The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION ACROSS ALL COMMUNITIES

FEBRUARY 2022

Positive • Informative • Objective News

For All Your Ents News SEE PAGE 17

THE PHOENIX WISHES EVERYONE A

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IS BRITAIN FINALLY WINNING THE WAR AGAINST COVID-19?

By Dr Tony Talburt It is believed that the Covid-19 virus reached the UK by the end of January 2020. Nearly two years, and sadly, over 170, 000 Covid related deaths later, Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, recently announced that Covid-19 restrictions would be reduced.

However, should this news be greeted with enthusiasm and celebrations or with a degree of caution or worry?

Afterall, isn’t this the second time we have been told the restrictions are being lifted, only for further limitations to be imposed?

Perhaps, however, after two years, and with the vaccine rollout, we are in a much better place than in March 2020.

Britain’s Covid journey has turbulent and uncertain from the start. On March 19 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced, in his usual upbeat

manner, the UK can “turn the tide of coronavirus” in 12 weeks.

Four days later, he gave a more sombre address in which he officially declared the beginning of the first lockdown in the UK, ordering people to “stay at home.”

In September 2020 and January 2021, two further lockdowns were introduced. Later that year, plan B restrictions were introduced on 13 December 2021 to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.

Plan B measures made the NHS Covid pass mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues, including unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, and seated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people.

Finally, it was announced in January 2022 by the government that this latest plan would also be relaxed.

One of the reasons for

introducing this latest relaxation phase is because of the vaccination programme in the UK. According to the UK official government website GOV.UK, 18 January 2022, 90.7% of the population over the age of 12 has had their first Covid-19 dose and 83.3% received the second dose.

Furthermore, 63.7% have received the third or booster dose. This pattern is very different from the situation that existed in the summer of 2020 when the first wave of the pandemic was inflicting havoc across the whole of the British society.

Mr Javid, therefore, had no hesitancy, in declaring this to be right time to move into this phase because the death rate had fallen dramatically and while daily numbers change from day to day, the 7-day average was around 200 in England which was a lot lower than it had been before.

As far as he is concerned,

‘’restrictions should not stay in place a day longer than absolutely necessary”, with mandatory Covid certificates and work from home advice likely to be dropped.

Boris Johnson himself announced that Covid-passes for large events, face coverings and work from home guidance will be lifted from Thursday, 27 January.

Facemasks in classrooms will no longer be required and the government is suggesting masks are used indoors or in crowded places but trust the judgement of the public. These measures will certainly be welcome news to many people.

After nearly two years of various levels of restrictions, working from home, wearing of masks, disruptions in schools and long waiting times for hospital appointments, it appears there is a glimmer of light at the end of this Covid-19 tunnel.

Although we have seen a few false dawns and U-turns in terms of government policy on Covid-19, this time around, it feels like the worst is behind us.

Although most restrictions are coming to an end, everyone must still be cognisant of the fact that the virus is still out there.

We might be slowly winning the war, but a few battles are still to be won.

How we mingle with each other, especially in large indoor venues, might still need to be monitored for some time to come.

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NEWS

Don't miss our Commonwealth Supplement 'On Your Marks'

Check Out Page 41 For The Full Feature!

ST GILES HOSPICE COLLECTS 5,000 CHRISTMAS TREES AND RAISES £69,000 IN BEST-EVER YEAR FOR TREECYCLE

S

t Giles Hospice is celebrating after this month's TreeCycle campaign became the most successful yet, collecting even more trees than last year's record-breaking collection.

The environmentally-friendly recycling campaign saw more than 5,000 Christmas trees picked up by volunteers in return for a small donation to St Giles, raising over £69,000 for the hospice. Last year’s collection picked up 4,428 trees.

All funds raised by TreeCycle help to ensure that St Giles Hospice can continue to support local people and their families living with a terminal illness.

Between Wednesday 5th and Wednesday 12th January, 115 dedicated and energetic volunteers braved the freezing winter weather to join the eighth annual TreeCycle

collection, following Government COVID-19 guidelines.

They picked up Christmas trees from Lichfield, Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Burton, Rugeley, Burntwood, Uttoxeter, Swadlincote, Stafford and surrounding areas.

Chloe Herbert, Head of Fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “This year’s TreeCycle campaign has been a huge success and we are absolutely delighted with the results. Our 2021 collection was a record-breaking event following the amazing goodwill we had from our supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic so to beat that total in 2022 is simply amazing.

“We need to raise £850,000 every month just to keep our services going, so the success of this year's TreeCycle will make a massive difference to local people and their

families at a time when they need us the most.” Wincanton provided St Giles with vital logistics and volunteer support during the collections, and the trees will be recycled for agricultural uses at Greener Composting in Wall, Lichfield.

“We’d also like to thank Lichfield Tree Works, Central England Cooperative, Darwin Electricals, Robson Lister and DHL Fradley for joining our volunteers in the TreeCycle collections this year,” added Chloe.

“Our volunteers tell us they really enjoy TreeCycle and get a great sense of achievement from taking part and we hope they will encourage even more volunteers to get involved next year, so that we can collect more trees than ever.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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INNOVATION FOR CHANGE - AMOS PAVES THE WAY

STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM - AMOS SIMBO

E

by Daniel Riley

veryone knows how important it is to have a space where you feel comfortable, can network with like-minded individuals, and most importantly continue your growth, both personally and professionally.

This is exactly what Amos Simbo has created with the Black Professionals in Construction Network (BPIC), dedicated to its mission to improve diversity by being an aspirational platform for the youth and those seeking to join the built environment industry.

The idea of BPIC didn’t come overnight, and Amos has had quite the journey to get t o

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where he is today.

Born in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, Amos went to primary school in Harare, and began his secondary education at a boarding school, “In the UK they’re viewed as posh, but they’re not seen as such in Zimbabwe, but they are great for the educational side of things,” he reminisced.

“When I was growing up I didn’t really have any aspirations or idea what I wanted to do, I was just obsessed with trying to get good grades across all of my subjects.

“I would wake up at 4am before breakfast to read, after class it was more reading, homework and study, but despite all of that, over all the years I was there I never came 1st or won an award!”

Labelling the area in which he grew up as a bit of a “ghetto”, while we spoke Amos was reminded with a smile of his childhood, “we used to play football outside in the streets with no shoes kinda thing, and I used to make wire cars from scrap we found, and sometimes sell them, then I started buying them from other people and selling them on!”

It is evident that Amos always had that entrepreneurial spirit, to keep trying, to push himself, even if as he states “at that time I didn’t realise what it was or what I was doing!”

While he was at boarding school, Zimbabwe suffered an economic crisis, which led to the economy being crippled and the major international hotel chain that his father was working for pulling out of the country.

Luckily, his dad was transferred to London, and so moved over with

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Amos’ mum and sisters, and when he finished boarding school, he joined them in Leytonstone in 2005, enrolling at Leyton Sixth Form College to study Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths after passing his GCSE’s.

“I still didn’t know what I wanted to do, but chose to pursue Mechanical Engineering because it was what my dad had done. I was quite disappointed with my A Levels, I didn’t do as well as I wanted, and ended up with ABCD, which wasn’t enough to get into UCL which had been my first choice.”

Amos went through clearing and was accepted to Loughborough, which he chose despite not knowing anything about the university!

“The final year of my course was probably the best one for me, I made friends and met people. I’d also had a kick up the backside after receiving a letter basically stating “buck your ideas up, you’re failing.

“It wasn’t even like I was going out all the time partying or anything!

I don’t know what was going on, but I just wasn’t concentrating enough. I eventually graduated with a 2.2, but I was very disappointed.”

It was around this time that Amos’ Dad was relocated to Mauritius through his job, one of his sisters was in Cape Town, and his mum and other sisters went with his dad.

“Unfortunately I lost contact with them a bit while they were there,” Amos mused.

“Coming out of uni, I did a number of interviews with Rolls Royce, Triumph, Nestlé and others, but they never amounted to anything, and even with Red Bull, which I thought

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STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM - AMOS SIMBO

was the drinks company at the time, not the racing company!

“It wasn’t even an interview really, it was more like an exam, with a paper full of questions, most of which I didn’t know, so it ended up being more of a lesson than an exam, with them explaining a lot of things to me.”

Through his dad’s connections, Amos got a placement installing AC equipment, working from a factory in Hackney, before going out to install them onsite.

Eventually, after blanketing the region with his CV, Amos was contacted by M-Tech with news

that they had a place in Cambridge, which he commuted to from London every day.

“I then moved into a team in London, and saw someone pouring concrete, but I didn’t know what it was, so I asked my manager and just said ‘he’s pouring’ to which I was like, ‘pouring what?!’ I had no idea what it was. I learned a lot about the construction industry and trade through that.”

Then out of the blue Amos was made redundant, which left him stuck and not sure what to do next.

“I entered a period of depression, just sleeping away most of my days,

not doing anything and then another guy I used to work with called Kevin actually rang some recruiters for me because he was so gutted I was made redundant.”

Amos started working with someone doing some admin work clearing emails and making to do lists to get by, but went the extra mile in making himself useful on other things in the business trying to put himself forward.

“That project was coming to an end, and one of the directors came to me saying ‘We like you and you seem to know what you’re doing, so we want to send you to college!’. I

just looked at him like ‘I’ve already got a degree!’ “ Amos then went to work at another of their sites, and was told they wanted to try him as an assistant project manager.

“They started teaching me everything I needed to know for it, and how to manage the site, I enjoyed being on the site and they seemed happy with me. They had another project they wanted me on in Glasgow, but I just wasn’t ready to move that far.

“Everything that had happened had given me a lot more confidence, and I found a job in London as a Project Manager, and everything that I had studied fell into place, and I understood what it all meant and how it worked.”

“It was around this point, now in 2016, that I wanted to start my own business, Winway Services, which was the name of a company that my dad had started in Zimbabwe, and was a name I always wanted to revive.

“I wanted to be a consultant, I had a client who I had worked with previously and had built a relationship with, and he gave me a trial, and after that, one of the bosses from the place I was made redundant from rang me up and said he’s got a project if I was interested, so it all kicked off from there!”

As you can see, Amos didn’t have the traditional route into where he is now, “I wasn’t the kid with the big plan that I saw out, I just kind of did it when I needed to, and now I’m here with my own business, and have built the confidence to be able to talk to people about it.”

“People really have different

journeys, and we only ever hear about this “one track scenario” and not all the different ways that people have come up through the industries they’re in, and I think it’s important to highlight those differences to educate everyone around us.”

Amos realised there wasn’t a space for black people and ethnic minorities to come together in the industry. “I didn’t realise for the longest time that I was the only black guy in the room at so many events, and had to take a step back and ask why that is the case? Where is everybody else?

“I came to the understanding that people in the industry do work together, and keep doing work together, so if you can’t get in front

of the right people, you’re not going to break into that.

“We needed somewhere that we could network, and interact with other people in the industry, all works of life, all professions, and realise the industry is bigger than your company. We’re not ‘outside’ the industry trying to get in, we already ARE the industry.”

It was out of this necessity that BPIC was created and launched in September 2019 BPIC held their first ever awards ceremony in December 2021, which was a milestone for the network, and was the first of its type in the industry, encompassing everyone with regards to disciplines.

“We had about 400 people under covid regulations, and the energy in the room was just crazy. People want to be recognised, and just that alone goes such a long way. You can write everything you want about how to be inclusive, but actually getting things done is the way to do it.

“It was a fantastic event for us, and we’re looking to do the same again this year, building on the work that we have put in so far.”

Looking to the future, Amos is opening new offices in the centre of London for BPIC and they look to move in in March, opposite one of his first projects that he did for Winway. They also have engaged with the Mayor of London to help encourage more young people into the industry, as well as building their own talent acquisition arm, helping ethnic minorities into the industry too.

“We’re looking for support from minority-led businesses to help pave the way for our youth and future,” Amos said, smiling broadly.

“The industry is one of the most dynamic, theres over 250 roles within the industry itself, so there really is something for everyone, and you can be surprised. It has a lot of flexibility in terms of work and routines too, helps you build your character through one of the most interesting industries out there.”

“I would encourage anyone that even had an inkling that this is what they want to do, to really go out and investigate more into the options that are open to you.”

The future certainly looks bright for Amos, Winway and BPIC, and we wish them all the very best for the what comes next!

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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ADOPTION & FOSTERING Adopted Siblings Reunite After Decades Apart

COUNCIL GIVES THANKS TO FANTASTIC FOSTER CARERS W l The 'For the Love of Fostering’ celebration evening at Molineux Stadium

olverhampton has officially thanked dozens of dedicated foster carers for the vital work they do looking after vulnerable children and young people in the city.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Fostering for Wolverhampton team recognised the service of their foster carers at the ‘For the Love of Fostering’ celebration evening at Molineux Stadium.

Over 180 people attended the event and foster carers

Julie Round and Matt Hatton, Emma and Stephen Goodwin, Yvonne and Geoff Finch, Tania and Christopher Guy, Julie and Martin Jefferies, Frances Rooney, Lynnette Swift, Yvonne Webb, Julie and Timothy Edwards, and Susan Edwards were commended for completing 10 years’ service.

Awards for 15 years' service were presented to Melissa and Barry Evans, Faye and Mick Downes, Enid Stone, Dawn Duggan, Karen and Chris Young, Diane and David Purchase, Mandy Parker and John Allen, Gwen Darlington, and Pauline Parker. Gloria Corke,

Joanne and Winston Palmer, Nora and Paul Williams-Riley, Elaine Homer, Angela and Craig Brown, Dulcie and David Phoenix, Sonia Greenaway, Daphne and Barry Richards, and Tracy and Mark Adams were commended for completing 20 years’ service.

Meanwhile, Angela Doughty, Sandra and Graham Cox, and Christine Asprey were all commended for 25 years’ service each as foster carers for Wolverhampton.

There was also a special ‘Thank You’ and commendations for retiring foster carers Gillian and

Andy Small, Linda and Graham Walker, Pauline Williams, Balbir and the late Shinda Singh, Heather and Geoff Fox, Elizabeth and Trevor Jones, Dorothy and Michael Humphries, Julie and Shaun Fitzpatrick, and Greer O’Connor.

The evening was opened

by Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Greg Brackenridge and awards were presented by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Cllr Beverley Momenabadi and the council's Chief Executive, Tim Johnson.

Cllr Momenabadi said: "These

are very special people, and it was great to have the opportunity to personally thank them for their efforts on behalf of our city's children and young people and tell them what an inspiration they are to us all.

"We are very lucky to have so many fantastic foster carers in Wolverhampton who combine a desire to help children with a commitment to providing the best possible care and support for them.”

TV Presenter Ashley Reaches Out After 20 Years Thinking He Was An Only Child BBC PRESENTER Ashley John-Baptiste recently revealed his shock at discovering he has four long lost siblings after 20 years of thinking he was an only child.

The former X-Factor star was in his mid-twenties when he learned he had four siblings, after a man claiming to be his brother reached out to him on social media. The 32-year-old, from London, was taken into care at the age of two and grew up in different foster homes before leaving the care system at 18.

He opened up about his experience in his new documentary, Split Up In Care, which explored family separation in the care system.

The 32-year-old, who appeared on ITV talent show the X-Factor as part of boy band The Risk in 2011, discovered that even his social worker, who looked after him from the ages of 15 to 18, had no idea that he had a brother.

Ashley, who has only met his brother once, recalled: “For a long time I thought I was totally isolated in terms of family. I

didn't have anyone back then”.

After leaving the care system, Ashley won a place to study history at Cambridge University - where he graduated with a 2.1 - and forged his career as a successful BBC journalist. It wasn't until early 2020, though that he would meet his brother, in a chance meeting outside a South London hospital where he and his partner were taking their newborn baby girl for a check-up.

“Even though I grew up not knowing my siblings, I now have a chance to rebuild my

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family”, he said. “I have chance to move forward with who I am, with the people I want”.

As a follow-up, a Department for Education spokesperson said: “The law is clear that whenever it is in the best interests of each individual child, siblings should be placed together. Every child deserves to grow up in a stable, loving family, which is why we commissioned an independent and broad review of the whole care system to improve outcomes.”

l BBC presenter Ashley John-Baptiste

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A BROTHER AND SISTER were reunited after decades living separate lives.

David Westcott, from Bideford in Devon, was fostered whilst Jan was adopted.

84-year-old David lost touch with his sister Jan, 79, after she was placed in adoption. His last memory of her was seeing taking her from the rubble, during the Second World War, in Exeter.

79-year-old Jan's daughter, Beth, traced down David through the powers of social media over the summer of 2021 before a DNA test confirmed he and Jan were siblings.

After Beth got in touch through her Facebook, David’s wife, Phyllis, said: "That was it, tears... it was quite a shock." Since then, the siblings have met at Jan's home in Darlington, in County Durham.

Not knowing exactly in which year they were last together, Mrs Westcott said that their intentions were to keep in touch, with plans to all meet up in March already organised.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 7

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

NEWS

l Phil Roberts

Clarke Willmott Debt Recovery Team Gain CICM Accreditation

NATIONAL LAW firm Clarke Willmott LLP has become the first client-servicing solicitor firm to gain a CICMQ quality accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM).

The CICMQ is the credit management industry’s accreditation for Best Practice, providing formal recognition for commitment to quality, continuous improvement and best practice in all things credit.

The firm’s leading debt recovery team has been working with CICM for the past 12 months to demonstrate that they meet a high standard of practice which must be maintained during the three years the accreditation is in place. Clarke Willmott is one of only 59 organisations across the UK to be awarded the accreditation by the CICM, the largest recognised professional body in the world for the credit management community.

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'STARMER SPEECH HAS RESONANCE WITH BLAIR'S '97 NEW LABOUR MANIFESTO' S ir Keir Starmer’s recent speech in Birmingham drew parallels with the ‘New Labour’ manifesto championed by Sir Tony Blair in the 1990s, a political commentator and analyst at Birmingham City University has said - suggesting more must be done to engender trust in British politics again.

Associate Professor Dr Steve McCabe said: “Sir Keir Starmer, buoyed by a clear opinion poll lead, used his speech to attempt to ensure his credibility as a serious threat to Boris Johnson becomes much more clearly appreciated by the wider public.

“Given the way that 2021 ended, the increase in popularity of the Labour Party is hardly surprising.

Until recently, though, Sir Keir has had a tough time in getting his message through and, in particular, what the Labour Party under his leadership actually stands for and what a government led by him would achieve.

As Johnson increasingly

l Sir Keir Starmer resembles a wounded general and bounces from one crisis to another, Starmer displaying a sense of desire to look beyond the immediate problems facing the

country, will be welcome.

“Starmer’s speech in including emphasis of security, prosperity and respect is clearly intended to impart a vision of a new Britain

that has resonance with that which former, and hugely successful, leader now Sir Tony Blair propounded in the mid-1990s in the face of regular scandals under

the Conservative government led by John Major. Speaking in Birmingham, the city which used to be known as ‘the city of a thousand trades’, Starmer referred to his father, who worked in a factory, not feeling proud of being an occupation with higher esteem.

“Reference to the fact that Birmingham is hosting the Commonwealth Games later this year, echoed the ‘Cool Britannia’ of Blair’s early years as PM. Unfortunately, the British public has grown tired of promises which, as Johnson has demonstrated, can easily be broken. The notion of promises, a “contract”, may ring hollow.

“Neat sound bites and allusions to political history are all very well. The reality is, though, that many are already struggling.

They are beginning to recognise that ‘Global Britain’ means very little to them if they cannot feed themselves, heat their homes, or feel frightened.

“In that sense Starmer’s speech should be an open goal.”

New Medal Unveiled To Honour Kabul Evacuation Heroes MEMBERS of the Armed Forces who were deployed in August 2021 to support the evacuation from Afghanistan will receive medallic recognition for their contribution. This was the largest humanitarian aid operation in over 70 years.

Personnel from across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force will receive the Operational Service Medal (OSM) Afghanistan, with its own distinctive clasp, for their involvement in Operation Pitting – an evacuation effort to airlift thousands of Afghans and British nationals from Afghanistan as the Taliban seized control of the country.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I’m delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has given permission for a special medal to be awarded to all those who deployed to Kabul, to honour their heroism in the face of extreme adversity.

“Operation PITTING will go down as one of the great achievements of our UK Armed Services and their civilian counterparts in the post-war era. The whole country can be immensely proud of their tireless

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work to bring men, women and children to safety. They represent the very best of us.”

Commanded from the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, Operation Pitting began on 13th August 2021 and assisted those eligible for relocation to the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy from Afghanistan.

The operation ended on 28th August 2021 and resulted in the safe evacuation of over 15,000 people on 100 flights, from at least 38 different nations.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 9

o y u g heal th n i h s i W

p p i a n h ess d n a

w e Ye a r N s i h t

Happy New Year from Yakult.

The little bottles filled with billions of bacteria on a happy mission to reach the gut alive!

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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MULTI-MILLION-POUND IMPROVEMENTS FOR EUSTON PASSENGERS

W

ork has completed to relocate shops from ramps leading to platforms 8-11 allowing more space for rail travellers to move from the concourse to trains.

The addition of shops to the ramp in the 1980s and increasing

passenger numbers since had led to bottlenecks and crowds forming when trains were announced.

Gareth Parry, station manager at London Euston said: “We really care about our passengers and we’ve listened to what they have to say using the feedback we’ve received through Twitter and our

national helpline.”

“Passengers now have much better access to platforms 8 – 11 which will reduce what passengers had coined the ‘Euston Stampede’. It feels great that as more and more passengers return to the station we can welcome them back to better facilities that make their journeys easier.”

The ramp revamp comes as passenger numbers continue to climb at the station with weekends seeing up to 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

Customer experience director for London Northwestern Railway, Lawrence Bowman, said: “These welcome improvements at London Euston are happening at just the right time. By clearing this busy ramp we are creating more space to improve access for passengers and create a smoother, more comfortable travelling experience.”

With more people returning to rail, passengers are reminded to follow government guidance and wear a face covering in train stations and on train services.

Those who fail to do so face a fine of £200.

THE MODERN WAY TO FUND CARE

Unfortunately,

one of life’s inevitabilities is that as we grow older our health starts to deteriorate and our reliance on support for our care needs increase.

Sadly, every year over 50,000 elderly people are forced to sell their homes to fund their care. There are few options available to the growing number of the older generation, who need to pay care home fees.

If you or your family require help with care funding, our care advice partner My Care My Home offer a free impartial information and advice service informing you of all

For those thinking of selling their Charity owned; Shaw Lifetime Care (SLC) are currently the only home to fund the costs of their care, they may want to reconsider. providers of this solution. The Care and Home Inheritance Plan The recent Government “CHIP®” could help fund your care announcement to cap care for as long as you require without costs in England will not be the need to sell your home. Dr implemented until at least Neslyn Watson-Druee (CBE), a October 2023, and realistically Trustee of The Shaw Foundation may not be the solution for the (TSF), the charity which developed vast majority of those seeking this solution was recently quoted ways to finance their care home as saying “we believe that no one fees today or in the future. should be forced to sell their There is a modern way to home to pay for care. We have pay for care. spent many years developing this solution which we hope will help Leasing your home to a company growing numbers of families is a new solution, where they across England and Wales from become legally obliged to pay an selling their home to pay for care”. agreed contribution towards your The solution is available to all who chosen care home costs, directly meet the criteria and is not to the care home operator. The subject to any medical assessments. great thing is that you still own Each CHIP® is personalised, the property and all future depending on our clients’ increases in its value, allowing circumstances. you to retain ownership within your family.

your options, including the CHIP®. Their customer care team are available through on-line chat or by calling them on freephone: 0800 731 8470.

Curious to find out more?

Why not call us today to find out how we can help you with this innovative solution.

Shaw Lifetime Care: 02921 510150 or visit our website: www.shawlifetimecare.co.uk This advertorial is sponsored by Beacon Organisational Development Ltd

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He Came…

He Saw….But Caesar DID NOT Conquer!

THE ROMAN world was governed from wherever the Emperor was located. And, in England, he declared York as the heart of its Empire.

Celebrated as the political and military genius who overthrew Rome’s decaying political order and replacing it with a dictatorship, his triumphed in the Roman Civil War saw him expand Roman rule over Gaul, and in Britain, but he was assassinated by those who believed that he was becoming too powerful.

In Britain, though, a lesser highlighted Emperor made as big an impact on civilisation as we know it today.

Born in Leptis Magna (present day Al-Khums, in Libya (in the Roman province of Africa), Septimius Severus lived in York between 208-11.

Having restored stability to the empire after a period of civil war, he entered Roman York (Eboracum) to lead campaigns against the Caledonians who were attacking Roman targets in the north of Britain before founding the Severan dynasty - the last dynasty of the Roman Empire.

Known as the African Emperor, as a young man he advanced through the customary succession of offices under the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus before seizing power after the death of Emperor Pertinax in 193 during the Year of the Five Emperors.

He was over 60 when he arrived in York in AD 208, carrying a huge number of civil servants and soldiers, including the Praetorian Guard – an elite force who was the emperor’s bodyguards. He also

brought with him his wife, Julia Domna, and their sons Caracalla and Geta.

Severus died in York in February, 211 - a moment of enormous significance as emperors were considered halfway between men and gods.

And, as such, he was given a suitably lavish send-off, with soldiers throwing gifts as his body, clad in military attire, was consumed by the flames of the funeral pyre.

In 198 Caracalla had been declared co-emperor, a status also bestowed on Geta, in York, 11 years later. The former named Eboracum as the capital of upper Britain when the country was divided into two provinces, which was said to have led to the city being granted the highest status of Roman city, that of Colonia.

A gold bust of Septimius Severus represents a bust of the Roman emperor was found in Greece in 1965 and is now in the Archaeological Museum of Komotini, in Greece.

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Sovereign Wealth Funds ESG Investments Surge By Over 200% in 2021 SOVEREIGN WEALTH funds are the latest class of investors increasingly focusing on sustainability-centred products. The involvement comes as investors continue to push asset managers to focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) products.

According to data acquired

by Finbold, sovereign wealth funds investments in the ESG space globally surged 215.27% between 2020 and 2021, from $7.2 billion to $22.7 billion.

Over the same period, the number of deals increased from 19 to 37.

In 2019, the investment stood at $5.2 billion, while in 2018, the figure was $6 billion, a slight drop from 2017’s value of $6.6 billion. Over the last six years, 2016 recorded the least investment at $3.7 billion.

Elsewhere, in 2021, SWFs' involvement in the oil and gas space dropped 46.92% to $6.9 billion from 2020’s figure of $13 billion. Last year also recorded the lowest deals in oil and gas at 8. In 2019, the investments stood at $12.7 billion. The SWFs also pumped $7 billion in black investments for 2017, dropping from 2016’s value of $10.4 billion.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 11

NEWS

HDY AGENCY WINS NEW CONTRACT WITH BRITISH FINE JEWELLERS

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ull service content marketing agency, HDY Agency has welcomed fine jewellery, luxury cufflinks, and accessories brand, Deakin & Francis, to its portfolio of clients after winning a competitive pitch process.

As Britain's oldest family jeweller - established in 1786 in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter - Deakin & Francis has forged a name for itself as a leading manufacturer of ladies’ fine jewellery, and gentlemen’s luxury accessories.

The brand recently launched its ladies’ collection while adding new gentlemen’s pieces to its existing collections, including gold and silver skull accessories, rocket and race car inspired pieces.

From classic to quirky, Deakin & Francis can truly make anything.

Alongside its Midlands base, the heritage brand also boasts a flagship store in Mayfair, London in the Piccadilly Arcade. Its fine jewellery has even caught the attention of Hollywood, adorning the wrists of some of the biggest film stars from the recent James Bond and Kingsmen films.

With a selection of its handcrafted jewellery available in Harrods and over 600 pointsof-purchase globally, Deakin &

Francis’ ambition is to offer its full collection to a wider international audience.

As leaders of global marketing, HDY Agency will work closely with the jewellery brand to create a splash Stateside, while solidifying its brand presence domestically within the UK. Henry Deakin, Managing

Director at Deakin & Francis: “Appointing HDY Agency marks the next chapter for our business and our growth ambitions. The team at HDY Agency fully understands what we’re trying to achieve, and we look forward to seeing how the team expands our brand into new international markets.”

Co-founder of HDY Agency, Angel Gaskell, said: “Working with a Birmingham-based client is always a great feeling.

“It’s our first thing in common; then comes the passion and drive to succeed. We share a lot of the same values and visions of international growth with Deakin & Francis, so it was the perfect

collaboration opportunity for the both of us, right from the start.”

HDY Agency was co-founded

by Global broadcaster Ed James and accomplished marketer Angel Gaskell in 2018. The awardwinning agency has strong growth ambitions and is set to grow its global client base in 2021.

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Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

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Business & Finance O2 AND VIRGIN MEDIA EU ROAMING CHARGES PLEDGE COULD SEE JUMP IN USERS SWITCHING

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irmingham City University retail expert and political commentator Associate Professor Steve McCabe has said that the announcement from telecommunications giants O2 and VirginMedia that EU roaming fees will be waived for UK customers in Europe is ‘welcome’ in the current cost of living crisis, and could lead to businesses and those able to afford breaks in Europe switching providers in significant numbers.

“As far as those whose using O2 and VirginMedia, effectively to become one company since it was announced they'll be merged, business users regularly travelling to EU countries will undoubtedly be attracted by being able to make free calls without worrying about the cost.

“However, as always, the devil will be in the small print as to whether there are other 'hidden charges'. Therefore, though it's a case of caveat emptor - buyer beware - a good many of those travelling to Europe this year

for holidays may be tempted to switch or, at the very least buy a sim card for the duration of their stay.

“Interestingly, Boris Johnson has tweeted welcoming O2 and VirginMedia's decision. Will the UK PM be equally as effusive about the fact that German uber cheap supermarket Aldi have also announced this morning of their

commitment to offer customers the lowest prices in 2022?

“This will also be very welcome news to those whose budgets are going to be severely stretched by rising prices for food and energy. For such those who are in the front-line of the 'cost of living' crisis, families on low income and pensioners, and a situation not being helped by the

nature of the deal to leave the EU negotiated by Johnson, it's the immediate need to survive which is likely dominating thinking.

“The costs of phone calls, texts and data used whilst on holiday in Europe, is likely to be regarded as irrelevant as getting away to the sun in the Mediterranean this year may simply be an unaffordable luxury.”

More Help For Businesses In Dudley B U S I N E S S E S ACROSS Dudley borough can apply for grants of up to £6,000 under the latest support for leisure and hospitality industries which have been hit by Covid.

Dudley Council is handing out the grants over the next few weeks.

It is the latest helping hand for borough businesses after more than £100 million in financial support has been given by the council since the start of the pandemic.

Under the latest scheme

the grants are available to businesses which operate in the hospitality and leisure sectors and is based on the rateable value of the premises.

Businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less can apply for £2,667 while £4,000 is available to businesses with a rateable value of more than £15,000 but less than £51,000. There are also grants of £6,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or more.

Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member

for Finance, said: "This is excellent news for businesses when, I am sure, they need it most.

The pandemic continues to hit businesses hard and we are doing anything we can to help them. I urge businesses to get in touch to see how we can help."

The council has handed out more than £100 million in grants to businesses and individuals who have been affected by the pandemic.

The latest help comes as Omicron variant has caused rates to increase across the country.

l Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for Finance

CAN BUSINESS INCUBATOR UNITS HELP TO REVITALISE A LOCAL ECONOMIES?

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

by Dr. Christopher A. Johnson

A few years ago, this columnist posed this question to public officials who were at pains to respond adequately as to whether business incubator units can indeed, contribute to increases in productivity levels.

This year, the question still stands, as the global pandemic poses unplanned challenges to our lives.

The West Midlands Impact Monitor (January 2022), reported that ‘the new Omicron variant, and resulting social distancing restrictions, will likely undermine some of the economic progress that was being made and will bring great uncertainty, undermining previous forecasts for growth’.

Despite large injections of financial capital, there were ‘inevitable’ casualties resulting for example, in over 1400 retail chain stores closed permanently in the West Midlands in 2021 (Express & Star).

Company bosses are worried about rising prices and the impact of further restrictions. They are clamouring for a robust plan to help struggling firms in the short term.

However, the regional economy has these concerning, labour market variables (Labour Market Profile, West Midlands, 2020/21):• A total of 774,000 persons are ‘economically inactive’.

• There are nine different employment occupations, providing 1,273,900 jobs.

• About 299,000 residents have ‘no qualifications’.

• There are 196,330 micro businesses.

• Small firms have a total of 18,760.

• Medium size firms are roughly 3,365.

• Large companies are 935 in number.

Besides the aforementioned regional labour market variables, anecdotal evidence suggests that 5% and 10% of all micro firms,

were established by minority ethnic groups in the Black Country (2021).

They resembled those of business incubator units even there were no tangible mainstream assistance and support.

These new enterprise owners are engaging with diverse sectors; namely the creative industries, healthcare, personal care, light manufacturing, education and training, transport and logistics among other social enterprises.

This means that the ‘business incubator unit’ model needs to be reaffirmed to suit this economic trend.

There are over 30 organisations in the West Midlands, designed to support incubator start-ups and more.

Yet, newer ethnic firms know little of the support on offer by these mainstream entities.

Furthermore, it is estimated that between £20-£30 million per year of public funding is being spent on UK incubators.

So, what impact do these enterprise entities have on micro start-ups? What evidence do we have in the West Midlands, that tangible support is being offered to ethnic start-ups in particular?

It seems that if micro start-ups are to contribute to unerring, but gradual local economic development, they will need robust types of facilitated support such as:• Help with business plans including marketing research diagnostics.

• IT support to build digital capability and capacity.

• Export market advice and guidance when trading overseas.

• Guidance on COVID-19 postvirus regulations.

• Seed capital to develop short to medium-term plans (10 years).

• Ongoing training in leadership and management techniques.

• Mentoring and industry sector networking relationships.

These are just some of the areas that a set of support measures for business incubators, are needed for micro start-ups in the West Midlands and elsewhere.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 13

BUSINESS & FINANCE

The Great Resignation Yet To Happen – Warns Global Recruiter TWO THIRDS of professionals have stated that they will actively be seeking work in the New Year – with 59% feeling ‘very confident’ about job opportunities in their sector, despite fresh calls from the Prime Minister to work from home.

Contrary to popular belief that the Great Resignation has already taken place in the height of the pandemic, recruitment firm Robert Walters believes that a large majority of whitecollar workers have in fact held on to their jobs in anticipation of their December bonus and January pay rise.

According to the findings in the Robert Walters 2022 UK Salary Guide, January appraisals could trigger a mass

MAYOR'S POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR 2022

T

he Phoenix Newspaper caught up with Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street to catch up on the progress of his manifesto promises, the imminent Commonwealth Games, and what the future holds for the region.

“The word since my re-election has to be ‘encouraging’. What you really sensed in the Autumn was that Birmingham and the rest of the region was bouncing back.

"Of course we then had the setback of Omicron, but my real hope is as we’re moving through into the new year, we can come back out of the downwards side of Omicron, and quicken the economic recovery and obviously the most important part of all is getting people back into work.

“We committed to 100,000 jobs in the election campaign, and it’s not an immediately comparable thing but the latest number is 61,000 more jobs than at the trough last March, across the 3 LEP areas.

"There is clear evidence that the numbers are coming back

and the vacancies really are there in their 10’s of thousands so it’s encouraging people to perhaps find the right opening to retrain and that’s got to be one of the biggest themes of this year.

"The claimant numbers are coming down quite steadily, and there are many new retraining opportunities, even in something like the Commonwealth games, something immediate, there are opportunities for retraining around security, stewarding, event management etc, around HS2 one employer alone is looking to recruit 3,000 people.

With regards to the Commonwealth Games kicking off in just a few short months time, Andy was very happy with progress.

“I think it’s going to be so exciting, such a brilliant opportunity for the whole region.

Are we going to be ready? Yes. The stadium is well on the way, the aquatics centre I was in there last week and it’s going to be phenomenal.

“The transport improvements that have been made, the new

station at Perry Barr, the new investment at University, the sprint routes down the Walsall Road, it will all be nip and tuck, but I’m expecting it to be ready. And of course all of this infrastructure will be there long after the games have finished.

And when asked how covid restrictions will affect the games, Andy’s response was, “I don’t know for certain, but during the last 2 summers there does appear to be a flow so I’m extremely optimistic that by the time we get to the games we will be able to have a full celebration, and we’re certainly planning on the stadia being full.

Outside of the Games, there is a lot to look forward to in the region, “Literally just today we were able to agree a £1billion investment for transport in the region, which will mean segregated cycle routes, bus prioritisation lanes, new railway stations, new Metro stops. £1billion is a lot of money, we’ve never had that sort of investment and we’ve actually been able to do those deals with Government.

“The other thing I’m really happy with is the money we’re able to bring in to remediating brownfield sites. 15 years land has stood vacant at Longbridge, and now we’re finally seeing diggers in the ground, building new homes and businesses there.

“People talk about ‘levelling up’ as if it’s theoretical, but that is what levelling up is right there, being able to see things happening on the ground.”

And finally, to all of the diverse communities that we serve across the entirety of the region, Andy had this to say. “The thing I’m going to be most proud of in terms of the Commonwealth Games is the way that the communities from across the region will come together, in a sense the Games is the proof point of that.

“Our volunteer team will be representative of the people across the region, our competitive team will be, and hopefully our spectators too. This games will genuinely represent our population here, which will be something that every community can be proud of.”

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employee exodus if workers are not duly rewarded for their loyalty and hard work during the pandemic.

The survey - of 6,000 white collar workers - found that almost three quarters of professionals (72%) are expecting a pay rise in the New Year, whereas a Robert Walters poll of 500 companies reveals that less than a third of employers (28%) plan to make any changes to existing remuneration packages.

The stark difference between employee’s expectations compared to what employers are willing to pay – dubbed The Great Pay Divide – could result in the Great Resignation peaking in February/March 2022.

Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

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THE EDUCATION, FUNERALTRAINING OF MOMMA AND JEN 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.

SEVERN TRENT CREATING OVER 130 APPRENTICESHIP AND GRADUATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES S evern Trent has announced plans to create over a hundred new job opportunities across the Midlands.

Over 130 new apprenticeship and graduate opportunities are on offer at the water and waste company.

Apprenticeship roles on offer range from level two intermediate (equivalent to GCSE’s) to level six and seven higher apprenticeships (equivalent to a degree).

Severn Trent currently has 163 apprentices on board and is inviting applications for its latest intake of new talent, with apprenticeship opportunities on offer being

split into operational and office-based roles across 41 different locations.

Those applying for operational roles will be based in a business area that will include practical, technical, handson work, and range from maintenance technicians to tanker drivers.

Office based roles support the planning, strategy, implementation, and goals of the business and range from marketing assistants to business analysts.

A selection of graduate schemes are also on offer and range from business leadership to finance.

Jade Pearson, new talent manager at Severn Trent, said: “At Severn Trent we're passionate about creating life chances and meaningful job

Student Designs App To Make Food Shopping Easier For Dietary Requirements A COVENTRY University student has designed an app that aims to make it easier for people with specific dietary requirements to know what food they can eat.

Third-year student Jake Sarkar used the skills he learned on his computer science course to design an app called Avoid with his friend Khaled Saker.

The app allows people to check if food they want to buy from a shop fits their dietary needs but it is not designed as a primary safety measure for people with serious allergies.

All the user needs to do is download the app, input their dietary requirements or ingredients they want to avoid and then use the app to scan the barcodes of products when shopping. If the barcode is stored on the Open Food Facts database and contains any unwanted ingredients, the app will alert the user to ‘avoid’.

The app has just launched on the Google Play Store and even has the option to check if your dog can eat your leftovers.

Jake said: “The idea of the app is that anyone with dietary requirements or is excluding certain ingredients can find things they can eat easily."

opportunities in our region. Our programmes are a great way to bring talented individuals into our organisation and develop the skills we need to deliver on our customer promises and run our essential service.

“Despite the challenges that COVID has thrown our way, we are lucky that as a business we have still been able to offer these fantastic opportunities that equip apprentices and graduates with valuable skills for life and set them up for their future career.

"We’re excited to launch our largest ever offering of new talent programmes and we are looking forward to reviewing the applications.”

Taking The Next Step Of A New Career Or Degree PEOPLE THINKING of changing career, or who want to go into further education, are being invited to find out more about a course which has helped scores of adults learners enter university.

Adult Education Wolverhampton's Access to Higher Education Diploma gives learners the skills and experience they need to succeed in higher education.

It offers pathways in Art and Design, Business and Law, Health Professionals, Social Science and, new for this year, Science – with students able to access the University of Wolverhampton's state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Over 90% of Access to Higher Education students regularly progress to university, with 2021's cohort going on to study a wide range of subjects including nursing, midwifery, business management, policing, social work, social care, psychology, physiotherapy and art and design.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the need to improve your qualifications and skills has never been so important.

l Stacey Dixon

If going to university is your goal, but you don’t know where to start, please take a look at the Access to Higher Education Diploma, and let Adult Education Wolverhampton help you make a positive difference in your life."

Prospective learners are invited to attend information days at Adult Education Wolverhampton's headquarters at Old Hall Street.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 15

FUNERAL OFRECRUITMENT MOMMA JEN EDUCATION,THE TRAINING AND

Tutor In A Box Hires Their First Apprentice A LEAMINGTON Spa based company has hired their first apprentice, just two years after becoming a limited company.

The education company, Tutor In A Box, has seen huge growth over the last two years supporting children with their learning and as a result have hired multiple staff, including one apprentice.

The apprentice, Andris Lazdins, started with them on the 13th December 2021 and is taking up the Level 2 Accounts Assistant role (Apprenticeship) which is equivalent to GCSE level qualifications.

Sophie Parker, Founder of Tutor In A Box says: “Andris has completely the right attitude – willing to learn and get stuck into tasks and we’re therefore delighted he’s joining us on an apprenticeship.

He’s already shown commitment and loyalty, going above and beyond to complete the first task we set him and I know he’s going to be an essential part of the team”.

TOP MIDLAND EMPLOYERS HEAD UP APPRENTICESHIP SPOTLIGHT EVENT

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ajor Midland employers including Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Severn Trent Water will be amongst the organisations at the Apprenticeship Open Day at Make UK in Birmingham, which will also feature apprentice vacancies with immediate starts.

As well as the chance to speak to potential employers and members of the Make UK team, the free event on Saturday February 12th will spotlight the incredible opportunities available in engineering and manufacturing, and include several ‘have a go’ activities - including a Lean Tyre Challenge, F1 Track and 3D printing. There will also be an Apprentice Spotlight, with a panel of apprentices answering questions and talking about their own experiences.

Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at Make UK said: “Apprentices are playing a key role in bridging the skills gap which manufacturing currently faces; we work with some of the region’s most exciting companies to achieve this, creating and inspiring the next generation of future makers. Next month’s open day is a fantastic chance to hear directly from both apprentices and employers, and find out why it’s a great career path with genuine longterm opportunities.”

Every year, Make UK welcomes over 400 apprentices to its worldclass Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham, from customers including Jaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent, Ishida and Ibstock.

Register for the Make UK free open day via Event Brite.

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Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

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MICROSOFT’S JACKY WRIGHT THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BLACK BRITON

T

he 2022 Powerlist has been topped by Jacky Wright, Corporate Vice President and Chief Digital Officer for Microsoft US. The Powerlist celebrates leading figures with African and Caribbean heritage working in health, business, science and the arts.

The tech industry pioneer has been named the UK’s most influential Black person by The Powerlist 2022 – the annual list of the UK’s most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage. Wright, Chief Digital Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft US, is widely regarded across the world. as one of the most influential Black women in the tech industry.

Born in London, she now lives

in the United States and is vocal about the need for the tech industry to address its lack of diversity and has been the driving force behind a number of innovative programmes to achieve this goal.

Wright previously held roles at BP, General Electric and Andersen Consulting. In 2017 she was chosen to be Chief Digital Information Officer at HM Revenue and Customs - spending two years in the position before returning to the software giant in 2019.

“I’m all about making a change,” she says. “I like doing what I do I’ve been doing it throughout my entire career.”

“I’m one of those people who likes to do what they do, but do it quietly.” A role model to many, Wright pays tribute to her family who she says played a key role in

her success.

“I grew up in a family where education was non-negotiable,” she recalls. “You knew you were going to university - there were no ‘ifs’, ‘buts’, or ‘maybes’ about it”.

Hugely proud of her culture, her Jamaican parents always made reference to her of their African heritage and she insists that learning her history played a key role in my psyche. “My parents always talked about Africa,” she recalls. “It was about knowing who I am, where I come from and having the confidence that I could achieve anything.”

Powerful Media CEO, Michael Eboda, said: “Jacky is a true professional who is totally well deserved of being recognised as the UK’s most powerful Black Briton on the Powerlist 2022.

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“She is a shining example of professional excellence and this is evident through the roles she has been appointed to throughout her illustrious career. She is a role model to many and I applaud the great work she is doing at Microsoft US.” The Microsoft (MSFT) executive was ranked ahead of Manchester United footballer and child poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford, Netflix (NFLX) vice president Anne Mensah and Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya in the annual list of Britain's most influential Black people, which is sponsored by companies including PwC, Facebook (FB) and Mastercard (MA).

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 17

MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

FEBRUARY 2022

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ANTHONY JOSHUA

SPEAKS TO HIS FANS AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

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THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT

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TRESTLE THEATRE FOUNDER BACK ON STAGE FOR UK TOUR

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o r c e s t e r based Vamos Theatre have announced the cast for its upcoming UK tour of Dead Good, which includes Alan Riley, one of the founders of iconic full mask theatre company, Trestle Theatre.

He will be joined by Radhika Aggarwal, James Greaves, and Bidi Iredale for the full mask theatre show, which opens at The Swan, Worcester (February 3) and includes dates at Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham and Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton.

For many physical theatre audiences and performers, Trestle was one of the most influential UK theatre

companies of the 1980s and 90s, pioneering its particular style of wordless, full mask theatre.

As one of the co-founders, Alan was an intrinsic part of the company over two decades, and his influence has been felt world-wide. He last performed on tour in 2010, and Vamos Theatre is delighted to have tempted him back onto the stage.

Most excitingly for full mask theatre fans, Alan will be joined in the show by James Greaves.

James was a mainstay actor with Trestle Theatre during their most influential years, performing in many shows across the world, including Top Storey, Hanging Around, Blood and Roses, Bitter Fruit and Adventures Of The Stoneheads,

amongst others. Despite James and Alan being long-standing actors with Trestle (and friends), they had little opportunity during their Trestle years to work on stage together - Dead Good brings them the chance to do just that.

Director of Dead Good, and Artistic Director of Vamos Theatre, Rachael Savage, commented: “I wrote Dead Good especially for Alan and James and now finally after 33 years we have the opportunity to see the two finest full mask actors in the UK perform together. This is literally my dream job.

“Nearly every school in the country has a Trestle mask set stored away in a cupboard in the Drama Department, their magic

still intact; but do young people and their teachers appreciate the start of mask theatre in the UK and its history?

Bring your students, children, grandchildren to see Dead Good and watch first-hand this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the masters at work.”

Also in the Dead Good cast is Bidi Iredale, an experienced mask actor who has played the role of Joy in Vamos Theatre’s award-winning production, Finding Joy. Her theatre work includes performances for NTC Touring Theatre, Northern Stage, CTC, The National Trust Theatre, The Customs House and Pentabus.

Dead Good tours the UK in February and March 2022.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 19

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THE Sisters of Reggae ARE bursting to spread the love

Kawala Kick Off 2022 With New Single ‘Jesse C’mon’ KAWALA ARE back and starting out 2022 with their exuberant new single ‘Jesse C’mon’, out now on EMI records.

A slice of vibrant, danceable pop, ‘Jesse C’mon’ sees the band layering their trademark harmonies and chiming guitars to create a sophisticated, yet instantly accessible song dealing with those people in the world who have a little issue with the truth: “Jesse is a character we made up who represents and embodies all the people in the world who intentionally lie all the time” the band explains. “Everybody knows a Jesse.”

On their forthcoming album, "Better With You" (out 4th March) tracks like previous single ‘Searching’ and the (cheekily named, non-cover) ‘Ticket To Ride’, along with new

tracks ‘Marathon’ and ‘Echoes’ are filled with an intoxicating hopefulness that unfurls into bright, pop moments, sure to stir minds and bodies.

While On the flip side of the coin, songs like ‘Hypnotized’, ‘Jesse C’Mon’ and ‘Good Like This’ provide a more immersive musical landscape that offers a contemplative, personal vibe.

Ultimately, anyone who hears ‘Better with You' will be immediately aware of the bigger spirit that drives everything this band does.

Kawala’s debut is an album that offers a strong, vivid connection as its irresistible rhythms ripple around a yearning, emotional core. This might be a record about life’s journeys, but it is also one full of songs that will illuminate the road ahead.

The album marks the culmination of years of work

which has seen the band grow from humble beginnings to the world class act they are today.

Along the way they have done everything from play socially distanced shows in UK parks (after the first easing of restrictions in 2020), appear on FIFA 2021, write and perform in their own YouTube sitcom (the mad-cap Paradise Heights), become ambassadors for the Music Venue Trust and perform an emotional sold-out show at the O2 Kentish Town Forum, the venue at the heart of the London community where the band spent their formative years.

To celebrate the album's release, the band have announced a series of instore shows at record stores around the country, before heading out on their headline tour in April.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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ll-female Reggae DJ collective, selectors Lucky Cat Zoë, Debbie Golt,Miss Feelgood, Naoko The Rock and Sweetie are DJs that make the Sisters of Reggae who play their own eclectic sounds of vintage Roots, Rocksteady, Revival, Rockers and Ska music from London to Jamaica, Ibiza to India, Japan, Berlin and further afield.

Lucky brought together the elite DJing team of female reggae collectors in 2016 to bring good Reggae vibes to all. And, as such, their shows are always roadblock, as they continue to provide 100% vinyl and 100% niceness – guaranteed.

Having put on their first club night in Peckham, in South London, they then branched out into Brixton before rocking the Roots Reggae stage at Bestival.

Since then, their reputation has grown so great and so rapidly that they were invited to play at festivals such as; The London International Ska Festival, Reggae Geel and Rotomotom Sunplash.

The London-based collectors even appeared in a documentary celebrating the anniversary of the world famous Trojan Records.

Furthermore, between them they have supported the likes of legends of Reggae, including; David Rodigan, Channel One, Aba Shanti I, Max Romeo, Dubkasm and Axis Sound System.

“I love it when I’m playing”, Zoë says “and I look up from the decks and see girls right there at the front giving me a thumbs up – I hope I encourage others to give it a try if they are passionate about the music.”

For all the Sisters’, Reggae has always been a part of life. And, because of that, once the pandemic is over more people will be hearing more of these Sisters of Reggae.

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

Beau Diako Shares The New Single ‘Nylon’

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Orchestra Baobab are back

W

est Africa's most iconic dance-band, Orchestra Baobab, returns to the UK for a string of shows in 2022 after recently celebrating their 50th anniversary.

The group’s epic story began in the heart of Dakar’s Medina in the 1960s, where they formed a multi-ethnic club collective, which adapted Cuban music into West African Wolof Griot Culture and the Mandinga musical traditions of the Casamance.

Orchestra Baobab disbanded in the 1980s and reformed due to popular demand in 2001 with major interest from Europe. The collective features a brilliant ensemble of diverse musical personalities, encompassing a unique blend of Afro-Latin styles, international pop, West African Griot Music, and an after-dark club ambience of lilting & mellifluous rhythms.

Promoters AGMP are thrilled to announce Orchestra Baobab 2022 tour which launches in Edinburgh on 2nd March, calling at Liverpool on 3rd, Glasgow on the 4th, stopping in London for double shows at the Union Chapel on 7th - 8th, then onto Coventry on the 10th, Bexhill on 11th, Manchester on the 12th and finishing up in Bristol on 13th March.

AFTER JOINING forces with major talents Bas and Etta Bond on his latest track ‘Fretless’, Beau Diako gets 2022 off to bang as he shares his brand new single ‘Nylon’, which features Tobi Tunis.

The single is the title track from his eagerly anticipated debut album, also titled ‘Nylon’ that will follow on April 1st.

The ‘Nylon’ single finds Beau Diako employing some esoteric sonic touches to give the track’s core R&B sound an off-kilter edge. With understated island beats and a Latin-tinged edge courtesy of his airy, nylon guitars, the song feels both summery and moodily introspective.

Tobi Tunis provides the magic bonus ingredient as his dreamy, hypnotic topline gives the song the atmosphere of an escape from the January gloom.

China Changes Ending Of Fight Club So That The Authorities Win THE ENDING TO cult 1999 US film Fight Club has been removed for viewers in China, and replaced by a screen with a message saying the authorities won.

The original ending saw Edward Norton's narrator killing his imaginary alterego Tyler Durden, played

by Brad Pitt, before bombs destroyed buildings in the climax to a subversive plot to reorder society, dubbed Project Mayhem. In China, before the explosions, a message now says the police foiled the plot, arrested the criminals and sent Durden to a lunatic asylum.

The new finale tells viewers: "Through the clue provided by Tyler, the police rapidly figured out the whole plan and arrested

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all criminals, successfully preventing the bomb from exploding.

"After the trial, Tyler was sent to lunatic asylum receiving psychological treatment.

He was discharged from the hospital in 2012."

Director David Fincher's film has recently been added to streaming platform Tencent Video, and Human Rights Watch described the changes as dystopian.

Chuck Palahniuk, who wrote the 1996 novel that Fight Club was adapted from, wrote sarcastically on Twitter: "This is SUPER wonderful! Everyone gets a happy ending in China!"

The author added on Substack: "How amazing.

I'd no idea! Justice always wins.

Nothing ever

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exploded. Fini." Artist Ai Weiwei also posted a link to a story about the changes, with the question: "What Would Tyler Durden Say?" US Republican senator representing Texas, Ted Cruz, wrote: "The second rule of Fight Club is 'we will do and say whatever the Chinese communist censors tell us to do and say.'" The changes were flagged up on social media by outraged viewers who had previously seen pirated copies of the original.

It's not uncommon for Chinese censor to make cuts to Western films, but it's more rare for them to change an ending. Some social media users made light of the new Fight Club ending.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 21

HANGING OUT WITH HIGGINS

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MONTHLY COLUMN

S. FLORIDA T RECOGNIZES JAMAICANS!

l Steve Higgins and Carson ‘Eddy’ Edwards

steve@stevehigginsproductions.com www.stevehigginsproductions.com

wo Jamaicans residing in South Florida have received Congressional recognition on Martin Luther King Day, January 17, 2022.

Steve Higgins and Carson ‘Eddy’ Edwards both accepted the special Congressional awards ‘in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community’ at the inaugural “Rise with Perspective -Living in Gratitude Today” Symposium held in Davie, Florida.

The Symposium, brainchild of Nouchelle Hastings, has its mission, “to show how Living in Gratitude Today can improve your mental health and self-esteem, so that you can create a life you love”. “MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities”, says Hastings, “so we selected this commemorative moment to recognize the dedication and commitment of persons whose lives are the epitome of Living in Gratitude Today! Their selfless acts of kindness are gratifying in so many ways”, she said.

The award was given under the auspices of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and was presented by the Mayor of Davie, Judy Paul, who thanked Higgins for “bringing service to the elderly, the sick and especially

THE SPIRIT OF HOPE T here is an established Jamaican principle- a saying of self-evident truism- “What is ‘fi yuh’ can’t be un-fi yuh!”. In English that would perhaps mean “What’s meant to be yours (for you) cannot be taken from you!”

Hope Wade always believed in herself and her artistic abilities, and despite hurdles, always had faith in God that her big opportunity would come!

She was fired from a job she loved and one in which she excelled, even while being groomed for a big promotion.

She was a Graphic designer for a Mirror and Glass company in Brooklyn, and her talents were recognized by even the president of that company.

Although disappointed, her indomitable spirit then led her to dig deep and do freelance

graphic designs.

Months later, that New Year’s Eve night, Hope’s church, ‘The Redeeming Love Christian Center’ was having a momentous event, with a special guest artiste coming in. This was an event not to be missed, and Hope was not about to miss it! Of course, she needed a dress worthy of the event, but her rent was overdue, and she could not use her only $400 check for a dress. She could not leave the house, or she would have been seen by the landlord who was on a stakeout.

What did she do? Hope made a dress herself! That Spirit again!

She had no mannequin, just enough material, and a stunning sense of style, passion for her craft and that enthusiastic determination to make it to the soiree.

She worked on the dress, had a friend act as her mannequin,

(getting stuck too), and made her masterpiece.

When Hope Wade made her grand entry into the Ball, heads turned, hearts melted, and eyes opened up in full acknowledgement that she was now the Belle of the Ball. The dress was Fabulous!!

Friends could not believe that she made the dress, but soon enough, began ordering on the spot!

Thereafter, Wade started her company, did in-home fashion shows for friends, engaged models and started to receive orders. One such inhome fashion show yielded a whopping order, and instead of 2 weeks to produce each, she had to make them ALL within 2 weeks. Hope worked 18-hour days, endured fatigue, but one thing was sure- she was going to try to deliver!

l Hope Wade

our children in need and for sharing your golden voice”.

This signature event was put on by an entire team of Gratitude Champions and was hosted by the capable Davie Chamber Executive Director, Raphael Walters.

Fifteen residents of Broward County were honored at this inspiring and highoctane event which saw motivational presentations from featured speakers,

who all told their stories.

Higgins, a resident of Davie, also received a proclamation from the Davie Jazz Society for his contribution to that organization. He is a singer (Tenor), (Jamaican) cultural ambassador and musician, who throughout the pandemic, brought joy to many, through his music at numerous events.

His community involvement - from medical front-line staff at hospitals to kids at children’s homes, from civic functions to the broader South Florida community. He is the founding Director of the South Florida Caribbean Chorale and Chairman for Partners For Youth Foundation (501c3), and volunteers as a Guardian ad Litem for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County.

Eddy Edwards is a marketing executive at Riddims Marketing, a radio personality, vice-chair for Partners For Youth Foundation, and CEO of the Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, which hosts the largest Food Festival annually in South Florida.

For more information on “Living in Gratitude Today”, visit https:// livingingratitudetoday.com/ For information on Riddims Marketing, log onto http:// riddimsmarketing.com.

And don’t forget to visit https://www. stevehigginsproductions.com.

l Steve receiving his award under the auspices of Congresswoman

Debbie Wasserman Schultz and presented by the Mayor of Davie, Judy Paul

One influential person, upset that hers would not be done on time, threatened Hope with bad press. This traumatized her and she stopped designing for a year! Eventually, she designed a Bride’s dress, and that got her back to the business.

Hope appeared at the ‘Gospel Music in the Park’ in 2009, where Producer Rashawn London saw her work and her spirit–and invited her to do an American Cancer Society Fashion event. This was her big break! Orders and recognition

started flowing in!

She has done countless TV Interviews, fashion shows and magazine mention such as her work appearing in Vogue, Caribbean Fashion Week, Brooklyn Fashion week and Hudson Valley Magazine to name a few. In Jamaica, she met Kingsley Cooper, and made the front cover of the ‘Flair’ magazine. She has done the Rockland Fashion Week and The London Fashion Week. Singer Darlene Love performed (20 feet from Stardom) at the Obama’s White House wearing Hope’s design. She saw one of Hope’s pieces and wanted to wear it on the David Letterman show. That piece is now in a museum. Miss Jamaica World (2018) also wore her designs.

Hope was awarded the Women of Excellence Award (Alpha Academy), Women of Distinction Award (State Assembly of NY). She is president of JAMCARRockland – (Jamaica Civic & Cultural Assn of Rockland)

She is a member of the Tri State chapter of Alpha Association and an Ordained evangelist.

Today she designs for an impressive cadre of gentry, who just love her work…and her spirit!

“When you wear Hope Wade Designs, You will be seen!”

Don't forget to visit Hopewadedesigns.com.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

FOOD

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Food & Fine Dining KFC COULD A FACE CHINESE BOYCOTT OVER TOY PROMOTION

top Chinese consumer group has called for a boycott of a KFC meal promotion, saying it encourages food waste.

The China Consumers Association (CCA) says the promotion sent some customers into a buying frenzy.

KFC recently launched the promotion with Pop Mart, a Chinese toy maker known for its mystery boxes. Customers are able to collect limited edition versions of large-eyed and round-faced Dimoo dolls when buying certain KFC set meals.

KFC "used limited-edition blind box sales to induce and condone consumers' irrational and excessive purchase of meal sets, which goes against public order, good customs and the spirit of the law", the state-affiliated CCA said in a statement. That led one customer to spend 10,494 yuan (£1,202; $1,649) on more than 100 of the meals in one go to collect the toys, while people also paid others to purchase meals for them, or just threw them away, the statement added.

KFC recently launched the hugely popular promotion to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the opening of its first outlet in mainland China. In 2020, the Chinese government launched a major campaign against food waste, which was spearheaded by President Xi Jinping. President Xi called the amount of food wasted as "shocking and distressing".

The ‘Clean Plate Campaign’ came against the backdrop of growing concerns about food security during the pandemic. The campaign saw online influencers being banned from binge eating on social media platforms, while restaurant-goers were urged to not order more than they could eat.

Greenest Drinking Cities In The UK Revealed In Survey WITH GROWING calls to go greener due to the current climate crisis, Brits are being encouraged to make their lifestyle as green as possible where they can.

With nearly nine in ten Brits (88%) saying they are environmentally conscious, this call to action is simple to act upon, even when dining out this holiday season.

Most of us (81%) consider the environmental impact when we make purchases and lifestyle choices - including the selection of our favourite tipple. Even though a high percentage of the public say they are environmentally conscious, a new survey commissioned by wine preservation experts Bermar, found that only 37% of the nation are conscious of making sustainable drink choices.

However, some cities and regions are well ahead of the UK average, with Birmingham, being home to the tenth most ecoconscious drinkers in the UK, where 44% of those surveyed said they select beverages they believe are better for the environment.

This is also great news for venues as the survey demonstrates Brits also prefer to spend in venues that are conscious of their carbon footprint.

The top ten most eco-conscious drinking cities are: 1. Walsall 78% 2.

Leicester 50% and York 50% 3. Newcastle 48% 4. Coventry 47% 5. London 47% 6. Wrexham 46% 7. Cambridge 46% 8. Blackpool 45% 9. Northampton 45% 10. Birmingham 44%

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Anthony Joshua Makes A Special Appearance At Expo 2020 Dubai

By Delroy Constantine-Simms and Kwame Makure

T

he superstar, British born Nigerian athlete – who won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London as an amateur, before going on to become one of the world’s most successful and recognizable professional boxers spoke to crowds during a public Q&A session held at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl Plaza.

Two-time World Champion heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, 32 said he would love to take part in a boxing match in Dubai and set up a training camp in the city.

Joshua’s appearance comes at the start of a pivotal year, in which he is expected to vie to become a three-time World Champion in a rematch against Ukrainian fighter Oleksandr Usyk Joshua, one of the world’s most eminent professional boxers, speaks about getting it right in 2022, putting mental health first, the importance of going to bed before midnight, and why men and women should be treated equally in this ‘blood sport.’

Can you tell us what you’ve seen so far at Expo 2020 Dubai?

“I've seen the future plans of what's going to happen in three months’ time when Expo 2020 is over, so I’ve had a glimpse into the forever building, forever continuing [the] future of Dubai.

And it’s phenomenal.”

Health and wellness is one of Expo’s Themed Weeks later this month. How do you manage your own body, both physically, mentally, to get to the top of your profession?

“I think mental comes before physical.

You make that commitment to yourself when you're going to make a change for the better, whether it's physical, or a mental approach to your health and your diet.

"Once you have that mental charge, everything falls into place.

Mental health is a difficult one, but it’s important. I have mental challenges which affect how I can perform in the gym. I can't always be the strongest and the fastest, but if you keep your mental health intact, everything else follows.”

How do you deal with the adulation, and the spectre of people wanting a piece of you?

“You have to kind of look at your energy. It’s like a phone which is constantly buzzing: you have to know when to turn it off and plug it into charge.

"A lot of people deserve my

energy; I don't take my position for granted. It's a blessing and they support me. they love me and they connect with me. But when I’m in my room I recharge.

"Then, as soon as I leave, I'm ready to give 100 percent to the world. It’s a duty. I signed up for it. I can't have it any other way, so I have to embrace it.”

‘Connecting minds, creating the future’ is the motto at Expo 2020 Dubai. What does the future look like for you?

“New environments and new challenges. We had a little crisis in 2021 and we have to get it right in 2022. Rebuilding, living in adversity and finding joy in it, because that's where greatness is found.

"In my career, when there are hiccups, there are problems that need solutions. If we can focus on solutions we can have success.”

I went to the boxing gym and I remember throwing up – it felt like all of the kebabs, cigarettes and drinks were exiting my body.

It was a purification of my body and soul.

"So, I started changing a lot of things that I was doing, and that was a defining moment; there comes a day in your life that you can commit to positive change.

"I'm done with sleeping in late and with going to bed after 1200.

That's how you get your job, and that's how you end up helping your mom or helping your dad.

“When I made the commitment to be healthy, I was able to compete at a higher level because I became fitter, stronger and smarter. That's how I elevated free boxing quickly.”

How can you and male role models in the sport help your

female equivalents to get equality in the sport?

“Let's give credit to female boxers Ramla Ali, Katie Taylor, Tessa Jones… so many good female fighters. Then you've got like the likes of myself, Fury, Wilder and Dillon… all big assets.

So, it doesn't matter if they’re female or male. We want to see females do well in the sport. It's a blood sport; it’s not the norm to see females doing it, but if they want to progress in the sport, I'm open to supporting anyone that wants to do well in boxing.”

As the question-and-answer session came to a conclusion, Joshua asked the fans, “Where are we going tonight? Inaudible responses could be heard, but he mischievously said, “the gym!", to which the crowd responded with giggles and laughter.

Are you leaving no stone unturned in your quest to get back to the top?

“Yes, you have to. I've also learnt quality over quantity; I'm not going to spread myself thin. Let's focus on what's needed, which has to come from the top down. I'm the last piece of the puzzle.

“I’ve got great people around me, so I can't take all the credit, but, from all these voices, you also have to pull in and sieve out what's good, and what's not. I save what I need. And the only time I'll figure out if it works or not is when the final bell is run.”

How do you assess the heavyweight division as we stand today?

“I am the heavyweight division.

I'm a serious fighter and I fight everyone, anyone. We take care of people's teams, we put them in great positions. Come fight me.

"You'll see what I'm about and what my team is about. We help people earn a lot of money. We help economies, we grow people's profiles, and we punch each other's heads in in the process. I love it. I live for this stuff.”

Tyson Fury deserves a lot of credit for what he's done to Deontay Wilder. Is he part of your future?

“Tyson Fury, Wilder… all of them are a part of my legacy.”

Your story is an incredible one. When you look back, what is the one moment that you continue to come back to see?

“When I started out, I was a young kid leaving school. I was into football, smoking, going out, using a fake ID to get into clubs, which was normal in my environment.

"But there came a time when

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The Fee Celebrating a Month of Love at Shangri-La

T

his February, Shangri-La The Shard is conjuring up new and unforgettable ways to show appreciation to all the loves in your life, whether it's a partner, parent or friend, in one of London's most iconic settings.

Ensuring no one is missed by Cupid's arrow this year, ShangriLa The Shard has created an array of special experiences, with heart, to mark the month of love.

Pulling out all the stops for a luxurious getaway in the clouds, rooms and suites can be transformed with heart-

shaped balloons, bouquets of flowers, hand-made chocolates, caviar and rosé champagne to sip against the backdrop of the capital's skyline – from sweeping daytime views to romantic sunsets and twinkling evening lights of the city below.

During the month of love, spend quality relaxation time at Western Europe's highest Sky Pool, gym and sauna, with unique views over landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, topped off with a blissful Neal's Yard Remedies Valentine's couples' aromatherapy massage

performed either in one of the hotel's serene treatment rooms, or in the comfort of your own room.

The Love is in the Air package includes: • A one-night stay in a luxurious room or suite, with breakfast for two at TĪNG • A bottle of chilled rosé champagne in your room • A bouquet of flowers and hand-made chocolates • Use of the Sky Gym, infinity Sky Pool and sauna Customise your stay with heartshaped balloons and couples' massages by selecting from our

Valentine's experience menu when booking.

Throughout February, foodies will also find special loveinspired culinary creations at Shangri-La The Shard's spectacular restaurants and bars: An iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, it puts heartfelt service at the core of its distinctive Asian hospitality experience. Through imaginative and nature-inspired design, delightful culinary and cultural experiences, and its authentic and thoughtful service, the brand enables guests to realise their own moments of Shangri-La.

Take Time This VALENTINE’S DAY AT STEAKHOUSE BAR + BLOCK

W

ine and dine your loved one this Valentine’s Day at Bar + Block Leamington Spa as the steakhouse turns up the heat with its special threecourse V-Day menu for just £30pp including a special signature cocktail.

Running from Friday 11th - Monday 14th February, expect a flame-grilled feast that’s not for the fainthearted!

Arrive to a charming pink welcome Love Potion cocktail – a mix of vodka, schnapps and fresh strawberries, topped with candy floss, followed by a choice of starters including the aptly named Smoked Salmon, Prawn and Avo-cuddle cocktail

with prawns, avocado and lashings of Marie Rose sauce.

For the main event, tuck into the Melt My Heart steak – a choice of a prime cut of 8oz/12oz sirloin, ribeye, rump or fillet sourced from British and Irish Angus breeds renowned for their taste and tenderness – and topped with garlic butter and a choice of sides. End things on a sweet note with some spooning - decadent desserts almost too good to share including a Melting Chocolate dome or the tempting Strawberry & Chocolate Fondue.

Book your spot now and treat someone special to a cut above the rest this Valentine’s Day.

One for

F

ounded in 1837 by Richard Bullard, Bullards has won numerous awards including World’s Best London Dry Gin and Distillery Of The Year in 2017 as well as six Global Gin Guide Awards.

Spanning six generations, the brand went through a redesign in 2018. With immense pride and respect for its heritage, Bullards Spirits launch its beautiful packaging and modern branding with the ‘Tipsy Anchor’ taking centre stage.

The unique bottle shape is a nod to the iconic landmark chimney that stood proud over Norwich for over 100 years.

Now Bullards are making a big commitment towards sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, Bullards are leading the way with

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eling Of

r the gin lovers its environmentally friendly offering thanks to the introduction of EcoRefill Pouches.

The pouches use less energy to produce, transport and deliver, and allow drinkers to top up their original Bullards bottle in support of minimising waste and environmental impact.

The pouches can be returned to the distillery (no envelope or stamp required), recycled via TerracycleTM Zero Waste Box solutions, turned into plastic granules and transformed into new products.

You can check out their full range of Gins including their London Dry, Coastal, Strawberry & Black Pepper and Old Tom Gins at their website https://bullardsspirits.co.uk/.

Bullards Valentine’s Cocktail

Pomegranate & Basil Spritzer

Ingredients

• 25ml Bullards London Dry Gin • Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil Mixer • 50ml apple juice • 1 tbsp of pomegranate syrup • Pomegranate seeds and basil to garnish

Method

1. In an ice-filled glass, add the gin, apple juice and pomegranate syrup.

2. Top with Double Dutch Pomegranate & Basil Mixer and stir to combine.

3. Garnish with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and a pinch of fresh basil.

4. Enjoy!

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Valentines special on offer at The Belfry

T

reat a loved one this Valentine’s Day to a gourmet dining experience, a relaxing spa treatment or a luxurious overnight stay with The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Royal Sutton Coldfield, North Warwickshire.

Enjoy a romantic evening with a candlelit seven-course dinner and live music in The Belfry’s Ryder Grill, offering dishes created from only the highest quality ingredients, available on Monday 14th February.

Priced from £79 per couple, the gourmet seven-course tasting menu includes dishes such as herb Crusted North Sea Halibut; noisette of English lamb, shoulder bolognaise, spinach puree and salsify; Jerusalem artichoke and spinach flan; and roast cauliflower steak served with pickled shallots

0121 339 5885

and golden raisins and onion bhaji.

Guests can also indulge in Coeur de Neufchâtel, rhubarb jam, cheddar and pistachio biscuit for the cheese course and salted caramel and passion fruit delice with freeze dried strawberries and pink Champagne sorbet for dessert, followed by tea, coffee and sweet treats.

All served with an impressive selection of fine wines, Champagne and cocktails for guests to choose from.

For those who would like to extend their visit, they can follow dinner with a stay in one of The Belfry’s luxurious spacious bedrooms or suites featuring cosy duvets, crisp bed linen, sumptuous pillows, and fluffy towels, priced from £99.

Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

W

hen the notification came through that a version of George Orwell's famous satirical fable, Animal Farm, was coming to the Birmingham REP, honestly I was sceptical.

After seeing the production shots, I was intrigued, and after seeing the show itself, I was sold.

For those who don't know, Animal Farm is the story of an animal revolution against their farmer and its aftermath.

The animals drive out the farmer, with the ideal that every animal will be free and equal, but it soon becomes clear that some animals are 'more equal than others'.

A production between The Children’s Theatre Partnership and Birmingham Rep, it is directed by Robert Icke, with puppetry by Toby Olié, and designed by four-time Olivier award-winner Bunny Christie, the production is slick, the puppetry is masterful, and the use of sound and light to portray so much is phenomenal.

You might feel that the people on stage with the puppets, darkly dressed as to obscure them as much

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as possible, may ruin the immersion of the piece, but far from it.

I was in awe of the technique and skill on show from these shadowy figures, and the use of the whole stage to move scenes around in 360 degree slow motion fights.

There is a screen above the stage, announcing passages in time, as well as passing of characters due to a number of reasons, some of which are depicted in a very upfront and gory way.

This production is a joy to behold, and considering its themes, I wholeheartedly get behind the recommendation of 11+ audiences.

If you ever read Animal Farm at school, it will all come flooding back to you, and really brings the story to life.

Animal Farm will continue on from the REP onto a national tour.

The REP's redevelopments are well underway, with the shiny new bar open downstairs and the rest on its way.

Animal Farm continues at Birmingham REP until Saturday, February 5, so make sure you see it before it moves on!

ANIMAL FARM

The UK’s Oldest Working Cinema To Reopen in 2022 THE UK’S oldest working cinema is set to reopen under new ownership following its forced closure at the start of the pandemic.

The 112-year-old Electric Cinema in Birmingham will be opening its doors to its two screens once again, after it closed in 2020.

Built in 1897 as a music hall, it became a cinema in late 1909, with an art-deco frontage and two screens which show 35mm films as well as digital, as the pandemic struck, everything at the movie theatre was turned off and the doors closed. Now film fan Kevin Markwick has just taken over the old cinema and he's on a mission to share his love of the silver screen.

"There's nothing like listening to an audience enjoying a film, he says. “There’s nothing like listening to kids giggling uncontrollably at Home Alone, or ET. You can't get that with streaming.

“You just can't." The Electric is thought to be the oldest working cinema in the country.

Growing up working in and now runs The Uckfield Picture House in Sussex, Kevin knew the cinema was loved in the city and decided

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to take it over in a deal that was finalised in November. He was, however, surprised by the reaction he got when he announced the reopening.

"I think if there's anything we need to do it's to promote cinema for younger audiences,” he said “and get them to experience it properly, so they understand what they're missing."

His daughter Katie, who has moved up from Eastbourne to take over the running of the building, is now training new staff, overseeing the cleaning, painting and decorating and ordering in new equipment, including new screens. But she has an eye on what the long-term ambition will be.

She said: "I can see what it can be and I think we can do it. It will be stressful and it will take a couple of years to get settled but I think we can make it something special.

“We love films and the building.

It's been here since 1909 and has seen the entirety of film history.

“That is amazing," she added.

"We just love cinema.”

With a new online ticketing system in operation, the estimated cost of bringing the building back to life is £100,000.

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SUPERSTAR RIHANNA TO DONATE MILLIONS TO LEADING CHARITIES

M

usic icon Rihanna has announced that she would be donating $15 million to multiple climate justice organisations like the Climate Justice Alliance via her Clara Lionel Foundation.

The grants will go towards 18 non-profits that specifically support women and the LGBTQIA2S+ community stateside and in seven Caribbean nations.

Amongst the other organisations Rihanna's donation is going towards are the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Movement for Black Lives, as the star explained that "climate disasters, which are growing in frequency and intensity, do not impact all communities equally."

"Communities of colour and

island nations are facing the brunt of climate change,” the Barbados native continued in a statement shared with the Associated Press, which she said is a big reason behind her decision. Meanwhile Clara Lionel Foundation executive director Justine Lucas added that funders must build partnerships with grassroots organizations, acknowledging their deep understanding of what

is necessary to achieve climate justice in their own communities.

This $15 million pledge is being made in partnership with Twitter co-founder and fellow billionaire Jack Dorsey's own #StartSmall initiative, which Rihanna's charitable nonprofit has worked with in the past, most notably a grant to aid domestic violence survivors in LA during quarantine.

ENTERTAINMENT

Spotify Shift?

A MUSIC INDUSTRIES expert has commented on the ongoing row between Neil Young and Spotify, suggesting the data and streaming giant’s removal of Young’s music could signal a desire to shift to content creation.

Dr Grimes said, “This is not the first time artists have threatened to or actually removed their music from the streaming giant, Spotify.

“Catalogue artists like Neil Young do generate a significant income stream for Spotify (and themselves) and also have some political and cultural influence.

Weighed up against Joe Rogan’s reported $100m deal with the streaming behemoth though, it’s simply not enough hence Spotify removing Young’s music as a ‘pre-emptive strike’.

“Does this action mean that Spotify supports the sharing of Covid misinformation? No - it means Spotify primarily supports money making.

Travis Scott Fans Petition To Get Him On Coachella Line-Up UP TO 70,000 fans have signed a petition asking Coachella to rebook the rapper for next year's event, saying that the festival unfairly dropped him following the tragic events at his own Astroworld festival, which left 10 people dead and hundreds more injured.

The petition told Coachella that it needed to do the right thing and rebook him immediately," before complaining about the festival's new line-up and alleged that fans are now "demanding refunds and selling their tickets.

"Coachella needs to fix this

asap," it continued, while trying to claim that "the Astroworld tragedy wasn’t Travis fault," despite the rapper facing hundreds of lawsuits and being accused of "shifting blame" by one victim's family.

"Let him get back to performing on the biggest stages," the fans implored. Granted, they said they were also fine with a "guarantee" that new headliner Kanye "Ye" West bring him out as a "guest during his set this year."

Both Rage Against the Machine and Frank Ocean were also supposed to perform the 2020

festival but have since been replaced by Harry Styles and Billie Eilish for this year's event.

Meanwhile, Scott was the only original 2020 headliner slated to keep his spot for the 2022 show following a two-year postponement, but was taken off of multiple other festival lineups after Astroworld. Notably, there was also another petition arguing that Scott should be dropped from Coachella, which racked up over 63,000 signatures.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

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BMW Group triumphs at the What Car? Awards 2022 BMW is celebrating a triumphant start to 2022 after winning more awards than any other manufacturer at the 44th annual What Car? Awards, with five coveted category wins across the brand’s model portfolio.

The BMW 3 Series, 4 Series Coupé, 4 Series Convertible, 5 Series and X5 xDrive45e were all recognised as best in their respective class, with BMW also winning a further eight ‘Best Buy’ awards. MINI snapped up the award for ‘Best Small Car Interior’.

BMW 330e and BMW 530e retained their awards from 2021, taking home the highly contested ‘Executive Car of the Year’ and ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ awards respectively.

Steve Huntingford, Editor, What Car? commented “The 330e represents the brilliant BMW 3 Series at its very best, because it offers a long enough electric range to cover a typical daily commute, while keeping running costs low for private and company car drivers alike.

It's well thought out inside, too, with an infotainment system that's better than those of rivals, and plenty of space for your family."

The BMW 4 Series Coupé added another award to its collection as it was named ‘Coupé of the Year’, taking its total to nine UK industry awards since it was launched in October 2020. Huntingford praised the model’s silhouette, suspension and driving pleasure, noting “The 4 Series Coupé has the bulletproof underpinnings of the 3 Series, but with a sexier silhouette, a stiffer structure, retuned suspension and a wider rear. In other words, what you lose in practicality, you gain (big time) in aesthetic appeal and driving pleasure. It trounces rivals in bends with the standard suspension, and even more so with the M Sport adaptive setup”.

The BMW X5 xDrive45e impressed the What Car? team with its “remarkable efficiency and long electric range”. It won ‘Luxury SUV of the Year’ with judges adding: “the BMW X5 xDrive45e is hard to beat as an overall package because it's smooth, classy and luxurious.”

The honours continued for BMW, with the brand securing Best Buy wins across an impressive eight categories, including Best Family Car Interior (BMW 1 Series), Best Luxury SUV for Big Families (BMW X7), Best Estate Car to Drive (BMW 3 Series Touring) and Best Estate Car Interior (BMW 5 Series Touring).

l Volunteering for Veterans was set up by Birmingham Museums in 2021 to support former members of the local Armed Forces

MOTORBIKE CONSERVATION GETS VETERANS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY PEUGEOT 9X8 Hybrid Hypercar: A The ultimate design new health and wellbeing project for ex-servicemen and women at Birmingham Museums has helped four local veterans get back on the road to recovery by conserving vintage motorbikes from the city’s collection.

Volunteering for Veterans was set up

by Birmingham Museums in 2021 to support former members of the local Armed Forces community by providing skills development opportunities alongside social and wellbeing activities. The project was made possible with funding from the Armed Forces Covenant and support from the Royal British Legion and will run throughout 2022 so that more veterans can benefit.

Over the last six months, four local armed forces veterans – David Brooks, Tim Seeley, Wayne Thompson and Steve Lees – have all volunteered one day a week at the city’s Museum Collection Centre conserving, cleaning and researching the motorbike collection. As part of the project, they have also restored one motorbike – a 1914 Cyclone – that has now gone on display at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum.

Andrea Bonnell, Senior Engagement Officer at Birmingham Museums, said: “By using real objects from the city’s

collections, the veterans have benefitted from training in conservation, research and creative therapies which have all helped build confidence and motivation.

In turn they have supported Birmingham Museums and the work we do in looking after the city’s collection.”

Ex-serviceman and volunteer, Tim Seeley, said: “If it wasn’t for Birmingham Museums getting their Volunteering for Veterans programme up and running a lot of veterans wouldn’t be able to socialise or get back into some sort of activity and out of a rut. A lot of veterans suffer from PTSD, anxiety and depression so getting them involved in a project like this is just amazing.”

Birmingham Museums has a busy volunteering programme in which around 1000 volunteers give over 26,000 hours of their time each year to support its work in caring for the city’s collections and museum sites. Working with various partners Birmingham Museums also deliver health and wellbeing programmes, enabling access to disadvantaged people or reaching out to new audiences who have not visited any of the city’s nine museums before.

The 1914 Cyclone motorbike is now on display at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum which is open Wednesday – Sunday 10am - 5pm.

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MORE THAN a race car, the PEUGEOT 9X8 is already iconic – a design and technical revolution.

Ahead of its debut on the race track in 2022, PEUGEOT Design Director, Matthias Hossann, has placed the 9X8 in brutalist architecture to showcase its revolutionary design.

This created an opportunity for the fashion and supercar photographer A g n i e s z k a Doroszewicz, to play with the light, patina, and contrasts of the concrete surroundings.

Her photographs are a metaphor for the 24

Hours of Le Mans, the legendary race in which the light changes as the hours go by.

To create the new 9X8 Hybrid Hypercar, the PEUGEOT Design team went all out. They imbued it with all the contemporary aesthetic codes specific to the brand; a feline stance, fluid lines enhanced by sporty cues, sleek and structured flanks and, of course, the characteristic threeclawed luminous signature of the Lion.

Slim and sleek, the PEUGEOT 9X8 incites emotion and embodies speed.

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MOTORS

Bentley Motors secures Top Employer Maserati: Award for eleventh consecutive year Back To Racing

B

entley Motors is today celebrating a milestone achievement, having been recognised for the eleventh consecutive year as a UK Top Employer by the internationally-acclaimed Top Employers Institute.

In another year that has proven challenging for so many organisations, Bentley’s approach to employee wellbeing, values, ethics and integrity was commended by the Institute, alongside Bentley’s focus on sustainability, digitalisation and diversity and inclusion.

The award is based upon a comprehensive review of the business which highlighted Bentley’s innovative and compelling approach to its employees’ own “Extraordinary Journeys”, as well as Bentley’s own progressive strategic ambitions for the future.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr Karen Lange, Member of the Board for Human

MASERATI has announced the first step in its motorsport strategy and will make its debut in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in 2023.

With motorsport in its genes and rooted in the spirit of pure competition, Maserati is the first Italian brand to compete in Formula E. The return to the track renews the racing spirit in Maserati’s DNA. Maserati’s commitment to electric mobility is powered by a lightning surge of new energy, now accelerating to run at top speed with Folgore, the full electric range. All new Maserati models will also be available in 100% electric solutions including Maserati Grecale, Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio and the Maserati MC20 super sportscar.

Resources, said: “Our people have been at the heart of our business for over 100 years – so we are incredibly proud to once again secure the Top Employer Award. To guide our next one hundred years, we have set out ambitious goals to become the leader in sustainable luxury mobility, so it is essential that we develop, retain and attract the very best talent to help us on this journey.

“For 2022, our focus as we begin to emerge from COVID-19, is on collaboration and developing our extraordinary skills together, to drive change and get the very best out of how we work as a team. Starting the year by being recognised as a Top Employer of choice, shows that we are definitely on the right track.”

The annual international research - undertaken by the Top Employers Institute - recognises leading employers around the world that provide excellent working conditions, make every

effort to continuously enhance recruitment processes and nurture and develop talent throughout all levels of the business.

Bentley’s emphasis on becoming an employer of choice forms a key part of the company’s Beyond100 strategy. The aim, to lead sustainable luxury mobility, is underpinned by ambitious targets that include becoming end-to-end carbon neutral and exclusively manufacturing battery electric vehicles by 2030.

To help design and build these Bentleys of the future, the company has stepped up its focus on attracting a wide-range of talent, including as problem solvers, digital innovators and creative thinkers, as well as retraining in specific areas.

Bentley is also focused on attracting candidates from all walks of life and aims to achieve greater diversity in management positions moving forward.

Ducati is back in Central London DUCATI REINFORCES its presence in the UK with the opening of a new store in the heart of London, demonstrating the strategic nature of the market, which has seen a 30% increase in sales over the last year.

The new dealership of the Capital is located in an ideal central position, in the railway arches of Vauxhall.

A significant investment has been made to guarantee Ducati’s essential presence in an important city as London, continuing the process of global expansion of the brand’s sales network that saw globally, 84 new dealerships opening in 2021.

The result is a showroom designed to offer the best Ducati experience in a premium,

yet welcoming environment.

Within the area, motorcycling enthusiasts can find the latest range of Ducati and Ducati Scrambler models, along with associated apparel and accessories on display.

Experienced and highly qualified sales staff are available to welcome all Ducatisti and passionate motorcyclists wishing to explore the Ducati and Ducati

Scrambler bikes.

The sales team will also be on hand to assist customers with Ducati Insurance and finance requirements.

Furthermore, a state-of-theart workshop at the rear of the premises accommodates a team of factory-trained technicians for servicing, repair, and accessorizing.

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Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

RIP Blackberry: Don’t Bin Your Bricked Phone THE NEWS that the once much-loved Blackberry smartphone is no longer working leaves owners with the question of what to do with their old device. The immediate reaction is to bin it, but a waste and recycling company suggests owners should look for alternatives for their now redundant devices.

UK waste collection company Divert.co.uk says rubbish dumps are already filled with electronic devices which should have gone to recycling - due to their contents. “The Blackberry has served us well,” says Divert.co.uk spokesperson Mark Hall, “and now it’s time for it to ascend to phone Valhalla. Just not via your bin.”

When most of us replace our old mobile phone, it’s often passed to a friend or family member, or sold second hand.

And there are loads of shops and websites which will take your old device for varying amounts of cash.

But for Blackberries and other obsolete devices, that’s not going to be an option. Nobody wants to buy a “bricked” device, so they have zero cash value.

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PEAKY BLINDERS: THE REDEMPTION OF THOMAS SHELBY TO OPEN AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

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first of its kind production, the World Premiere of Rambert Dance in Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will open on 27 September 2022 at coproducing partner venue Birmingham Hippodrome running until 2 October, followed by a London premiere at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre before embarking on a UK tour in 2023.

Written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is a dance theatre show directed and choreographed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer. The production will feature the 20 permanent Rambert dance company on

stage, and a live band playing specially commissioned music.

Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is Rambert’s first collaboration of this kind and through dance theatre picks up the story of the Peaky Blinders at the end of World War One, following Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess through their passionate love affair. While Tommy is building his empire, Grace is operating as an undercover agent for Special Branch on a mission to get close to the heart of Tommy’s gang.

Knight said: “Peaky Blinders has always had music and movement at its heart and now the beating heart of the show will be transferred to the stage, an interpretation of Tommy’s story performed by Rambert, one of the leading

dance companies in the world.”

CEO and Executive Producer of Rambert, Helen Shute, added: “Rambert has always been committed to making dance that resonates with audiences across the country and we’re incredibly honoured to be trusted by Steven Knight with his nationally beloved Peaky Blinders. It’s so fitting that we start the journey in Birmingham, where Rambert has been touring to since the 1930s.”

The 2023 UK tour will visit Norwich Theatre Royal, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Hull New Theatre, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Royal and Derngate, Northampton, Festival Theatre Edinburgh, The Lowry, Salford, Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff and Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 31

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ENTERTAINMENT

MOTIONHOUSE BRINGS NEW DANCE-CIRCUS ADVENTURE TO THE HIPPODROME STAGE

BLACK EYED PEAS SET DUBAI'S EXPO’S AL WASL PLAZA ON FIRE WITH ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE

By Delroy Constantine-Simms mega-hits. and Maureen Drackett-Fuller The Los Angeles-formed trio –

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lobal music superstars Black Eyed Peas rocked Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl Plaza, with a powerful performance that kept the audience on their feet throughout their set-list of

will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap and Taboo – kicked off their dynamic show with Let’s Get It Started, continuing with Black Eyed Peas’ and will.i.am’s catalogue of hits, from Boom Boom Pow, RITMO (Bad Boys For Life), Mamacita and Pump It to Girl Like Me, #thatPOWER,

and Scream & Shout. By their final song, I Gotta Feeling, audience members were belting out the lyrics with unrelenting enthusiasm.

Black Eyed Peas headlined the fourth show in Expo 2020 Dubai’s six-month Infinite Nights series, with each artist playing throughout the Infinite Nights series portraying their

own vision and experience of Expo 2020 following the great success of the Alicia Keys show, which crossed an unprecedented 15 million video views – with the global and regional audience watching the full show online across different platforms.

Infinite Nights will take place throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, which runs until March. The World Expo features more than 190 country pavilions, as well as themed exhibitions, plus 200 dining venues and up to 60 shows a day.

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irmingham Hippodrome Associates Motionhouse, is to perform its critically acclaimed production of Nobody for two shows only, marking the company’s first performances there since 2018.

Since its world premiere, in London, in September 2021, which saw packed houses, Nobody has delighted audiences and garnering critical acclaim throughout the UK and overseas.

Spectacular, fast-moving and highly physical, it explores the tension between inner lives and how people make sense of the world around them. Its renowned dance-circus style combines with mesmerising choreography to tell this emotional and ultimately uplifting story, full of twists and turns.

Louise Richards, Motionhouse’s Executive Director, said: “We are extremely proud to be an Associate of Birmingham Hippodrome and we very much look forward to performing in the heart of Birmingham. After such a difficult year last year with the pandemic, it’s great to be back on tour

Harry Styles Announces Additional Second Shows For Global 2022 Love On Tour M U LT I - P L AT I N U M RECORDING artist Harry Styles has announced two additional stadium shows in Manchester at Emirates Old Trafford and London’s Wembley Stadium on his global 2022 ‘Love On Tour’.

The colossal 32-city outing now includes a total of five brand new stadium dates in the U.K. in June, and a further four stadiums in Europe. The tour will continue in July with rescheduled arena dates in Europe, as well as a new show at Accor Arena in Paris, before concluding in Latin America later this year. All existing tickets for rescheduled shows will remain valid.

Special guests include Mitski on the UK dates, Arlo Parks in Dublin, Wolf Alice on select European dates and Koffee across all Latin American dates, on a tour that will be following all local and public health guidelines as well as

venue protocols set forth at the time of each show.

Fans are encouraged to visit their local venue’s website ahead of each show for the latest health & safety details and requirements for their date.

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and to be getting such an amazing response to our work.”

Artistic Director of Motionhouse, Kevin Finnan, started exploratory work with the dancers for Nobody in 2019 and was just about to start creating when the pandemic struck.

Creation resumed in January 2021 when the company returned to the studio.

Finnan said: “It was a challenge to make Nobody during the pandemic, but the process was interesting because the pandemic entirely reshaped my original vision for the production.

There is a sense of isolation and being alone and the effects this has had on us all during the pandemic.

“The first act of Nobody is driven by the raw emotion of our experiences during lockdown. In the second act there is a sense of coming together and the strength we all get from that.”

He adds: “We’re very pleased with Nobody and absolutely delighted by the response from our audiences and the critics. It’s quite different from our recent work, and as a company we’re excited to breake new ground."

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

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New Information on Second series of Star Trek Picard

P

rime Video revealed the official trailer and key art for season two of its Amazon Original series Star Trek: Picard.

Season two of Star Trek: Picard

will launch exclusively on Prime Video worldwide on Friday 4th March, excluding the United States and Canada. Following the premiere, new episodes of the

10-episode-long second season will drop weekly on Fridays. In addition, the trailer unveils a first look at Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg, reprising her beloved role as Guinan from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Season two of Star Trek: Picard takes the legendary Jean-Luc Picard and his crew on a bold and exciting new journey: into the past.

Picard must enlist friends both old and new to confront the perils of 21st century Earth in a desperate race against time to save the galaxy’s future – and face the ultimate trial from one of his greatest foes.

Star Trek: Picard features Patrick Stewart reprising his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard, which he played for seven seasons on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and follows this iconic character into the next chapter of his life.

To advertise

The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. For season two, Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Terry Matalas, Patrick Stewart, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Doug Aarniokoski and Dylan Massin

serve as executive producers.

Akiva Goldsman and Terry Matalas serve as co-showrunners for season two.

Star Trek: Picard season two cast members include Patrick Stewart, Alison Pill, Jeri Ryan, Michelle Hurd, Evan Evagora, Orla Brady, Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera and

0208-865-1922

Brent Spiner.

This season’s cast also includes Annie Wersching and special guest stars Whoopi Goldberg, and John de Lancie. Star Trek: Picard is currently in production on a third season.

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A

Lawrence Brooks

s America’s oldest surviving World War II veteran, the National WWII Museum hosted birthday parties for the Louisiana native and resident for the past seven years – which became an annual drive-by event at his New Orleans home in 2020 and 2021 during the Covid pandemic.

He was drafted in 1940 and served in the Army's 91st Engineer Battalion - a predominately Black group of servicemen, due to the military's segregation practices at the time. Described as “a man of

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Meat Loaf

orn Marvin – then Michael - Lee Aday, the singer and actor best noted for his theatrical live shows with his Bat Out of Hell trilogy selling more than 65 million albums worldwide earning him a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for the song ‘I'd Do Anything for Love’.

Appearing in over 50 films and television shows, including Spice World, The Rocky Horror Picture

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Show and Fight Club, he also starred in the musical Hair - on and Off-Broadway. His popularity in Europe, especially in Great Britain and Ireland saw him receiving the Brit Award for BestSelling Album and Single.

He ranked 23rd for the number of weeks spent on the UK charts in 2006. He ranks at 96 on VH1's ‘100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock’.

Dying from complications of COVID-19, he was 74.

Barry Cryer

he comedian wrote for comedy giants like The Two Ronnies, Tommy Cooper and Morecambe and Wise - also starred on television, radio and the stage.

Born in Leeds, he began writing for Danny La Rue working with Sir David Frost on shows, including The Frost Report, Frost Over England and Frost On Sunday.

He also appeared on panel shows including That's Showbusiness, Blankety Blank and What's My Line - continuing to write for

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great faith and gentle spirit”, One of 15 children, he served in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines, earning his way to private first class. At the end of his service, though, there was no ‘Hero’s Welcome’ on his returned home – as he was met with the racism of the Jim Crow era.

The museum also started a birthday card writing campaign for Laurence in 2020, which is said to generate 21,500 cards from nearly 30 countries.

He was 112.

comedians, including Sir Billy Connolly, Jasper Carrott, Dick Emery, Frankie Howerd and Les Dawson.

In 2001 he received an OBE and, in 2018, a Lifetime Achievement Award, for his comedy career from the British Music Hall Society.

Last month, he launched a podcast with his son Bob, titled Now, Where Were We? whose guests included Stephen Fry, Danny Baker and Miriam Margolyes.

He was 88.

Jack Dromey MP

he London-born veteran Labour politician and shadow minister, who had held the seat of Birmingham Erdington since 2010, passed away whilst in his constituency.

Making his name as a leading figure in the Transport and General Workers' Union, which later became Unite, he married Ms Harman in 1982, fathering two sons and a daughter, and held senior roles in the Labour

Party before winning his seat in Parliament nearly 12 years ago.

He was quickly promoted to the front bench, serving under several leaders, most recently as Sir Keir Starmer's shadow immigration minister.

He spoke in a Commons debate on Afghan refugees just 24 hours before he passed, as well as attending a speech by the Labour prior to that.

He was 73.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 33

OBITUARIES

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Armon Donaldson

he tributes poured in in their masses as family, friends and associates paid their respect to a ‘legend’ – as many will forever remember him as.

A.k.a. ‘Glady’, the husband – to wife, Lolita - father, grandfather and great-grandfather was one of the most respected and revered figures in his community, in Birmingham, who lived his life to the full – yet remained quiet and elusive whilst always being the ‘go-to’ man of immense knowledge, wisdom and fortitude.

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Betty White

trailblazing actress, her film and TV career spanned eight decades.

Her most famous role was as the naive-but-loveable Rose Nylund in the sitcom The Golden Girls in the 1980s and 90s centring on the friendship of four women sharing a home in Miami - winning many awards.

In 2010, she became the oldest person to host Saturday Night Live. Five years later, she was honoured with a lifetime achievement Emmy Award - her eighth Emmy in total.

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The Martin Luther King Jr Centre tweeted praise for her, saying that she worked to support an African-American tap dancer in 1954. In response to criticism, she gave him "even more airtime."

The US Army also tweeted their respects, writing on Twitter: "Not only was she an amazing actress, she also served during WWII as a member of the American Women's Voluntary Services. A true legend on and off screen."

She was 99.

Sidney Poitier

he Bahamas-born Hollywood trailblazer, respected humanitarian and diplomat won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Lilies Of The Field in 1963 - the first Black actor to do so.

After serving in the US Army, he broke racial barriers in Hollywood.

His appearance in The Defiant Ones in 1958 earned him his first Oscar nomination. Five years later he did win - for Lilies of the Field, playing a handyman who helps German nuns to build a

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A fighter from the very start, the Jamaican native, who was loved and respected by everyone he met, just couldn’t win his final battle.

And, following his passing - his ‘Nine-Nights Celebration’ was tantamount to the strength he showed to the end.

Whether related, or not, everyone…everyone who was there - at the Edgbaston Sports Club - to pay their respect, will always remember their hero – the people’s hero – 'Prime Minister' Glady - Teacher!

chapel in the desert.

He appeared in A Patch of Blue in 1965, and then Heat of the Night in 1966, followed by Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, playing a Black man with a white fiancée.

He directed a raft of films, and a Broadway play about his life and career was announced last month.

A Bahamian by descent, he received a Knighthood from the Queen in 1974, before later being appointed the Bahamas' ambassador to Japan.

Married twice with six children, he was 94.

Hanef Bhamjee OBE

life-long anti-apartheid campaigner, and knew Nelson Mandela from the age of 15, he fled South Africa for Wales in the 1960s because of his involvement in the student wing of the African National Congress.

He ran the Wales AntiApartheid Movement, before it was succeeded by Action for South Africa Wales, campaigning vigorously for an end to racism, colonialism and apartheid back home.

He said at the time: "Nelson

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Mandela has a special place in the hearts of Welsh people. The anti-apartheid campaign was always very strong here, possibly stronger than in any other part of Britain."

Awarded an OBE for race relations in recognition of his life-long fight against apartheid, in 2013 he was commissioned to write a book – ‘WAAM: A History of the Wales AntiApartheid Movement’ - about the role of Wales in the fight against Apartheid.

He was 75.

Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

People With Mental Health And Wellbeing Or Finances Encouraged To Get Support PEOPLE IN Wolverhampton are being encouraged to seek help and advice if they are feeling overwhelmed by financial issues or want support to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in lots of changes to people’s lives, and help is available to individuals who may be struggling as a result.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Around a quarter of people in England suffer from poor mental health, and the coronavirus pandemic has made the situation worse for many.

“It’s important that they know that they do not need to suffer in silence because help and support is available and I would encourage people to seek the help they, or their loved ones, need.”

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LOCAL CARE HOME RENAMED BY RESIDENTS AND TEAM MEMBERS

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leading care home in Birmingham has been renamed by residents and team members following completion of its new management earlier this year.

Metchley Manor, in Edgbaston, formerly known as Sunrise of Edgbaston, is now managed

by Care UK, after the provider announced they will be taking over the management of seven Sunrise Senior Living UK and 19 Gracewell Healthcare’s homes in the UK. To help inspire the new name, the General Manager and team members, who will remain in place under Care UK, and residents at the home were invited to submit their suggestions based on Edgbaston’s history, places and famous locals.

Residents were encouraged to reminisce about their favourite memories spent in and around Edgbaston, with team members also sharing their own experiences of the area to help decide on a name.

Zoe Doherty, Director of Community Relations at Metchley Manor, said: “We are delighted to now be part of the Care UK family and with our new name, Metchley Manor.

Over the last few weeks, residents and team members

New Social Enterprise Aims To Raise £25k For Hospital Charity

have been enjoying revisiting the history of Edgbaston and neighbouring Birmingham for inspiration for our new name.

“After much ‘digging’ into the past, residents and the team members decided on Metchley Manor, which was inspired by Metchley Fort, a Roman fort which is now the site of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in nearby Selly Oak. Despite the party season being over, we look forward to continuing the celebrations throughout January

as we celebrate our new name.”

Care UK is a rapidly expanding provider offering high quality care for both funded and private residents, with more ‘outstanding’ rated homes than any other provider.

As well as having a strong reputation for sector leading quality care, Care UK has invested heavily in developing a market-leading hospitality and lifestyle product reflecting similar focus areas to the Sunrise and Gracewell approach.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Metchley Manor, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities.

The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

MIDLANDS FILM and Media CIC is a newly launched Community Interest Company, set up to help grassroots micro budget independent film makers and other creatives, working with small/no budgets, in the Midlands.

The CICs aim is to build confidence, develop ambition and enable individuals and businesses to grow through media. They plan to run projects that make a difference to the lives of people across the region.

Louise James, Volunteer Fundraiser said: “Any profits or activities that the CIC does that brings money into the organisation, will be re-invested back into the CIC to help our social aims.

“We will also be donating a percentage of that money to our Asset Lock, which is the Derby and Burtons Hospital Charity. Our goal is to raise at least £25,000 for the Derby and Burtons Hospital Charity this year”.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 35

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Local Teen Named Young Person Of The Year

A l Sherril Donaldson – NU:GEN CARE CIC

Voice For Our Black Elders

The Business of Care

O

ver the last couple of months I have been in the creation and development of several initiatives across the country that focusses on providing care.

Now, when I say ‘providing care’ I am not, in this instance, talking about the service that’s provided by external companies, I am talking about providing care for relatives or close friends. In our community, many of us take care of our parents because we believe it’s the right thing to do or we believe there is no other option. However, what we do not do is regard ourselves as a ‘Carer’. As far as we are concerned we are doing what is expected of us and in doing so we are doing it without any interference from the authorities or ‘do gooders’.

Now the question is, ‘Why do I raise this as an issue for us to consider?’

Well, as I mentioned in my opening sentence, I have been involved in some development work and that has made me acutely aware that we are doing a dis-service to ourselves, our loved ones and also our bank balances!

What I have discovered is there is a whole raft of organisations across the country that is in the business of supporting Carers through a range of interventions. It is possible to access financial help to meet all sorts of needs including paying for you to have some time out for yourself on a weekend break or buying something that would make your life less stressful.

All that sounds wonderful and something we should be received with open arms. But, according to the organisation that offer the support it appears that our community refuse to categorise themselves as ‘Carers’ in doing so they do not fulfil the basic criteria for

local teen has been named Young Person of the Year at a national award ceremony in recognition of his fundraising efforts for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

In April 2020, aged just 14, Henry Carpenter, from Worcestershire, was working on his family's farm when an horrific tractor accident left him in vital need of advanced pre-hospital emergency care.

He suffered devastating injuries including a fractured pelvis and dislocated hip and was tended to by Midlands Air Ambulance's aircrew from the RAF Cosford base in Shropshire before being airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

After a week in hospital, and despite his reliance on crutches, Henry wanted to thank the aircrew for their lifesaving care so took on an epic fundraising challenge and walked 54 miles in just 30 days.

His efforts raised an impressive £11,400 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity - enough to pay for emergency medics to carry out 20 lifesaving air ambulance and critical care car missions.

This also earned him a nomination from the charity to the Air Ambulances UK 2021 Awards of Excellence, which he went on to win.

On his win, Henry said: "Thank you to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

for the kind nomination. I only expected to raise a few pounds, but the support I received from those close to me is nothing short of incredible.

“The air ambulance is a vital service for those of us in the farming and equestrian communities and I cannot thank them enough for helping me on the day of my incident. I feel truly honoured to have been awarded the Young Person of the Year Award of Excellence at this year’s Air Ambulances UK Awards.”

Henry's Air Ambulances UK award follows his Young Fundraising of the Year win at the Birmingham Live Pride of Birmingham Awards 2021 l earlier this year.

getting their entitlement and help needed.

So, why do we refuse to place ourselves in that group?

I asked that question in a session, on the ‘What Black Carers Want’ forum, and it transpires that we find the word offensive, demeaning and a negative reflection of we are doing for our loved ones.

Now, I ask those of us with the caring responsibly, “does it really matter what we are called if we are able to access the help we need to keep ourselves?”

That is a serious question each of us has to answer for our circumstances, but, I would argue that it really does not matter what we are called as we do what we do; it is about taking full advantage of what is available to make our lives and that of our loved ones more comfortable. The reality of our circumstances does not change because of how we are categorised by those who hold the purse strings, but it does change our financial situation and, in some instances, our mental health if we put too much emphasis on a term rather that what it can change in your life.

So, I suggest we reflect on the role we fulfil in the lives of our parents, children or extended family and be true to yourself if you are in the business of care. And, if you are, there is a raft of help you can access that can have a wonderful transformational impact in your life.

WE need to work together to identify our pressure points and the existing organisations in a position to lead a movement to alleviate those 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 change the landscape of care for our elders.

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Henry Carpenter

Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

AZUZA STREET

Rapper Finds Salvation With Latest Album

IT IS ALL ABOUT Nashville based, Hip-Hop label IVAV (a hip-hop division of Curb Records), and their very own Ty Brasel.

He has just dropped his latest phenomenal mixtape Destiny: Vol 1 straight after the prominent success of The Divine Storm.

Ty’s latest project is an honest critique and self-reflection into his past, where he aims to help illuminate, inspire and instigate others into battling through their shackles of inhibitions through the guidance of religion.

He is no stranger to the setbacks and misleading directions of the paths others may walk, but now he uses his faith-driven hip-hop to light a torch, illuminating the right direction for anyone that has lost their way.

Brought up in the outskirts of Memphis, in Tennessee, faith and religion have always followed Brasel, which can be heard within this album, elements of gospel and soul flowing through tracks like On Me and Halo.

He showcases a vulnerability with tracks like Right My Wrongs, wearing his heart on his sleeve to create an innate connection with his audience.

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SPECIAL PRESENTATION MADE TO CELEBRATE SARAGARHI MONUMENT

T

he artillery shell fired during an historic unveiling of Wo l v e r h a m p t o n ’s Saragarhi Monument was presented to the Gurdwara that commissioned the statue.

Members of the British Army paid an official visit to Wednesfield’s Guru Nanak Gurdwara to meet members of the local community and speak about the importance of the statue.

The Saragarhi Monument is the first UK memorial of its kind commemorating the bravery of 19th century Sikh soldiers.

It was officially unveiled on 12th September 2021 and the ceremony included a single canon shot to honour the Sikh soldiers who died in the conflict.

The artillery shell fired in the ceremony was presented to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara by Brigadier John Kendall – who also gave a presentation about the importance of the statue – and colleagues from the British Army.

Members of the Gurdwara’s fundraising programme raised £100,000 for the Monument, which was created by Black Country sculptor Luke Perry and

supported by the community and City of Wolverhampton Council.

The memorial commemorates the conflict - which took place on September 12 1897 - which saw 21 soldiers from the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army fight against thousands of Afghan tribesmen, centring on an outpost in Saragarhi which was surrounded and attacked by the tribesmen.

Saragarhi Day is commemorated by the Indian Army's 4th battalion of the Sikh regiment every year on September 12.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing at City of Wolverhampton Council and ward member for Wednesfield South, said: “The Gurdwara was honoured to welcome representatives from the British Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy and receive this special presentation.

"The Saragarhi Monument forms part of British Army history and it is only right that we remember the 21 Sikh soldiers and the Muslim cook who joined their ranks for their incredible bravery.”

St Patrick's Day Festival To Go Ahead In City

WITH THE ST PATRICK’S Day parade in Birmingham being axed for a third year running, the organisers have said a week-long festival will still take place.

Billed as the third largest St Patrick's Day parade in the world, extensive works to extend the city’s tram network through Digbeth, the festival is still in hiatus. The ongoing Midland Metro works mean any prospect of a large-scale parade remains off the agenda.

The parade has not been held since 2019, due to coronavirus restrictions, but, event organisers are still planning a week-long festival programme, something that would normally take place in addition to the centralised celebrations.

The week-long festival will kick off on March 11 and will include live music gigs, concerts and traditional Irish sessions, as well as whiskey and beer tasting.

In addition, there will be history talks, storytelling evenings, alongside special events

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involving Irish dance and sport.

There will also be a return of the ‘In Memoriam Project’ virtual event which will pay tribute to members of the Irish community who have died over the past year.

In a statement the St Patrick's Festival Birmingham organisers said: "We are pleased to finally be able to announce our plans for this year’s St Patrick’s celebrations.

"Due to extensive road works along the usual parade route, instead of our usual parade, there will be a whole week’s programme of events, as part of St Pat’s Fest."

"The craic is back,” the statement added.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 37

OVERSEAS NEWS

CUBA PUTS THE SCREWS ON ENTRY POLICIES FOR UNVACCINATED TRAVELLERS l Troy Cooper

XPO Logistics Announces Troy Cooper To Step Down As President XPO Logistics, Inc. has announced that Troy Cooper has stepped down from his role as president, effective December 27, 2021. Mr Cooper will continue working with the company as a senior advisor through June 30, 2022.

“With the spin-off of GXO earlier this year, and in light of the progress we’ve made transforming XPO into a pureplay transportation company, Troy and I agreed this was a natural time for him to step down,” said Brad Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer. “Troy’s contributions over the past decade have been invaluable, particularly his efforts driving the growth of our best-in-class truck brokerage business from its earliest days and his leadership of our European operations from 2015 to 2017.

“We’re very well positioned with strong leaders in each of our business lines, with Mario Harik as acting president of lessthan-truckload, Drew Wilkerson leading North America transportation, and Luis Gomez leading Europe transport,” Jacobs continued. “I’m grateful Troy will continue to provide counsel to me and our leadership team over the next six months, and we wish him all the very best going forward.”

Mr Cooper said, “It’s been an honour to work with the team as we’ve built XPO into a leading freight transportation services provider. The leadership team we’ve assembled is the best in the industry, and it’s gratifying knowing that the business is in excellent hands and our prospects are so bright.”

XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a leading provider of freight transportation services, primarily truck brokerage and less-than-truckload (LTL). The company’s global network serves 50,000 shippers with 756 locations and approximately 42,000 employees, and is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, in the USA.

T

ravellers to Cuba must now be vaccinated to enter, under new entry requirements now in

effect.

In addition, all travellers 13 and older traveling to Cuba by air must present proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to

arrival. Previously, the island did not require tests for vaccinated travellers.

Children 12 and under and those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons are exempt from the vaccination and testing rules. Visitors must have travel insurance that covers Covid-19 for the duration of their stay

in Cuba. If a traveller arrives without travel insurance, they can buy a policy at a Cuban airport for $30 for 21 days of coverage.

They must complete a travel application called D'Viajeros three days prior to departure that provides advance information to streamline the procedures at the different points of entry,

Jamaica Set To Roll Out Its Central Bank Digital Currency

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amaica will roll out its own digital currency in the first quarter of 2022 after a “successful” pilot, the country’s central bank said.

The pilot for the country’s prototype central bank digital currency (CBDC) began on May 2021 and ended on 31 December 2021.

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) tested a range of services in the pilot, including minting CBDCs, issuing them to wallet providers and distributing them to retail customers. The BOJ teamed up

with digital currency vendor eCurrency Mint and the country’s National Commercial Bank (NCB) to test the services.

The central bank minted 230m Jamaican dollars ($1.5m or £1.1m) of digital currency to be issued to deposit-taking institutions and authorised payment service providers during its inaugural minting ceremony on 9 August 2021. It issued CBDCs worth a million Jamaican dollars to its banking department to be distributed to staff a day later.

Two months later, in October,

it issued 5m Jamaican dollars ($32,100 or £23,840) of CBDC to NCB, marking this the first CBDC issuance given to a deposit-taking institution. NCB, the first wallet provider in the pilot, successfully onboarded 57 customers including four small merchants and 53 consumers, the central bank noted in a statement.

These customers conducted person-to person, cash-in and cash-out transactions through 37 accounts over the course of the pilot and completed transactions with small merchants like local craft jewellers, footwear

Oxfam India Severely Hit

By Ban On Foreign Funds OXFAM says its work in India will be "severely affected" after it lost its licence to receive funds from abroad.

It said the restriction came into effect from January 1, adding that it would contact India's Home Ministry to urge it to lift the restrictions. The news came a week after India blocked foreign funding for the The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa.

The Home Ministry cited "adverse inputs" as the reason for revoking the licence. But it's still unclear what led to Oxfam India losing its foreign-funding licence. Registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is mandatory for charities, NGOs and any nonprofit organisations receiving foreign funding in India.

including immigration, customs and the Ministry of Health.

Travellers will receive a QR code that must be presented to health and immigration officials upon arrival. Once in Cuba, wearing a mask is required at all times in public.

designers and fashion and garment boutiques through an NCB-sponsored event. The national rollout for the CBDC is scheduled for the first quarter of 2022 and the NCB will continue onboarding existing customers and new customers, the Jamaican government noted.

Two additional wallet providers, who are now conducting virtual simulation testing, will be able to order CBDC from BOJ and distribute to their customers, and the testing of transactions between customers of various participating wallet providers will be undertaken,” the BOJ said. CBDCs are digital currencies issued as legal tender by a country’s main bank, such as Sweden’s e-krona and China’s digital yuan.

So far about 90 countries are exploring their own digital currencies, and 14, including major economies like China and South Korea, are in the pilot stage, according to a tracker by the Atlantic Council. Jamaica will roll out its own digital currency in the first quarter of 2022 after a “successful” pilot, the country’s central bank said. The pilot for the country’s prototype central bank digital currency (CBDC) began on May 2021 and ended on 31 December 2021.

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) tested a range of services in the pilot, including minting CBDCs, issuing them to wallet providers and distributing them to retail customers.

It was reported that the licence granted to nearly 6,000 such organisations lapsed on January 1 with an unnamed official saying the government had cancelled the renewal for 179 organisations over alleged violations, while the remaining - around 5,700 - did not apply for a renewal before the December 31 deadline.

Oxfam said the government's decision to refuse renewal of its licence would hurt its ongoing humanitarian and social work in 16 states across the country.

Narendra Modi's government has sought to squeeze foreign funding for charities and nonprofit organisations based in India since coming to power in 2014.

In 2020, it amended the FCRA - changes included a ban on nonprofit organisations transferring money to other groups and a ceiling on administrative costs - saying it was necessary to strengthen accountability and transparency.

But several representatives from the NGOs have accused the government of targeting its critics.

In 2020, Amnesty International halted operations there after accusing the government of pursuing a "witch-hunt" against human rights organisations.

"Even if you're working on Covid, the law makes it very difficult to even accept foreign aid coming in without being in violation of the law," Aakar Patel, former head of Amnesty International India, said at the time.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022

Holiday and

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Travel

Travel Counsellors Reports Return Of ‘Sunshine Saturday’

OUTDOOR WINTER WONDERS IN DENMARK

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hile the Scandinavian winters may be known for being long and dark, that doesn't mean that you have to be stuck indoors.

Winter swimming festival in Denmark's northernmost waters

The concept of winter swimming is a freezing, yet popular hobby enjoyed by

many Danes in the colder months. Denmark has 8,700 kilometres of coastline, which provide plenty of opportunities to head to the beach or harbour pool for a dip, even in the winter.

Many Danish towns have their own club, where people gather and jump in the water.

Check out the Harbour Bath in Aarhus Ø, which

has been designed by the famous Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group.

In the winter months you have access to the pool, locker rooms and restrooms on Saturdays and Sundays from 08.00-12.00.

Or explore the Kastrup Sea Baths in the Øresund Sound, which has views all the way to Sweden.

In Skagen, which is on

the North tip of Denmark, an annual festival for winter bathers is held every January. Since 2012, a local club called 'The Icebreakers' have held a four-day festival, where winter bathers join them in the waves while also experience the rest of the historic town of Skagen.

This town is especially known for its art and

delicious seafood as well as having two oceans meet at 'Grenen'.

Because of the current corona virus situation, the upcoming festival has been moved to 24-27 March 2022.

See Copenhagen covered in lights

In February, you can explore the multicoloured lights at Copenhagen

Light Festival. Whether it's rainbow-coloured lights, which embed one of Copenhagen's many bridges or beams, which set to put light on clouds passing by, this festival will offer many stunning sights for visitors of Copenhagen.

It is possible to enjoy the installations for free by simply strolling through the capital.

Morocco's Tough Covid Restrictions Pound Tourism Sector

B

usinesses working in Morocco's key tourism sector say the country's tough COVID-19 restrictions, including a full flight ban, are undermining its competitiveness compared to rival destinations.

Morocco shut its borders in late November and will only reopen them at the end of January. It has also banned New Year celebrations and is enforcing its vaccine pass requirements more strictly in response to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Tourism generated $8 billion, or 7% of Morocco's economy, in 2019, but the Central Bank expects it

to have made only $3.6 billion this year. Hotels in Marrakech, the main tourist hub, have only 14% occupancy at what is normally peak season.

The government has approved a 2,000 dirham ($216) payment to tourism workers registered with social security who have been hit by the crisis. Recorded daily coronavirus cases have gone from around 100 earlier this month to 1,960 last Thursday.

Morocco is Africa's most vaccinated country, having now administered two shots to 23 million people, in a total population of 36 million. Nearly three million have also had booster shots.

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THE DECISION to scrap pre-departure tests has clearly boosted the number of bookings and enquiries made week commencing January 3, including on “Sunshine Saturday”, according to Travel Counsellors.

The independent travel company saw booking figures returning to pre-pandemic levels and an increase of 213 per cent compared to the week before. In terms of new enquiries, Travel Counsellors also experienced its highest week since the start of the pandemic and a 236 per cent increase compared to the previous week (w/c 27 December 2021).

Customers are particularly looking for immediate travel (27 per cent), followed by trips in summer (20 per cent) and Easter (13 per cent).

The UAE, the USA, the Maldives and Spain are the most popular destinations for those looking for a sunny break in January and February, with 74 per cent of bookings being for premium leisure and tailormade holidays.

The US is one of the most popular holiday destinations outright for Brits, with a quarter of all Easter enquiries being for the USA; and the USA, Greece and Spain currently accounting for over 50 per cent of all summer holiday enquiries.

A recent survey of Travel Counsellors’ leisure clients showed that over 50 per cent of responders plan to take two or more international holidays this year.

Kirsten Hughes, UK managing director, Travel Counsellors said: “Last week’s positive trading figures were clearly boosted by the announcement of the scrapping of pre-departure tests.

This decision definitely installed more consumer confidence and encouraged people to book that long awaited holiday, which translated into bookings returning to prepandemic levels. ‘Sunshine Saturday’ has undoubtedly made a comeback this year.”

Travel Counsellors has almost 1,500 experts across the UK who offer support, local expertise and reassurance from ‘inspiration to destination’. Throughout the pandemic, Travel Counsellors has maintained a 5-star Trustpilot rating and have three-times been voted ‘number one’ in MoneySavingExpert’s consumer poll, which ranks how well travel companies are looking after their customers during Covid-19.

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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Rare sighting of 'Rainbow-like' Octopus off Lady Elliot Island, Queensland

Wildlife Attraction the Perfect Way to Enjoy a Winter Day ONE OF the most picturesque villages in England is the perfect place to take time out during the winter months.

Bourton-on-the-Water, in Gloucestershire, is in the heart of the idyllic Cotswolds and besides its aesthetic beauty, there is a host of entertainment to be had.

Wrap up warm for a winter day out to remember and indulge yourself in the gorgeous independent shops and cafes which overlook the delightful river in the heart of the village.

Retail therapy complete, why not enjoy a trip to Birdland Park and Gardens, a wildlife attraction ideal for a family day out, or a wintry stroll with a loved one?

The penguin residents make full use of the chilly season, dipping and diving out of their pool and showing off their winter plumage.

A trip to Penguin Shore will also provide the chance to see England's only group of breeding King penguins, alongside their cheeky Humboldt cousins.

Visitors can also travel back in time to hunt for dinosaurs in the thrilling Jurassic Journey trail.

There is a fabulous variety of other feathered friends to be enjoyed, including flamingos, pelicans, cranes, waterfowl, hornbills, owls and parrots.

Birdland is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland and boasts more than 500 birds.

CES: THE FUTURE ROLE MODEL FOR HOLDING EVENTS

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.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on the safe commencement of CES: “By staging an influential live event that safely convenes thousands of global professionals across the technology, business and political spectrum, CES is

nothing short of a model for how business trade events can and should take place in 2022.

It is our sincere hope that other professional event organizers will follow their lead this year.

“Gary Shapiro and his team at CTA are to be commended for navigating today’s challenges while ensuring that attendees can build meaningful relationships

and plan for the future of technology. And the health and safety protocols in place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and throughout the hotel and hospitality community have further enabled the safe return of this and other major events.

“The success of this year’s CES will contribute to the recovery of business travel in general and

related industries. But of critical importance, it is producing jobs for American workers who are dependent on the safe return of all sectors of travel, which accounted for 1 in 10 U.S. jobs pre-pandemic.

“Congratulations to the Consumer Technology Association and the Las Vegas travel industry on CES 2022.”

MASTER REEF Guide and Marine Biologist, Jacinta Shackleton, has kicked off the new year with a once-in a-lifetime experience, coming face to face with a rare Blanket Octopus in waters off Lady Elliot Island on 6 January 2022.

Ms Shackleton has been conducting research and diving the reef around Lady Elliot Island on Queensland's Southern Great Barrier Reef for almost four years and has never come across the technicoloured marine mollusc before – demonstrating the rarity of its sighting.

“I was snorkelling about 100m off the shore with a friend, in about eight or nine metres of water, when I saw this rainbowcoloured flicker,” Ms Shackleton said.

“When I first saw it, I thought it could have been a juvenile fish with long fins, but as it came closer, I realised it was a female Blanket Octopus and I had this overwhelming sense of joy and excitement.

“I kept yelling through my snorkel, 'it's a Blanket Octopus!'

I was so excited I was finding it difficult to hold my breath to dive down and video it.

“Seeing one in real life is indescribable, I was so captivated by its movements, it was as if it was dancing through the water with a flowing cape. The vibrant colours are just so incredible, you can't take your eyes off it.

“I've truly never seen anything like it before and don't think I ever will again in my life.”

One Of The World’s Largest Cruises Docks In Puerto Plata

THE TOURIST PORT of Taino Bay, located in the port of Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic, received the Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship, one of the largest ever built, with 2,647 passengers and 1,514 crew members.

The ocean liner, owned by Royal Caribbean International, arrived from Fort Lauderdale, United States.

The ship, which was built in 2020 and launched in March 2021, is 348 meters long by 41 meters wide and

has 16 decks.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of the Port Authority, highlighted the importance of the arrival of vessels at the Taino Bay port. "For us it is a source of great pride and satisfaction to know that in just 15 days we have received more than ten cruise ships that come to boost the economy of our northern region," said the official.

Taino Bay was inaugurated two weeks ago during a ceremony led by

the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader. The multipurpose terminal has received 11 vessels since the beginning of its operations.

The Taino Bay port is a multipurpose project, managed by Itm Group and supervised by the Port Authority.

The port allows the docking of cruise ships, container ships and product cargo. Its operations have created 1,500 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect jobs.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

Clarke Willmott Acts On Sale Of Yorkshire Hotel NATIONAL LAW firm Clarke Willmott LLP has acted on the sale of the Dower House Hotel & Spa in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.

Sold by Ashdale UK Ltd, the business and assets of the hotel were acquired by growing pub company the Inn Collection Group for an undisclosed sum.

The hotel, owned by Ashdale since 2008, boasts 38-bedrooms as well as a spa and swimming pool, and will add to the Inn Collection Group’s portfolio as part of its expansion into Yorkshire.

Kim Klahn, a partner in the corporate team at Clarke Willmott, led on the deal. She said: “It was a pleasure to work with A s h d a l e to finally complete this long running

transaction.”

Martin Wicks, director of Ashdale, said: “We are pleased to have completed the sale of Dower House to the Inn Collection Group, and hope the new owners will enjoy her as much as we have over the last 15 years.

“Ashdale UK Ltd retains the Hazlewood Castle Hotel and Spa near Leeds/York and will be increasing investment as well as considering future hotel purchases. Thank you to Kim Klahn and the team at Clarke Willmott who worked diligently to get the deal over the line.”

Kim Klahn was supported on the deal by solicitor Raksha Aggarwal and associate David Lovelock who dealt with property matters.

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he cross-party Lords Built Environment Committee has published its report, ‘Meeting housing demand’.

The report concludes that the Government must address the many barriers that exist to building much needed new homes.

Too many people currently live in expensive, unsuitable, and poor-quality homes and housing supply needs to be increased now to tackle the housing crisis.

The role of SMEs in the house building industry has collapsed.

SMEs should be supported by reducing planning risk, making more small sites available, and increasing access to finance. The population is ageing and by 2050 one in four people in the UK will be over 65. The country needs more specialist and mainstream housing suitable for the elderly.

Uncertainty and delays to planning reforms have had a 'chilling effect' on house building and created uncertainty for house builders and planners. We need more up-to-date local plans, and

these need to be simpler, clearer, and more transparent.

Planning departments need more resource to avert an emerging crisis.

The Government’s own figures show that skills shortages accounted for 36% of all construction vacancies and 48% of all manufacturing and skilled trades vacancies.

Skills shortages must be addressed, through broadening the base of talent, upskilling and reskilling, including for the green skills needed to address climate change. The Apprenticeship Levy needs urgent reform.

Over time the money spent on housing benefit should be invested in increasing the social housing stock. Right to Buy schemes are not good value for money: increasing the housing supply would be a more effective use of funding.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG, Chair of the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, said: “The Government’s ambitious target of 300,000 new homes per year

Birmingham Plans To Welcome More Afghan Refugees Under Resettlement Scheme BIRMINGHAM’S pledge to welcome more than 200 Afghan refugees under two Home Office schemes discussed by the council’s Cabinet. Earlier this year Birmingham, which is a City of Sanctuary and a Mi-Friendly City, welcomed 80 Afghan interpreters and their families under phase one of the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Programme (ARAP), following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

Both ARAP and ACRS

programmes are funded by the Home Office in line with previous resettlement schemes (Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and UK Resettlement Scheme).

Councillor John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “As a City of Sanctuary and a Mi-Friendly City, Birmingham has already welcomed 80 Afghan interpreters and their families, and I am glad we are now seeking to welcome

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will only be met if Government takes action to remove the barriers for house builders, particularly for SMEs who 35 years ago built 39% of new homes but now build just 10%.

“The planning system needs urgent reform. Currently, less than half of local authorities have an up-to-date local plan: more councils need simple, clear and transparent local plans. Any new planning system will only work if local planning authorities have the resources and staff to implement it.

“Skills shortages in the construction, design and planning sectors must be addressed to unlock the required development, including the green skills needed to address climate change. Uncertainty and the absence of a clear policy direction has only exacerbated housing problems.

“Our report provides a package of proposals to help deliver much needed housing and address the critical undersupply of new homes.”

another 220 refugees over the next two years.

"Refugees are vulnerable people in need of support and the Government must help the communities, towns and cities that welcome those fleeing war and persecution across the world.”

Since 2015, Birmingham’s approach to the refugee resettlement has been to procure services that help new arrivals to integrate into their new communities and settle into their new lives.

People arriving via these schemes will have immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain and full access to public funds.

SU PP VO LE L. ME 11 NT

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Patron To

The Phoenix Newspaper Countdown To The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Celebrating All Things Commonwealth

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

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Secretary-General Looks To The Gambia As Beacon Of Democratic Progress

NEW TRAINING DATABASE TO BOOST OCEAN LEARNING

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head of International Day of Education, the Commonwealth Secretariat launched a public database full of useful training courses related to ocean action.

Targeted at officials who work in the ocean sector, courses range from understanding blue carbon markets, to aiding coral reef resilience, to mainstreaming gender in ocean science. With more than 200 options to choose from, mostly free and self-paced, the

courses will help professionals in member countries to access crucial knowledge products, update their skills and keep up with the latest trends.

Head of Oceans and Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr Nicholas HardmanMountford said: “We are very excited to make this platform available to our members. The online database is designed specifically to support the work of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups.

“Through the database, countries will be able to access valuable training that will build skills and capacity in areas such as ocean policy and law, sustainable blue economies, environmental monitoring and ocean innovation.”

The Commonwealth Blue Charter is an agreement by all 54 countries to work together to address shared ocean challenges through countryled Action Groups focused on 10 key ocean issues: marine plastic pollution, coral reef protection, mangrove restoration, climate

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change, ocean acidification, ocean observation, marine protected areas, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable coastal fisheries and the sustainable blue economy. Courses in the database can be related to any of these topics.

Since the pandemic, the Secretariat has ramped up efforts to support members virtually, through knowledge exchange webinars, virtual dialogues and training.

C O M M O N W E A LT H Secretary-General Patricia Scotland congratulated Adama Barrow and the people of The Gambia as she attended the President’s inauguration ceremony in Bakau.

Adama Barrow was sworn in as The Gambia’s 3rd and continuing President before a jubilant crowd of Gambians at the Independence Stadium.

The inauguration was also attended by Commonwealth leaders, African heads of government and heads of international organisations.

Expressing his gratitude to The Gambian people, President Barrow said: “Today, we can comfortably conclude that my re-election for another five years is a vote of confidence in my government, a vote of acknowledgement of my achievements, a vote of endorsement of the path we have undertaken to follow, and a vote of acceptance of the democratic principles and values we stand for.

“It is also a vote of appreciation of who we are as a people and how we have branded ourselves, as well as a vote of willingness of the people to come together and work together to pursue our dreams and aspirations. In short, it is a vote of hope and reassurance, a rejection of division and oppression, and a new legitimate mandate for me as President and Head of State of the Republic of The Gambia.”

Witnessing the swearingin, the Secretary-General

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said: “Four years ago, when Gambia re-joined the Commonwealth, it felt like a beloved brother or sister; a prodigal son coming back home.

“Today, my brothers and sisters, we can say together that our partnership will go from strength to strength. Our world faces profound and serious challenges, but I truly believe that The Gambia will shine like a beacon across the Commonwealth, just as the Commonwealth will shine like a beacon across the world.

“We can see, in the process of democracy, The Gambia’s light shine. Because at a time when democracy is under strain in many parts of our world, democracy in The Gambia is getting stronger.

“I hope the example of The Gambia’s journey will not only provide a strong foundation for The Gambia’s future but will also help to heal injured democratic process in other places.”

Following the inauguration, the Secretary-General spoke with President Barrow.

The President thanked the Secretary-General for her presence at the inauguration and for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s dedicated support to The Gambia, exemplified by the SecretaryGeneral’s visit.

The Secretary-General convened a Commonwealth Observer Group at The Gambia’s election last December, which judged the election to be transparent.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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WMCA Secures £1.1m Funding Boost For Nine More Digital Bootcamps WEST MIDLANDS Combined Authority (WMCA) has received an additional £1.1 million of funding from the UK Government to roll out nine more digital skills bootcamps across the region.

The funding will allow 300 West Midlands residents to take part in skills bootcamps covering cybersecurity, coding, digital marketing, TV and film production, AI and machine learning, and more.

The nine new bootcamps made available through the new funding will be run by BritAsia TV, Generation You Employed, Netcom, NIYO Enterprise and The Development Manager.

They support the unemployed and those seeking a career change, as well as employed people looking to gain the digital skills required to secure more responsibility or a promotion with their current employer.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “Our bootcamps have been a great success and provided a clear pathway for people to move into work.

"And so I am delighted that we can now continue our great work and get more residents the skills they need to move into the high-quality, well-paid jobs of the future.”

Tony Shergill, CEO of BritAsia TV, which is providing two of the new bootcamps, added: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this new round of funding from the WMCA, providing opportunities to young adults with creative skillsets but who may be under-represented within the industry."

NEW EDUCATION STUDY OFFERS STRATEGIES TO FILL COVID LEARNING GAPS A new education study has identified s t r a t e g i e s governments can use to address the disruptions and learning gaps created by school closures and other responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat and South Africa-based JET Education Services, the report urges governments to build more resilient education systems that can withstand future crises and ensure continuity of educational provision and access to education services, especially for marginalised populations.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Education Systems in the Commonwealth report (PDF) is a collation of eleven research papers drew on the experience and expertise of several researchers and established experts to provide insight into early interventions and mitigation strategies.

It comprehensively examines the short - and long-term impacts of the pandemic and identifies priority issues for governments and policymakers to focus on in order to address the possible negative impact on students, particularly those in low-income countries, rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Using research from a selection of Commonwealth countries, one key finding that was repeatedly highlighted in the report is that of the delivery of education and access to quality education.

The report found that these and other existing educational inequalities were further exacerbated by national lockdowns finding communities that were already disadvantaged and excluded from adequate resources and support before the pandemic in a far much worse situation, leading to the reduction of learning opportunities and school performance.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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NETBALL QUAD SERIES 2022

T l Lorri Delahunty

Vegan Clothes Creator An Entrepreneurial Spirit Winner At National Awards WORCESTER-BASED businessperson, Lorri Delahunty, the founder of VEGAN Happy Clothing was named as Entrepreneurial Spirit Winner for the Midlands at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

In partnership with Starling Bank, the ceremony, held at London’s Grosvenor House, saw 159 entrepreneurs across the UK recognised for their entrepreneurial stories and achievements over the last year.

VEGAN Happy Clothing creates subtle and stylish vegan clothes that are ageless and could pair with the rest of many wardrobes.

From each sale, 10% is donated - with more from their net profits - to animal rescue centres. Elegant and classy, ontrend and edgy - with subtle VEGAN Happy logos - all items are ethically sourced and 100% vegan.

VEGAN Happy launch in America, last year, as well as developing a brand-new VEGAN Happy Urban range with edgier designs.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards launched in 2012 to celebrate the best of British enterprise, invited founders from across the UK to apply with their entrepreneurial success stories.

he Quad series 2022 was the first International series since January Nations Cup 2020 in Birmingham due to lock down.

The tournament was the last of the International series just 6 months before Commonwealth Games 2022; where England will defend 'that Gold Medal' was held on the 15th - 19th January 2022, at the Copper Box. Arena; London.

Netball fans travelled the length and breath of the country to pack the London Copper Box Arena to enjoy the thrill of the Quad Series; January 15th - 19th 2022.

Making up the quartet were, number one and number two in the world Australia and New Zealand, the host, World number three, England Roses; and representing Africa, World number five, South Africa, This was another build on momentum for the host England Roses, coming off the back their Tri series victory over World Number four, Netball Jamaica, just six weeks previous, and ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022.

This was a good opportunity for these top nations, and coaches to pit their wits against each other, whilst giving players a chance to secure their name on their respective team sheets for Commonwealth Games 2022.

Each team showed great tenacity over the 4 days.. The semi finals played on 18th January 2022 was a pre run of third place play off, New Zealand beat Netball South Africa 54-43 in their semi final; whilst the game between England Roses and the Aussie Diamonds was the thriller that didn't disappoint.

The last time these two sides met, England won the Commonwealth Gold medal in Australia. This however was the

Quad Series, which the Aussie Diamonds had won six times previously, and England were seeking their first victory in this competition..

Both teams now also had different coaches since their last played against each other.

England now have Jess Thirlby at the elm, whilst Tracey Marinkovick was making her debut; in an international competition with Australia.

This semi final, was an end to end game, and with seconds to go the ball was in the hands of Helen Housby again as in Commonwealth Games 2018; known as the 'ice Quuen', cool as you like, Housby put her shot away, to draw a sensational game 48 -48 all; to set up a thrilling final on the last day of the series.

The match up between Silver Ferns and Netball South Africa for the Bronze medal, was a sensational game; with Ferns winning 51- 50, . The final was an all to play for game; and the

crowd got right behind their England Roses.

However although it was too close to call across the first three quarters, Coach Jess Thirlby said her side appeared to just run out of steam in the final quarter; handing the Aussie Diamonds and their new coach; Michelle Marinkovich their six quad series title with their biggest win over the England Roses since 2016, 58-46.

The Diamonds Goal Shooter Great Bueta, had an outstanding Quad Series, being named player of the final match; and of the series.

Bueta has surely put her self in connection for the Diamonds Commonwealth Games Team, shooting 98 percent accuracy, missing just one of her forty two shots in the final..

This back to Netball mum, who had travelled with her son Bobby and family, said 'this was a very special moment and she was really delighted at the way Netball Australia has embraced

her'.

This history making moment saw Geva Mentor gaining her 150th Cap for the England Roses. Two rising stars of African decent representing two Southern Hempesphere sides. was also a change in the game.

21 year old Sunday Aryang of Ethiopia decent, gained her first cap for the Aussie Diamonds, whilst 19 year Grace Nweke of Nigerian decent, gained her second cap playing for the Silver Ferns.

Both were eligible as these are now the countries where they reside their families. With their native countries having not yet embraced this top female sport of netball.

There is a hope that this maybe due to the next Netball World Cup in 2023 being held in South Africa, may bring about this chance. One thing is for sure Netball is set to make the headlines at 6 months time at the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Barbados Signs Up With China's Expanding BRI Strategy AFTER OFFICIALLY become a republic, which marked its independence from the UK, and the birth of the world's newest republic, Barbados signed up to China's BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), a strategy seeking to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and sea networks to stimulate growth and trade, shortly before the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

With an office in Beijing has been opened to facilitate investment in the Caribbean nation, many are concerned that their new independence may be short-lived as China appears to be expanding its influence in the Caribbean.

The Far East Asian world powerhouse has reportedly ploughed into the Barbadian economy more than £400million to improve the country's homes, infrastructures and to build a hotel.

In the run-up to the officially cutting of ties with the Crown, the Caribbean island’s Prime Minister, Mia Mottley was asked whether she was swapping one superpower for another.

In a swift response, she said: "Barbados established relations with the People's Republic of China 44 years ago - in 1977 - and therefore to suggest that we now seek to ingratiate China means you don't understand where we come from, what we are doing, or where we are going.

"All countries in today’s world should be engaging in working relationships with each other.

And, China is clearly a global power. For us not to have a relationship with China, even if we didn't have 44 years ago, would be foolish."

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CHTA Remembers Late Tourism Pioneer Jean Holder THE CARIBBEAN Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) saluted the late Jean Holder for his pioneering work in establishing tourism as the major economic driver for the region.

Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA, said: “His finely honed academic instincts allowed him to clearly see that many of our Caribbean countries could not enjoy full independence without economic independence from their former colonial overlords, so he moved quickly to find ways of ensuring tourism was expanded to free our nations from an overreliance on foreign aid.”

CHTA’s acting CEO and Director General, Vanessa Ledesma, said: “From the moment I entered the Caribbean tourism space Jean Holder was always a key figure in our region’s bread-and-butter industry, and for three decades, he effectively led CTO and its predecessor organization, the Caribbean Tourism Research and Development Centre, and reached out to connect with those of us in the private sector.”

Frank Comito, a veteran Caribbean tourism executive and former CEO and Director General of CHTA, said: “Jean Holder, along with his private sector counterpart, John Bell, then CEO and Director General for the then Caribbean Hotel Association, broadened the developmental approach to Caribbean tourism beyond marketing, and set the stage for collaboration between the region’s governments, the private sector, and international organisations on a range of developmental matters. He left an indelible mark on the Caribbean and tourism, and today we all benefit from his stewardship.”

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ith the countdown to the Commonwealth Games 2022 six months away, alot of excitement surronds the University of Birmingham as one of the partners for the games.

Since hosting the Jamaica Athletics team, ahead of the London 2012 Olympics; with their wealth of stars, which included King and Queen of the track; Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce; they aim form a Legacy with this tiny island, some 4649 miles across the Atlantic An important link in a city with a huge Jamaican Diaspora community. Home Town Heroe from this Diaspora community is also a Netball Coach at the University.

In September 2021 Bradley Evans was one of eight Jamaican students from the University of the West Indies, who appllied via the European Erasmus Programme, based on their academics; were successful in gaining a place at University of Birmingham to study a range of subjects, Bradley Evans is from the parish of St Catherine, Jamaica, a UWI student studying Political Science, and International Relations degree; in a aim to become a Diplomat. Bradley explained he has a passion second to none for Badminton, and that he chose University of Birmingham having heard of their sporting prowess, he googled the badminton team, and saw they had a professional set up and that help to cement his decision to apply to do his Semester with University of Birmingham.

I was drawn to the story of Bradley Evans, firstly as a black student at the University of Birmingham, I caught a vision of him playing badminton, not a sport commonly linked to the African Caribbean community on a competitive level.

Bradley explains he was a talented footballer in his earlier years, but unfortunately due to an injury, his mother was advised against him returning to the sport.

However because of his love of sport, he sort to find another sport to harness his passion.

Bradley explains badminton was one of the lead sports at his High School; Oberlin High School in Lawrence Tavern, St. Catherine.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 45

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COMMONWEALTH CONNECTIONS

By Joan ‘LJ’ Hunter

l Bradley with Fontaine Chapman (left) and head coach Lorraine Cole, (right). Below: With LJ

Bradley describes he has felt the buzz in Birmingham as the Commonwealth Games City; and at University of Birmingham as one of the partners of the games.

He recalled how when he registered for trials for the University Badminton team, that he got a few strange looks; He said "I'm not sure they believe me I could play, as a black person playing badminton isn't

the norm".

However Bradley was pleased he earned his place on the University of Birmingham Badminton club, on the Men's first team where he played as their Number 2. He ended the season in December by becoming the Club Champion.

He has enjoyed the whole experience of his studies and his sport, saying he found a Badminton Family.

He spoke fondly of the encouragement and support from coaches Former England Internationals, Head Coach Lorraine Cole, and Asst. Coach Fontaine Chapman.

Cole described Bradley as 'a joy to have; and spoke of how they welcomed his talent into the badminton family'.

Chapman former England No1; said she was surprised and pleased to see Bradley on the badminton court.

Acknowledging badminton is a sport with low visibility of black people, at Elite level, and Bradley's presence; similar to herself in the sport, compounds the message that representation is everything.

Chapman was instrumental in introducing Bradley to the local business proprietor, of Racketline, Pritesh Pattni, who was so impressed with Bradley; he has now offered him a sponsorship.

Bradley is part of the Jamaica's National Squad; hoping to trial for the Badminton Commonwealth Games Team in the coming months. His story is one determination; and he wants to encourage any young person how to overcome obstacles that may come their way. Bradley's aims to return the University of Birmingham in September 2022 to complete his Masters.

Tonga Volcano Eruption Said To Be More Powerful Than Atomic Bomb THE VOLCANIC eruption in Tonga that triggered a tsunami was hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima during World War Two, Nasa says. More than four-fifths of the population was affected by the tsunami and falling ash, with three people confirmed killed.

Nasa says the eruption was so powerful all the new land has gone, along with large chunks of the two older islands. In the immediate aftermath of the eruption and tsunami, there were fears that water sources had been polluted by the thick blanket of ash, increasing the risk of diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.

However, officials noted that testing in recent days had cleared ground water and rainwater as safe to drink, but fine volcanic ash and emissions continue to pose a public health risk where exposure could potentially cause breathing difficulties, affect the cardiovascular system, and irritate the lungs, eyes and skin.

The government added that many residents could be moved again to the main island Tongatapu due to a lack of food and supplies.

Rescuers set up a field hospital there after the existing clinic was swept away in the tsunami.

Ships and planes carrying foreign aid were arriving in Tonga after locals were finally able to clear the island's only airport runway of ash.

New Zealand and Australia air force and naval carriers led the international response to make contact-less drops of supplies including water, food, hygiene kits, tents, watertreating and telecommunications repair equipment. The remote archipelago was cut off for five days because the explosions severed the sole fibre-optic sea cable bringing internet to the island.

Maldives Rejoins The Commonwealth To Make It 54 In The Global Organisation

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aldives has rejoined the Commonwealth, bringing the total number of nations in the global organisation to 54.

The change happened on Saturday 1 February – the same day when the UK left the European Union.

Famed for its sandy white beaches and luxury tourist resorts, the archipelago in the Indian Ocean originally quit the Commonwealth in 2016. At that time, it had been

threatened with suspension over its human rights record and lack of progress on democratic reform.

But a new president elected in 2018, Ibrahim "Ibu" Mohamed Solih, got a surprise win on the back of pledges to change. Since then political prisoners have been freed and exiled opposition figures have been allowed to return home.

Formed of nearly 1,200 islands - most of them uninhabited – and home to around 500,000 people, the

‘newest’ Commonwealth member had to show evidence of functioning democratic processes and popular support for being part of the group of nations to be let back in, along with unanimous agreement by all other nation members.

The Queen is the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, and more than 2.4 billion citizens make up the voluntary association.

President Mohamed Solih said: “We are proud for what was a very happy

day for Maldivians. As a very young democracy, the Commonwealth's foundational values of the promotion of democracy, human rights, good governance, multilateralism and world peace remain relevant to us more than ever".

Being a member again means Maldives gets the support of 80 organisations that promote development, democracy and peace, which will also get access to experts offering impartial advice and solutions to national problems, as well as systems, software and research for managing resources.

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THE UK AGREE TO SPENDING UP TO £12M TO FUND MEALS FOR COMMONWEALTH VETERANS

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he UK has agreed to spend up to £12m to fund two meals a day for thousands of Commonwealth veterans who served in the British military but are now in need.

The programme will be delivered through a charity called the Royal Commonwealth ExServices League.

This follows the International Development Secretary, Penny Mordant, saying that the move was set up to help up to 4,500 former service personnel as well as some 2,500 widows or widowers of veterans from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Caribbean. The announcement by the Department for International Development came ahead of Armistice Day commemorations, 100 years after the end of the First World War. Announcing the move Ms Mordant said: "We owe a tremendous amount to these Commonwealth Veterans. The British public would be shocked to know that those who have served alongside our armed forces would.

"It is absolutely right to make this commitment. I think the British public would approve of us pledging this support because of the sacrifices the Commonwealth veterans have made and because of the debt of gratitude we owe to them."

An estimated 4.5 million Commonwealth soldiers fought in the British Army in the Second World War. Many more Commonwealth soldiers fought in further conflicts.

Around 14,000 veterans are living across the Commonwealth,

with 7,000 veterans and their widows in need of support to meet their basic needs.

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Pakistan In Top Three On Economist Normalcy Index FINANCE MINISTER Shaukat Tarin says Pakistan has stood in the top three in the Economist normalcy index for the third consecutive time.

The global normalcy index of the Economist has ranked Pakistan second in the world that measured recovery and opening up of society and economy postCOVID-19.

In a tweet today, he said no other country has achieved this in the world. The same is reflected in the revised GDP growth of 5.37 percent in FY21, the second-best in the last 14 years. He said the government is moving on with structural changes, inclusive growth and policy actions.

He pointed out that Bloomberg has also recognized that Pakistan has entered the decade of sustained growth. The Minister said the next ten years will help reduce income disparity, increase employment and improve human development.

It was stated by Minister for Planning and Development, Asad Umar from his Twitter handle, who – in sharing the index report - said Pakistan was 3rd in the first evaluation and number one in the second. He said Pakistan is the only country in the world

l Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin to be among the top 3 in all three rankings.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had said the inflation was a temporary phenomenon that would start coming down in a few days. Addressing a launching ceremony of the National Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Policy, the prime minister said that there is inflation in the country but the steps taken by the incumbent government to mitigate inflation would show positive impacts in the coming days.

Ocean States Master Basics Of Compliance In Coastal Fisheries

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early 70 government officials from 16 Commonwealth countries are now equipped with the basic know-how to manage effective compliance in coastal fisheries – a crucial step in protecting the ocean and advancing the blue economy – with support from OceanMind and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

OceanMind, a leading agency in the sector, and the Commonwealth Blue Charter programme, joined forces to deliver an introductory training course about the legal, policy and management elements that ensure coastal fisheries regulations are followed.

The topic is particularly relevant for 47 out of 54 member countries of the Commonwealth

which border the ocean.

Complying with fisheries regulations helps these oceanreliant economies protect against overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, while mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The online course was delivered twice over a four-day period (2225 November) and included 67 marine professionals from all five regions of the Commonwealth, in multiple time zones. Most participants were based in small states in the Pacific, Caribbean and Africa.

Nick Wise, OceanMind CEO, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to support the international community with this introductory course. The training established a baseline knowledge across various professionals working in the monitoring,

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control and surveillance sector as well as fisheries managers.

Dr Jeff Ardron, programme lead for the Commonwealth Blue Charter, added: “Coastal fisheries feed coastal communities.

Establishing better ways to ensure their productivity and good governance will safeguard present and future generations across the Commonwealth. My sincere appreciation to the team at Ocean Mind for sharing its wealth of experience with our Commonwealth Blue Charter members. Next, we will begin to scope out and establish incountry pilot projects.”

Course participants welcomed the course as “helpful”, “compelling” and “straight to the point”.

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EML’s Partner REPX Launches AS Roma's Official Prepaid Card EML PAYMENTS powers REPX's innovative digital and physical payment product for fans in Europe of the Italian Serie A TIM soccer team, AS Roma. The beloved Yellow And Reds (Giallorossi) Head Coach is José Mourinho.

The General Purpose Reloadable (GPR) virtual and physical cards for the team's fanbase across Europe set the scene for a host of exclusive experiences for cardholders with behind-the-scenes privilege experiences. ''AS ROMA cardholders can enter a world of unique experiences allowing interactions with their favourite team, with access to exclusive offers and news about merchandising, tickets, invitations to VIP events and even meetings with their adored football stars,'' explained Ian Clowes, CEO at REPX. ''EML's thrilled to enable REPX to deliver a technologically advanced product to AS Roma as a platform to help reward supporters for years of loyalty across Europe,'' said Nikki Evans, CEO Europe at EML.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2022 - Page 47

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

LIQUI MOLY TEAM ENGSTLER CHANGES TO HONDA FOR 2022

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ith its Engstler racing team, the German motor oil and additive manufacturer become one of the main Honda customer team in the WTCR and TCR Germany.

In the new season, LIQUI MOLY Team Engstler will be driving Honda Civic Type R TCR vehicles in the WTCR and TCR Germany.

Peter Baumann, Marketing Director at the lubricant specialist, is optimistic about the newly agreed cooperation: “We are very excited to be part of the global Honda motorsports program starting next season.

“And we are confident that we can live our corporate values very well with Honda. The motorsport expertise of the team led by Franz Engstler, our passion and the joy of working together will harmonize very well and lead to the desired success in sport as well as for the Honda and LIQUI MOLY brands.”

Franz Engstler, team owner of LIQUI MOLY Team Engstler:

“We are extremely proud and will commit everything we have to adding more chapters to Honda’s great and successful motorsports history.” Honda Racing drivers Tiago Monteiro (Portugal) and Attila Tassi (Hungary) will drive in the WTCR wearing the LIQUI MOLY Team Engstler outfit. The driver line-up for TCR Germany will be announced at a later date.

The Ulm-based company relies on its core competence for all its racing activities on two and four wheels.

Günter Hiermaier, sole managing director of Liqui Moly GmbH from March 2022 says: “Motorsport and our brand belong together.

“Our products stand for the highest quality and reliability, which we prove to an international audience every weekend in motorsport.

Our business partners in particular benefit from our international brand presence and our technical expertise. l Peter Baumann Marketing Manager LIQUI MOLY “That’s why we dearly hope to be (right side) and Franz Engstler are looking forward to able to welcome our partners to the the partnership with Honda events again in person soon.”

l Tracy Novak

eSkootr Championship appoints new Director of Communications THE ESKOOTR Championship (eSC) has appointed Tracy Novak as Director of Communications. Novak joins eSC with over two decades’ experience working at the highest level in motorsport, including Formula One teams, the governing body for world motorsport - the FIA - and most recently its national sporting authority Motorsport UK where she was Director of Marketing and Communications.

Novak’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for eSC as the Championship builds towards its debut season, with the race schedule, rider line-up and details of the eSC Commission soon to be announced. Her strategic perspective, international experience and diverse network of contacts will be key in shaping and delivering communications for the Championship and helping eSC to achieve its mission.

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Liqui Moly Team Engstler Changes To Honda For 2022 - Page 47

eSkootr Championship appoints new Director - Page 47

WARWICKSHIRE TO BEGIN THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENCE AT HOME Olympic Stars Thompson-Herah And Neita F ixtures for the 2022 domestic season have been announced and men’s LV= Insurance County Champions Warwickshire will begin their title defence at Edgbaston versus Surrey starting on Thursday 7 April.

Having lifted the Championship for the eighth time in September, Warwickshire also host Essex, Northamptonshire, Lancashire, Kent, Somerset and Hampshire in the seven First Class fixtures at Edgbaston this summer.

Warwickshire’s opening six matches of the LV= Insurance County Championship will be played from Thursday to Sunday over seven weeks.

There will be five rounds played during June and July – an increase from the three rounds during the same period last summer.

“We can’t wait for our defence of the Championship to begin,” said Warwickshire men’s captain Will Rhodes.

Getting wins on the board early was crucial for us in winning

last season’s Championship, so hopefully we can do the same again and maximise the opportunity of the first three of our first five games coming at home.”

In the Vitality Blast, the Bears, who will be captained by West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, will get underway at home against Northants Steelbacks on Thursday 26 May. The Club’s popular annual Family Fun Day will follow just three days later on Sunday 29 May, when both the Bears and Central Sparks will be in T20 action.

Brathwaite said: “Hopefully this season we can take that momentum all the way. My target as skipper is to get the team to Finals Day. It is our home ground and we want to show up and show off there.”

All four of Warwickshire’s home games in the Royal London Cup will be played at the Edgbaston, including the visits of Sussex on 12 August, Notts Outlaws on 17 August, Durham on 21 August and Somerset on 23 August.

Headline Women’s 60m In Birmingham

MULTIPLE OLYMPIC champion Elaine ThompsonHerah (JAM) and two-time Olympic bronze medallist Daryll Neita (GBR) will race over 60m at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix – a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting – at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.

Thompson-Herah, gold medallist in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay in Tokyo, is the Jamaican national record-holder and second-fastest woman of all time over 100m (10.54) and 200m (21.53).

Her incredible CV includes five Olympic titles and one silver across two Games, in addition to a World Championships relay title and 200m silver in 2015.

A World Indoor Championships bronze medallist over 60m, she has a personal best of 6.98.

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“I’m so excited to race in Birmingham to start my 2022 campaign,” said the 29-year-old.

“I have enjoyed competing in the UK over the years and there is always a special atmosphere at this venue. I can’t wait to give

fans something to cheer about in Birmingham.”

Neita, Olympic relay bronze medallist in Tokyo and Rio and twice a World Championships silver medallist had an outstanding 2021 during which she recorded

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lifetime best performances over 100m (10.93) and 200m (22.81).

The 25-year-old finished eighth in the Olympic 100m final in Tokyo and is the second-fastest British athlete of all time. Her 60m best is 7.21 from February 2021.

She says: “Although Elaine remains faster than me, I have to believe that the gap has closed since then and that with the backing of our brilliant British supporters, I can be more competitive this time around.”

The Müller Indoor Grand Prix (on Saturday February 19) is the fifth meeting of the seven 2022 World Athletics Indoor Tour (Gold) meets, which started in Karlsruhe in January and culminating in Madrid on March 2.