The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 by The Phoenix Newspaper

PROMOTING DIVERSITY FOR BIRMINGHAM COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022

APRIL 2021

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation

REACHING DEEPER Over 4 gruelling days, professional racing driver and double-leg amputee, Billy Monger battled the elements as well as physical and mental exhaustion to walk, kayak and cycle a staggering 140 miles.

t has been a difficult 4 years for professional racing driver and double-leg amputee Billy Monger, who started racing at only 6 years old, and over the next 12 years became one of the most exciting British talents in the sport, earning him the moniker “Billy Whizz” In April 2017 he was involved in a horrific crash at Donnington Park, leaving him with life-changing injuries which resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. Following his accident a JustGiving page was set up for Billy,

describing him as “A complete one off, a cracking young man with a spark that makes it impossible for anyone not to like him. Full of spirit, Billy is one of those people that instantly lights up a room.

Continued On Page 9

l The dangerous flats are off Regina Road in South Norwood

National Shame Over ‘Dangerous Squalour’ In Council Housing

by Steve Williams

ollowing the exposure of the ‘appalling and unliveable’ council housing conditions some people have endured during lockdown in London, attention was drawn to the inhabitable living conditions experienced by residents living in council-run properties up and down the country – especially during the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic. A recent ITV news investigation highlighted the plight of people living in council-run properties in Croydon, in south London and it cited residents living in ‘unliveable’ council housing

conditions. Many have been enduring such atrocious conditions during lockdown measures.

Continued On Page 6

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NEWS

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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By Dr Tony Talburt

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ollowing the Harry and Meghan recent interview with Oprah Winfrey where, among other points, they both alleged there has been racist remarks by a member of the Royal family, it appears the UK Royal family has taken one decisive step. It has been reported not only was the Queen personally saddened by the situation, the Royal family plans to appoint a diversity czar. The move to improve diversity will include LGBTQ+ and disability representation and what’s more, the plans have the full support of the Royal family. Does this represent an acknowledgement or admission on the part of the Royal family, that they are lacking some degree of skills and awareness pertaining to these issues? Why is this happening now? Many of us can still remember the emotional pain suffered by Princess Diana as a consequence of marrying into the Royal family. Even though Princess Diana’s family ancestry links her with the Royal family before she married Prince Charles, she at least seemed to have gone out of her way to connect with people in ways the rest of the Royal family were either unable or unwilling to do. She was reported to have been more in tune with the people, and was, therefore, regarded as very different from the rest of the Royal family. Above all, it seems, she wanted her two boys, William and Harry, to have as normal a life as possible, given their privileged circumstances.

IS THE ROYAL FAMILY FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGING AND ACCEPTING THE INEVITABILITY OF DIVERSITY? If Princess Diana proved to be controversial, her son’s marriage to Meghan has probably turned out to be more controversial and contentious. It seems likely the Royal rift occurred as soon as Harry made it known he was serious about Meghan. Two things probably went against her from the start. She is mature, professional and independent on the one hand, and on the other, she is mixed race (or dual heritage). Furthermore, Meghan has her own personality with an unmistakably Black mother. Like Princess Diana before her, Meghan is too independent and not willing to toe the family line one hundred percent all the time.

l 10th Anniversary Wedding vector created by starline - www.freepik.com

Probably because of her acting career, Meghan comes across more confident in front of the cameras and is certainly willing to speak her mind. Whether Meghan’s claims about racism in the Royal family is imagined, created or factual, given her background in acting, (and some believe this is nothing more than her carrying out a performance) it has certainly caused a political stir. Whereas diversity training is part and parcel of most employment firms and companies, it now appears the Royal family and or the Palace staff, are to have training in diversity awareness. Will this be for the entire Royal household or only for certain

staff, only time might tell. The Royal family has said, or implied, there are already procedures and programmes in place, but there needs to be more progress and development in terms of representation. If there is one positive outcome from the Harry and Meghan interview, it might be the fact that the Royal family is being forced to recognise diversity, not only in the Commonwealth of nations, but also much closer to home. Whilst many people in Britain are not in favour of the interview given by Harry and Meghan, if it results in greater and meaningful diversity awareness training in the Royal Palace, that can only be a good thing for everyone.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 3

NEWS

Editors Note

l Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc

COVID-19 1 YEAR ON l Rob Lamb and his son Callum (centre) with the final day army in the Covid tested bubble - “hats off to every single volunteer, supplier and sponsor. #TOGETHERSTRONGER” (@bandofbuilders Twitter)

BUILDERS BAND TOGETHER FOR ONE OF THEIR OWN

he home of a Solihull dad-of-four left paralysed after a fall at home has been transformed thanks to a national construction charity. Rob Lamb, 58, suffered a severe spinal cord injury when he fainted due to low blood pressure at home in October, leaving him paralysed from the chest down. The quantity surveyor has been recovering at a rehabilitation centre in Oswestry but his home in Solihull needed specialist adaptations so he could live there safely. After hearing about his situation, national construction charity Band of Builders stepped in and over 60 volunteers descended on the family’s home, where Rob lives with his three sons, and made a range of

adaptations that will allow him to return home. From March 13th, a team of 60 volunteer tradespeople from across the country spent nine days carrying out changes to ensure the house is safe and comfortable for the dad of four, including creating a downstairs bedroom and wet room complete with specialist equipment for his condition. Rob, who was widowed when wife Julie died suddenly in 2017, lives with sons Callum, Gavin and Mackenzie, who plays for West Bromwich Albion’s youth team. Gavin said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received and still can’t quite believe this is all happening. When dad first got injured, we knew we’d need to make huge changes to the house

for him to come home, so we started fundraising for those and for the care that he’ll need. Then Band of Builders stepped in and it’s taken a huge weight off. Volunteers give up their time for free to work on projects, while materials are donated by companies across the construction industry. Rob’s

Project is sponsored by Tarmac Blue Circle and will be led by BoB volunteers Tim Winch and Craig Cashmore. Band of Builders is a registered charity that helps members of the UK construction industry battling illness or injury through the completion of practical projects.

l Robert Lamb

LAST MONTH, we marked the 1 year anniversary of the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Let us reflect on how important togetherness, family, friends and loved ones truly are. It has only been through our forced separation that we have realised how much we rely on close physical and mental contact with our loved ones to continue with our lives. We must also remember those who are not here to tell their tales, the fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, we celebrate their lives. As the Founder and Editor of The Phoenix Newspaper, my team and I have continued to be one of the essential services, providing positive, uplifting and informative news to ensure that you, our readers, could still feel connected in some way. We celebrate 10 years of The Phoenix this year, but rather than make a song and dance about it, let us focus on what we feel is more important, and that is the ability to show love, compassion and forgiveness to each other.

l (L-R) Callum Lamb, Gavin Lamb, Robert Lamb, Robert’s late wife Julie, Tara Lamb and Mackenzie Lamb

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NEWS

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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NEPALESE RESTAURANTEUR SURPASSES 100,000 MEALS A ctress and longtime campaigner for the UK’s Nepalese community, Joanna Lumley OBE, FRGS, has been helping a Nepalese restaurateur deliver his 100,000th free meal since the pandemic began. Restaurant owner, Sujan Katuwal, has been donating dinners and meals to NHS workers, homeless shelters and community centres after being forced to shut at the very start of the coronavirus lockdown last March. In his drive to help others he was joined by the actress as he continued to take meals to the Royal Artillery barracks in Greenwich, in London. “To help people who are terribly busy and won’t have time to prepare food is such a generous and open-hearted thing to do,” advocate and human rights activist Joanna said recently. “They’ve looked after care workers, the homeless community – and to crack through the 100,000-meal barrier is simply sensational. It should inspire us all and it’s so heart-warming to hear of something so special.” The Panas Gurkha restaurant, in Lewisham, has spent tens of thousands of pounds on the Panas Helping Hands project and this

l Joanna Lumley OBE, FRGS with Sujan Katuwal and the Panas Gurkha team year set up a crowdfunding page to keep the campaign going. Sujan said: “Although it’s been hard for restaurants too it’s always so important to remember those who are less fortunate than you and I know Joanna shares this sense of community spirit too. To have her with us handing out food to the people who really need

it right now is really special. Her help has been invaluable.” In 2008, Lumley became the public face of a campaign to provide all Nepalese origin Gurkha veterans who served in the British Army before 1997 the right to settle in Britain. Those serving after 1997 had already been granted permission,

but the UK Government has not extended the offer to all of the Gurkhas, who are natives of Nepal. On 20 November 2008, Lumley led a large all-party group including Gurkhas starting from Parliament Square to 10 Downing Street with a petition signed by 250,000 people. She supports the

Gurkha Justice Campaign. Inspired by the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, Sujan has been happily helping feed their local NHS workers in South London since early 2020 from his restaurant by delivering thousands of meals to NHS staff working at Lewisham Hospital and local hospices.

Britain’s Favourite Bread Recipes Revealed RECIPES for ‘easy white bread’ have proven to be the most popular amongst Brits looking to hone in their baking skills during the pandemic, new data analysis reveals. A full-scale analysis of the UK’s bread baking habits has been conducted by SEO Agency Blueclaw, revealing the highest-rated and most popular recipes ahead of this year's Real Bread Week. The analysis looked at guides provided by the UK’s top recipe provider and found that other popular choices among amatuer bakers include naan bread and cheesy garlic bread. ‘Easy’ bread recipes seemed to be most popular, as ‘bread in four easy steps’ ranked at the number four position showing more new bakers are now looking for recipes than before. Surprisingly, the data also showed a nationwide shift towards vegan bread recipes, as these proved to be the most popular despite longer prep and cooking times - accounting for 35% of the site’s search volume compared to their non-vegan and vegetarian counterparts.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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The Paramountcy Of A Job Professional Wellbeing Agenda with Dr Christopher Johnson were of great concern, with

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

ABSOLUTE DISGRACE Continued From Front Page

Since 2019, residents of a tower block in South Norwood have been complaining to their landlord, Croydon Council, about leaks in their flats that have now contaminated their homes, thereby turning them into dangerous places to actually live. The programme showed Fransoy Hewitt, who lives on the ground floor with her two sons, aged five and seven, started noticing damp and mould 18 months ago. Her flat was damaged by mould, damp and leaks and her two sons were forced to live in a small bedroom which was the only nondamaged section of the flat. These environmental incidences were further compounded by Hewitt’s son who suffered a respiratory condition (unable to breathe at nights). TV footage showed the magnitude of this residential squalor, as the floors of the flat were wet, with a black mouldylike kitchen, unfit for use. To prevent electrocution, the fridge was unplugged for months. There was no light in the bathroom; the sofa was destroyed along with many shoes, furniture and toys. In Birmingham, the City Council, along with the NHS and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council have worked together to develop a refreshed Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) Strategy. The strategy sets out initial thoughts on how we will improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Birmingham and

Solihull. They want the people of Birmingham and Solihull to lead fulfilling, healthy, independent lives, receive consistently high quality health and care services, have early access to extra help when they need it and have easy access to support when they can no longer live independently. Under their new Charter of Rights and Quality Standards for exempt supported housing, those in supported housing, where accommodation is provided alongside care, support or supervision to help people live as independently as possible. Those who are often housed in this type of property are the homeless and other vulnerable groups, such as those with support needs or disabilities. With people still living in ‘cladded’ tower blocks – post Grenfell Tower – and council houses and flats, which are inhabited by men, women and young children, showing deepflooded rooms with equallydamp, mouldy walls – and that’s for those who are ‘lucky,’ the Council’s priority on sustainable housing and living conditions remain ‘a must do’. Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods Birmingham City Council, is leading the drive to make sure people in Birmingham uphold their rights to live in habitable dwellings. Once a homeless person, she will be responsible to ensure city residents live in conditions that they deserve in Birmingham today – regardless of who, or

where. With evidence of mothers living with young children, whilst wading through ‘pools’ of water in kitchens and living rooms, the problem is not exclusive to Croydon. Councils up and down the country, at the very least, have to make sure the people who voted them in have a right to live in a habitable, clean and comfortable abode – regardless of circumstances. In addition, proper housing conditions including affordability, contributes positively to the mental health and overall wellbeing of citizens including families from all backgrounds. There is a direct link between poor housing and inequality at levels of society. There are glaring examples of this across different groups of citizens and types of housing tenure in many parts of England especially. When we consider the impact of coronavirus on the lifestyles of many, living under poor housing conditions, can only reinforce future risks to the lives of millions of people who are often disadvantaged and excluded from mainstream provision. In going forward, we must end this embarrassing national episode of social injustice, and, above all, we must think of our children in all this! The Phoenix Newspaper has also investigated a claim of terrible conditions in Council Housing in Birmingham, where there were children with special needs living in similar condition. Photographic and video

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evidence was submitted in 2018 to Cllr Sharon Thompson, but unlike her counterpart in Croydon, she did not act to remove the family from the situation immediately. The Council Inspector that was sent out said that he felt that the state of the property was not urgent enough to remove the family from the home, despite a 3 year old with special needs suffering with seizures and epilepsy. He made it clear that that there were thousands of homes in a similar situation. There was sewage water that repeatedly seeped into one room before flowing out into other parts of the home. The water and electricity along with black mould was an ongoing problem and yet, with all this, the inspector said he did not see it as a priority. The mother told us she has also had regular visits to the children’s hospital due to the epileptic fits, seizures and skin infections that the 3 year old suffered during this time. Sadly to this day there are still 3 children living in one room in that same flat, 3 years on. Birmingham City Council issued a statement in response to Phoenix enquiries - “Birmingham City Council’s safeguarding policy is that the child’s safety and wellbeing must be the paramount consideration at all times. “In February 2020 the Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership published our refreshed threshold guidance called “Right Help, Right Time” – Delivering effective support for children and families in Birmingham. “Our ambition is that all children and families in every part of the city achieve their full potential and are supported by a confident workforce with a common core of knowledge and understanding of children’s needs, the importance of building positive relationships and a consistent approach to practice. “More details on our policy are available on our website at https://bit.ly/3sGHRJF”

gainst the backdrop of i n c re a s i n g uncertainty to local, regional and national economies globally, an occupational wellness agenda must be prioritised by the relevant authorities. Aside of the heavy casualties inflicted by a raging pathogen, millions of people have lost jobs and are unsure of their social status in society -writ large. Occupational wellbeing is classed as the capability and capacity initiative of persons seeking career aspirations employment chances, healthy work surroundings, job satisfaction and upward mobility. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimated that 114 million people suffered job losses (equalling 50% of total working-hour losses); 81 million became economically inactive and labour income loss averaging US$3.7 trillion, or 4% of 2019 GDP (January, 2021). In the UK alone, information and data on labour supply including economic inactivity, qualification levels and claimant count, were very revealing.

Troubling Indices

Nearly a quarter of individuals were without work whilst over 6 million were disinterested in employment activities. Amongst the major occupational casualties of the coronavirus, were the arts, entertainment and the recreation segments of the creative industries sector -82%. This indicator compared with just 3.5% of human health, and social work businesses (See Figure, ONS 2020 & House of Commons, January 2021). Functional and literacy rates for the entire UK population

only 40.2% of individuals reporting NVQ Level 4 and above qualifications. Nearly 10% of the population, were estimated to be unqualified. Claimant counts also highlighted gender disparities, with women showing a 2% less propensity towards benefit [claimant] dependency.

Opportunities Galore

The grim nature of the current labour market is a reason for consternation but also, rays of hope. Some organisational ‘bosses’ will no doubt, be starting from ‘ground zero’ while others will be recalibrating their respective operations. There are however, key features of business, professional services and social enterprise sectors, that will definitely require reconfiguration. They will consist of the following (although not exclusive): • Integration of new procedures to occupational health and safety leadership; • Evaluation of human resources management with regard to staff recruitment; • Effective monitoring of staff their culture, ethnicity and other socio-economic types; • A rethink of marketing principles and practices to cater for changing societal trends; • Development of collaborative-partnership models to suit healthcare dynamics; • Greater involvement and participation in civic affairs in keeping with health norms; • Refinement of data and surveillance methods to detect wellbeing concerns of staff; • Business planning including long-term strategies for growth and development; and • An ‘Occupational Wellness’ programme is publicised across organisational chains.

l Figure: Occupational Profile of the UK, (Source: Office for National Statistics, 2020 & House of Commons, January 2021)

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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NEWS

l Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council

New Financial Plan For Region Unveiled BIRMINGHAM City Council has published its latest financial plan. This mediumterm financial plan follows on from the publication of a new Delivery Plan in November 2020, which outlined the Council’s priorities, actions and key commitments to May 2022. The key areas of focus include: • Reforming the way the Council operates; • Shifting the focus from crisis to prevention; • Increasing the pace and scale of economic growth. The Council’s Financial Plan 2021–2025 provides firm financial forecasts for income and expenditure driven by the Delivery Plan. The plan aims to balance a significant programme of investment, transformation and support for the most vulnerable against continued financial challenges due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Above inflation, additional investment in services totals £69.1m in 2021/22, including a further £22.5m for adult social care, £12.3m for children’s services and £6.9m for neighbourhood services the latest financial plan goes to Cabinet on February 9 before going to Full Council for final approval on February 23.

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COMMUNITY PROJECT AIMS TO HELP CITY WOMEN FIND THEIR VOICE

Malcolm X Family Demand Reopening Of Murder Case

community project aimed at empowering Birmingham women, helping them find their voice and play an active role in their communities, was launched during this year’s International Women’s Day. Get Families Talking – a pilot scheme commissioned by Birmingham City Council’s equalities and cohesion team, and run by Smartlyte, a training provider based in Balsall Heath – will initially deliver free conversational English language sessions, online for women in Balsall Heath, Sparkbrook, Sparkhill and Highgate. Supporting women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, the project also aims to help local women grow in confidence, build friendships and encourage them to get involved in their local communities. By developing their English skills and increasing their confidence to engage in community activities, it is hoped participants will continue their learning and seek employment or volunteering opportunities. Councillor John Cotton, Cabinet

Member for Community Safety, Social Inclusion and Equalities, said: “Social isolation has become a real issue during this pandemic, so initiatives like this which will

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help empower women while they learn, by building confidence and friendships can help bring communities together.” As Covid-19 restrictions remain

in place, the six-week pilot scheme will be run via Zoom sessions, but women can get involved at any stage.

THE DAUGHTERS of assassinated US Black civil rights leader Malcolm X have requested that the murder investigation be reopened in light of new evidence. They cite a deathbed letter from a man who was a policeman at the time of the 1965 killing, alleging New York police and the FBI conspired in the murder. Raymond Wood wrote his responsibility was to ensure Malcolm X's security team were arrested days before he was shot dead in Manhattan, his family says. Three men were convicted of the murder. The men - all members of the Nation of Islam political and religious movement - were each sentenced to life in prison. One of them has since died, while the other two have been paroled. By the time he was gunned down, Malcolm X had moderated his militant message of Black separatism. However, he remained a passionate advocate of Black unity, selfrespect and self-reliance.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

#BILLYWHIZZ Continued From Front Page

“His positive, plucky outlook on life is not only hugely endearing but also incredibly inspirational and it’s phenomenal to see how respected and loved Billy is.” Having always been a fighter Billy has already overcome big hurdles in his career - struggling for budget Billy has fought his way into top flight Motorsport.” Billy’s plight was seen by F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button who both personally gave their support, and the campaign raised £841,844 to make Billy’s dreams a reality. In December of that year, less than a year on from the crash, he received the President’s Award from FIA President Jean Todt, which is given to those who have “displayed

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 9

NEWS

courage, determination and sportsmanship but to also include those that have contributed greatly to the broader FIA community.” Not to be kept down, this inspirational young man fought back harder, and with his resilience and resolve, was back in the driving seat within a year after appealing to motorsport’s international governing body, to change its regulations restricting disabled drivers. Billy then became the first ever double amputee to race competitively in a single-seater racing car aged just 18, and won the Euroformula series Pau Grand Prix in 2019. He also received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award in 2019 for outstanding achievement when facing adversity. This year, Billy undertook a gruelling triathlon inspired challenge to support Red Nose Day. Battling the elements as well as physical and mental exhaustion, he walked, kayaked and cycled a phenomenal 140 miles supported by family, friends and some special guests spurring him over the finish line. The 21 year old stated that it was going to be the “toughest physical challenge I’ve ever had to take on

in my life. Learning how to walk and becoming a double amputee was hard enough, but tackling something to this scale... I’m pushing myself quite hard to say the least.” On Billy’s training team was Wildwater World Champion and Team GB Coach Hannah Brown, two-time World Paratriathlon Champion Hannah Moore, Paralympic Talent Coach Becky Hewitt, and Billy’s long-time trainer, Andy Wellfare. Combined with his trademark determination, passion and focus, this dream team put Billy through an intensive training regime to help him complete this very special challenge, the funds from which will support people living incredibly tough lives, including those hit hardest by the Coronavirus Crisis. So far Billy has raised a staggering £3,007,401 for Red Nose Day. The money raised will also help support a number of life-changing projects both across the UK and around the world, whether it’s tackling mental health stigma, taking action against domestic abuse, providing safety to families who need support, or helping to give children the best start in life.

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

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

MOBILE LABS N KEEPING TRACK OF UK AIR POLLUTION

ality u q h Hig rom f e r ld ca child e years o iv f o t irth

ew mobile air quality research laboratories will help experts further develop the UK’s world leading position in analysing how air pollution is formed and what impact it has on our environment and people. Scientists at the Universities of Birmingham, Manchester, Cranfield and Coventry, Imperial College London and Aston University have secured NERC funding for two ‘supersite observatories’ – fixed in an electric van and a trailer – that will dovetail with existing fixed air quality supersites in Birmingham, London and Manchester. Urban Air Quality Supersites already allow researchers to gather detailed data on the contents of harmful urban air pollution; working out where the gases and particles that pollute our air are coming from and how they form in the air - adding observational

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l Student, Grace Duval

Research Into The History Of ‘Cancel Culture’ THE ORIGINS of ‘cancel culture’ and its increasing presence in society is the focus of a final year project by a student at Birmingham City University. Grace Duval delved into the topic for her undergraduate dissertation after some of her idols fell victim to the social media trend, regarded as promotion of the ‘cancelling’ of people or brands as the result of an offensive or controversial incident. “In 2020 a lot of the figures I looked up to such as JK Rowling and Caroline Flack were cancelled,” explained Grace, who studies Fashion Business and Promotion and lives in Islip, Northamptonshire. “It was fascinating to read online articles and social media commentary focussed upon what they were said to have done wrong and whether the people conducting the cancelling were in the right for doing so. “Growing up I had never seen celebrities or figures being cancelled for what they are now, so I was interested to see how social media particularly plays a part in cancel culture.”

capacity far beyond the routine DEFRA and local authority air quality monitoring. Poor air quality arises from the interaction of emissions, weather and atmospheric processes, affecting the amounts and toxicity of pollutants. As part of the drive to improve regional and national air quality, the mobile supersites will help scientists better understand the balance between traffic and urban emissions, and pollutants already present in the air and carried on the wind into urban areas. They will also help to define how chemical processing agricultural emissions and changes to move towards carbon-zero transport affect air quality. Zongbo Shi, Professor of Atmospheric Biogeochemistry at the University, commented: “Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk in the UK,

l Zongbo Shi leading to significant health inequalities and costing the country’s economy some £20 billion every year.

‘Game-Changing’ Investment In Region Welcomed A LEADING UK media professional and academic expert has welcomed a new pledge by the BBC to invest further in Birmingham and the West Midlands, as part of a nationwide power-sharing plan. Marverine Duffy, Director of Undergraduate Journalism at Birmingham City University, said the public service broadcaster’s pledge to move BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and BBC Asian Network news service Newsbeat to Birmingham, alongside the commissioning of more primetime drama and BBC Three documentaries locally is ‘a game changer’ for the city-region. The former Sky, BBC, and ITV News journalist and broadcaster said, “The prospect of the BBC increasing investment into production here in Birmingham and the West Midlands is hugely exciting. The possibilities for broadcasting more stories about, by and for communities of the cityregion are so wide-ranging. “Birmingham City University has a long history of producing the next generation of journalists and creative media professionals, with a very strong emphasis on employability. We have BCU Media and Journalism alumni working for the likes of local and regional news, right through to ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here & Love Island, Sky

l Marverine Duffy News, BBC’s Newsnight and into commissioning programmes at the BBC and Channel 5. “The potential for our students to remain in the second city after they graduate to work at the heart of thriving media industry is energising, particularly when for years there’s been a concentration of those lucrative roles in either London or Manchester. “This news feels like a gamechanger, not just for our students and alumni, but also for viewers and listeners across the region.”

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The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 11

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

YOUNG WOMAN ENGINEER OF THE YEAR CROWNED M

c L a r e n Automotive scientist and engineer Ella Podmore has been crowned the Young Woman Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The prestigious IET industry award celebrates women working in modern engineering to challenge negative perceptions

l Ella Podmore, McLaren Automotive Scientist and Engineer

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and encourage greater diversity in the profession. Involved in all material investigations, from firstdrawings through to the final product, Ella has worked on the McLaren 765LT, the Elva roadster and the recently revealed McLaren Artura, the first seriesproduction, high-performance hybrid from the luxury, highperformance supercar company. She joined McLaren Automotive as an intern engineer in 2016, having completed a degree in materials engineering at the University of Manchester before securing a full-time role two years later. Since then she has progressed rapidly, creating her department from the ground-up and balancing her time between experiments and leading technical meetings. As one of over 100 McLaren STEM ambassadors, Ella is passionate about encouraging more young people of all ages to take up science, technology and maths careers. She said: “I am absolutely

honoured to have been chosen by the IET and the judges to be this year’s winner. “Those who know and work with me recognise how passionate I am about my science and, being able to talk about that and the amazing supercars I get to work on at McLaren, I want to encourage the next generation of engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of what’s possible.” As well as talking to young people around the world about her role, last year Ella was one of McLaren’s expert judges on the BBC Blue Peter ‘Supercar of the Future’ children’s design competition. Since then, Ella has participated in the global reveal of the Artura and featured in a film to mark the launch of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR model, the real version of which she worked on. The IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year judges praised Ella for her passion and dynamism, noting that she represents the very best of the engineering profession and has the charisma and personality to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

Haringey Provides Hardship Funds For Struggling Families HARINGEY COUNCIL in London is making £729,000 available to Haringey schools across the borough to help families who are struggling financially due to the pandemic. This will be shared between all primary, secondary, special and post 16 settings where pupils currently receive free school meals. The grant forms part of a hardship fund worth more than £3.6 million from the government. The remainder of the money is being used to assist residents in other ways such as the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. Assistance will be provided through one-off awards for families struggling to meet the cost of living, or experiencing specific financial challenges, and will be distributed until March 31 this year. Cllr Kaushika Amin, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families at Haringey Council, said: “We know that people across the borough, just like across the rest of the country, are facing unprecedented financial difficulties due to the challenges of the pandemic and they really need help and support. “Schools have invaluable insight when it comes to identifying families that may need this at this time and I am pleased we are working with them across the borough in this way to help children and families.”

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

INDIAN SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR FOR CHESS PLAYER KONERU HUMPY C hess player Koneru Humpy has won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award for 2020, following a public vote. The 33-year-old beat sprinter Dutee Chand, airgun shooter Manu Bhaker, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and India hockey captain Rani Rampal to the award. Humpy is the World Rapid Chess champion having won the title in December 2019 after a two-year maternity break. In 2020, she won the Cairns Cup, an elite-level tournament for the top female players. She said: "Being an indoor game, chess doesn't get as much attention as sports like cricket gets in India. But with

this award, I hope the game will draw people's attention." She added: "I won over the years because of my willpower and confidence. A female player should never think about quitting her game. Marriage and motherhood are just a part of our life and they should not change the course of our lives." Born in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Kuneru was identified as a chess prodigy at an early age by her father. She lived up to the reputation by becoming the youngest female grandmaster, aged 15, in 2002 - the record was broken by China's Hou Yifan in 2008. She received the Arjuna Award, one of India's top sporting honours, in 2003, and India's fourth-highest

civilian award, Padma Shri, in 2007. The Indian Sportswoman of the Year initiative was launched in 2019 to celebrate female achievements in sport and highlight the issues and challenges faced by women and girls in India. Former long jumper Anju Bobby George was given the Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution to Indian sport. She remains the only athlete to win a World Championship athletics medal for her country. In the run up to the event a 'Sports Hackathon' was held, with the aim of adding more information about Indian sportswomen to Wikipedia in Indian languages. The project focused on

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athletes about whom there was minimal or no information available on the online encyclopaedia. More than 300 entries of 50 Indian sportswomen were added into the site in collaboration with 300 journalism students in 13 universities across India.

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

APRIL 2021

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LIFE BY

MISADVENTURE RAG‘N’BONE MAN RETURNS TO TOURING WITH HIS NEW ALBUM

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Love Actually In Concert to tour UK - with full orchestra

ove Actually, the seasonal romcom that has become a revelation and synonymous for so many with the festive period, will tour the UK in winter 2021 with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to picture, in what is becoming an annual

highlight of the holiday calendar. The tour will begin at the Bath Forum on December 2, before calling at Poole, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Sheffield, York, Hull, London’s Eventim Apollo, Nottingham, Manchester, and Liverpool before finishing in Birmingham. Love Actually In Concert has

garnered sold out audiences in previous years, with the Shropshire Star describing it as ‘… a wonderfully-magical night that really got everyone into the Christmas spirit’; whilst the Nottingham Post commented the performance was ‘Funny, heartwrenching and downright cheeky on occasion the musicians do

not just provide the background noise but all have their moments to shine.’ Directed by Richard Curtis and originally released in cinemas in 2003, Love Actually tells ten separate yet interweaving stories of love around Christmas time. The film features an all-star

ensemble cast, including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Bill Nighy, Martine McCutcheon, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley Rowan Atkinson, Martin Freeman, and many more. A full, live orchestra will perform Craig Armstrong’s

evocative score at these shows, with the film being projected onto a huge screen. Armstrong is one of the UK’s most recognised film composers, with his work being awarded a BAFTA for his Achievement in Film Music.

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he City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has announce that – subject to the continued successful rollout of the government’s roadmap – it is planning to give live concerts for socially-distanced audiences at Symphony Hall each Wednesday from 19 May-7 July. Each programme will be performed twice, at 2pm and 6.30pm, to allow for as many people as possible to join us in person whilst seating capacity is restricted. Full details of the programmes to be performed will be shared over the coming weeks. Both Town Hall Symphony Hall and the CBSO have adopted the ‘See it Safely’ toolkit (created by UK Theatre and the Society of London Theatre) to ensure that all performances follow the latest Government guidelines. Stephen Maddock, Chief Executive of the CBSO, said: ‘All of us at the CBSO have been working tirelessly with our partners at Symphony Hall to bring live music to our audiences as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. We hope that our weekly Wednesday concerts will be able to commence on Wednesday 19 May, with highlights including concerts with Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, Kazuki Yamada and Edward Gardner as well as soloists including Stephen Hough. We can’t wait to share our plans with you soon.’

ENTERTAINMENT

CBSO LOOK TO BRING THE MUSIC BACK TO SYMPHONY HALL - LIVE!

From Today’s Makers To Past Masters BIRMINGHAM MUSEUMS’ new online shop is set to celebrate the best of Brum with a unique range of products created by the very best local independent makers of today alongside gifts inspired by Birmingham’s remarkable past. Many of the items in the shop have been created by brilliant independent makers based in Birmingham including cult brand Punks and Chancers and jewellery made in the city’s world-famous Jewellery Quarter. The new online shop can be found at shop.birminghammuseums.org. uk and every purchase will help support the work of Birmingham Museums Trust, preserving the world-renowned collections and historic properties for future generations. Items include an umbrella inspired by the exquisite ceilings in Aston Hall’s famous long gallery, unique jewellery from nine different Birmingham designers and a new book of recipes – Sarehole Mill Cakes and Bakes.

Fryars Announces New Album FRYARS has announced details of his third album God Melodies, due for release on July 16th via Fiction Records. His first release since 2014’s Power, the new album features the album’s previously released title track, ‘Quail’s Egg No.1 In C Sharp Major’ and new single ‘Orange Juice’. This deceptively upbeat yet introspective new release ‘Orange Juice’ describes a personal experience of Fryars’ and how he dealt with it. "This next song is Orange

Juice in which I tell the story of receiving an awful diagnosis, not confiding in anyone and then going out on the town solo to drown my sorrows. “Juice is off the menu. A Miami driving anthem to blast in the Uber. I don’t care who’s gonna drive me home now I’m on my own." God Melodies came together in Fryars’ London home studio with his wife Rae Morris and Beach Boys / Stereolab collaborator and The High Llamas frontman Sean O’Hagan; emerging as an utterly unique record

brimming with warmth, colour and beatific urge. Inspired by cool counterculture Jews Fryars has always admired, Paul Simon and Randy Newman, it places their songwriting tradition firmly in the modern day: ultra HD production reminiscent of the melodic sensibilities of Brockhampton and Dirty Projectors. Across eleven varied sonic worlds brought to life by thoughtful electronic notes and soaring strings, Fryars dives deep into the humdrum of the human experience in beautifully intricate detail

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Falana shares the short documentary ‘Life From My Point Of View’

l Falana

alana’s latest single ‘Joy’ has been embraced by tastemakers from London to Lagos, resulting in support from Wonderland, EARMILK and the Independent. The Nigerian-Canadian artist now presents an engaging introduction to her story by sharing the short documentary ‘Life From My Point Of View’. Watch HERE. ‘Life From My Point Of View’

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covers everything from her early years growing up, her influences and creative process, right through to the making of the video for ‘Joy’. Falana revisits various locations in Lagos that represent landmark moments in her career so far, including the I.AM.ISIGO fashion show room where she played her first head-line show in the city, and ALÁRA, a contemporary design store when she held the launch party for her ‘Chapter One’ EP.

Falana says: “I wanted this documentary to tell my story from my roots to where I am now. Finding old pictures and video footage of me and my family brought back many memories which I wanted to share. The documentary tells the story of how this journey shaped my sound and me as an artist, from Toronto to Lagos via Havana. It is a snapshot of my life and musical journey, right up to the making of the video for my current single

‘Joy’ in Jamaica.” Raised in Toronto, Falana’s upbringing was soundtracked by a diverse music selection that spanned Fela Kuti to Sia. Her Nigerian parents would play a lot of traditional Yoruba music as a way of staying connected to their home, and through the melting pot of the city, Falana was introduced to the pop, hip-hop, soul, R&B & dancehall that she’d spend hours compiling into her own playlists.

Mother and Daughter Shine At Record Breaking Grammys l Blue Ivy Carter and mother Beyoncé at the Grammy Awards AS SUPERSTAR Beyoncé made history at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, her daughter Blue Ivy Carter made her own history by becoming the second-youngest Grammys winner ever at the ceremony. While Beyoncé became the most decorated female Grammys winner with 28, 9-year old Blue Ivy was recognised, alongside artists Wizkid and SAINt JHN, for featuring on the hit, ‘Brown Skin Girl,’ from ‘The Lion King: The Gift.’ Beyoncé was the most nominated artist of the night as she was up in nine categories. The iconic singer secured four wins — for Best Music Video for the afore mentioned ‘Brown Skin Girl,’ Best Rap

Performance and Best Rap Song for her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion for ‘Savage,’ and Best R&B Performance for ‘Black Parade.’ Blue Ivy has music writing credit on her mother's song. Leah Peasall was 8 years old when The Peasall Sisters won album of the year at the 2002 ceremony for their appearance on the T Bone Burnett-produced ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ soundtrack. “It was so important to me in 'Brown Skin Girl' that we represented all different shades of brown," said Beyoncé, who along with Blue Ivy, Kelly Rowland, Lupita Nyong'o, Naomi Campbell and more appear in the Jenn Nkirudirected video.

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The Script Return To Acoustic Roots With The Acoustic Sessions 2

he Script follow their 2019 #1 album ‘Sunsets & Full Moons’ with the release of ‘The Acoustic Sessions 2’ EP on March 17th. It represents the second instalment of their fan favourite ‘Acoustic Sessions’ series after the first EP was released in 2018, and is today previewed with a brand new version of their single ‘For The First Time’. The EP includes ‘Breakeven’ - the track, which originally featured on their self-titled debut album and recently became the band’s latest song to exceed a billion streams. The Script commented: “Last year we cut short our Sunsets & Full Moons Tour due to the pandemic and found ourselves reflecting on the songs we had put in the set. “A couple of them we put in

because of the love they were getting from The Script Family both on streaming platforms and messages we were getting to play them live. “It didn't take much to channel our energy into giving back to The Script Family again with another acoustic EP, including 'Millionaires' and 'For The First Time'. News of ‘The Acoustic Sessions 2’ comes after Danny returned to our screens on ITV’s hit show ‘The Voice UK’. He has featured as a special guest mentor for will.i.am’s Team Will. ‘Sunsets & Full Moons’ continued The Script’s phenomenal and enduring success. It went straight to #1 on the UK’s Official Album Chart, making it their fifth record to top the charts and their third in a row.

ENTERTAINMENT BIrmingham Royal Ballet June Season Announcement BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet will return to the stage for live performances this June in their home city of Birmingham. Birmingham Repertory Theatre will host a new season as part of their ongoing partnership with the city’s own ballet company, including a tantalising triple bill, Curated by Carlos (10-12 June), and an adapted production of Sir David Bintley’s classic for all the family, Cinderella (18-26 June). Last October, the partnership was launched in a brief window where audiences were able to enjoy live performances in the theatre with a triple bill featuring the world premiere of Will Tuckett’s Lazuli Sky. Now, the ambition of this partnership is taken to the next level with two world premiere Ballet Now commissions, a UK premiere and the staging of another Birmingham Royal Ballet classic.

Have An 'Eggs'tra Special Easter With Truckle Cheese! WITH EASTER just around the corner, and lockdown rules being relaxed a little over the holiday period, now’s the time to think about the traditional family feast of delicious Easter goodies. It’s all about the humble egg of course, which symbolises life and represents the re-birth of Jesus, but families all over the UK will be enjoying everything from creamy, chocolate-covered eggs and cinnamon-infused hot cross buns, to fruity simnel cake, succulent roast lamb and homebaked, bunny-shaped biscuits, laden with sweet icing in a kaleidoscope of colours! As you might expect, The Truckle Cheese Co are breaking with tradition slightly and adding CHEESE to their Easter Bunny

delivery list. After all - when you’ve finished the traditional Easter Sunday Egg Hunt around the garden and the children have consumed their own weight in chocolate, what could be nicer than a tasty, aromatic selection of fine British cheeses, enjoyed with melt in the mouth savoury biscuits and washed down with a glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling, fruity cider? A Truckle Cheese Sharing Box is a lovely addition to any celebratory Spring Banquet and perfect for your family bubble or small gathering. You won’t need to look under bushes or behind the garden shed either – our own Easter Bunny delivers straight to the front door!

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Aston Merrygold Shares New Track ‘Share A Coke’

ith a sensational voice and scintillating performances of everything from Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ to Tones And I’s ‘Dance Monkey’, Aston Merrygold proved to be a highlight of the latest of ITV’s ‘The Masked Singer’. The rockin’ Robin proved to be a real fan favourite as he finished third in the competition, which achieved a massive peak audience of 10.6 million viewers during last week’s final. Having successfully introduced himself to a new generation of fans, Aston builds on his rediscovery by sharing his brand new single ‘Share A Coke’, which was premiered on Radio 1 by Rickie, Melvin and Charlie. It’s the latest step in the resurgence of one of British pop’s most distinctive voices. Aston first came to prominence with JLS, as the four friends achieved five UK #1 smashes, a further five Top 10 singles and five hit albums. After the R&B/pop stylings of his recent single ‘Overboard’, ‘Share A Coke’ showcases the dazzling diversity of Aston’s

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voice. Set to a reflective backdrop of acoustic guitar and affecting piano, the song taps in what everyone is feeling right now: yearning to once again be able to spend time with loved ones, family and friends. Aston says, “It’s been an incredibly tough 12 months for so many people, and what’s been so clear to me is just how much we all miss being with our family, friends, relatives, colleagues on a daily basis. Human interaction is so important to us all. ‘Share A Coke’ is about something that none of us will ever take for granted again, just enjoying a moment, sharing a drink, having a chat, and that longing for it to return soon.”

Aston has remained in the spotlight since JLS went on hiatus, and now has a social media following of over 1.3 million people. His growing solo discography started with ‘Get Stupid’, which has amassed 15 million streams at Spotify.

v d a Mis

RAG‘N’BONE MAN RETURNS TO TOUR

ag‘n’Bone Man’s spectacular return continues with the announcement of UK autumn dates, kicking off with a big hometown arena show at the Brighton Centre, also including London’s Eventim Apollo on November 6th. The shows are set to promote Rag ‘n’Bone Man’s highly anticipated new album ‘Life By Misadventure’ - out April 23rd on Columbia which is one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year. # His latest single, the sublime ‘All You Ever Wanted’, continues to blow up off the back of its’ Radio 1 & Radio 2 playlist spots, racing to #1 in both the Airplay and iTunes charts. Rag ‘n’ Bone Man recently turned in all-star performances on Later... with Jools Holland and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. His 2017 landmark debut ‘Human’ was a phenomenal success; a 4x platinum album which shot to #1 week of release in the UK, became the fastest-selling album by a male artist for the entire decade and earned him BRIT and Ivor Novello Awards. If that’s a hard act to follow, Rag‘n’Bone Man tore up the rule book and went to Nashville to write and record what would become ‘Life By Misadventure’, returning to the UK just before the pandemic first erupted. While a dose of heavy blues and soul lives within some of these

new tunes, the majority of this new album finds Rag‘n’Bone Man taking a huge step forward as an artist, a songwriter, and a singer capable of showcasing tremendous warmth and real emotion with every breath. The album has been recorded purposefully like a live album - the sound is real and 100% human. Long time collaborators Ben Jackson-Cook (keys, co-songwriter and co-producer of the album), Bill Banwell (bass, and co-songwriter) and Desri Ramus (backing vocals) are joined by drummer Daru Jones (Lazaretto-Jack White) and guitarist Wendy Melvoin who joined Prince’s Revolution at the age of 19. Together these musicians have made an album full of joy and immediacy, something all too rare these days of autotune and countless overdubs. One song was even recorded in Rag‘n’Bone Man’s garage. “We had quite a time to live with the songs this time around,” Rag‘n’Bone M a n explains. “ T o o often, how I’d done things

before, was that we’d written a song and I had to sing it the same day, and that was the version we’d use on the album. This way, it was far easier to get real emotion into the music.” “Life By Misadventure’ is the perfect tonic for these times and an incredible collection of emotional songs to touch us when we need it most. “It’s an album of depth and soul, about growing up and moving forward.” “Enjoy the trip.”

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SU PP VO LEM L. E 1 NT

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Patron To

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Join Us As We Start Our Countdown To The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Celebrating All Things Commonwealth

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

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Editors Note T he Phoenix Newspaper celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year, as the UK’s only Positive Objective and Informative Newspaper. As the recipient of the 16th Patricia M Purchase Award in recognition of making Birmingham a better place by promoting community cohesion, with its founder receiving the fellowship of The Birmingham Society recognising the outstanding contribution to improving the quality of life in Birmingham, and also as Patron of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association since it’s inception, The Phoenix Newspaper proudly presents ‘ON YOUR MARKS’. As you may be aware, we are a Commonwealth publication focusing on diversity, positivity and equality for all and our purpose has always been to inform and inspire the next generation. Starting in April 2021, we will be kicking off the countdown to the games by producing ‘ON YOUR MARKS’ a monthly supplement highlighting updates, events, role models, opportunities, careers and partnerships surrounding the Birmingham 2022 Games and the Legacy that they will leave behind, as well as news from the Commonwealth. We are proud to be based in Birmingham, the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a cause that we have proudly promoted on the front page of our newspaper since February 2018 following the official announcement of the games. This promises to be a very exciting addition to the newspaper, while we stoke the fires in the heart of the

l Birmingham 2022 Chief Executive Ian Reid and Severn Trent CEO Liv Garfield present the new partnership.

l Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc community in anticipation of the forthcoming explosion of culture and highlighting the importance of the Commonwealth of Queen Elizabeth II. We invite you to get involved by supporting this supplement that will carry specific editorial content from partners and key stakeholders. There are advertising and sponsorship opportunities available surrounding the ongoing feature. The supplement will be available online and in print every month from now until the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and will be the perfect opportunity for you to reach our exclusive readership tapping into all communities. As a newspaper, we have demonstrated our Commonwealth connection over the years, giving readers the chance to connect and understand the Commonwealth community and its cultures. If you know of any aspiring young people within our community that are doing exceptional things, we would love to hear from you!

BIRMINGHAM 2022 TO BE FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL EVENT O r g a n i s e r s of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham say the event will be carbon neutral for the first time. With 500 days until the event starts, plans have been unveiled to create 72 new urban forests in the West Midlands and a further 2,022 acres of woodland. Ian Reid, Games chief executive, said he wanted

the event to be "the most sustainable to date." Organisers also hope to change the way people living in the region think about sustainable travel. Severn Trent is to become the Official Nature and Carbon-Neutral Supporter of Birmingham 2022 and will help "with a significant and credible local offsetting programme", he said. "There's a huge number of areas where the Games will

have to manages its carbon footprint - transport from international travel, energy, to all the infrastructure we put in for the games," he said. "We're working with Severn Trent to make sure we minimise plastic waste, make free water available so people can bring in reusable canisters and all of that hopefully will lead to some of that behavioural change right across the region." As part of the sustainability

strategy, native species of trees will be used to create the new forests and the mini forests will "bring nature into a lot of city centre sites". To further reduce travel and carbon emissions, organisers have said some athletes will be staying close to their training and competition sites. Severn Trent CEO, Liv Garfield said that the exact carbon footprint will not be known until after the Games. "So based on our two big assumptions at the moment, which is how much carbon we think is going to be used and how many trees we plan to plant, we can see that we should be able to plant all of our activity over the next three years," she said. Dame Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, described the plans as a historic moment for Commonwealth sport, saying: "It reinforces our commitment to ensure that the Games leaves a positive social and environmental legacy for generations to come."

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE FROM HRH THE QUEEN “Over the coming week, as we celebrate the friendship, spirit of unity and achievements of the Commonwealth, we have an opportunity to reflect on a time like no other. “Whilst experiences of the last year have been different across the Commonwealth, stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory, notably by those working on the frontline who have been delivering healthcare and other public services in their communities. “We have also taken encouragement from remarkable advances in developing new vaccines and treatments. “The testing times experienced

by so many have led to a deeper appreciation of the mutual support and spiritual sustenance we enjoy by being connected to others. “The need to maintain greater physical distance, or to live and work largely in isolation, has, for many people across the Commonwealth, been an unusual experience. “In our everyday lives, we have had to become more accustomed to connecting and communicating via innovative technology – which has been new to some of us – with conversations and communal gatherings, including Commonwealth meetings, conducted online, enabling people to stay in touch with friends, family, colleagues and counterparts, who they have not been able to meet in person.

“Increasingly, we have found ourselves able to enjoy such communication, as it offers an immediacy that transcends boundaries or division, helping any sense of distance to disappear. “We have all continued to appreciate the support, breadth of experiences and knowledge that working together brings, and I hope we shall maintain this renewed sense of closeness and community. “Looking forward, relationships with others across the Commonwealth will remain important, as we strive to deliver a common future that is sustainable and more secure, so that the nations and neighbourhoods in which we live, wherever they are located, become healthier and happier places for us all.”

NEW LEGACY PLAN OUTLINES SERIES OF GAMES ‘FIRSTS’ B

irmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games organisers and its partners have released a national Legacy Plan, outlining a series of Games’ firsts that will leave a lasting, positive impact on jobs, skills, education, culture, physical activity and investment across the West Midlands and the UK and provide a legacy blueprint for future host cities. The plan, delivered in partnership between the Birmingham 2022 organising committee, the Government, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, Commonwealth Games Federation, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, West Midlands Growth Company and Commonwealth Games England, includes: 1. The first carbon-neutral Commonwealth Games; 2. The first time firms bidding for contracts must include a social value requirement; 3. The largest business and tourism programme of any Games to attract international visitors and investment to the region and the UK; 4. The first Games to fully integrate volunteers from all delivery partners into a united volunteer programme. The legacy plan is united by Birmingham 2022’s vision to be the Games for Everyone. Its

objectives will be delivered against the Games’ five missions: to bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, help the region grow and succeed, be a catalyst for change, and put us on the map. Across nine legacy programmes, the plan sets out a bold vision for how the Commonwealth Games can transform the region and unite communities across the West Midlands, the country and the Commonwealth with a message of hope and recovery following the pandemic. They include: • State-of-the-art legacy facilities at the Alexander Stadium and Sandwell Aquatics Centre for community use after the Games • 1,400 homes in the first phase of the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme, with hundreds more in future phases; • A procurement spend of around £350 million to benefit businesses across the UK • 35,000 jobs and opportunities available, with the first Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy offering a blueprint for reaching disadvantaged groups; • 200,000 hours of volunteer training for 12,500+ people, with a framework for developing skills and employability that could be replicated by future Games; •“Commonwealth Active Communities”, a £4 million Sport

•

LEGACY PLAN MARCH 2021

England fund to harness the power of the Games to support inactive people to become more active; • A six-month, UK-wide Cultural Festival reaching 2.5 million people and prioritising underrepresented communities, offering and a blueprint to support the long term growth of the arts and culture sector; • A £6 million Commonwealth Games Community Fund from Birmingham City Council to help communities build pride, respect and cohesion by celebrating the Games their way;

An ambition to directly engage with one million children and young people through a learning programme, with classroom resources on the Games offered to children across the UK and the Commonwealth; • A £23.9 million programme to highlight the wealth of opportunities available in the West Midlands, as well as promoting England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, around the world, enhancing the country’s profile as a destination for tourism, trade and investment and supporting post-pandemic recovery. The Queen’s Baton Relay will travel across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland before arriving in England, with communities across the UK encouraged to take part • The first Commonwealth Games to incorporate, measure and evidence the social value impacts and benefits of hosting the Games, offering a model to future host cities. To mark the launch of the Legacy Plan, the Birmingham Poet Laureate and Birmingham 2022 Legacy and Benefits Committee member Casey Bailey has written a poem called ‘Dive In,’ capturing the excitement and the opportunity that Birmingham 2022 bringing to the city, the region, the country and the Commonwealth.

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT - STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM

STRENGTH OF

BIRMINGHAM

F2D-ITC DARING THE NEXT GENERATION TO DREAM

stablished to help support children and young people through workshop-based entrepreneurship, creativity and mentoring, F2D-ITC is celebrated for providing proven qualified mentors and business owners to impart their knowledge and expertise to ensure that tomorrow’s highflying decision-makers have the relevant tools so that they stay ahead of what is an everchanging world. “As qualified mentors and business owners, we would like to pass on our knowledge, experience and expertise to the next generation, with a view to assisting them to succeed and navigate life with a positive mind-set.” Created and founded by Marcus Isaac, Daniel Gardiner and Gary Thompson, in Birmingham, together they have a clothing line F2D and is a pastor and mentor and decided to merge the two and teach children about entrepreneurships. Established to help support

children and young people through workshops based on entrepreneurship, care, creativity and mentoring, the book came when we were looking for something that was a perfect and permanent memory of our workshops. Workshops take place at schools and colleges – including Newman University and we’ve just developed a partnership with South and City College Birmingham throughout Birmingham city a we set out to pass on our knowledge, experience and expertise to the next generation, with a view to assisting them to succeed and navigate life with a positive mind-set. “I like clothes”, Marcus said, “and I thought it would be a great thing to have our own clothing line. And, that’s where the idea of F2D came to fruition. “We thought of the idea of opening a clothing shop, then we decided to take it one step further and start a clothing line. People like Miley Cyrus, Soulja Boy, Ed Sheeran, Zendaya, Dizzee

be-all-and-end-all. Their mental wellbeing is more important than making money. It’s important to learn about entrepreneurship – especially in today’s world market. “Believe to achieve!” Instilling a sense of self-sufficiency in the next generation is paramount in the ethos of F2D. “We want to inspire children – especially those in the inner-city areas similar to where we come from,” Marcus said. “We want young people to be proud of themselves and what they have achieved.” F2D-ITC started two years ago and now, but, despite the inset of the coronavirus pandemic, their book; ‘Entrepreneurship: A Young Person’s Guide’ – which also features a QR code on each page, that when scanned via a phone or tablet, leads the reader to a video covering each chapter of the book, using animation and narration by a member of the team – is set to be stocked in

Birmingham Central Library. “We don’t want to sell the book. We want the book to be free for children and easy to be pickedup”, Daniel insists. “We wrote the book with a view to inspiring and encouraging young people to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow….. or maybe even today.” The book is also gaining massive interest in the USA. Now based in 5 schools in Birmingham, F2D-ITC is really gaining momentum. “This is not about making money,” Marcus says, “it’s about giving back to a community of which I am very much part of. It’s about enlightening the next generation.” Pupils are fully engaged. Inundated with testimonials from teachers, lecturers and children worldwide the freedom to dream has never been relevant. ‘Entrepreneurship: A Young Persons Guide’ is just another arm in a fast growing F2DITC portfolio as they continue to encourage children to be Free 2 Dream!

Rascal, people off Love Island have taken up on our clothing line.” Daniel, who works at Starbanks School, in his home city, explains the book: “We decided to do the book – which covers all angles on how to be an entrepreneur and how to setup businesses from a young age; like how to start a business, marketing and branding. “But, as well as that, we care about the pastoral side and wellbeing of children and young people. We teach them how to believe in themselves. “We teach and encourage children to create and make their own T-shirts and how to showcase their creations. “It’s not all about ‘being rich’, or making quick money. Being rich isn’t the

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Natanyah Takes ‘Night Table’ To The Masses C A R I B B E A N-C A N A D I A N Natanyah Peterkin has released her new book ‘Night Table to the international market. Night Table is a collection of provocatively written poetry that is both soul-stretching and sensually awakening. This book of erotic, enticing poetry is geared towards arousing all of its readers’ senses as well as inspiring a deeper feeling of desire. The Jamaica-born, Torontobased Natanyah is considered by many as a true healer and has worn many hats in her life and career which include Social & Community Worker, Holistic Practitioner, Retreat Host/ Producer, Entrepreneur and most importantly Mother. She proudly wears the title of Author with this latest literary publication. The book targets adult readers (regardless of gender and relationship status), who are openminded to sexuality/sensuality and spiritual enlightenment. Written with the intention to not only stimulate but to also edify and invigorate, the selfauthored Night Table showcases Natanyah’s insight into sensuality, sex, and love-making. She shared, “This poetry is better than film, better than magazines. It will have your imagination creating the love life that you never thought was possible and the sex life that you always dreamed of. This book connects you to that blissful, captivating energy through the art of lovemaking, expanding the sensual mind without the use of intimacy toys.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 23

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DISCOVERING OUR TRUE STRENGTH I

A Message from the Jamaican High Commissioner, London, H.E. Seth George Ramocan CD

n an extraordinary year, we have faced many challenges and have had to modify how we live our lives. We had to adjust to new ways of socialising, worshipping, working and even shopping. The Coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the world at large and the United Kingdom in particular, taking a particularly heavy toll on our Diaspora with many of us having to say goodbye to loved ones while observing social distancing measures.

ugby sevens star Heather Fisher and weightlifter Sarah Davies have opened up about gender stereotypes in a new podcast, launched on International Women’s Day. Rugby player Heather Fisher has described being kicked out of toilets because people think she’s male, in a new podcast series called 22 Voices, launched today by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The first episode of 22 Voices marks International Women’s Day; this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. In the episode, rugby sevens star Heather Fisher and weightlifter Sarah Davies, who also competes in beauty pageants, open up about how they have challenged the gender stereotypes they’ve faced throughout their lives. Heather Fisher, who has alopecia, describes being kicked out of ladies’ toilets by people who assume she’s male: “People instantly kick me out of toilets, instantly think I’m a bloke. I’ve got to the stage where I’ve had broomsticks push me out of toilets before and police waiting for me outside of toilet areas because they think I’m a boy, all because I’ve got no hair.” Fisher also describes the ignorance she’s experienced about women’s rugby: “You get asked questions like,

I am heartened by the resolve and determination of our people in adjusting to the ‘new normal’. I would like to salute the members of the Diaspora who have worked on the frontline, such as nurses, doctors, bus drivers, teachers and those in other vital support services. The Jamaican High Commission will continue to work along with the many community groups and individuals to provide support for vulnerable members of our community.

Last year also saw the Black Lives Matter protests, which served as a catalyst for meaningful discussion and a commitment to pursue remedial action to arrest the lingering issues of discrimination. I am pleased that one of these steps will be the inclusion of the contribution of Black people to the development of the UK, as well as more on Britain’s colonial past in the national curriculum. We cannot shy away from the realities of slavery and the resulting institutional racism.

We must understand our past and learn from those experiences to prevent its repeat, and instill confidence and a sense of pride in our young people. As we look forward to a better new year, we can reflect that during 2020 we have faced some of our darkest hours, but we have also discovered the true strength within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed. May God continue to bless you and your families.

International Women’s day sees New Podcast LauncheD ‘do women tackle? Do you do what the boys do?’ Are you serious? We play the sport, of course we tackle. It’s amazing how gender still plays a massive part in it.” Weightlifter Sarah Davies won a silver medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and is also a beauty pageant winner. She talks frankly about the abuse she’s received and becoming a role model for young girls: “People do still have that stereotype about what a weightlifter should look like. I go into schools and do assemblies and the teachers say ‘you don’t look like a weightlifter.’ I say, ‘I’m one of the best in the world in my

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weight class, so this is what a weightlifter looks like.’ “I was bullied as a kid for being muscular. I’m now more muscular than I’ve ever been and I’m successful at what I do because of that, and I can get on stage and be in a room full of women and be equally as feminine. “If I can put myself out there and be the role model I didn’t have at the age of 11, that’s who I want to be.” Davies, winner of the Miss Leeds and Miss Intercontinental England beauty pageants, also describes the moment she was almost banned from part of a competition in the Philippines because of her muscular physique:

“They tried to stop me walking in the swimsuit part of the competition because of how I looked. They picked a fight with the wrong woman that day! “There had been some trolling online from some Filipino pageant fans who were like, ‘she’s manly, she shouldn’t be here, she’s a bodybuilder, is she trans?’ “It caught me off guard and upset me a little bit because at 26 years old, how am I still being bullied?” 22 Voices is the new podcast series profiling sporting stars and cultural trailblazers as the build up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games continues.

A five-second video brings Pakistan and India together A FIVE-SECOND video has done the impossible - brought social media users in India and Pakistan together. When Pakistani video creator Dananeer Mobin uploaded the video on her Instagram page last month, little did she know that she would become an overnight internet star in both nations. She says: "This is our car, this is us, and this is our party". The video shows young people enjoying themselves. "What could be better than sharing love across the border at a time when there is so much trouble and so much division around the world," she said. "I'm glad my neighbours and I are partying together now because of my video." Dananeer, 19, whose Instagram bio says "call me Geena", is a social media influencer from Pakistan's northern city of Peshawar. Her posts usually centre on fashion and make-up. In the viral video, she says the line in her native Urdu "Yeh humari car hai, Yeh hum hain, aur yeh humari pawri ho rahi hai" (you already know the translation!), swinging the camera around as she speaks to the viewer. She uses the English word for "party" but pronounces it "pawrty". Pakistanis use the term "burger" to describe the rich elites who may have studied or worked outside the country and speak with an American or British-tinged accent. The burger was very expensive when it first arrived in Pakistan, as opposed to the local version - the humble bun kebab. "It's not my style to talk like this in burger style…. I did it just to make you all (my Instagram followers) laugh," Dananeer says. She even says that this is memeworthy content. And she was clearly right. Far from being offended, Pakistanis starting recreating the short clip and doing what Pakistani Twitter does best: making memes. The Pakistan Cricket Board shared a video of the national team doing their version of the video after winning a series against South Africa. It also saw an explosion in popularity across the border after an Indian DJ took her phrase "ye humari pawri hori hai" (we are partying) and turned it into a catchy song.

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Carib Presents Orange Sky's 25th Anniversary Virtual Concert

rinidad & Tobago’s i s l a n d - R o c k impresarios Orange Sky took global music fans on a musical journey in celebration of the band’s 25th anniversary with a virtual extravaganza powered by cultural supporter Carib Beer. With 7 full length albums, three international recording contracts, major tours of the US, UK, India and several Caribbean islands,

multiple radio hits (on local, regional and satellite radio) and over 700 live shows, Orange Sky commemorated a quarter-century as a prominent unit. The past 25 years have provided many musical highs for the Caribbean Rock-fusion ensemble such as opportunities to perform alongside the members’ music heroes from Rock giants Malmsteen, Kings X and Kansas to Reggae legends Steel Pulse,

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Damian & Stephen Marley and Beres Hammond as well as the chance to work on 3 albums with world-renowned record producers. Orange Sky currently consists of Nigel Rojas (Lead Vocals/ Guitar), Nicholas Rojas (Bass & Back-Up Vocals), Dax Cartar (Guitar) and Dion Camacho (Drums). Regarding the motivation behind the streamed event, the band’s frontman Nigel Rojas shared; “We wanted to share our pride, joy and gratitude with all our friends and fans around the world in the way that we know best ...by jamming live! We really looked forward to performing songs from our vast catalogue as well as brand new material from our upcoming album ‘Strange Days’.

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MEET P

Birmingham 2022 Commonw

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PERRY

wealth Games mascot revealed

he official mascot for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has been revealed as Perry the Bull was unveiled. Designed by Emma Lou, from Bolton, in Greater Manchester, who won a national competition, the mascot is named after the Perry Barr area of Birmingham, where the Alexander Stadium will host athletics events as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. An excited 10-year-old Emma said: "It feels as if I'm in a dream. I chose a bull because of the Bullring in Birmingham, and I decided to use hexagons because they are the strongest shape and the whole world depends on each other. "I am so excited that my design will be seen by so many people." The Birmingham Games will take place across the West Midlands from July 28 to August 8 next year and is set to be the most expensive sports

event staged in Britain since the London 2012 Olympics. Olympic gold medal winner Denise Lewis said: “I truly believed that the games would represent a ‘beacon of light’ amid the coronavirus pandemic”. The president of Commonwealth Games England, she added: "We know there's an Olympic Games to get through first - a very different Olympics - but the

Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, for a lot of people, will be the end of what has happened. It is a beacon of light, probably a symbolic sign of what we've come through," Ian Reid, Chief Executive of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, said: "Perry is everything I hoped our mascot would be and more: bright, colourful, energetic and totally representative of modern Birmingham and the West Midlands. Perry will celebrate diversity, community and our region's heritage as well as its future. "From today, Perry becomes a powerful icon for Birmingham 2022 all over the world, and you'll be seeing a lot more of him during the countdown to the Games." The mascot will also be brought to life through augmented reality allowing Facebook and Instagram users to summon an animated version and pose for pictures with him.

l Perry was inspired by the design of 10-year-old Emma Lou from Bolton, Greater Manchester

who was the winner of a national children’s design competition

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The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 25

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Two Birmingham Stations On Track For Games Rebuild

orks to rebuild both the University and Perry Barr railway stations in Birmingham are under way ahead of next summer’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Construction teams are on site at the new University Station which will provide a magnificent gateway for the millions of people a year who visit the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. It will be open in time to welcome spectators for the hockey and squash competitions which will be hosted by the university during the games. Preparation work has also begun on the Perry Barr station site where the station building and row of shops are set to be demolished later this Spring. The final £9.5 million funding towards the £30 million redevelopment project, which includes redevelopment of the neighbouring bus interchange, was due to be confirmed by the West Midlands Combined

Authority (WMCA) Board at its recently monthly meeting. The Perry Barr station rebuild is part of the wider £500 million regeneration of the area and will be completed in time to receive visitors to the Alexander Stadium for the athletics next summer. Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “I am delighted that despite the pandemic we’re pressing on with our ambitious station programme, and will have both Perry Barr and University ready to welcome the world next

summer for the Commonwealth Games.” “The redevelopment of Perry Barr station is long overdue and a key component, along with the bus interchange, of the regeneration of the area.” explained Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for transport I am delighted that as a region we have been able to come together and get it fully funded.”

B CANEY GROCERS FRESH CARIBBEAN FRUIT AND VEG

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BANKING ON BEANS W

hen a successful young corporate m a n a g e r announces to friends and family that he is leaving his job to start a business, the normal response is one of wariness. Now imagine telling your loved ones that you will be starting this business during a pandemic in a country that you have never visited and where you have zero business contacts. Investment Banker Michael Ramsay left his job at one of Jamaica’s leading financial institutions to join his wife Shenika in the United Kingdom. “I did it for love” he said. And when the couple’s relationship started getting serious, they agreed that they both had to be in the same country for a lasting healthy union. Though Michael had plans of pursuing his doctoral studies in Canada, they decided on settling in the UK, where Jamaicannational Shenika has been living for five years. Having worked for the Jamaica Tourist Board for over 14 years, she has now set roots in Britain. The idea for the coffee business was the influence of Michael’s uncle and mentor, Donald Salmon a 30-year veteran in the Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Industry. “A month after I told him of my plans to migrate, he pitched the idea of me importing our family beans and selling them across the U.K.”, Ramsay explained. “I discussed it with Shenika, and within a week, we had a website up and running,” Ramsay continued. Two months later, the couple had their first shipment of beans to England. Business is not without challenges, though, and this new business has endured its fair share. “When the coffee arrived

in the UK, we couldn’t clear it. We had not yet registered the company. “We had to quickly register the company and pay for additional storage at the custom brokerage,” Ramsay recalled. After clearing the freshly minted Mikah Blue Limited coffee, the couple then stored it in a rented locker. And, as the rent accumulated, two months in, a global lockdown meant cafes and restaurants were

not eager to have the world’s most luxurious coffee beans in their inventory. Michael had planned to join Shenika in March 2020, but it was shackled as countries grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. “I had to rip up my letter of resignation and stick it out for nine more months,” he recalled. “We also had to postpone our wedding.” The couple eventually got married in a small ceremony and in

January 2021, Michael migrated to England accompanied by his wife. Mikah Blue Limited - named by combining Michael and Shenika’s first names - is now a wholesaler and retailer of 100 per cent Blue Mountain Coffee. The beans are sourced directly from their family farms in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. And, while not giving specifics, they say business is doing well, despite the lockdown. “We got our first order hours after I arrived in the UK,” Mikah said. “Someone who we’ve been in discussions with since last year called while we were driving from the airport in London to our home in the Midlands. “We sent the invoice the next day, and the money was in our account three days later.” Mikah has since formed strategic relationships with many large coffee roasters and has seen an uptick in its online retail sales. The company is currently in discussions with luxury chain buyers and have booked display booths for some of the premier Speciality and coffee events planned for later this year. What’s next for Mikah Blue? “I still plan on pursuing my Doctorate,” he insists, “but after the company has achieved certain goals.” The Blue Mountain coffee beans are grown chiefly in the Sir Johns’ Peak region and consistently score among the best in the world, Mikah Blue Coffee beans are sold as wholesale and retail primarily throughout Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

COMPETITION For your chance to win one of 10 bags of Mikah Blue Coffee, just answer this simple question!

On which famous mountain is Mikah Blue Coffee grown? a) Purple Mountain b) Blue Mountain c) Yellow Mountain Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Mikah Blue Coffee Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 23rd April 2021. There is no cash alternative.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 27

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Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Birmingham memories, hopes and fears of making Councillor Mr Len Gregory and Mrs Gillian Gregory your life in Birmingham. They can be your own experiences or those recounted by family members. Using your ideas, the aim is to create a series of printed and stitched one metre square panels, with one for each of the nations entitled to participate in the 2022 Games. Each panel will depict the nation’s flag and flower along with the special features highlighted and inspired by you, your family, other individuals or groups. Additional panels will represent different aspects of our City’s history and achievements. or hundreds of years people By working together using the have come to Birmingham talents of our diverse communities, for work or education with the completed panels will be a many remaining to forge a fitting commemoration of the new life in the City. Commonwealth Games, the City The interweaving of existing and of Birmingham and its people’s new cultures, beliefs and traditions, valuable heritage links. continues to add interest to everyone’s If you want to be further daily lives; there is always a festival to involved, and have supplied celebrate! your contact details, once the Gill Gregory was very proud to be designs have been drawn Lady Mayoress of Birmingham when up, you will be invited her husband, Len, was Lord Mayor of to “Stitch your Bit”. our great City a few years ago. It can be one stitch or The experience heightened her Threads Together project and was hundreds. awareness of the importance of each delighted to be joined by Helen McCook, If you have never individual citizen’s story and how their a World renowned, Birmingham-born stitched before but want personal histories had affected their Designer & Embroiderer. to, you can be helped to Gill and Helen together do so. lives and, in turn, enriched their wider with the strong support of the communities. When completed, Commonwealth the Panels will be Gill felt this richness should be Birmingham celebrated and recorded in such a way Association, are looking to engage with exhibited, as a communities as Heritage as to capture how these influences have as many Trail, become an intrinsic part of our City’s possible to join them in this innovative across the City. and creative art project. life. Anyone and Please help them get off to a great everyone With the announcement Birmingham can by answering their simple take part in would host the Commonwealth Games start Your this project 2022, she realised this was the ideal questionnaire. focus to bring together the threads of answers will help Helen capture Absolutely no meaningful images of recollections exceptions! our diverse City. With this in mind, Gill created the of your home nation along with the

Barbados FSC Committing To Balanced -2Approach

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

PROFESSOR Avinash Persaud, the chair of Barbados’ supra regulatory body, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), says the island is continuing its push for a healthy balance between strong regulation and increased efficiencies. An economist and prolific commentator on the financial sector, he was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Barbados Risk & Insurance Management (BRIM) virtual conference in March, by BIBA, the Association for Global Business. In his highly anticipated presentation, Prof. Persaud said Barbados is home to almost 300 captive insurance entities and, he noted, those in the international insurance sector were satisfied in the knowledge that the island is “a place where

l Professor Avinash Persaud

Breaking Barriers For Women's Sport In India

1 John 1:5

they will be well regulated”. It is, he said; “a very exciting time for the insurance sector”, as old models are being challenged on both the assets and liabilities sides by issues such as climate change and pandemics. “There is a tremendous amount of opportunity as new technology allows you to reach new customers. We see new opportunities for assets like renewable energy and new types of instruments that can help insurers better manage their liabilities.” Describing the period as an “age of transition” for the insurance sector, Prof. Persaud said Barbados’ regulators were examining ways in which they could support the sector “in an appropriate and safe manner”.

ith her cousins Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, being international wrestlers and Commonwealth Games medalists as well, India is celebrating a ‘new fighting spirit’ with wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Now, coming from a successful family of wrestlers, she is the first Indian woman wrestler to win Gold in both Commonwealth and Asian games. A world championships bronze medallist in 2019, she was the first Indian woman to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games. For many of today’s young hopefuls her story is an inspiration, the latest among a growing number. The 26-year-old, who comes from a small village in the northern state of Haryana (who has markedly fewer females than males), had an upbringing that

was very different. Her uncle decided that all the family's daughters should take up wrestling - which attracted opposition and controversy. Phogat recalls: "All hell broke loose in the village when my uncle starting training us girls in the early 2000s. People called him and us names. My sisters and I all had short cropped hair and so we would wear shorts in the village and practise. "Ladies would come up to my mother and say 'tell your daughter to at least cover her legs'. My mother would also feel ashamed, but we fought back collectively. And the international medals proved everyone wrong." Back then, only two decades ago, there were far fewer icons to watch out for. Now she is one of many modern figures showcasing the rising spirit of Indian sportswomen. Phogat was six-years-old when she watched on TV as

l Vinesh Phogat Karnam Malleswari won India's first Olympic medal in female competition: a weightlifting bronze at the Sydney Olympics. “The date is still etched in my memory too” she says, as it became a watershed moment for women's sport in India. Since then four more Indian

women have claimed Olympic success; boxer Mary Kom, wrestler Sakshi Malik, and badminton stars Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. It is a serious scene of concentration but there can be no doubt - something very uplifting is taking place in Indian sport.

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT - SPOTLIGHT ON DR PARESH RUGHANI

ASPIRE TO IN

BEFORE YOU EXPIR F

or those of our readers who were lucky enough to attend our 9th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards in 2019, you will remember being treated to a one-of-a-kind speech. A speech full of education, entertainment, laughter and acronyms, oh so many acronyms. That speech was delivered by the one and only Dr Paresh Rughani, a world class inspirational speaker, and proud British Indian, and it was The Phoenix’s pleasure to catch up with him again. Paresh, who was born in Tanzania, East Africa, came to the UK aged 10 in 1976, and settled in Leicester. “We had my aunties and cousins here,” reminisced Paresh, “and we rented a typical terraced house, which immediately felt very much like home.” While in Tanzania, Paresh received 1-to-1 tuition mainly in English, but didn’t attend school. It wasn’t until in the UK that he started at Rushey Mead School (now Rushey Mead Academy) alongside a couple of other stars, in boxers Tony Sibson and Chris Pyatt. Paresh knew from an early age what life path he would go down as his father was obsessed that he should do accountancy. This was due to what Paresh now calls ‘DAD’, in that typically every Indian was told they had to become a Doctor, Accountant or Dentist. Having found a college that ran A Level accounting, Paresh started on the course, unfortunately only obtaining an E, while also scoring a B and C in Sociology and Economics, proving that from

an early age he was far more of a people person. Charity work is something close to his heart too. “I did a lot, I raised £5,000 in 1982 for Help the Aged by doing a 10km sponsored walk. I would have been 15, but I was never shy to knock on everyones door for sponsorship.” To this day Paresh still works with the BAPS Charities and its many Global Partners including the United Nations and UNICEF. In 1989 after scoring low on his finance and accountancy modules, but making up for it in his essays and case studies at Nottingham Trent Paresh graduated with a BA Honours in Accountancy and Finance, and moved to Portsmouth for his first finance job with Plessey, Siemens Defence Systems for a year. “It was very alien, as I didn’t know anyone in the south, so in 1990 I went to India for some charity work, and also as a pilgrimage. Porbandar is where my family came from, and is also the hometown of Mahatma Gandhi.” While he was there, Paresh took part in a lot of charity work and mentored people in the area. “It was the 16th of December that year and no one from home contacted me to wish me a happy birthday,” Paresh recalled sadly, “I thought there must have been some problem, and when I contacted them they said that they hadn’t forgotten, but sadly my nephew who was only 4 days old had died with Meningitis, and they didn’t want to tell me on by birthday.” “I was ‘SAD’, filled with Stress, Anxiety and Depression,” continued Paresh, “but told myself

l Paresh after receiving his 101 Global Top Coaching Leaders Award that I needed to get out of it. What’s done is done, it cannot be undone. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.” Paresh recalled the story of W Mitchell, who received burns over 65% of his body in an accident, and was later paralyzed in another accident. He now travels around the world giving talks. “He said it’s not what happens to you that counts, it’s what you do about what happens to you that matters.” In 1992, he returned to India, completing charity work at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, which according to the Guinness World Records, is the World’s Largest Hindu Temple. After this it was back to London to do his final exams. On the day

l Paresh with Baroness Patricia Scotland - Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations and friend and mentor cricket legend Sir Clive Lloyd at a charity event.

of his final paper though, someone phoned him while he was in London asking him if he had seen the news. “My uncle was on a coach from Leicester to Nottingham when a crane injured the driver who my uncle was sat directly behind. “While in tears on the way to my exam I told myself I had to brave and continue because my uncle, like my father, wanted me to be an accountant.” In 1993 Paresh qualified against all the odds as a CGMA - Chartered Global Management Accountant. Realising that his strength lay in his people skills, he went straight into teaching as a freelance lecturer at colleges and universities. “I’ve always said that you should leave people better off than you found them, and that people are not useless, they are just used less. “I always taught the soft skills and personal development modules, organisational management, marketing and leadership, using what I had learned, but doing what I loved.” In 1995 Paresh had a breakthrough as he started lecturing to the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms, starting in Birmingham for ATC (Accountancy Tuition Centre), and progressing over the next 5 years to be a visiting lecturer/professor at the University of Leicester, Herriott Watt, University of London and overseas establishments too. Unfortunately in 2000, Paresh was called back to the Midlands as his father was taken ill. “ ‘People before profits’ I always told my students, and I had to put my words into practice. I was alone at his bedside from lunchtime to evening. We shared lots of nuggets of information, Words Of Wisdom (WOW) and Secrets Of Success (SOS).” Paresh moved back to the region to be nearer to his mother, and taught at BPP Professional Education (Accountancy and Law College) for 2 years, teaching evening and weekend courses which he loved, as well as working in Peterborough too, again with BPP. By 2007 Paresh r e l o c a t e d to London while his brother was looking after his mother. “I ended up going to an event run by the Professional Speaking Association, who I’m now a member of. It’s the only body in the UK and Europe

dedicated t o becoming a better speaker, and how to get more gigs and bookings. “I remember asking my friend to google “what is a motivational speaker” and within no time I became hooked on it.” Paresh used his 5 P’s – Perfect Planning Prevents Poor Performance – to ensure that he got off to the best start in this new field. “I left the Big Four and left the BPP. All the subjects I taught, management, leadership, persuasion skills, etc. were building up to this. “I just changed my audience. Rather than speaking to students, I was now speaking to the CEO’s, Businessmen and women, managers, chairmen and leaders.” Since then, Paresh has spoken all around the world, and has made a name for himself in the speaking circuit. His bubbly personality and genuine Authenticity, combined with a great sense of humour, has made him a speaker of choice, at global conferences and events. If you speak with Paresh, you’ll quickly realise that this is a humble, private person, who just wants the best for whoever it is he is speaking to or working with. Paresh is a Global Ambassador for both the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club and Institute of Directors (INDIA), along with being a long standing member of Rotary International, and received an honorary doctorate in 2000. Despite gaining a number of impressive international accolades for his work, including the Pride of India Award in the NRI (UK), 101 Top Global Coaching Leaders

l Paresh with his Global Award for Excellence in Journalism

Award and most recently, a Global Award for Excellence in Journalism, Paresh is not one to brag about his successes, nor the clients and friends that he keeps. Paresh’s style of speaking is very much an ‘Enter-trainer’ or ‘Edutainer’, giving solid life advice with a sprinkling of humorous anecdotes, acronyms and genuine heartfelt love. “When I spoke at The Phoenix Awards I said this, I always speak from the heart,” laughed Paresh, “Always listen to your heart, it may be on your left, but it’s always right.” It is this relatable content that has seen Paresh become a very popular and regular keynote speaker at the British Parliament and House of Lords. “About 3 years ago in India, I heard my cousin’s sister sadly passed away at 60 with dementia and Parkinsons. I went to the funeral, and after 2 or 3 months, we received the sad news that her daughter, a 28 year old Doctor, Anisha passed away from Ovarian cancer.” Through all this, Paresh has continued his fundraising for charity, for Meningitis UK after

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SPOTLIGHT ON DR PARESH RUGHANI

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his nephew died, and more recently for Cancer Research and Dementia UK. In the age of social media and the internet, during lockdown Paresh has realised the need for his story to be accessible. He is currently in the process of creating a website – www.pareshrughani.com as a place not only for photos and clips of his speaking, but to announce the book that he has finally had a chance to work on during lockdown. “We’re running with a working title of “Mission I’mpossible” because nothing is impossible. My students prompted me to do this, so I made use of my time in COVID, and finished the 52 chapters and found a publisher for my work.” Looking ahead, Paresh has decided that he still wants to go out and inspire the masses, one life at a time, all the time. “I want to be ‘HUMAN’,” he explained, “H – Helping Others, U – Understanding Others, M –

Motivating Others, A – Admiring Others, N – Nuturing Others. Money and material possessions have never been my focus.” “Our Guru Pramukh Swami is the founder and inspiration of Neasden Temple, and his lifetime mantra is ‘In the joy of others lies our own’ which is something I hold dear to my heart.

l Paresh after speaking at the

Bombay Stock Exchange

“We all need to be a TEAM, Together, Everyone Achieves More. It’s so important to remember that coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, but working together is a success.”

l Paresh with good friend and Kenya Football Captain Victor Wanyama

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Sunil Pal And Ehsan Qureshi To Return In ‘Pune to Goa’

omedians Sunil Pal and Ehsan Qureshi appeared together a few years back in the film Bombay to Goa’ which proved to be the blockbuster film of that year. After a long hiatus, young film director Amol Bhagat has again planned a successful Hindi comedy film ‘Pune to Goa’ with the two comedians, whose shooting is going to start soon. The film will be produced by AdityaRaje Marathe Productions and Maurya Producing the same co-production Nava Nisarg is producing. The film is produced by AdityaRaje Marathe, Prahlad Taware and co-producer Kishore Kharat. In the film, singers Javed Ali, Shahid Mallya, P Shankaram, Soumee Sailesh have lit up their voices. The screenplay and dialogues of the film have been written by well-known writer Rajan Aggarwal, who has previously won his writing in films like Welcome Back, Ready, No Entry. At the same time, P. Shankaram, Sanmeet Waghmare And

Nikhil Bisht have taken over the responsibility of the Music Direction in this film. According to director Amol Bhagat, this film will be a complete package full of comedy, romance, suspense action, which the audience will be able to enjoy.

It is being made keeping in mind the audience of OTT along with the movie theatre. The story of the film is completely different from the comedy film till date, it is a privilege for him as a director that he is getting along with the experienced actors.

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Grants To Buy Electric Cars To Be Cut

THE GOVERNMENT is to cut grants aimed at encouraging people to buy electric vehicles in a move that has been criticised by the motor industry. The Department for Transport will reduce the grant from £3,000 to £2,500 and restrict it to cars under £35,000. But Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said it is "the wrong move at the wrong time". It said the decision goes against the government's zero emissions ambitions. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "This sends the wrong message to the consumer, especially private customers, and to an industry challenged to meet the government's ambition to be a world leader in the transition to zero emission

mobility." The government said that higher-priced vehicles are typically bought by drivers who can afford to switch to electric vehicles without a subsidy. It said the changes will allow funding for the grant to go further. Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: "We want as many people as possible to be able to make the switch to electric vehicles." "The increasing choice of new vehicles, growing demand from customers, and rapidly rising number of charge-points means that while the level of funding remains as high as ever, given soaring demand, we are re-focusing our vehicle grants on the more affordable zero emission vehicles."

BEAULIEU TO SPARK INTO LIFE WITH SIMPLY ELECTRIC

eaulieu will be starting its 2021 events season with brand new event Simply Electric on Sunday 23rd May, sparking into life with an electric-themed treat to look forward to following the easing of current restrictions. The first of 15 Covid-secure Simply rallies planned to take place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, Simply Electric will bring together electric cars and plug-in hybrids, electric motorcycles and e-bikes

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for a socially-distanced display that owners, enthusiasts and families will all love. Enthusiasts will be at the heart of the rally, which will celebrate the past, present and future of electric motoring as owners are invited to safely park up in the Beaulieu parkland, admire each other’s machines and talk technology. All EVs are welcome, from the latest high-performance Tesla, through cutting-edge family cars such as the Jaguar I-PACE and Audi e-tron, to the popular Nissan

Leaf and Toyota Prius, or even the Sinclair C5 design classic. Maybe you’re lucky enough to own a classic car that has been converted for modern-day motoring with an electric motor? If it runs on battery power, then why not silently motor your way across the New Forest to join in and enjoy a great day out. Enthusiasts will be in plugin powered heaven when they head inside the newly reopened National Motor Museum, where they can see electric vehicles

spanning the history of motoring, from the 1901 Columbia Electric used by Queen Alexandra in the grounds of Sandringham House to the space-age design of the Volkswagen XL1 hybrid. Other electric highlights include the ultra-efficient sun-powered 1993 Solar Flair, as well as the 1939 electric Harrods delivery van and classic 1947 Brush Pony milk float. Bike lovers will enjoy seeing the 2016 Riese and Müller Nevo Nuvinci electric bike.

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l BMW i4

A glimpse of the first ever all-electric BMW i4 THE UPCOMING BMW i4 was revealed today at the BMW Group Annual Conference. “With its sporty looks, best in class driving dynamics and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. “It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. The BMW i4 is a fully electric 4-door Gran Coupé and will enter the market during the course of 2021, including a BMW M Performance model. Its refined balance of BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance are unique in its segment. The BMW i4 model line will be available in different versions covering ranges of up to 366 miles / 590km (WLTP). With a power output of up to 530 hp, the BMW i4 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around 4 seconds.

RADFORD RETURNS I

l Mark Stubbs, Ant Anstead and Jenson Button t has been announced that legendary and celebrated coachbuilder Radford is being brought back to life to once again play a leading role in creating bespoke global luxury cars. The marque is being revived to create contemporary luxury commissions true to classic timeless designs, bringing a modern and relevant version of Radford coachbuilding, to a new discerning clientele. The iconic brand, once favoured by the world’s leading celebrities and taste makers, including all four Beatles, is

being brought back by three famous co-owners: leading car designer Mark Stubbs, TV presenter and car builder Ant Anstead, former FIA Formula OneTM World Champion, Jenson Button, leading business adviser and lawyer Roger Behle. The co-owners have been fortuitously united at a critical moment for the world of coachbuilding and the future of the automobile. Radford was originally founded in 1948 as ‘Harold Radford (Coachbuilders) Ltd’. After the Second World War, founder Harold Radford, made a name

for himself offering coachbuilt Bentley and Rolls Royce motor cars. Radford made its debut at the London Motor show in 1951, where it showed the luxurious Bentley ‘Countryman’. The company was also involved in creating bespoke fibreglass bodywork for the prototype GT40, but it was Radford’s modification of Bentley models and later Minis, that gave the company its admired reputation for luxurious, tailored bespoke automobiles. “To be able to help revive this iconic name is such a special and

unique opportunity,” explains Jenson Button. “The Radford brand carries such prestige and magnetism for anyone with an appreciation of cars. “The work that Harold Radford and his team were responsible for in the mid 1900s is simply incredible, so I jumped at the chance to join Ant and Mark in their quest to put the ‘Radford’ name back in lights. “The journey has very much begun, and news of our first car will follow shortly so watch this space.”

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Next-Gen Operating System Debuted SUPERPEDESTRIAN debuts its next operating system, the core software programmed directly onto every LINK e-scooter. Several significant hardware upgrades are also being deployed. Codenamed “Briggs”, the second version of LINK’s unique operating system slashes geofence reaction time to 0.7s, stores triple the number of geofence zones that enforce noride areas, has 7X more precise geofence accuracy, boosts battery life by two days and extends scooter range by 10%. Thanks to over-the-air updates, the company is able to update its entire global LINK fleet in seconds. LINK is the only e-scooter powered by VIS (Vehicle Intelligent Safety system), a sophisticated onboard safety system that combines artificial intelligence, 73 sensors and five microprocessors. VIS runs 1,000 vehicle health checks every second in a ride, and monitors, governs and finetunes vehicle performance in real-time. VIS is as big a stepchange in scooter safety as the seat belt was for cars.

Volta Trucks Leading The Full Electric Commerical Vehicle Manufacturing Sector VOLTA TRUCKS, the leading full-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, has launched its latest customer and media website, as it transitions from a start-up and the launch of the Volta Zero, to a scaleup company with Pilot Fleet vehicles being evaluated by customers on European roads later this year. The new website reflects the people-focused approach Volta Trucks is taking to decarbonise urban logistics, and thus creating a better environment for citycentre populations. The new English and French language websites give insights

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into the Volta Trucks brand pillars of Sustainability, Safety and Truck as a Service, including an immersive 360-degree experience of the cab environment. This clearly shows how the Volta Zero will exceed the recently launched Transport for London five-star Direct Vision Standard. The product pages also give an in-depth understanding and technical specification of the Volta Zero. Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, Rob Fowler, said; “At Volta Trucks, we are building electric commercial vehicles for the zero-emission, sustainable

cities that we see being introduced around the world all the time. “And we are a people-focused busines, concentrating on making vulnerable road users safer, improving the air quality that city dwellers breathe, while improving the working environments of truck drivers, and supporting fleet operators to be more efficient, sustainable, and profitable. “People are at the heart of everything we do. Our website is our company’s online shop window and I’m delighted to see it perfectly reflect our place in society, accelerating change towards a decarbonised future.”

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LEGENDARY BAND 10CC ANNOUNCE ULTIMATE GREATEST HITS TOUR

cc have announced a new UK tour for 2022, where they will celebrate the hits which have seen them recognised as one of the most inventive and influential bands in popular music. The Ultimate Greatest Hits Tour will begin in Liverpool on March 25, and take in York, Nottingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Bath, Southend, the iconic London Palladium, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Guildford, Glasgow and Gateshead. Led by co-founder Graham Gouldman, 10cc are heralded in equal measure for their ability to craft ingenious songs that also resonated commercially. The icons of art-rock achieved eleven Top 10 hits, and over 15 million albums sold in the UK alone, with three No.1 singles – Rubber Bullets, Dreadlock Holiday and the ubiquitous I’m Not In Love. The current 10cc line-up

features Gouldman (bass, guitar, vocals), Rick Fenn (lead guitar, bass, vocals), Paul Burgess (drums, percussion) – both of whom have been with the band since the early years - Keith Hayman (keyboards, guitars, bass, vocals) and Iain Hornal (vocals, percussion, guitar, keyboards). In a message to fans, Gouldman says, “It’s difficult to express just how much we have missed playing live and how much we want to be back playing concerts for you. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2022.” In recent years, 10cc have toured worldwide, playing in Australia, Canada, Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, the USA, and across Europe and throughout the UK - including sold out shows to over 60,000 people at British Summer Time (BST) in Hyde Park, and numerous sold out shows at the 5,200-capacity Royal Albert Hall.

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The Legend of Sergio Ramos launched on Amazon AMAZON Prime Video has released the official trailer for the Amazon Original docuseries La Leyenda de Sergio Ramos. This new season about the life of the international football player - which follows the success of El Corazón de Sergio Ramos - will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in Spain next April 9th, and on June 18th in the rest of the world. The 6-episode docuseries will go through the milestones that the legend of Sergio Ramos has written, is writing and is yet to write using the most decisive moments of his life and professional career during this past season as a starting point. La Leyenda de Sergio Ramos will show unpublished images of La Liga, thoughts on the most relevant decisions of his career, memories of great moments and future plans, all this with the testimonials of those who have shared his personal and professional life.

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INTRODUCING ‘Interval Drinks’ – A New RSC Podcast Series

he Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announces its first in-house podcast, Interval Drinks, bringing together members of the RSC’s 2020/21 acting company with inspirational personalities from the Company’s history. The series is supported by Darwin Escapes. Interval Drinks is an opportunity to learn more about the life of the RSC from those at the heart of the Company. The Podcast offers audiences a rare insight into the professional journeys of these RSC artists, as well as a chance to explore the craft of modern theatre and discuss some of the biggest issues facing the theatre industry today. Each episode of the sevenpart series will be available to download for free via the RSC website, as well as multiple

podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts (formerly iTunes). A new episode will be made available to download every Thursday and will include a captioned vodcast episode, available via video supporting platforms and the RSC YouTube channel. The first two episodes of Interval Drinks are available to download now. Episode one features actor and comedian Miles Jupp in conversation with singer/songwriter, Tim Minchin, who this year joins the RSC in celebrating a decade since Matilda the Musical, for which Tim wrote both music and lyrics, opened in the West End. Episode two features Mogali Masuku in conversation with playwright, actor and political activist John Kani, who recently wrote and starred in the critically acclaimed RSC production of Kunene and

the King, which premiered at the Swan Theatre before transferring to the Ambassadors Theatre in London last year. The show’s run was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The series’ guests also include Adjoa Andoh (Netflix’s Bridgerton, RSC’s Troilus and Cressida) Charlotte Arrowsmith (RSC’s As You Like It and The Taming of the Shrew), Justin Audibert (RSC’s The Taming of the Shrew 2019/20) Paul Chahidi (BBC’s This Country, Death of Stalin) and Juliet Gilkes Romero (RSC’s The Whip). Joining Miles and Mogali from the RSC’s 2020/21 acting company are Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Hal Chambers, Greg Haiste, Avita Jay and Bea Webster. The music is ‘Oberon’s Theme – King of Shadow’, originally composed by Sam Kenyon for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2016).

Arif Hassan Named Best Actor For ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ PAKISTANI film Zindagi Tamasha may not have seen the light of day in the country but the Sarmad Khoosat-directorial is making waves internationally. The highly acclaimed actor Arif Hassan who essayed the lead role of Rahat Khawaja in Zindagi Tamasha (Circus of Life), bagged the top prize at the 6th Annual Asian World Film Festival. The Snow Leopard Award for Best Actor was extended to the Gardaab star during the award ceremony earlier this week and was presented by Jury member Joanne Goh. Following the announcement noted Pakistani writer Muhammad Hanif turned to Twitter to extend his felicitations while still playing a little safe. “Congratulations to makers of Zindagi Tamasha. Not tagging them as still scared for them. Not saying [expletive] to those who stopped its release cos still scared of them,” he wrote.

Writing competition set to reach global audience ENTER STAGE WRITE, an annual West Midlands scriptwriting competition with an international judging panel from the world of film and TV, is set to reach a global audience this year. The innovative competition, which gives budding writers a chance to see their work brought to life, was faced with the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. However, multi-award nominated entrepreneur and founder, Natalie EdwardYesufu, has proven to show resilience in the face of adversity and adapt the competition for 2021 by streaming the competition online. The hugely successful competition encourages script writers to submit a script for a short film. Six of the shortlisted scripts, chosen by a panel of judges

made up of prolific industry professionals, will then be performed by local creatives and filmed, rather than performed on stage as done in previous years. This will allow the judges, and members of the public, to view the works of art online. The winning wordsmith will receive £1,000 of prize money and a year of support and meetings with TV and film professionals. Previous winners of Enter Stage Write have gone onto achieve colossal success within the industry. A previous winner, Abraham Adeyemi, won a Tribeca Award for Best Short Film and is working with ITV. Abraham will be returning this year as a judge alongside the highly-esteemed international judging panel. Last year’s winner, Jonathan skinner, had their script picked by the judges to make into a short film.

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Director Spike Lee again asked to be ‘the first’ at Cannes Film Festival FILM DIRECTOR Spike Lee has again been asked to chair the Cannes Film Festival jury after last year's event was cancelled because of the pandemic. This means it will be the first Black film-maker to take on the prestigious role. Lee has premiered seven films at the festival with him saying in a video message: "Cannes will always have a deep spot in my heart. This year's event is due to take place in July instead of its usual May slot. On the decision the legendary creative artist said: "Book my flight now. My wife Tonya and I, we're coming." But with Covid-19 cases still at high levels in France, there is a chance that the event could be called off again. In a statement festival president Pierre Lescure said: "Throughout the months of uncertainty we've just been through, Spike Lee has never stopped encouraging us. We could not have hoped for a more powerful personality to chart our troubled times." Lee first made an impact on the film industry at Cannes in 1986 with She's Gotta Have It, which won the youth award.

l Spike Lee He returned to the festival three years later with Do The Right Thing, his landmark film about one day of charged race relations in Brooklyn. Other Lee films to have been screened at Cannes have included Summer of Sam and BlacKkKlansman, while he is also known for the epic Malcolm X and his latest release, Da 5 Bloods, about a group of US Army veterans returning to Vietnam.

UNIVERSAL MUSIC JOINS K-POP LIVESTREAMING PLATFORM

niversal Music Group has said it will join a livestreaming platform set up by K-pop's major record labels. As the world's biggest music label - represents superstars such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Lady Gag, it said it would invest in the platform launched last year by Big Hit Entertainment, the company behind K-pop superstars BTS. YG, the record label representing Blackpink, is also investing in the

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platform - called VenewLive. Big Hit set up VenewLive as part of a joint venture called KBYK Live. Following the investment, a statement by the record labels said VenewLive now has with ambitions on a global scale. South Korean - K-pop - music has grown massively in popularity on a global scale. Last year BTS became the first K-pop band to have a number one on the US Billboard charts. And all-girl group Blackpink,

whose lavish videos regularly attract millions of viewers, set a new record last year for the biggest music video premiere on YouTube. A total of 1.65 million fans tuned in for the unveiling of their new song How You Like That, breaking a record set by BTS in February. Big Hit said a BTS concert it streamed on VenewLive last year was viewed by 993,000 people worldwide. Universal Music Group

executive vice president Boyd Muir said: "This past year has shown that the need for reliable and innovative live-streaming has never been greater." Big Hit Entertainment was founded in 2005 by South Korea music producer Bang Si-Hyuk. In October, the company listed its shares on the Korean stock exchange. It left the company with a market value of more than $8bn (£6bn).

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Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One - achieved international fame with reggae classics like Simmer Down, Stir It Up, Soul Rebels and Catch A Fire. After leaving the band, he worked on his solo album Blackheart Man and then several acclaimed albums, including Rock ‘n’ Groove and Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers. In the 1990s, he won the Grammy award for best reggae album three times. He died aged 73.

former Top Gear presenter, she was also the only woman to win the Nurburgring 24 Hours. Born in Adenau, in Germany, and synonymous with the Nurburgring Nordschleife14-mile circuit there, she won the 24-hour touring car race at the track twice, in 1996 and 1997, driving a BMW M3. Known as the ‘Queen of the Nurburgring’, in 2004 she drove a van around a track on Top

made 25 first-class and 26 List A appearances for Warwickshire, taking a combined 87 wickets across both formats. He was named Surrey’s Player of the Year in 1993 with a haul of 64 wickets at 27.85 including a career-best 6 for 19 against Nottinghamshire. He was then handed his maiden England callup at the age of 33. Suffering a heart attack, he died age 60.

est known for playing Elizabeth Bellamy in 1970s Emmy-winning TV series Upstairs, Downstairs, performances in Harold Pinter plays also defined her 30-year stage and screen career. Born in Egypt, where her father Herbert Scott was an oil executive, she was sent to boarding school in the UK before being accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art theatre

man. Born in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., the most famous of his victories came in 1985 when he fought Thomas ‘Hit Man’ Hearns in the classic known as ‘The War’. He made 12 successful title defences until his defeat by Leonard by a split decision and he retired a year later. An inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame, he was 66.

Gear before became a presenter on the show alongside Chris Evans in 2016. She was part of the presenting team since 2016. She openly revealed she had been suffering from cancer. She explained that she had sought treatment and her condition was improving, but she had relapsed and would be undergoing treatment again. Survived by her partner Klaus, she was 51.

he legendary Birmingham-born Formula 1 commentator covered grand prix races for the BBC since 1949. Described in the sport as being “knowledgeable beyond words” he before becoming synonymous with F1 through his commentary career - with the BBC and ITV. Hugely respected – on both sides of the mic – he brought the sport and some of its greatest moments to life in a way that ensured they

school in 1962 - aged just 17 where she changed her surname to Pagett upon graduating. She making her London debut at the Duchess Theatre in 1968’s A Boston Story before a string of West End roles followed. Married to playwright Graham Swannell from 1975 to 1997, she died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, survived by he daughter, Eve and her sister, Angela. She was 75.

ing of the Zulu nation in South Africa, and a defender of traditional culture, he saw it as a force for good in the country and beyond. He was a direct descendent of King Cetshwayo, the leader of the Zulu nation during the 1879 war against Britain. Criticised for work with the white-minority government then in power, and not wanting to cooperate with the current government’s land redistribution policies, he was an advocate of

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preserving cultural identity and unity, especially among AmaZulu (Zulu people). Recognised in post-apartheid constitution, he got state support and revived the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) in 1991, which the apartheid government previously prevented. Known by the Zulu phrase “Umlomo ongakhulumi amanga” (“the one who does not lie”), he always upheld the culture.He was 72.

remained seared in people’s memories. A man who had great style and great skills with the English language, he was, yet, very nonchalant about it. Serving in a tank regiment during World War Two, he was appointed an OBE in 1996 for his services to broadcasting and motor racing. Survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Elizabeth, he was 97.

Peter Lorimer

orn in Dundee, Leeds United’s all-time record goal-scorer made his debut, as the youngest-ever player, age 15, in 1962. Renowned for his powerful strikes from distance, he was voted the ninth-greatest Leeds player of all time and into the Greatest Leeds United team of all time. Winning the Football League First Division twice, the FA

Goodwill Zwelithini

Marvelous Marvin Hagler

he former undisputed middleweight world champion, legally named ‘Marvelous Marvin Hagler’, dominated the middleweight division from 1979 until his controversial defeat by Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987. In 1980, he fought Britain’s Alan Minter to claim his first world titles, winning the WBA and WBC belts. It followed Minter’s controversial outburst saying he would never be beaten by a Black

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Nicola Pagett

Joey Benjamin

former England, Warwickshire and Surrey bowler, he took 387 first-class wickets in an 11year career. His only Test came at the Oval against South Africa in 1994 when he took 4-42 in the first innings. Born in St Kitts, he signed for Warwickshire in 1988, then Surrey between 1992 and 1999. He also played two one-day internationals for England. He

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Bunny Wailer

orn Neville O’Riley Livingston, in Westmoreland, then growing up in Trenchtown in Kingston, he was one of the founding members of The Wailers alongside his childhood friends, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Together then added vocalist Junior Braithwaite and backing singers Beverly Kelso and Cherry Green before shortening their name to The Wailers and joining

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Cup, League Cup, the Charity Shield, 2 Inter City Fairs Cups, a European Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup runners-up medals, the former Scottish international player became a member of the Leeds board of directors before becoming the club’s ambassador. A dedicated spokesman for Leeds United he was placed under hospice care due to a long-term illness before passing age 71.

Yaphet Kotto

est known for playing the first Black Bond villain (Dr Kananga) in Live and Let Die, he also starred in sci-fi movie Alien, and US TV police drama Homicide: Life on the Street. Born Fredrick Kotto (Yaphet means ‘beautiful’ in Hebrew) in New York of Cameroonian royal ancestry, he was raised in the Jewish and Catholic faiths. His father, Njoki Manga Bell, was the great-grandson of King Alexander Bell, who ruled the Douala region

of Cameroon. His theatre debut was in Othello, before The Great White Hope on Broadway. Early film projects included Nothing But A Man and The Thomas Crown Affair, plus Midnight Run, The Running Man and receiving an Emmy nomination for playing former Ugandan President Idi Amin in Raid on Entebbe. TV credits also included the A-Team and Law and Order. Survived by six children he was 81.

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GRAND AYATOLLAH AND PONTIFF IN RIGHTS TALKS

Celebrating Holi – the Hindu Festival MARKING the start of the new spring season, Holi, the Hindu festival of colour was, according to the Hindu calendar, was celebrated on Phalgun Purnima. For Holi, the festival of colour, which generally falls on a date which is usually in either February or March, is otherwise known as Holika Dahan or the burning of Holika - also called Chhoti Holi or small Holi, after the fire Holika Dahan prayers are said and God is praised. Deriving its name from Holika - who is the sister of Hiranyakashipu, who, in turn, was an Asura and king of the daityas from the Puranic scriptures of Hinduism – which holds a special meaning in Indian mythology, the salvation of Prahlada and burning of Holika was celebrated as Holi, meant Hindus burnt bonfires on the eve of Holi to commemorate this event in mythology. This year, as best as could be done in 2021 Holi was still celebrated by Hindus throughout the world.

ope Francis has discussed the safety of Iraq's Christian minority with one of Shia Islam's most powerful figures, on his landmark trip to the country. Like many communities in Iraq, Christians have been hit by waves of violence over the past two decades. The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, spiritual leader of millions of Shia Muslims, said the talks had emphasised peace. The meeting was seen as a highly symbolic moment in the Pope's visit. The Pope is on his first international trip since the start of the pandemic - and the first ever papal visit to Iraq. Covid-19 and security fears have made this his riskiest trip yet. The 84-year-old leader of the Catholic Church earlier said that he had felt duty-bound to make the "emblematic" journey, which will see him visit several sites over four days in Iraq. Iraq's Christian minority has experienced considerable violence since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Receiving the Pope at his home in the holy city of Najaf, Grand Ayatollah Sistani affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security and with their full constitutional rights. Pope Francis thanked the ayatollah for having raised his voice in defence of the weakest and most persecuted during some of the most violent times in Iraq's recent history, the

l Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and Pope Francis in discussion Associated Press reports. The Shia leader's message of peace, he said, affirmed "he sacredness of human life and the importance of the unity of the Iraqi people. Audiences with the reclusive ayatollah are rare but he received the Pope for around 50 minutes, talking without face masks. Pope Francis later travelled to the ancient city of Ur, where the Prophet Abraham - central to Islam, Christianity and Judaism - is believed to have been born. The pontiff said: "From this place, where faith was born, from

the land of our father Abraham, let us affirm that God is merciful and that the greatest blasphemy is to profane his name by hating our brothers and sisters." About 10,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel are being deployed to protect the Pope during his visit, while roundthe-clock curfews are also being imposed to limit the spread of coronavirus. Some Shia militant groups have reportedly opposed the visit, suggesting the tour amounts to Western interference in the country's affairs.

Rock Choir leading for Comic Relief success just in time for Easter AS THE MOST important festival in the Christian calendar got ever nearer, the team behind the Rock Choir, the most popular contemporary choir in the UK, is delighted to announce that they have so far raised £45,000 for Comic Relief. As celebrating His rising from the dead began, for the first time in their own history, the Rock Choir delivered a live virtual weekend festival, packed full of over 24 hours of interactive content all delivered by using technology skills they developed during lockdown to deliver their online choir sessions. As the approaching Easter Sunday marks Jesus’s resurrection after His crucifixion, before leading his disciples, the largest contemporary choir in the world, with over 32,000 members in the UK, were still celebrating being part of an event involving

different Rock Choir Leaders from across England, Scotland and Wales going live - before culminating in the final live concert, produced and directed at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and featuring a live band. Caroline Redman Lusher, Creator and Creative Director of Rock Choir said: “It was an emotional reunion for both the Rock Choir Leaders and the HQ team as they met at the Birmingham Rep to perform a live streamed concert which created the finale to our huge Rock Choir Comic Relief Weekend. I am so proud of my entire team for planning and executing the weekend - it was a huge success and so far we have raised 45k for Comic Relief and this total is still rising!” Coming just as Easter was to begin, the Rock Choir Leaders did exactly that…led – just as He did!

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MONTHLY COLUMN

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER WITH DR TONI LUCK

IS HEAVEN SO BEREAF OF HEROS IT HAS TO KEEP TAKING OURS? H ere we are once again, a strong young black man, gone way too soon and right in the middle of their great actions. Yes, I did say YOUNG! I recently read a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that found that the most productive years of age is between 60-80. So here we have another untimely death to add to so many others, just like Martin King at 39, Malcom X at 39, Steve Biko 30, Chris Hani 50, Samora Machel 53, Tupac 25, Muammar Gaddafi 68, Thomas Sankara 37, Patrice Lumumba 35 . And now, Dr. John Magufuli, a true son of God and of Africa, at age 61, just getting started, taken from us . Right in the middle of their greatest work they left us and in far too many cases there was no one to really to take up their mantel. Yes, we remember them and love them deeply, but the continuation of their work seems to have died with them. Malcom and Martin pushing the envelope to make African Americans human again and yet in America today there are over 250 laws rolling back voter rights. We have Chris Hani pushing the envelope to make South Africa human again and Steven Biko ensuring that Blacks in South Africa had their own identity as he put Black Consciousness on the front burner, yet the inequality of the former regime lingers on and on. Thomas Sankara moving woman’s rights before it was popular, yet women all over Africa are still marginalized and the major victims of war, rape and abuse. Patrice Lumumba creating a new life for the Congolese, yet today his children are digging in the mud for Coltan at one dollar a day while corporations that take the coltan are worth trillions. Muammar Gaddafi moving for One Africa and underwriting his vision and yet while we have the AfCFTA, we also have war in Ethiopia, Etriea, Sudan and Nigeria. And then there’s Tupac, our very own 20th century prophet and seer bringing the raw truth of the egregious

New World Order and yet we are now faced with the “Covid Reset”. And we must not ever forget, Samora Machel, pushing the envelop for freedom who left us with an indelible reminder of truth and caution when he said “if one day you hear whites speak well of me, know that I have betrayed you” and yet in spite of this warning, we see this betrayal from our leaders on a daily basis and seemingly no way to abate their abuses or the corrupters who ply their trade. As most of my readers know by now, how much I love and trust the Sovereign God, in the dark, in the light, in the valley, on the mountain top, no matter what and always. However, today I just have to ask the Creator, “is heaven so bereft of heroes that you have to take another one of ours and far too soon? I know, I know, what hubris I have to question the will of God, but on some of these untimely losses, I am not sure this is the perfect Will of God. Oh how I can feel some of you getting out the holy oil and saying prayers for me, but don’t. God gave us dominion over the works of his hands and all authentic historical, geographical and anthropolical records indicate that his works started in Africa and with Africa. I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that he intended for us, as African peoples to take dominion, have dominion, and ensure the well being of the earth and her people and live a long and prosperous life while

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doing the work that was assigned to us. And yes, while I do ascribe to the adage that it is not how many years are in ones life that counts, but how much life is in one’s years, I can’t shake the feeling that far too many of our Black men are taken out of the game too soon - either through death, imprisonment, war, assassinations - both physical and character, demoralized, and marginalized. It is just too much to continue to ignore and not ask for a Heavenly hearing to understand just what is happening. One thing I know for sure is that no one ever comes out of life alive, death is just part of the package of life and it does seem that that President Magufuli definitely knew that. Yet I am still unsettled about the timing. Nevertheless, it seems he had long decided from boyhood, that since he wasn’t going to come out of life alive, he might as well come out and play, make a difference in people’s lives and Leave a Legacy. And what a legacy he has left. We can travel from New York, to Geneva, to Washington and all corners of the Western hegemony, and we will find the world of international development is littered with mountains and mountains of paper on which lofty visions and strategic plans have long been written BUT NOT implemented. One must honestly ask - Why? And the answer is largely because of intention and the lack of follow through from topmost executive leadership, not only to oversee implementation but also to hold non-

GETTING TO THE

Heart OF THE MATTER

with Dr Toni Luck

performers to account. However, President Magufuli’s phenomenal success in getting so many projects up and running all over Tanzania in such a short time stands as a beacon of hope. Let me say to all the haters that I take note that he wasn’t without his flaws as are all mortal men and women, but he was a true son of Africa and got busy getting things done, this fact cannot be denied. It has been said, that without a vision the people perish, but I have come to realize that without a visionary, the vision perishes and thus the people. So please allow me a few moments to share just a few of his actions and accomplishments. • In 2020 the unemployment rate in his country was at an estimated 1.98 percent. • He rejected a $10 billion loan from China – bad terms. • He didn’t go on state trips outside Africa. • He reduced the cabinet’s size from 30 to 19. • He banned Government officials from foreign trips • He abolished their tax exemptions for Government officials • He reduced the salaries of top Government officials. • He accused UK company, Acacia Mining of illegal mining and ordered them to pay $193 billion for undervaluing Ta n z a n i a ’ s gold exports. Over 250 containers of their goods were seized at Dar es Salaam port. They paid $300 million and gave Tanzania 16% ownership in 3 of their mines in the country. • He introduced free education in government schools in 2016. • He acquired 6 Air Tanzania planes. The airline increased market share to 24 percent up from 2.5. Over the years Air Tanzania has served a variety of domestic, regional, and intercontinental destinations. • He excelled in infrastructure building: built Tanzania Standard Gauge Railway, Mfugale

Flyover, Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station, Ubungo Interchange, Selander Bridge, KigongoBusisi Bridge. He expanded the Port of Dar es Salaam, Dodoma Bus Terminal, • He oversaw the building of an LNG plant, a water project, a wind farm project, Uhuru Hospital project, a gold refinery plant, and Magufuli Bus Terminal. • Magufuli’s enjoyed outstanding popularity because his work ethic and results have really impressed the poor and hugely alleviated their plight, creating opportunities of sustainable wealth creation. There is so much more which will be written in and on the lives of the generations to come who will be grateful recipients of free education, good water, adequate health care, an economy that is growing along with peace and stability. I do really love the Road less travelled of President Magufuli who did not bend as he marched to a different drummer. He was courageous and willing to break the rules and even make mistakes. He seems to have been governed not only by God’s leading but also by the cogent insight of Albert Einstein who famously said: “You Cannot Solve a Problem Using the Same Logic That Created It.” What I am asking of you and me and all of us, is to consider that this life, this one magnificent life that has left a bit too soon, must profoundly shake us awake, rekindle our spirit, determination and commitment to play a very active progressive role in our families, our communities, our cities, our nations, our continent. To take courage to speak up always and to act up when necessary. Raising our vibrations and our consciousness to be present and active forces of good. I believe the citizens of Tanzania slept unafraid the night that Uncle Magu transitioned, unafraid of the future because they were so confident that this amazing Father of the Nation, Leader, Protector, was unafraid, and bold, honest, and a visionary –leaving clear and discernible footprints in the sands of time for us to follow with gratitude. LONG LIVE UNCLE MAGU, LONG LIVE!

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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HEART RESEARCH UK LAUNCH CHARITY Voice For Our Black Elders COOKBOOK l Sherril Donaldson – NU:GEN CARE CIC

ere in the UK, March is the month in which we celebrate women through the celebration of Mother’ Day and International Women’s Day. So, in many ways it should have been a particularly joyful time for our elders, but, as we know the pandemic prevented many of our elders from seeing their children on that special day of the year. As I was fortunate to be able to see my daughter on that day but not my own mother, it did make me think about the female elders in our community. Generally, according to the statistics women are at the sharp end of many inequalities in our society and, it will not surprise many of us, to know that black women suffer the most according to the research findings. In particular, I thought about the many women who live alone and the challenges they face as a consequence. While we have been running the Carryit Come Project we have become particularly aware of the financial difficulties they face as their pensions have to stretch to meet their daily needs. It occurred to me that we, as a community, do not acknowledge the need for financial planning to deal with the needs of old age. The tendency to view monetary issues as their ‘private business’ quite often prevent them from having discussions with their family or the agencies that could help with claiming their benefit entitlements. So, what can or should we do to address the situation? That is a tough question for all of us as we look into the future for ourselves and our female elders. I believe we have to educate ourselves to find out what we can do to make our money or assets go further and we then have to share that information with others. We have to engage in with the ‘authorities’ to ensure we take advantage of the benefit

entitlements rather than allowing our sense of pride to get in the way of reaping the benefits from decades of working hard in low paid jobs. As a part of those hard conversations we should ask our ‘mothers’ or ‘aunties’ about their investment history. That sounds very grand, but, in having conversation with a couple of my ‘aunties’ I’ve established that, many years ago, they ‘took out’ several small insurance policies and even though they have matured they have not seen the fruits of that investment. As surprising as that might be, it remains a reality for my ‘aunties’ and no doubt there will be others in the same position. In those instances I have taken action to help them to access their entitlement and, even though it was not huge amounts of money, it was their money and every little helps them to live a better life. So, have you had that conversation with your loved one? I know it is sometimes hard to even mention the subject as it can be interpreted as wanting to ‘take’ or steal their money, but, I strongly believe we need to do all we can to ensure they enjoy the fruits of their labour and the contribution they have made to making our working lives better than it was for them in the early days. So, let’s work towards making future Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day better for us all. WE need to work together to identify our pressure points and the existing organisation in a position to lead a movement to alleviate our challenges. So, I ask you to contact me with your thoughts on the way forward and topics for discussion in this column to ensure we work to change the landscape of care for our elders. You can contract Sherril at sherril@nugencare.org.uk.

ational charity Heart Research UK have launched their first charity cookbook, featuring 17 recipes from celebs, chefs and some of the web’s biggest food bloggers. The e-book, which is available to download for a suggested donation of £5, features a selection of well-balanced recipes from some of the best known faces in food and fitness, including Joe Wicks, The Hairy Bikers, Heart Research UK ambassador Sally Bee, Gennaro Contraldo, Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin, Masterchef winner Shelina Permaloo and many more. Recipes range from light breakfasts and brunches, through

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to healthy snacks, show-stopping main meals and family favourites, and even a few desserts. Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion and Education at Heart Research UK, said: “As someone who loves cooking and eating nutritionally balanced dishes, I know that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. “We put together this cookbook to provide everyone, from families and first time cooks to the home-chef extraordinaire, a selection of recipes that are healthy, full of flavour and unpretentious. “I often advise people on making dietary changes to reduce their risk of heart disease and manage their weight. A healthy,

well-balanced diet contains plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods and not too much fat, sugar or salt. “By using this cookbook, we hope you will discover some delicious new recipes that will enable you to keep looking after your heart.”

The

cookbook can be downloaded for a suggested donation of £5. All of the money raised will support Heart Research UK's life-saving work, funding pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

Latest ONS Figures Show COVID-19 Cases Going Down Across The UK LEVELS of coronavirus are going down in all four nations of the UK, latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The data provides more evidence that lockdown is working to control the virus, even with the more infectious variants circulating. The latest R number, estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9, also suggests infection numbers are shrinking. This is the first time since July that R has been this low. It means, on average, every 10 people infected pass it on to between 7 and 9 more. Experts warn that infection levels remain high, however. It is not clear yet when lockdown will begin to be lifted. Scientists advising government say the lower the cases can get, the better. Unlocking too soon risks

another surge of the virus, even though more people are being vaccinated against the disease every day. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will outline plans for easing any restrictions in the week of February 22. Getting schools back will be the immediate priority, the government says. The PM's official spokesman did not rule out that one option being considered is social distancing being maintained until

the autumn: "The latest data and evidence clearly shows that we remain in a difficult situation with the pressure on the NHS still very significant. We will set out a gradual and phased approach towards easing the restrictions in a sustainable way." The ONS figures, based on tests from people whether or not they had symptoms, suggest: • One in 80 people in England has the virus • In Northern Ireland, it is one

in 75 • In Wales, it is one in 85 • In Scotland, it is one in 150 London continues to have the highest proportion of people likely to test positive for coronavirus in any region of England, with around one in 60 estimated to have had Covid-19 in the week up to 6 February. The ONS's data is slightly out of date - covering the week up to 6 February - so may not reflect the situation right now. Senior Statistician Sarah Crofts said: "Rates of infection remain high but have continued to decrease in England and across the UK. "The percentage of positive cases compatible with the new UK variant also continues to decrease in all regions of England except for Yorkshire and The Humber, the East Midlands and the South West where trends remain uncertain."

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£2,000 GRANT TO HELP BIRMINGHAM HEALTH CHARITIES T wo Birmingham health charities that actively support their local communities have received donations from a regional house-builder. Smiling Families and Headway Birmingham & Solihull were both awarded £1,000 by Persimmon Homes Central, through the house-builder’s Community Champions scheme. The scheme has been running since 2015 and across the UK Persimmon awards 64 grants of up to £1,000 each month – a total of up to £768,000 a year. Smiling Families supports families affected by serious and terminal illness. Spokesperson for the charity Kerry Martin-Beades said: “As many of our families have short amounts of time together we arrange respite, days out, wish granting as well as support sessions and group therapy. “Covid has had a huge impact on our funding and has increased the number of families referred to us.

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 41

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

COVID Impact on BAME Carers THE IMPACT of COVID-19 on older people and their carers in Coventry and Leicester’s BAME communities will be explored as part of a major new study into how social and economic inequalities have affected health and care provision during the pandemic. Professor Shirin Rai of Warwick’s Department of Politics and International Studies is one of nine academics from across the UK who have formed the Consortium on Practices for Wellbeing and Resilience in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Families and Communities (Co-POWeR). She will focus on the interaction of care, caring and carers within BAME families and communities in Coventry and Leicester, seeking to understand how COVID-19 has affected those being cared for as well as their paid and unpaid carers, and recommending ways to increase their wellbeing and resilience.

But thanks to Persimmon Homes this wonderful donation will help us do so much and we are truly grateful.” Headway Birmingham & Solihull is raising funds to install a lift at its two-storey brain injury centre in Wylde Green, north Birmingham. Fundraising manager Julie Wedgbury said: “The lift will enable all of our brain injured clients and their carers to access the whole of our building regardless of any disability or mobility issue. “This planned project has become more vital than ever in light of the Covid crisis and the need to use all available space for social distancing. “Thanks to Persimmon Homes the lift project will be able to get underway and will help us both now and moving forward as we expand our specialist rehabilitation services to meet an increasing demand as more people survive a serious brain injury.”

Birmingham man ‘stunned’ to win £200K in prize draw for Alzheimer’s Society A Birmingham man is celebrating after winning a ‘life-changing’ sum of money in a raffle that also raised more than £43,000 for Alzheimer’s Society. Web developer, Eli Stone, won £200,000 in the prize draw organised by Martin and Sue Stephenson – and says it will enable him to move from a flat into a house. The draw had been set up by the couple as an alternative to putting their stunning £700,000 property in Snowdonia, Wales, on the market. They needed to sell 330,000

raffle tickets to be able to give the 150-year-old converted chapel, Capel Jerusalem, and the adjoining Jerusalem Vestry as the prize. And although they did not achieve their target, they raised enough to make the huge cash prize and charity donation possible. Sue, 53, a former marketing consultant, said: “It has been an amazing journey. The prize draw didn’t quite work out as we expected, but we are delighted we’ve been able to give Alzheimer’s Society a donation of more than £43K.”

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OVERSEAS NEWS

omay Davis, a 101-year old grandmother who had been working at a Winn-Dixie grocery store in Montgomery, Alabama for over two decades, is being recognised for her outstanding service with a grant program named after her. Davis, who turned 101 on October 29 last year, is still driving herself to the grocery store to work even in the middle of the pandemic. Now, the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity Grant Program has been launched to support nonprofit organizations in the fight against racial inequality and social injustice. It also hopes to address racial disparities in education, food, and health care. Davis is very much worthy of honour as she had achieved so much in her life. According to news outlets in the U.S. she was a World War II veteran before she pursued a career in fashion designing for 30 years. She also earned a master’s degree at NYU and became a taekwondo black belter. Romay already retired in 1982 but decided to go back to work after her husband died in 2001. Winn-Dixie then hired her at the age of 80.

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101-YEAR OLD EMPLOYEE HONOURED WITH NAMED GRANT PROGRAM l John Pombe Magufuli

Tribute To John Pombe Magufuli

T l Romay (Seated Centre) during her 100th Birthday celebrations in 2019

Mourners Line Streets For Funeral Of Ex-Tanzania President THOUSANDS of mourners filed past the coffin of Tanzania's exPresident John Magufuli, who died aged 61. His coffin, draped in the national flag, is lying in state at the Uhuru stadium in the main city Dar es Salaam. It was said by some politicians say that Magufuli contracted Covid-19, but this has not been confirmed. A Covid sceptic, at times he denied that the virus had affected Tanzania. Coming to power as Tanzania's president in 2015, Magufuli's coffin was brought to the stadium in a procession that was led by his successor, Samia Suluhu Hassan before being taken to several different locations for public viewing before his burial in his hometown of Chato. Some residents wept and threw flowers on the coffin which was pulled by a military vehicle. Newly sworn in president, Samia - Africa’s only current female national leader - led the government procession in which many wore black or green and yellow to represent the colours of the ruling party. The Ethiopian presidency is a largely ceremonial role and she joins a short list of women on the continent to have run their countries.

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o Alkebulan Nation, The Government of Tanzania / The People of the great lake Regions of Tanganyika, His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli by His Royal Highness Maponga Joshua III Marara ChangaMbire Karanga of SVOSVE Dynasty of the Kingdom of DZimbabgwe The Mornach of the Nation and Empire of Mwenemutapa. "The headmaster", the son of the soil has rested. Indeed this is a loss to the continet at large to witness the sudden and untimely death of a beacon of hope for the emancipation of the Afrikan Nations from colonial pharmaceutical oppression. He will be remembered for his unwavering position on the "test kits" and his wit in using them on fruits and animals to prove that they were contamibated. Other Afrikan presidents did not show public support to this stalwart to their shame to please their colonial masters. With such Leaedership Afrika had hope towards the "Magufulization of Afrika'. It is a fact that many countries in the west with their multinational companies did not favor Magufuli as he posed a challenge to the economic corrupt dealings with Afrika. His passing will bring them joy while it fills the Pan Afrokan community with tears and heartache. The snake is alive and well hissing fear in our midst. The beacon of hope has been

blown out while thieves and puppets of the west continue to breath and sell the Afrikans to colonial masters. This Covid pandemic has left a bad taste in our mouths as one of our hopes for the Afrikan solutions, next to Madagascar has been cut short. We have lost a soldier and gained an ancestor, long live the spirit of Magufuli long live. The battle continues and let every Afrikan president ask themselves the question "why are you still living"? How long will it take to unite? When wiil you unite as a continent to protect each other and improve your security on the continent. What will it take for you to build one army and secure the continent from plunder of the west/east/ north? Who are the enemies of Afrikan Unity but yourselves and unquenchable hunger for power and cortuption? Remember Gadaffi died while you watched, for economic unification, Sinkara for pan Afrikan views, Mugabe for his land position, Congo is still at war while you make speeches and steal money to foreign accounts. Ask yourselves the question "who is next". The Kingdom/Empire of Mwenemutapa and the Svosve Dynasty sends its heartfelt condolences and mourns with the nation on this great loss. Pole pole, Tanganyika. lala salama Pombe hitaonana kesho. H a r a m b e Chamachamapinduza Tanzania

l HRH Marara Joshua Maponga III

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he Chinese capital of Beijing was recently covered in thick dust as it experienced what its weather bureau has called the worst sandstorm in a decade. The storm caused an unprecedented spike in air pollution measurements - with pollution levels in some districts at 160 times the recommended limit. Hundreds of flights were cancelled or grounded as the sky was covered by an apocalypticlooking orange haze. The sand was being brought in by strong winds from Mongolia. In that country (Mongolia) the severe sandstorms have reportedly caused six deaths and left dozens missing. Media outlets reported that at least 12 provinces in the country, including the capital, had been affected, and the weather was likely to continue before improving at night. The WHO (World Health Organisation) currently sets safe levels of air quality based on the concentration of polluting particles called particulate matter (PM) found in the air. According to news wire AFP quoting the Global Times, the PM 10 pollution in six central districts reached "over 8,100 micrograms per cubic metre". The WHO considers levels between 0-54 as "good" and 55154" as "moderate" levels of PM 10. AFP added that schools had been told to cancel outdoor events, and those with respiratory diseases advised to stay indoors.

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 43

OVERSEAS NEWS

BEIJING SUFFER WORST SANDSTORM IN A DECADE

World Bank approve $150m to help Jamaica THE WORLD Bank has approved of financing of US$150 million for the Jamaica COVID-19 Response and Recovery Development Policy Loan. The sum is set to out to help the government protect the poor and vulnerable, support sustainable business growth and job creation, and strengthen policies and institutions for resilient recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the Caribbean island’s deepest economic contraction in decades due, in part, to the drop in tourism earnings, which account for more than 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and onethird of jobs.

Ghana Spelling Champion Reveals Winning Strategy

l Naa Koshie Manyo-Plange

leven-year-old Naa Koshie Manyo-Plange who has won the latest Ghana Spelling Bee says she read a lot of books to broaden her vocabulary. Ms Koshie said that her parents encouraged her and she watched the movie Akeelah and the Bee to learn from the starring.

She said: "We had training and we were given a certain group of words to study, so we had to study them and come with about 100 words from that group." The national finals were held last weekend with 60 competitors all hoping to win the coveted trophy and cash prize of around $1,700 (£1,200).

"I think its important to take part in something like the spelling bee - because if you lose it helps you to be a good loser and when you win it helps you not gloat, and builds resilience because it makes you want to come back for more," she says.

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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Naha Airport displays works from new digital arts exhibition

unning from February until at least September 2021 at eight locations across Japan, Culture Gate to JAPAN is a new digital arts exhibition featuring the works of 29 artists offering a new perspective on the diversity of Japanese culture. The theme of the exhibit at Okinawa's Naha Airport is

'MEMORY' and the display features works by two creatives (visual artist HIGA Satoru and animator nuQ) who have both been inspired by the prefecture's ancient Ryukyu Kingdom. The exhibition website provides a rich variety of information, videos and images so that people around the world can learn about Japan from home and plan trips for the future.

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KENYA AIRWAYS RESUMES DIRECT WEEKLY CARGO FLIGHTS TO NEW DELHI

ational carrier Kenya Airways has announced the resumption of its cargo services to New Delhi. The first cargo flight to resume from New Delhi has already landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, carrying pharmaceuticals, machinery and general merchandise from New Delhi.

Kenya Airways Cargo Director Dick Murianki said the weekly service will also serve to support Kenya’s intra-African export market and provide a welcome lifeline to many local businesses reliant on overseas markets. Murianki noted that KQ Cargo has rapidly scaled up its cargo services in an effort to address the growing need for air freight across the continent and will be connecting

the ever-increasing number of international markets to help maintain and replenish essential supplies. In a statement he said: “The resumption of direct weekly cargo flights from Nairobi to New Delhi, is an indication of the integral part KQ plays in providing logistics solutions to our customers based on our robust world class handling infrastructure and strong network

footprint in Africa." Key items to be uplifted from India include pharmaceutical and medical products, machinery, sports goods and general cargo. The Cargo director added, "Cargo will continue to offer seamless connections in India to Nairobi, and the rest of Africa, including destinations such as Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; and Lilongwe, Malawi".

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The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 45

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

INTREPID UNVEILS NEW PREMIUM ADVENTURES CTO, Airbnb Join Hands to Promote Tourism AS PART of its global efforts to work with governments and tourism agencies to support responsible travel and local economic growth, Airbnb announced its partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to promote its member countries across Airbnb's vast global community. This collaboration is designed to amplify the Caribbean's recovery

ntrepid Travel, the world's leading sustainable tour operator, has introduced a new range of tours called Intrepid Premium. The collection of tours is designed to appeal to discerning travellers, featuring handpicked accommodations, private transportation, train journeys and an array of signature experiences exclusively available on Premium tours. With over 70 new trips available for departures starting in January 2022, Intrepid Premium gives travellers a more sustainable choice for high-end adventures. The Intrepid Premium range spans across over 40 countries. Every itinerary includes a feature stay and signature experience that will not be available on any other Intrepid trips. Examples of a feature stay may include the Orient Star, a former madrasah in Khiva, Uzbekistan;

Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, an eco-friendly jungle hideaway with views over Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; and Splendid Cave Hotel, where guests have a front row seat to view hot air balloons rising over Cappadocia. Signature experiences include a sand dune dinner under the stars in Pushkar, India and a community stay in Peru that includes a visit with the Ese Eja people, an indigenous community considered the stewards of the Peruvian rainforest. The Premium tours will also be led by Intrepid's most experienced leaders and destination experts. Most accommodations are locally owned and many of the properties use renewable and alternative energy sources. A selection of trips will also visit social enterprise projects that are working to promote

from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic by promoting safe, responsible travel to the region. As part of this partnership, Airbnb is launching a marketing campaign that includes the rollout of a series of email newsletters and a landing page highlighting the CTO's member countries and their respective protocols for safe travel during this time.

gender equality, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. As with all Intrepid Travel tours, the Premium range is 100% carbon offset and designed to have a low environmental footprint and a positive impact on local communities. “With our aim to become a world leader in sustainable, experiencerich travel, we identified that many of our customers were seeking a higher-end product that they know is sustainable,” says James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel. “As we continue to prepare for a gradual and sustainable recovery, we saw Premium as an opportunity to build a new style of tour that ensures local communities truly benefit from high-value tourism. We wanted to show that a premium product can also deliver on a premium purpose,” he adds.

SALEH & SONS

Specialising in Caribbean Produce Fresh Meat & Vegetables TEL : 0121 551 1736 250 LOZELLS RD, BIRMINGHAM B19 1NP

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0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE Homeowners Face Missing Out On Billions HOMEOWNERS could miss out on billions of pounds of funding to remove unsafe nonACM cladding, as analysis of new Government figures reveals less than a quarter of applications to the Building Safety Fund (BSF) are currently proceeding to funding. According to analysis by cladding remediation specialists Cladding Consulting, of the latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) just 624 out of a total of 2,820 registrations to the BSF, have been assessed as eligible to proceed with an application for funding. And with the deadline to submit eligible applications for funding the end of June 2021 - which is just over three months away - thousands of homeowners are in danger of missing out on funding, and could be forced to pay for the cladding remediation works themselves.

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ALMOST 2,000 PRIVATE PROPERTIES BROUGHT BACK TO USE

lmost 2,000 privatelyowned properties in Wolverhampton Almost 2,000 empty private properties brought back into use, that had stood empty for years, have been transformed into family homes thanks to the efforts of the city

council. City of Wolverhampton Council’s Empty Property Strategy, launched in 2010, has seen more than 1,900 houses which had been left unoccupied – often in poor condition – brought back into use over the last 11 years. The council aims

to ensure that rather than the properties becoming a blight on their neighbourhood, they are either sold to new homeowners or rented out to tenants. Specialist housing improvement officers from the council’s private sector housing team have worked with the owners of properties left empty for a long period of time to encourage and support them to carry out any required works and get them occupied once again. If necessary and as a last resort, the authority can use enforcement action to ensure this work takes place. The council also offers grants of up to £500 to encourage more owners of empty properties to act. The grants either help owners with legal/agent fees to sell their property or provide an incentive to rent it under

the Private Sector Leasing (PSL) Scheme - a hassle-free property management service run in association with Wolverhampton Homes. Councillor Jacqueline Sweetman, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “Our action on empty homes is providing more affordable housing to people in the City of Wolverhampton. The properties we have become involved with have often stood empty for many years and, as a result, the condition of them has deteriorated dramatically. “Our strategy is helping to put these houses back on the market – either to sell or rent – and this in turn is having a positive effect in

the areas they are in. In addition, it means landlords are once again seeing rental income come in and the value of their properties increase, while local shops and services are benefiting from new residents occupying the houses – providing a significant boost to the local economy. “This ongoing work is the equivalent of us building hundreds of new houses across the city -and we’ll continue to focus our efforts on empty houses in Wolverhampton.” The work to bring back into use empty properties in the city aligns with the City Housing Strategy’s three key objectives of more and better homes, safe and healthy homes and access to a secure home.

Online Housing Services Now Available For Sandwell Tenants THE RANGE of online services offered to Sandwell Council housing tenants has been increased in a bid to make it easier for them to report issues and request information about their council tenancy. Tenants can now go online and: • Report a change of personal details – such as people moving in or out; • Request a joint tenancy; • Terminate a tenancy; • Ask permission to alter a council property; • Notify the council if a tenant has passed away; • Apply for or end a garage tenancy; • Report their council property is too large; • Report their council property is too small; • Report their council property is not safe to remain in; • Make a mutual exchange application;

To advertise

• Request a tenancy succession; • Request help with a garden (over 60s only); • Apply to move to a more suitable home on medical grounds; • Request a sole tenancy; • Request a tenancy reassignment (giving a tenancy to someone else); • Order an extra or replacement fob; • Allow someone to speak on your behalf (third party consent); • Request a landlord reference;

0208 865 1922 (London)

• Apply to run a business from your council property; • Ask permission to keep a pet; • Report an untidy council property or garden; • Report fly-tipping or rubbish; • Report an abandoned council property; • Report tenancy fraud. These will now complement existing online services such as ‘paying your rent’, ‘checking your rent balance’ and ‘arrange a direct debit’.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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HOLLYWOOD STARS APPOINT FLEUR ROBINSON AS NEW WREXHAM CEO l Wrexham’s new CEO Fleur Robinson

ollowing making historical new grounds with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney taking up ownership of the Welsh club, Wrexham has broken further new grounds by appointing Fleur Robinson as their new Chief Executive Officer. Following her appointment, on the club’s official website a thrilled Fleur said: “I’m delighted to accept this fantastic position and I’m excited about joining one of the oldest professional football clubs in the world, which has both a proud history

and a positive future. “There are not many jobs that would have pulled me away from Burton Albion, a club I have helped develop from the second tier of non-league to two seasons in the Championship, but the prospect of joining Wrexham at the start of what I believe is about to be an incredible new era for the club was too exciting to pass up.” Co-owner Reynolds said: “Fleur’s enthusiasm just shone through and having successfully navigated the journey to the EFL from the National League, she was able to offer us something

Perry joins Phoenix for The Hundred

ustralia allrounder Ellyse Perry has joined Birmingham Phoenix for this summer's Hundred competition. The 30-year-old has won five Twenty20 World Cups and was named player of the decade by the International Cricket Council in December. New Zealand T20 captain - and the world's number one ranked batter - Sophie Devine

will lead the side. "It's always a special moment in sport when something like this comes along," Perry said. "I feel really chuffed that another country wanted me to come and play in their competition." The new 100-ball competition, which was postponed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, features eight city-based teams and begins on July 21.

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2021 - Page 47

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

EFL Side Coventry City Close To A Return To Ricoh IT HAS been reported that EFL Championship side Coventry City are close to finalising a deal to return to the Ricoh Arena next season. It is understood a deal with rugby union side Wasps - the owners of the ground - is all but agreed and could be confirmed soon. The Sky Blues have shared Birmingham's St Andrew's stadium since August 2019. The English Football League will discuss the issue at a board meeting tomorrow, when some of the details are expected to be signed off. The deal, which contains break clauses, will be for up to 10 years, although Championship side Coventry will be guaranteed a minimum of seven years back at the Ricoh Arena. Club owners Sisu still aim

to build a new stadium on the south-west edge of the city, on land owned by the University of Warwick. Coventry left Highfield Road in 2005 to move to the Ricoh Arena but, after a long-running rent row escalated, they spent the 2013-14 season at Northampton Town's Sixfields. The Sky Blues returned to the Ricoh in September 2014, followed by Wasps moving in three months later. The ground, part-owned by the city council, was then sold to the Premiership rugby union club. City then spent the next four full seasons there but Sisu could not reach an agreement with Wasps to play the 2019-20 campaign there and found alternative arrangements at St Andrew's.

different but exceptionally relevant.” Fellow-owner McElhenney added: “Fleur will be a great leader for Wrexham. Her commitment to placing the Club at the centre of the community and experience in doing so was exceptionally attractive when you consider the importance we place on that area in our Mission Statement.” The latest off-field development by the pair will see Fleur Robinson taking up her new position in June after she serves her notice period at her current club. Phoenix's first fixture will be against London Spirit at Edgbaston two days later. At 16, Ellyse became the youngest person - male or female - to represent Australia at cricket when she made her one-day international debut against New Zealand in Darwin. Just two weeks later, she made her senior debut for the country's football team and helped them reach the last eight of the 2011 World Cup, scoring a brilliant goal in their 3-1 defeat by Sweden. In cricket, she has played eight Tests, 112 one-dayinternationals and 120 T20s for Australia. Among her many achievements, in July 2019 she became the first cricketer to complete the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in T20s. Perry will link up with Birmingham Phoenix head coach Ben Sawyer, who is also assistant coach and fast bowling specialist for the Australian women's team.

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Perry Joins Phoenix - Page 47

Hollywood stars appoint new Wrexham CEO - Page 47

ICONIC MARACANA B TO BE NAMED AFTER BRAZIL LEGEND PELE

razil's iconic Maracana stadium is to be named in honour of the country's legendary footballer Pele. The move follows a vote by the Rio de Janeiro state legislature to change the venue's name to the Edson Arantes do Nascimento - Rei Pele stadium. Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the 80-year-old's full name, while Rei means king in Portuguese. The Rio de Janeiro's state governor must approve the name change before it becomes official. Pele, who won three World Cups as a player for Brazil, scored his 1,000th goal at the stadium in 1969 when playing for Santos against Vasco da Gama. The Maracana held the 1950 and 2014 World Cup finals, as well as the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics. Some fans, however, are not happy because Pele never played for its local teams and he does not hail from Rio de Janeiro. The deputy responsible for the project said: “It is a worthy homage to a man who is recognised the world over for his legacy in Brazilian football and for the corresponding services rendered to our country.” The home stadium for two local football clubs, Fluminense and reigning champions Flamengo, more than 200,000 spectators are reported to have been in the stadium to watch Uruguay beat Brazil in the 1950 final, although its capacity is now 78,838. It was named after Mario Filho, a journalist who lobbied for its construction in the 1940s, but was known as the Maracana after the area in which it is located. The legislature said the football stadium will be renamed but the larger sports complex around the ground can retain its current name. The bill now goes to interim governor Claudio Castro, who has 15 days to decide whether to sign it into law. The only player in history to win three World Cups - in 1958, 1962 and 1970 – and considered by many to be the greatest footballer in history - Pele is credited with restoring Brazil's football pride in the aftermath. Photo: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

‘Slam Queen’, Naomi, Celebrating Second Open Win In Melbourne Final

No International Fans At Tokyo 2020 Games

JAPANESE authorities have told the Olympic and Paralympic committees it was unlikely that entry to the country could be guaranteed. Organisers have said that the move now gives clarity to ticket holders and helps ensure a safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public. The Games are due to begin on July 23 with the Paralympics

following a month later, from August 24. Organisers said that the Covid-19 situation in Japan and many other countries, global travel restrictions and emergence of variant strains of the virus had led to the decision and that ticket holders would be refunded. The Olympics were postponed by a year in March last year because of the growing spread of coronavirus across the world.

NAOMI OSAKA cemented her place as the star of the women's game by beating American Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final to win her fourth Grand Slam title. The 23-yearold remains unbeaten in major finals after a 6-4 6-3 win in Melbourne. Japan's Osaka edged the first set when Brady, in her first Grand Slam final, paid for some glaring errors in the final game. The third seed seized control from that point, racing 4-0 ahead in the second set before sealing a deserved victory. She has now won two Australian Open titles after also triumphing at Melbourne Park in 2019, with

her other Grand Slam successes coming at the US Open in 2018 and 2020. Around 7,500 fans were allowed to watch the final on Rod Laver Arena and Osaka lapped up the acclaim after her US Open victory came behind closed doors. She said: "It feels incredible to have fans. I played the last Grand Slam without fans, to have this energy means a lot. I feel like playing a Grand Slam is a privilege." A clear favourite in the final at Melbourne Park, Naomi is the first women’s player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991. And, as she

l Naomi Osaka continues to blaze an unbeatable trail on court, off the court, she has grown into one of the world’s most marketable athletes whilst finding her voice as a prominent social activist. Despite her straight-sets victory, she said: “I feel like I have to get more comfortable on those surfaces a I didn’t play juniors, so I didn’t grow up playing on grass at all.

“I honestly think I’d have better luck on clay, because I think last year I didn’t play bad at all. It’s just something that I have to get more used to.” Now 4-time ‘Slam winner, the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) world ranked No. 3, Osaka, will see if she can now transfer her hard-court dominance onto the clay and grass surfaces.

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