldwide.

Marcus Garvey’s legacy, along with many other great Black achievers and leaders of our time must be at the forefront of children and young people’s minds, as much as the ones we have been taught about to date.”

Kesa Nkulu himself is making sure it starts now.

Contact Kesa via email at mg@marcus-garvey-exhibition.co.uk or go to www.marcus-garvey-exhibition.co.uk

l Kesa Nkulu meets MutaBaruka

Dr. Umar Johnson visited the Exhibition in Birmingham

l Kalunga took 4 coaches to the british museum where Robin Walker gave a lecture in the auditorium

l Kesa Nkulu and Ashra Kwesi

To Advertise - Tel : 0208 865 1922 or email advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 34

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

T

he three luxury properties of Tenerife’s family-run group, Adrián Hoteles, have just been awarded the ‘Travelife Gold’ certificate for their commitment to sustainable tourism.

The highest accolade given by the prestigious scheme states that the three hotels are dedicated to sustainability by “protecting culture and traditions; supporting local people; and preserving the environment”.

Rafael Adrián, owner of Adrián Hoteles, says: “We are very pleased to receive this certification for all three of our hotels.

Sustainability and environmental protection are a top priority for us and we have implemented many sustainable initiatives across the group, such as seawater desalination, recycling and the use of environmentally-friendly products”.

Launched in 2007, Travelife is a certification system which allows hoteliers to monitor and self-assess their sustainability performance.

Owned by ABTA, Travelife is recognised within the travel and tourism industry as one of the most comprehensive and credible tools with regards to

sustainability.

In order to receive this award, properties must prove they meet Travelife’s assessment criteria, which includes, for instance, training employees on how to save energy; keeping a record of water and energy consumption; and having a system in place to avoid wasting food.

The ‘Travelife Gold’ certificate is not the first award that Adrián Hoteles has received in recognition of its sustainability.

Both Hotel Jardines de Nivaria and Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel have the EMAS (the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) and ISO 14001 certifications in place, testament to the group’s commitment to the environment.

Adrián Hoteles has three luxury properties in Tenerife’s Costa Adeje, characterised by their personal service, attention to detail and their recognised commitment to sustainability: the 5* Jardines de Nivaria, one of the most luxurious properties in southern Tenerife; the 4* adults-only Hotel Colon Guanahani, fully refurbished in 2014; and the family-friendly 5* Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel. All of them are located just a short drive from the Tenerife South Airport.

The Phoenix – April 2015

Adrián Hoteles Strikes Gold For Its Sustainable Tourism

Birmingham and Guangzhou Baiyun International Become Sister Airports

B

irmingham Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise a working relationship and commit to developing links between the two cities.

At a ceremony held at the Routes Asia conference in Kunming, China recently, the MOU was signed by Birmingham Airport’s aviation development director William Pearson and Jammes Shen, director of aviation marketing at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.

The agreement, which sees the two airports become ‘Sister Airports’, signifies commitment by both parties to collaborate on joint marketing campaigns, policy co-ordination and sharing best practice.

Speaking at the signing, Birm-

ingham Airport’s aviation development director William Pearson, said: “We are delighted to establish this new partnership with Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, which we hope will pave the way for potential flights between the two cities in the future.

This signing reflects our intent to work together, forging an effective working relationship and to develop mutually advantageous opportunities that will benefit both airports, as well as the cities of Birmingham and Guangzhou."

Mr Jammes Shen, director of aviation marketing at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, added: “Baiyun Airport and Birmingham Airport have signed a strategic co-operation framework agreement which will enhance the co-operation in areas such as hub construction, airport operation, joint marketing, airport service enhancement and airport resource sharing. By

signing this agreement, Baiyun & Birmingham Airport can also contribute to the rapid development of the aviation market of Guangzhou and Birmingham.”

This partnership follows the recent announcement that non-stop charter flights between Birmingham and China will recommence in the summer. Operated

by Hainan Airlines using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, the twice weekly service to Beijing will begin on Friday 3rd July.

Non-stop flights to China from Birmingham are possible thanks to an investment by Birmingham Airport to extend its runway to enable longer haul flights. The development was opened in April 2014 by the Prime Minister and was inaugurated by the first Birmingham-Beijing charter service in July 2014.

Send your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 38

REAL ESTATE, PROPERTY AND HOMES

The Phoenix – April 2015

Investing in Istanbul where prime locations provide plentiful profits

I

stanbul is a buy-to-let dream. Not only is the population growing at an unprecedented rate but the city is today ranked 20th in PWC's Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2015 report as a market to watch, with the very same document claiming "Istanbul has a lot of growth potential... Projects are coming

alive in prime locations" - and this is certainly true.

The district of Beylikdüzü is one such prime location: upmarket, a shopping haven and a true cultural melting pot, home to increasing numbers of Istanbul's middleclass population.

Beylikdüzü is the symbol of Istanbul's contemporary transformation: big scale on-going

international projects combined with a good infrastructure.

It is here that the population has doubled in the last five years and rents for furnished apartments have grown by around 30-40% over the past two, meaning that increasing numbers of savvy investors are looking to this growing location to purchase buy-to-let property.

Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21 , the leading property agency in South-West Istanbul, explains more; "Beylikdüzü is certainly a destination to watch.”

“On the coast, with its own marina, five universities, the largest exhibition centre in the city, three private hospitals and as home to Istanbul's very best shopping centres, whilst offering an array of choices for luxurious property options and modern resort-style living, it is clear to see why the district has become synonymous with the upper middle-classes, and

in turn with amazing buy-to-let potential."

This growing interest in Beylikdüzü is part of an impressive 55.6% growth in the number of property sales to foreigners in Istanbul in 2014, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), resulting in a total of 18,959 properties having been purchased by buyers from outside of Turkey.

Confidence

in the Istanbul market is growing and these figures are on track to grow further still as 2015 unfolds.

In line with this growth, three Istanbul streets are now ranked in the top ten streets in the world for rent increases, as has been revealed in the 'Main Streets Across the World 2014-2015' report by Cushman & Wakefield meaning that the city is today well and truly a major player on the world stage of property investment, with buy-to-let investors from a diverse range of regions from Europe to the Middle East and all between,

looking to the region to grow their bank balances.

And as more and more eyes turn to this Turkish hotspot, the blossoming figures can be said to have attributed to the healthy growth in Istanbul's 'investment prospects score', according to the PWC Emerging Trends Europe 2015 report, from 3.07 in 2010 to a 2015 figure of 3.4. The local property market is in fine fettle and this is sure to be only the beginning for Turkey's largest city.

What next for house prices?

A

s house prices remain a key driver of the UK's consumer economy, the question remains; 'What will happen next in the property market?'

House prices are rising across the UK but in London, property remains expensive but prices are slipping back from their peaks.

London was the only region to not record a rise in house prices last month, with prices falling for the sixth month in a row. But the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said that despite recent falls,

there were signs that the trend was starting to turn around as the pace of decline eased.

Rising wages, increasing spending power and a stamp duty tax cut are boosting demand from home-buyers as prices fell slightly in February.

Prices were said to have dipped 0.3 per cent - the first monthly fall since October – with annual property inflation also continued to slow, from 8.5 per cent in January to 8.3 per cent in February - considerably below July’s 10.2 per cent recent peak.

But it is said that some quarterly figures showed

house prices picking up - and these are judged to be a better measure than volatile monthly figures.

A month-by-month basis, prices were actually 0.1 per cent lower, after a 0.3 per cent rise in January.

Certain figures show that prices were.7 per cent higher in February than they were a year ago, taking the average price to £187,964.

The market overall remained subdued, with just a small increase in mortgage approvals and home ownership falling to levels not seen for 30 years.