The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

Promoting Diversity for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022

Billionaire Dangote, in bid for Arsenal takeover Page 47

MAY 2020

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation Inside This Month

We talk to a ‘Guardian Angel’ - Pages 4+5

LEGENDARY Captain Tom. 100 Years Old.

COVID-19 Updates - Page 3

WW2 Veteran. £30m raised for NHS. 2 Guinness World Records. UK Number 1 Page 9 Honorary Colonel. Special Royal Mail Postmark. A Knighthood?

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Page 2 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

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NEWS

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The views and promises of advertisers in The Phoenix Newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement

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Were the WHO and USA Initial Responses to COVID-19 Too slow?

A

By Dr Tony Talburt

ccording to President Trump, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been too China centric and should have been more forceful in getting access to credible data about the true extent of what is now called the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does President Trump have a point? However, was his own regime also slow in preparing for, and responding to, this pandemic?

It seems that both the WHO and President Trump’s regime were, for different reasons, slow in their initial response to this pandemic.

COVID-19 was first officially reported to the WHO office in China on 31 December 2019.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,

the director-general of WHO, declared COVID-19 as a global health emergency on 30 January 2020.

It was, therefore, a very serious threat, but not serious enough to described as a pandemic.

This official declaration was eventually announced on 11 March 2020,. Dr Tedros stressed, he was concerned ‘both by the alarming levels of spread and severity of the disease and also by the alarming levels of inaction."

Tedros, is quoted, according to the New Statesman (12 March 2020) as insisting “If countries could focus on detecting, testing, treating, isolating, tracing, and mobilising their people in the response, those with a handful of cases can prevent those cases becoming clusters, and

those clusters becoming community transmission.”

But why did it take so long for this outbreak to be declared a pandemic? A pandemic, according to the WHO, is a world wide spread of a new disease.

The WHO seemed determined to wait until over a hundred countries were affected by the disease, out of the 195 member states in the world, before it could officially declare it as a pandemic.

Perhaps the WHO was trying to tread a tight rope between the level of accountability it owes to its major funders, including the USA and China, as well as not to cause panic by declaring COVID-19 to be a pandemic.

This comes against the background of having made a

similar mistake or premature call in 2009 in response to a global flu outbreak at that time.

It was criticised for causing fear and overreaction in 2009, and this time around, it seems the WHO was little more cautious.

In this sense, President Trump probably has a point when he says the WHO could have been more forth-coming and also should have insisted on getting reliable information from China in the face of their alleged under-reporting of actual infections and fatalities.

Whereas the WHO were treading a difficult tight-rope, President Trump seems equally guilty of inaction.

In the two months leading to the official announcement by the WHO on 11 March 2020, President Trump gave completely contradictory statements and responses regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Jan 22, when asked by a reporter at a Whitehouse briefing, whether Americans should be worried about the COVID-19 outbreak, Trump said ‘we have it totally under control, it’s one person coming in from China.’

On February 26, when asked by reporters about the country’s first reported case, Trump once again said ‘everything would be ok and that it would only involve a few people (he actually said about five people).

On march 9, Trump tweeted that the risk to Americans from the virus is low and that the Democrats were inflaming the situation for political purposes.

Of course, all this time the virus was spreading throughout the country. Then came Trump’s bombshell.

On March 17, the President declared that he felt it was a pandemic long before the WHO declared it as such.

This begs the question, if he really felt this way, why did he not say something before?

Furthermore, apart from restricting Chinese people entering the country, why did his regime not do much more in terms of stepping up testing, and isolation and community tracing strategies?

In this respect, he too, is guilty of not doing enough in the early period.

It is unfortunate that because of their own politics and a sense of accountability to their particular constituents, both institutions engaged in delays.

We now have to wait to see whether they can claw back some degree of credibility and normality in the coming months.

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 3

NEWS

COVID-19 Updates

T

hese are very strange times and I am acutely aware of the concerns that we all facing in these unprecedented times.

Many of us are struggling to deal with loss and bereavement compounded with isolation and not having the emotional support to engulf us as we deal with grief.

I have listened and heard of many tragedies and heartache but we need to be strong and together we can support each other until this dark cloud lifts which it will.

We are all having to rely on

technology as a way to keep in touch friends and families and support one another.

With the grace of God we are seeing many angels supporting each other in this darkness – our NHS, our care workers, shop keepers and supermarket workers, our faith leaders and our community, business and voluntary sector all selflessly supporting our vulnerable citizens and communities.

The one thing that I am really currently very, very worried about is suppression – in this I mean people failing to call their GP’s,

l Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health for BCC

dial 111 or go to A&E until their symptoms are critical.

This I am worried will lead to further heartache and tragedy that can be avoided so please remember your GP surgeries, 111 and A&E departments are open.

As the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing I received messages that people in our Black and Ethnic Minority Communities were concerned that there was a higher COVID19 death rate in their communities.

In order to address this and get answers to these questions from our leading doctors and consultants I called for an emergency Birmingham Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Thursday 23rd April 2020.

As this is clearly an issue of great concern to members of the public. An open invitation to submit questions for the BHWB emergency meeting resulted in almost 600 questions from over 200 individuals.

For the meeting these questions were themed and thirteen were answered by representatives from Public Health England, the NHS, Public Health, NHS England, Birmingham Voluntary and Community Sector, and Healthwatch Birmingham.

The common concerns raised including the feeling that BAME death rate is higher, and issues relating to socio-economic factors, deprivation, overcrowding, inactivity and diet and these driving health inequalities, especially higher rates of long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension in our BAME

communities.

An audio recording of the meeting can be accessed via https://bit.ly/35eXUDS. We will be responding individually to all the questions.

I have on 27th April alongside with the vice chair of the Birmingham Health and Wellbeing Board, Dr Peter Ingham sent a letter to Matt Hancock the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

The letter sent sets out issues raised at the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting with a copy of the questions asked.

I have asked the Secretary of State for Birmingham’s report that will be produced to be considered with the national piece on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic inequalities in the Covid19 outbreak.

I have asked for additional analysis from our local hospitals demonstrating how particular sectors of our population are being impacted differently by the coronavirus-19 epidemic.

There is a need for routine local and national health and coronavirus-19 data broken to be down by demography – the absence of this data is creating fear in our community, this is clearly demonstrated in the number of questions raised by Birmingham’s residents.

It is important that this is done in a clear and transparent way on a regular basis at local authority as well as national level to review trends against baseline demographic data and this must also looks at differences between

l Cllr Paulette Hamilton different ethnic communities.

There is also a need for an independent review of health and social care deaths that includes full detailed review to understand differential patterns of death in BAME health and social care professionals and this must include the breadth of social care staff, not just NHS staff.

I will continue to challenge this issue and champion the health of our BAME communities and all residents of Birmingham.

Our NHS colleagues present at the audio meeting, were able to reassure communities that GP surgeries were open and that they were providing more telephone, and online consultation as we find new ways of reaching out

and supporting those that are vulnerable and ill.

I am concerned with suppression in some of our communities and people presenting later when they need more targeted higher intervention, which could have been managed more effectively with earlier intervention support and medical guidance.

Please do look after yourself it will take time, but we will come through this and remember stay safe and well – and social isolation is key to getting us through these dark times. Look after yourselves and your wellbeing and please do exercise and remain strong and positive.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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Page 4 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - J

“I was the luckiest b**tard that ever was born!”

J

ill Desperles has a larger than life personality, a quick wit, and an even sharper tongue, who is, in her own words, “80 years of age, with the brain of a 20 year old,” and it’s hard to disagree with her.

Born out of wedlock in June 1939 just before the war started, and considering how women were put away in homes in disgrace at the time, Jill was brought up by her mother and Grandfather in Broomhouse Lane, Edlington, Near Doncaster, South Yorks.

Her grandfather, Charlie, had been put down the mines from 12 years of age, and had held their family together with glue. “He was a century ahead of his time,” Jill remembered fondly, “he wasn’t

prejudiced, he was intelligent, and he taught me to put my head up high, be proud of who I was, and if anyone else had a problem, then that was their problem.

“I was loved and brought up, and if I am anything to be proud of nowadays, then I owe it all to that man.”

Charlie brought Jill up from the cradle, teaching her how to think, how to overcome hate, and how not to pre-judge. “Kids those days were told to be seen and not heard,” reminisced Jill, “but I was told that I had an opinion, and as long as I expressed that with respect, then I should be heard.”

Jill went through her primary education where she, in her own words “pratted around” and ended

up fighting with her mates because she has “always been a bit of a rebel!”

It was when she was at her local secondary modern school, and the girls were all leaving there to work in the local knicker factory in Islington that she decided to buck her ideas up. “I did NOT want to work at the bloody knicker factory!” she exclaimed. “I took the exam for the Rotherham College of Technology and Arts, which I passed and got in on a Junior Nursing course.”

After 3 years in nursing, someone came in while Jill was working and said they were going to join the forces. Jill thought it sounded interesting, so a bus to Sheffield later, and being unsuccessful at

l A modern day photo of Broomhouse Lane, Edlington, Near Doncaster, South Yorks.

This is where Jill spent her childhood 1939 - 1957

To advertise

l Jill Desperles, the personality and legendary saleswoman finding the Army centre, she signed on at the Air Force recruiting centre.

“That was in 1957, I joined the Womens Royal Air Force, and when I told my granddad he nearly had a heart attack! They sent for me 3 months later and off I went.

I remember him saying to me, because you used to be able to buy yourself out of the forces in those days if you didn’t like it, ‘Don’t think I’m going to buy you out lass! You’ve made your bed, you’ve got to lie on it you know!’”

Jill was in the RAF from 1957 to 1959 where she met her first husband – “A lovely man who never should have married me” – for Jill, as you may have guessed by now is a rather headstrong woman.

She had her first child in 1959, her second in ’63, and her third in ’67.

“Unfortunately days were very bad then, you didn’t get money if you didn’t work and he was a dreamer. A very talented artist, but he didn’t want to work, he wanted to draw, and we went into poverty.”

Sadly the old saying “When poverty strikes your door, Love flies out the window” rang true, and they divorced, as Jill went back into nursing in ’68.

She left nursing and moved to Birmingham when she met her second husband, and applied for a salesperson job for Thompson Yellow Pages. “At the time I was living in a caravan, and I’d been

looking lovely but it had been raining and was very muddy so I turned up at that interview like a drowned rat with wellies on and covered in dirt.”

The chap who was running the operation at Hagley House on Hagley Road in Birmingham had Jill in front of him, and asked her why he should give her the job. “Because you’ve got to!”

“We worked hard, and we played hard.”

Jill exclaimed, “if you don’t give people like me this job then you’ll be sat on those phones yourself won’t you?”

“He burst out laughing, and called me a cheeky so and so, but I stood as much chance as anyone else on those phones to sell and all I needed was to be given the chance.”

The press were against Jill and the team, who we were known as the intertia sales girls because Thompson’s was owned by Lord Thompson, who brought the American sales techniques in, which were ‘push push push, train train train, pressure pressure pressure.’

It was at Thompsons where Jill

0208 865 1922 (London)

realised her love, and talent, for selling. Under the guiding wing of Sandra Hopkins, ‘a lovely dainty thing who I so respected’, Jill learned the ropes.

“I’m very headstrong, and listened to my trainer but did what I wanted, but not under Sandra.

She’d plug in and tell me what to say, and if I didn’t say it, she’d cut the call off instantly. “If you’re not listening to me, you’re not calling, you’re being a prat.”

“So I’d ring back and apologise for getting disconnected, and I learned very quickly to heed to what she said. She told me ‘If you want to shortcut a call Jill, you do it when you’re good and you’re getting results, but while you’re training, you will follow this call to the letter, you will study selling.’

That is where Jill started, she needed to get her children with her and get out of the caravan she was in so she studied selling until she knew it like the back of her hand.

A skill she certainly still has to this day as she rattled off a perfectly executed mock-call during the interview.

“I was also taught that if a company hires you to sell their products, then take pride in what you’re doing, and do it to the best of your ability,” she explained, “How can you sell if you don’t know what you’re selling inside out? They’re going to be throwing objections at

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 5

JILL DESPERLES you left right and centre, you’ve got to be able to bat them out of the way.”

After rising up the ranks from trainee all the way to senior through a lot of hard work, Jill was in charge of the sales room, with “her boys and girls” under her, including The Phoenix Newspaper Editor-In-Chief, Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc. “I’m so proud of Marcia and all that she’s achieved so far. I’m still in touch with so many of my girls.

I had a right time with Marcia, she was as headstrong as I was!”

“The people who are coming on the phone these days trying to sell to me are useless! They haven’t been trained correctly, so I don’t blame them at all.”

“I used to tell my girls that they’ve got to open that box when selling. I’d throw them a matchbox with a thing rattling inside it and tell them to sell it to me there and then.

“They’d start ‘you are going to be delighted with what is in this box!’ and I’d tell them they’d lost the job already - they hadn’t even opened the box to see what was inside it, how can they sell something when they don’t know what it is they’re selling?!”

Jill was very good with her turnover of staff, she used to take the ones that reached target on holiday. “I was always pushing my bosses to give them incentives and it worked! My biggest one was time incentives.”

Essentially, if the girls reached their target and so much above, they could have Friday afternoon off. If they did more on top of that it would be the whole of Friday off. “I had one girl called Gilly Green who only worked Wednesday afternoons!”

According to Jill, running a telephone sales room is like going through the wild west with a load of steeds going out of control.

“If you’ve got a good sales girl you’ve got trouble. They’ve all got a good brain in their head and you’ve got to know how to handle them, when to push, when to back off.”

Jill used to run an ‘Agony Session’ on a Friday afternoon, as there was no point in her staff going home worrying over the weekend about their target else they’d come in demoralised on the Monday.

“I used to get them in one by one and find out what the problem had been that week, figure out a way forward and a plan for the next week and then send them home happy, and it got the results.”

One of the top reps and deputy MD at Thompsons left to join the Chambers of Commerce Directory publications, and he came back for Jill and her colleague Janet, who went with him.

“The Chamber of Commerce Directory was a lot of hard work, but relatively easy going, and eventually we attracted more Chambers, Merseyside, London, Sheffield, then we got the Confederation of British Industry

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

A Gentleman Passed This Way

By Jill Desperles

When I reflect upon my youth And think of all the love now gone I dwell upon one man’s life Who’s genes I hope I’ll carry-on.

Charles Thomas Turner was his name And mining in Yorkshire was his game Born to a miner of miners sons Bred into mining for generations.

This man was my granddad Charlie And when he was near no one could hurt me For packed into his 5 foot eight There stood a giant, a kindly saint.

He taught me all, right from my cradle Everything that he was able And as a toddler I stood by his knee Learning all about humanity.

l Jills grandfather Charlie working on the pit top with his pony called Spider in 1949 directory.

It was through this directory that she found herself at Downing Street with Cecil Parkinson and his wife, Anne, “who I got on wonderfully with while on the Pimms,” laughed Jill.

“She was a tiny woman, and everyone was bowing and scraping to queue up to talk to her, and I stood back and looked her up and down, and said ‘Anne Parkinson, I’ve only got one thing to say to you. How do you get all your vital organs into that little waist?’, and that did it, she was my pal for the evening!”

Jill was asked while at the press opening of the Barbican in London, to do the tannoy announcement telling people where to come to book an advert for the CBI directory, however when she arrived there, she was shown up on stage to a seat alongside the head of the London Chamber of Commerce, the head of the Barbican Centre, and a representative from Reuters, with nothing more than a one line quip written on the back of a cigarette paper.

“I sat there frozen, luckily there was a pen and paper between us on stage, and everyone else spoke before me. Telling of the history of Barbican, announcing the business opportunities now available with its opening, so I’m writing all this down.

“I stood up, and you could hear

a pin drop. I said ‘well what can I say that would better what you have already heard, as my learned friends here have told you’ and I recapped everything word for word, just adding that the lovely Denise is sat down there at the corner of the stage, this is your directory, you need to support it.

“And in the immortal words of May West, ‘Come up and see us sometime’, we’ll be waiting.”

“My happiest working years were in Hurst street in Birmingham for Industrial Newspapers as Guardian Communications, with my boys and girls (my works family) – we worked hard and we played hard.”

Unfortunately Jill fell very ill in September 2019, and nearly died, “but now I’m back again with a vengeance, and I feel I’ve got a lot to give before I die!”

She believes that people setting up sales teams need to know how to do it properly – questioning skilfully, always be closing, and using the three C’s – Courage, Confidence and Courtesy.

For all the people wondering about taking a leap into any industry, not just sales, Jill has some words of wisdom, “Do it. If you don’t try it, how do you know if you can or can’t do it? And if you can’t, at least you tried.”

“Sales isn’t a job for everyone, you’ve got to take the chance and go for it. I’ve had people from all walks of life, intellectuals who

can’t sell a bean, and people who can barely string two sentences together, who have buckled down and managed to make a good living from it.

“I would never ever put anybody down, because I was pushed down when I went to that first interview, I gave everyone a chance.”

We think you’ll agree, for ‘the luckiest b**tard that ever was born’, Jill Desperles certainly is an inspiration to many, and a true Woman of Excellence.

Now you know the stables where Dr Marcia McLaughlin of The Phoenix Newspaper came from, being taught by Jill, she only knew how to win.

“I remember fondly the years I spent with Jill at Guardian Communications as part of the Guardian Angels.” Marcia recalls, “We were put through our paces, and I’ll never forget what I was taught.”

“Without doing the Chamber of Commerce Directories, the Freight Industry Yearbook, the Green Book, and all the rest of the many publications we were in charge of in the 80’s, I wouldn’t be where I am today without those opportunities.

“Jill was my biggest mentor and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for giving me that opportunity all those years ago.

“Look what I’ve done with what you gave to me Jill, I hope I’ve made you proud.”

Ignore all that spite and nasty greed He’d wisely drawl out in his baritone speed And never, never, never hate Stay away from that useless gate.

Endeavor that in your life to fill Everything good and positive Jill Like peace, love and tranquillity Everything life and hope should be.

So laughing and living a life so carefree We walked through those years my Charlie and me On fearing his death, he’d chuckle and say Not me! I’ll dry up and blow away.

Oh happy, happy lazy days, I never thought I’d lose his gaze.

For he was mine, he belong to me, He couldn’t leave unexpectedly.

Because like all kids of tender years He shielded me from all life’s fears Unaware of how things could be As we climbed on up our family tree.

Then came the call on that fateful day Telling me my Charlie had passed away I can never express the enormous despair Of losing that man with his silvery hair.

50 years have passed since he’s been gone But that pain inside me still lingers on So tears in eyes I smile and say A working class gentleman passed this way.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

NEWS

New Deputy Lieutenants Appointed For The West Midlands

T

he Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr John Crabtree OBE, has announced the appointment of seven new Deputy Lieutenants.

The new Deputy Lieutenants have expertise in varied sectors including the armed forces, business, charity, communications, community cohesion, education, manufacturing, policing and technology.

The Lord- Lieutenant of the West Midlands is Her Majesty’s personal representative and the role involves supporting civic, ceremonial, voluntary, charitable and social activity.

Deputy Lieutenants support the Lord-Lieutenant in a number of ways including attending on Royalty during official visits to the County, representation at citizenship ceremonies, supporting the armed forces of the crown particularly the reserve and cadet forces, encouraging charitable and voluntary work and local initiatives to benefit the community as well as promoting

and encouraging nominations for Honours and Queen’s Awards for the county of the West Midlands.

The West Midlands Lieutenancy comprises Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

The new appointments of Deputy Lieutenants include: • Christine Arthur • Lawrence Barton • Liz Foster • Dr M Sakhawat Hussain • Rajinder Mann OBE • Ian Sargeant OBE • David Thompson QPM Prior to being invited to serve as Deputy Lieutenants, each person must have contributed

significantly to either national life, to their local communities – or both.

The new appointments bring the total of Deputy-Lieutenants in the West Midlands to 59.

The Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE, congratulated the seven new Deputy-Lieutenants on their appointment.

“The West Midlands is the second largest lieutenancy in England and Wales and is home to nearly 3 million citizens.

“I am very much looking forward to working with my new deputies as we continue to support the region at such a critical time.

“We face unprecedented challenges of course and I am confident that the West Midlands will continue its work, determined to support all our region’s communities.

“Both the new and all existing Deputy Lieutenants will be invaluable in supporting me in my role representing Her Majesty The Queen in the West Midlands,” said Mr Crabtree.

Christine Arthur DL C

hris is Group Managing Director of McCann PR & Social and a PR and communications expert with 30 years’ experience.

After graduating from the University of Birmingham with an Honours Degree in English, she joined the Birmingham Super Prix team.

Next, she became account executive with a leading West Midlands’ Public Relations consultancy and left as associate director five years later, to head up Key Communications, where she grew revenue of £200k and three staff to £2 million with 25 staff.

She was appointed

To advertise

0208 865 1922 (London)

Managing Director at McCann PR in 2007, taking full control of the PR, social and influencer operation.

She has been responsible for managing the reputations of a range of organisations at regional, national and global levels including Siemens, PwC, Eversheds, Vauxhall, Flybe, National Express, Stanley Black & Decker, The AA and RWE npower.

She has also worked with AWM, the Government Office for the West Midlands and Marketing Birmingham, and involved with landmark projects including The Bullring, NEC, ICC, Birmingham International Airport and Resorts World.

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 7

NEWS

Lawrence Barton DL Elizabeth Foster DL L

awrence Barton is a multiple business owner, Managing Director of GB Training, one of the UKs largest workbased learning providers, which supports more than five thousand learners a year.

Additionally, he is the current Festival Director for Birmingham Pride festival. He took over the stewardship of the event in 2009.

The success of Birmingham Pride, under Lawrence's stewardship, is evidenced by its scale and size.

Now one of the largest Pride festivals in the UK it is attended by tens of thousands of people annually and has raised £250,000 for charity.

Lawrence has served as a

Southside BID Director since 2011. He has dedicated the past eight-years to work with the BID within the Southside district of Birmingham to bring about much needed improvements to the district and worked with colleagues across other BIDs and the Local Authority to help improve and promote the city as a great destination in which to live, work and socialise.

Lawrence has served the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)as a commissioner since 2017.

Lawrence co-owns The Loft, The Village Inn, The Nightingale Club, James Mayor Furniture, Good with Wood and GB Training with an aggregate turnover approaching £20M.

E

lizabeth Foster was born and educated in Birmingham.

She briefly experienced life as police cadet before making a career in insurance in a career that has spanned 50 years for the last 13 of which she has led a Stourbridge-based independent insurance broking firm which was one of the first in the UK to achieve Chartered status with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

In 2005 she joined the board of the Faculty of Insurance Brokers at the CII and following restructuring at the CII, in 2018 became first non-executive director of the Society of Insurance Broking.

Elizabeth was chairman of the Parents’ Committee at Bromsgrove School before becoming Chair of Governors at Kings Norton Girls School.

In 2005, she helped launch the Insurance Leadership Group at The Prince’s Trust, becoming vice chairman and subsequently becoming chairman of the West Midlands Development Committee of The Trust being involved in the campaign to open a new Centre in Birmingham in 2018.

Elizabeth is an Ambassador for Maggie’s CancerCare, Coventry.

Dr M Sakhawat Hussain DL Rajinder Kaur Mann DL

D

r M Sakhawat Hussain is a progressive and multi-talented lecturer with more than 20-years of teaching experience as Professor/Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at universities and colleges of Further and Higher Education in England, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

He has excellent knowledge of materials engineering and technology and has supervised laboratory sessions in mechanical engineering, motor sports and civil engineering.

He is a recognised authority on the synthesis of high-quality nanostructured 2D and 3D surfaces such as

R

nano rods and nano wires by electrochemical techniques using a non-template process.

Active in sport, Dr Mohammad Sakhawat Hussain participated in the first division cricket league of Dhaka (then East Pakistan) and played football in Dhaka 3rd Division league.

More recently, he has played cricket in the Sandwell League (2nd Division), the Birmingham Park cricket league - briefly playing in the first division before suffering an injury.

It was his dream to play for a Test Match team – but unfortunately as a Bangladeshi, they did not have a test cricket team.

ajinder Kaur Mann is a passionate advocate for social justice and equality with more than 40-years of active involvement in the community and education sectors.

She is passionately committed to empowering people and organisations and believes that people can ‘become the change they want to see’.

As a member of the Sikh community, she has strong ‘Seva-centric’ (service) values and is always ready to help others.

She was conferred an OBE in 2011 and awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Wolverhampton University in 2013 in recognition for her work in equality and diversity.

Rajinder Kaur Mann is a

former Chief Executive and held several senior roles in education and continues to serve in the field through her governance and various committee roles at local and national level.

She is a Reader for the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further education and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She is approachable, caring and has a nurturing style with a strong person-centred approach and still supports people through mentoring and coaching.

She graduated from University of Birmingham with a Bachelor of Education Degree in English and History, Master of Social Sciences in Race and Education and is a trainer, mediator, NLP practitioner and coach.

Dr M Sakhawat Hussain Chief Constable Dave Thompson DL Group Captain Ian Sargeant OBE, DL, QHS, MB BS, DAvMed, FRCSEd(Orth)

G

roup Captain Sargeant joined the Royal Air Force in 1983, graduating from St Bartholomew’s Medical School in 1986.

After full registration he served as a Junior Medical Officer at RAF St Athan, prior to Junior hospital jobs at RAF hospitals in Ely, Wroughton, Wegberg and Halton.

Thereafter, he completed higher surgical training at Derby Royal Infirmary and Queens Medical Centre Nottingham.

Grp Capt Sargeant’s first Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon Consultant post was at MDHU Peterborough where he served from 1997 to 2002 before being posted to RCDM

within Selly Oak Hospital and latterly the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

He has deployed variously to Falklands, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Oman, Afghanistan, Kenya, Guyana and South Sudan.

He has held appointments as CA and DCA Trauma and Orthopaedics and now as Senior Royal Air Force Consultant.

In November 2014 he was appointed Military Clinical Director for RCDM supporting military consultant staff in NHS trusts. In January 2017 he was appointed a Queen’s Honorary Surgeon.

He is twice married with five children.

C

hief Constable Dave Thompson has served in policing for almost thirty years. He joined Greater Manchester Police in 1990 after graduating in Law at Liverpool University.

During his career in Greater Manchester Police he started as a constable in North Manchester. His career highlights included working on the Manchester Olympic bid and leading work on New Deal for East Manchester.

He commanded the main policing operations for the 2002 Commonwealth Games at the City of Manchester Stadium including the opening and closing ceremonies. He was also Commander for central Manchester, policing the

diverse communities of Moss Side and Longsight.

In 2007 he was appointed Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and at various times led policing portfolios for Operations, Local Policing, Crime, Information Technology and Terrorism.

In 2010, he became Deputy Chief Constable for West Midlands Police and oversaw the start of force’s change programme, WMP2020. In 2016 he became the force’s Chief Constable.

Chief Constable Thompson was awarded the Queens Police Medal in 2014 for services to policing.

He is married with two daughters and enjoys motor racing and cycling.

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Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Facebook launch gaming I app to challenge Twitch and YouTube

The Changing Nature of the Mass Media

F

acebook has launched a new dedicated gaming app ahead of its origin planned date in its latest attempt to grow its presence in the online gaming world.

They (Facebook) said that the accelerated launch was a direct response to the lockdown following the world coronavirus outbreak.

The dedicated Facebook Gaming app lets users follow high-profile games, watch live gaming streams and also be able to leave comments without interacting with the rest of Facebook.

It also lets gamers broadcast their own smartphone screen.

Facebook launched the gaming

app – available on Android for now - aimed at challenging the dominance of Twitch and YouTube in the live game-streaming market and is designed for people engaged in the online gaming community.

It will, however, be available with casual games and access to the gaming community.

Fidji Simo, head of the Facebook app, said: “Investing in gaming, in general, has become a priority for us. And, that is because we see gaming as a form of entertainment that really connects people”.

The app was apparently due to be released in July, but they had to bring it forward because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

l Gaming has become even more important during lockdown

Workers at superstores throughout the UK handed ‘thank-you’ bonus by bosses Marks & Spencer is the latest store chain to reward their staff with an extra 15% pay rise.

It follows Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s who have already promised their respective staff members an extra 10% bonus.

Asda is preparing to give its staff an extra week’s pay in June, which works out as a 25% bonus for the month.

Bosses say that they are rewarding “dedicated, committed and outstanding work”.

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with Dr Christopher Johnson

A

t is often perceived that `No news is good news’ and/or that most politicians tend to use a crisis to ‘bury bad news’.

Today’s media is grappling with the coverage of a global health crisis, on a scale that has left even Western governments’ healthcare organisational capabilities and capacities open to ridicule.

The media machinery is engaged with a tussle of either not ‘appearing’ to be the ‘mouthpiece’ of the state or trying to maintain its public opinion ‘custodian role’ with the masses.

But, can media operators rely on legislation to guide their actions?

What is the impact of their coverage on this global phenomenon, as daily occurrences are made manifest, to the profundity of not heeding salutatory, preventative measures?

The cardinal principles of journalism and professional writing, are to inform, educate and entertain, irrespective of prevailing norms.

The underreporting of minorities and service users of social care who are causalities of the pandemic, must be addressed according to demographic, ethnographic, psychographic and related socio-economic variables.

A sense of compassionate justice must prevail -not mere reportage.

Quality airtime and more column inches should be dedicated to various expert and lay perspectives involving virologists, veterinarians, nutritionists, behavioural scientists and civic proponents including faith leaders who are noticeably absent from the majority of daily conversations between state officials and the media.

The existing health issue means that ethical morality must not be sacrificed on the altar of hype and sensationalism,

as media agencies indulge unwittingly in point-scoring.

Covering complex issues such as health, economics, education and politics, demand the combination of official reports with anecdotal evidence.

In real time, citizens have access to daily public health information updates on the existing virus, yet little is being reported on ‘consequential’ maladies that are likely to occur.

As an alternative ‘story-teller’ and veritable contributor, social media is affecting the quality of ‘respectful intervention’, a term in social work to emphasise scrutiny in case work.

Although social media has a valued role in differing perspectives, it is unlikely to be an arbiter on complex health issues especially if they are outside the purview of expertness.

Noteworthy, media agencies – large or small; print, audio visual and online - must ensure that credible information and statistical accuracy remain vital ingredients in their armoury of reportage.

When the integrity of the media is comprised or implicated by ineptitude, mass audiences tend to conjure up their own opinions on either honest reporting or the legitimacy of the news organ in question.

Yet, by holding their news services to account, citizens are exercising their inalienable right to freedom of speech and acting in a patriotic way to ensure that public institutions are guided constantly by ethereal nature of amity, inclusivity, justness, reasonableness, sanctity and sensitivity.

Such attributes are be integral to public service broadcasting and professional writing in modern times.

The world does not need umpteenth crises for object lessons to be validated or learnt for social emulation.

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

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 9

NEWS

Very Happy Birthday To The Legendary Colonel Tom Moore!

H

e was one of the ‘forgotten soldiers’ who served in the Far

East.

As the majority of attention was being drawn towards gruelling, often tragic, battles in Europe and Africa, Captain Tom Moore was confronted by even harsher challenges fighting the Japanese rearguard, in Burma, during World War II. Some 75 years on and, approaching his 100th birthday, Cpt. Tom was at the fore again as, with walking-frame at hand, he raised well over £30 million for NHS charities, who are at the forefront in the UK in the global ‘war’ against the pandemic that is coronavirus, by walking 100 lengths of his

garden in Marston Moretaine, in Bedfordshire.

A lot has happened to the war veteran since attention was first drawn to him.

He was meant to raise £1,000 – but that rose to an extraordinary £30m on his birthday – and still rising – he reached No.1 in the pop charts with his duet with Michael Ball, with their rendition of ‘Walk On’ (he became the oldest person to reach No.1), he was made an honorary Colonel of the British Army, an honorary member of the England cricket team and, to top-of birthday celebrations, there was that memorable RAF Battle of Britain flypast as a Spitfire and Hurricane flew over his home.

And, of course, he, in reaching 100-years-old,

received a telegraph from The Queen – not to take away the 130,000 plus birthday card he received from all over the world.

Colonel. Tom said: “It is extraordinary to turn 100, especially with this many well-wishers.

“Reaching 100 is quite something. With so much interest in me and the generosity from so many people is quite overwhelming.

The NHS, key workers and the UK at large ‘doff their collective caps to Colonel Tom Moore, because, as the ‘fight’ sees no immediate end, as a true hero said himself; “Tomorrow will be a better day”.

Still, it will be a lot better if it was ‘Sir Tom Moore’?

l Captain Tom’s special Royal Mail Post Mark

Nevis Premier takes 100% salary cut during crisis The Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, has announced that he will forgo his whole monthly salary, for the foreseeable future, as a personal stance of solidarity with people of the Caribbean island whose own loss of earnings caused by the severity of coronavirus has impacted on them dramatically, due to the economic fallout.

Premier Brantley recently informed Nevisians of his decision when he said: “I have foregone my monthly salary and benefits in full, and I will continue to do so until this major crisis is over”.

l Captain Tom with his walker during his fundraising

Ecclestone, a dad again…age 89!

H

e was the face of Formula One throughout the world, but now, former Formula One chief, Bernie Ecclestone, is preparing for a new ‘addition’ to his high portfolio as he has announced that he is due to be a father again, at the age of 89.

The former F1 chief, who managed several teams before becoming head of the sport itself has announced that his third wife, Fabiana Flosi, is pregnant with what would be his fourth child – which is expected to be his first son.

The former motor racing driver has three daughters from his previous two marriages – Deborah, 65, from

Remembering HRHs Rally Call for UK

first wife Ivy Bamford , with Tamar, 35 and Petra, 31 from second wife, the Croatian model Slavica Radic.

He also has five grandchildren.

Ecclestone and 44-year-old Marketing Director, Fiana – both of whom who are currently in isolation at their farm in Sao Paolo, in her native Brazil - got married in 2012.

A delighted Bernie said: “I just want them (the baby and Fabiana) to be healthy.

“With her running her own coffee plantation I just want everything to be good”.

“Hopefully he doesn’t have any interest on Formula One”, Fabiana added.

l Bernie Ecclestone - Photo by Habeed Hameed

Remembering her stirring rallying message to the nation, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II said that the UK will succeed in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic?

In her rare and very special, moving speech, she thanked people for following the government rules to stay at home and praise those “coming together to help others”.

She also thanked the NHS and other key workers saying that; “Every hour of work brings us closer to a return of more normal times”.

With no complete end in sight, of yet, as she said then; “We will meet again! – We will succeed again!”

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Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

NEWS

Heathrow Airport closes runway after fall in traffic

2.6 Challenge Launched To Aid Charities With Funds

H

eathrow Airport bosses said it had to close one of its runways as air traffic throughout the world drops dramatically – due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

The air hub in the west of London – which has two runways – was forced to use just one strip for landing and take-off operations as a statement said; 'to increase resilience for staff, passengers and cargo during the coronavirus crisis”.

A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “Although we are looking at significantly fewer flights at the moment, Heathrow will remain open for as long as possible so that we can continue to play a crucial role in helping to secure vital medical goods during this unprecedented epode.

As Britain’s largest airport, it is part of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, a BA spokesperson said: “Our colleagues have done a brilliant job keeping vital routes open to reunite customers with their family and bringing in supplies to our hospitals factories and shops”.

As per the UK government’s furlough scheme, staff at the airport will be paid 80% of their pay plus 80% of their allowance.

O

rganisers of Britain’s mass-participation events have launched a campaign to help charities plug an expensive £4b income shortfall.

The 2.6 Challenge will aim to get the general public to come up with various activities to compensate for the huge amount of cancellations of events due to Covid-19.

It was launched on April 25 - the original date set for this year’s London Marathon.

The race was postponed until October 4, to limit the spread of coronavirus.

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With so many mass-participation events called off - and many of those intending to take part doing so for charity - there are concerns about the knock-on effect that will have.

The 2.6 Challenge hopes to inspire people to create their own athletic activities based around the numbers 2.6 or 26, which trigger donations from themselves or others.

Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon, said: "This is something the marathon is really passionate about and so are the rest of the mass participation sport organisers.

"As a group, we've been getting together on sustainability. With Covid-19 and what is going on, we pivoted to what could we do for charities. This is about both inspiring activity and inspiring fundraising across the UK. "The activity would be within government guidelines on social distancing, so you can do it indoors or outdoors."

Nick Rusling, co-chair of the Mass Participation Sports Organisers group (MSO), said: “The 2.6 Challenge can be anything that works for you. You can

run or walk 2.6 miles, 2.6km or for 26 minutes.

"You could do the same in your home or garden, go up and down the stairs 26 times, juggle for 2.6 minutes, do a 26 minute exercise class or get 26 people on a video call and do a 26 minute workout – anything you like "We want people to get active, have fun and raise money to help Save the UK’s Charities by giving money or raising funds for the charity close to your heart.”

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 11

Export Survival In Volatile Markets

C

By Professor Paul Cadman

ash is king in a recession.

Can challenging foreign exchange and trade financing strategy be a preservation response for exporters?

As CEO of a manufacturer and exporter to the EU and Asia, I relied on the big picture insight and commercial know-how of my finance director.

He helped me build a profitable growth enterprise, going far beyond responsibility for financial reporting.

Today, I give a shout out to these finance leaders and their teams because we need their expertise more than ever.

I’ve been called one of the most widely connected business leaders in the West Midlands. I couldn’t possibly comment!

But I have been humbly privileged over the years to be trusted to give strategic and trouble-shooting advice to regional businesses of every size and sector, including exporting manufacturers.

Whichever issues the businesses I advise initially face – anything from practical operations and logistics to HR, marketing or supply chain management – our discussion inevitably leads to finance.

In every instance, it’s about cash flow conservation and capital efficiency. Ultimately, the fundamental question I’m always asked is, ‘How can I get more bang for my buck?’

Managing survival and recovery

I’ve been surprised to find that not all companies have periodically reviewed their entire business to increase financial efficiency and find savings beyond supply chain measures for instance.

We need to start challenging assumptions from a pre-crisis world. How many of us can say hand on heart that we shop around or have the conviction to test the received wisdom of traditional finance providers?

We would do it for the sake of our family finances, why not for the sake of our business?

Today, in light of the toxic uncertainty of the combined impacts of Brexit and Covid-19, we have no choice but to act.

If we don’t, first we will be unprepared for a recession largely predicted to be U-shaped, like the “bathtub” famously described by a former IMF chief economist: “You go in. You stay in. The sides are slippery… You don’t come out for a long time”. And second, we will lack the liquidity and agility to maximise the opportunities of

recovery.

Cash is king, so where is the low hanging fruit? I see two areas potentially changing business attitudes to impact on the bottom line: foreign exchange strategy and alternative finance.

The financial services industry as a whole – from financing and treasury to all types of transaction services – has been disrupted by new technology.

That’s led to increased efficiency and automation and a growth in the diversity of service provider options.

It’s common sense to explore this dynamic resource which puts customer need for flexibility, agility and competitive pricing first.

Strategic currency management

“I never send my money into battle unprepared and undefended.

I send it to conquer and take currency prisoner and bring it back to me.” So says investor Kevin O’Leary [US Shark Tank/ Dragon’s Den].

This sentiment encapsulates for me exactly why foreign exchange (FX) management is as crucial to

currently taking advantage of the weakness of the pound against the Euro.

I know of one Black Country manufacturer which has locked in (hedged) 50% of their euros against sterling over 12 months: €5 million at a rate of €1.08.

At the end of that term, if the euro rises by even 0.6 cents to say €1.14 (as it did recently), the company will have made a safe haven saving of just over £250,000.

This is a sizeable amount of cash to come back to their balance sheet to support recovery.

Using FX to repatriate any currency into sterling is a nobrainer. I see it not as speculation on the weakness of the pound but an investment in the future.

The pound is yo-yoing and that will continue into the foreseeable future, although it is likely to appreciate over the long term into a 2021 recovery.

It would not be unreasonable to expect a 10-15% return on repatriation depending on exactly when in 2020 you invest.

At the very least, it would be a good move to review FX strategy

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

competitors.

But volatility is back for the foreseeable future. With excessive pressure on the bottom line, I believe the smart move now is for exporters to review and challenge how much more value they can get from their FX provider relationship.

l Professor Paul Cadman

“An FX strategy repatriating any currency into sterling is a no brainer. I see it not as speculation on weakness of the pound but an investment in the future.” exporting survival and growth as capital finance.

If it has ever been a ‘sensitive subject’ for businesses, now is the time to force it into daylight and move FX perceptions away from being about speculation to being about strategic necessity.

If you could attract a [50% discount on volume margins] or up to 90% on a transaction fee – banks, for instance, charge up to £40 per transaction – would that be of interest?

What savings would you make this year? What savings might you have made over the previous three years to reinvest in plant for instance? It’s entirely possible to achieve if you question your FX strategy.

This simple example shows why FX management, or capital and cash efficiency, is a strategic boardroom issue and not just a dark art of the treasury risk function or just another part of the FD’s job.

Foreign exchange as investment

At this time, one of the most powerful uses of strategic FX is as an investment vehicle. For example, many companies are

on how well the business is protected from appreciation of the pound.

To my mind, intelligent application of FX methodologies, based on our own business cycle of international payments and receivables, injects efficiency and predictability into financial modeling.

That’s not just a benefit but a necessity in a complex financial situation where FDs face nighon impossible forecasting judgments.

The elephant in the room is, of course, how well are we being served? For instance, the brokerage I use – one of the top 10 in the City of London – specialises in bank beating rates by 3-4% with no transaction fees.

They offer me strategy, advice and flexible products around my business needs. They’re not alone. The best boutique brokerages pride themselves on trusted adviser status.

The chances are that your bank is your broker. Unsurprising, since the Top-5 banks currently dominate 50% of the FX market after years of low volatility shrunk margins too far for smaller

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Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

NEWS

Student artwork designed to thank the NHS draws crowds

Fall in traffic causes Heathrow Runway Closure Heathrow Airport bosses said it had to close one of its runways as air traffic throughout the world drops dramatically – due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

The air hub in the west of London – which has two runways – was forced to use just one strip for landing and takeoff operations as a statement said; 'to increase resilience for staff, passengers and cargo during the coronavirus crisis”.

A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “Although we are looking at significantly fewer flights at the moment, Heathrow will remain open for as long as possible so that we can continue to play a crucial role in helping to secure vital medical goods during this unprecedented episode.

As Britain’s largest airport, it is part of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, a BA spokesperson said: “Our colleagues have done a brilliant job keeping vital routes open to reunite customers with their family and bringing in supplies to our hospitals factories and shops”.

As per the UK government’s furlough scheme, staff at the airport will be paid 80% of their pay plus 80% of their allowance.

Heathrow Airport will alternate use of each individual runway on a week-by-week .basis.

The travel industry has taken a massive hit with airlines – around the world - suspending schedules.

D

avina Dickson, 18 from Penkridge in Staffordshire, is a first year student studying for a Fine Art degree in the Wolverhampton School of Art. She was approached by local pub landlady, Alison Heath, to create some artwork on the wall of her pub, The Star, to thank frontline staff for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The finished mural, which took eight hours to complete, is a striking image of a masked doctor in the centre of a Union Jack flag, symbolising Britain’s battle with the virus.

Davina said: “I’ve always had a passion for art, ever since I was a child, and I’ve never stopped drawing.

“When I was approached to create something that would commemorate the work that our NHS staff are doing during this crisis, I was a bit nervous. I’ve never painted something that big before but I’m really pleased with how it looks.

“People have been travelling from far and wide to view the piece and are having their pictures taken with it, it’s also been covered on the BBC and was on the front page of the Express & Star.

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l Davina Dickson and her artwork “The whole concept behind it was to thank NHS staff for the work they are doing and to elaborate on how I’m proud to be British and the masked doctor is central to emphasise how these people are protecting us.”

Marie Simmonds, University of Wolverhampton HR Support Team Administrator who also lives in Penkridge, said: “Davina has really uplifted the spirits in the community with the artwork.

Everyone is talking about it and

there have been the amazing comments on Facebook regarding her work. My Facebook is now flooded with photos of people having their picture taken next to the artwork whilst they are out on their daily exercise.”

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 13

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Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

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

Graduates forced to take non-graduate work

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

b

raduates who have qualified from universities in the UK are more likely to be undertaking work that doesn’t require a degree as vacancies for jobs that require the relevant degree qualifications are at “saturation point” in the current climate.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) – the professional body for human resources managers - has showed that, at the last and more resent count, it was said that in excess of 58,8% of university graduates in Britain.

It said that the number of graduates have now “significantly”

Day Nursery

outstripped the upstart of highskilled jobs.

The CIPD called the report “a wake-up call” with its chief executive, Peter Cheese, saying: The assumption that we will transition to a more productive, highervalued, high-skilled economy just by increasing the conveyer belt of graduates is proven to be flaud”.

The issue found in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development report was leading to “negative consequences”, such as situations finding employers looking for people with degrees to take-up traditional non-graduate jobs.

The report also concluded that graduates were replacing non-

graduates in non-graduate roles with jobs ideal for graduates on the decline, on just not in existence at all.

Mr Cheese said: “In many cases the skill premium that the graduates had – if it existed at all – was simply being wasted”.

The CIPD is calling for a national debate over how to generate more high-skilled jobs.

A spokesperson from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skill said: “We are providing the right mix of university places and apprenticeships to ensure that more people have the opportunity to advance their careers and businesses to get the skills they need in order for them to grow”.

200,000 Targeted

by Recovery Plan

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en N Copm Birm ingoswoaot i n g Birmin ham B n to gha us Parkm Biunseisnses s Pa!rk

g Takin ns io s s i m ad now For more information or to enquire about admissions visit:

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l Dr. Neil Bentley-Gockmann, OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK

The UK’s leading elite skills organisation has launched an emergency package of skills advice and provision to aid kick-starting the post pandemic economic recovery.

WorldSkills UK, which works to raise standards in technical education, has developed a fivepoint plan to support young people, now and in the future, develop their skillset and mindset to the highest possible levels so they can grow and succeed in their careers.

Nearly 200,000 young people are being targeted in the first phase of the programme.

Dr. Neil Bentley-Gockmann, OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK said: “The forecast recession is set to affect young people

disproportionately. However, we know that crucial to rebuilding the UK economy will be highly skilled and motivated young people.

“That is why alongside continuing to attract investment by tackling slow productivity growth, adapting to technology change and plugging our skills gaps, we must stay focused on supporting the next generation so that they can play an active role in our economic recovery.

“The Covid-19 crisis has underlined the urgent need for governments, education and business to work together to press control-alt-delete and reset the dialogue on the importance of skilled workers as quickly as possible and invest in high quality

training for all young people.”

“Underpinning the skills-led recovery is the development of a “skills economy” which rightly values high-quality apprenticeships and technical education routes into skilled careers for all young people.

“We are ready to hit the ground running and provide a comprehensive programme to give help and practical assistance to young people, education and business.

“Our long-term ambition has always been to take our unique insight of international best practice and mainstream a wealth of knowledge gathered over decades directly into our skills system and business. Now we are using this insight to help give young people the confidence to plan their future and stay focused on their training because when young people succeed, we all succeed.”

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 15

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Mocks to play part in exam results

W

ith the coronavirus epidemic taking hold of almost every aspect of everyday life students, whose life is pretty much dictated by any recent exams that were taken, the anxiety that the thousands of children and young people are going through is palpable.

For those who were preparing for their exams, students have been told just how they will receive their results With the worldwide situation the way that it is, the exam watchdog in the UK has written to GCSE and A Level students to explain how they will be receiving their results.

This time around, students will receive results based on the assessment of their previous

work, past school or college performances and a grade’s rank order that is put forward by their teachers.

Ofqual, the regulatory body which oversees examinations, has asked schools and colleges to recommend a likely grade for each student in each of their subjects that they are studying – based on previous work and mock exams.

This will also be externally moderated, with the school to be required to rank each individual student to their predicted grades.

After which, the final grades will be reached by using the model, which will also take how well students have done - at school or college - in previous years into account.

The schools and colleges will then be asked to produce a careful and fair judgment of the most

likely grade they would achieve.

Sally Collier, the chief regulator of Ofqual, said: “We have worked closely with the teaching profession to make sure that what we are asking is appropriate and manageable, so that everyone concerned will have full confidence in the approach.

“I thank the teaching profession for working together to make this process work during these very testing times.

“You can be reassured that this summer’s grades will look exactly the same as those in previous years, and will have equal status with universities, colleges and employers to help you move forward in your lives as planned”.

Students will have the right to appeal the results under the new measures. They will also have the option to sit exams in September.

First grants awarded to girls ‘who dared to dream’ l Eight of the girls receiving grants from the special fund at the Council House in Birmingham A dozen Birmingham girls who ‘dared to dream’ have been awarded the first grants from a special fund launched by Birmingham City Council and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Charity.

Eight of the girls, aged nine to fifteen, were presented with their grants and certificates during a special event held at the Council House on World Book Day. Set up using the council’s royalties from ‘Once Upon A Time In Birmingham: Women Who Dared To Dream’ – a book commissioned to mark the centenary of women getting the vote – the fund awarded grants totalling more than £2,000 in its inaugural year.

Launched by Birmingham City Council and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Charity in October 2019, the book’s legacy fund

aims to help the next generation of fearless females pursue their ambitions and dreams.

This year, girls whose dreams include careers in sport, medicine, public health, politics, filmmaking and the performing arts, became the first in the city to benefit from this fund.

Applications could be made for individual grants of up to £250 to support academic or career dreams – be it an activity, course, books, equipment or accessing work experience.

A panel of four book champions representing the council and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham’s Charity reviewed the applications and were impressed with the wide range of strong applications from girls across the city – which meant making some tough decisions.

Councillor Brigid Jones, Deputy Leader of Birmingham

City Council – and one of the book champions who reviewed the applications - said: “The aim of ‘Once Upon A Time In Birmingham…’ was to inspire and encourage young women to be brave in pursuing their own dreams and ambitions.

The council’s royalties from the book go directly into this fund, so I am thrilled to see the book realise its own dream by helping young women take their first steps toward achieving their goals."

Written, illustrated and published by local women, the book profiles a range of female achievement from women’s rights campaigner Jessie Eden to the first female computer programmer Mary Lee BernersLee, to education campaigner and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.

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Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

NEWS

A

Sales of Noodles and Smash up as staple food sales up

O

ne of the UK’s leading food companies, Premier Foods, have said that sales of Super Noodles and the instant potatoes, Smash, as well as Loyd Grossman’s sauces have increased sharply a people are making effort to stock up their cupboard with relevant items as the coronavirus-due lockdown continues.

The brand’s owners have said that demands for its Cadbury

and Mr Kipling home based kits were also up on sale figures.

Premier Food credited the “exceptional” demand last month to more meals being eating at home.

After the updates of the trading figures, share in the business jumped 17%.

According to consumer analysts, Kantar, in March the average UK household spent an extra £62.92 on supermarket goods, which is the equivalent of five days’ worth of groceries.

Coventry man who has helped break down racial and religious stereotypes has been presented with a Mayor of the West Midlands’ Community Champions award.

Imam Mohammed Hammad of the Iqra Learning Centre in Chapelfields received the Interfaith award at a ceremony held recently.

Mr Hammad’s tireless work has had a positive effect on the dynamics between Muslims and the broader community by breaking down barriers and stereotypes bringing together people from different backgrounds and beliefs.

Among the work he has done he has helped set up the Coventry winter night shelter which provides first line support for homeless people across Coventry, and five-a-side interfaith football.

Organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the region’s first Community Champions awards were launched by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, back in January.

The honours highlight the unsung heroes of the West Midlands who are making a difference to other people’s lives.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Across the West Midlands we have some brilliant community champions who work tirelessly and selflessly to improve the lives of others without any recognition. So, I was delighted to be able to hold a special night to thank these unsung heroes.

“A region is only as strong as the people living and working in it, and I truly believe here in the

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Coventry man Imam awarded Mayor’s interfaith accolade

l Imam Mohammed Hammad of the Iqra Learning Centre West Midlands we have the best region in the world.

“A big congratulations to the winners and all those nominated.”

The awards give people in the WMCA area the chance to nominate someone who has made a significant contribution to their

area.

Cllr Brigid Jones, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for inclusive communities added: “These awards shine a light on the wide-ranging community work that is taking place in the West

Midlands.

“We applaud the selfless work of all these individuals who strive to improve the lives and wellbeing of others without expecting any reward or recognition for themselves.”

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Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

MAY 2020

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Together We Stand At Home Stars all around the world come together to raise funds for COVID-19 Response efforts

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Keep Hip Hop Happy from Home

D

uring these unprecedented times when many have been forced to down tools, Plymouth-based Hip Hop Social Collective, Street Factory, creators of the UK's first Hip Hop theatre, are continuing to reach out with their well-known positive vibe as they continue to stay connected with their community by providing elemental well-being support, mentoring, dance and fitness classes and encouraging entertainment – all from their own home.

In a normal week, founders Toby and Jo Gorniak would be working from their Plymouth theatre base, teaching classes, leading groups and providing their innovative forms of social, community and personal care and mentoring to in excess of 300 people.

Toby, Jo and their various hip

hop educators also regularly provide outreach classes for over 400 students in a range of onsite school sessions as well as additional training programmes and projects as required in other locations citywide.

Since Monday 16th March they have taken to technology to keep their arms around their extended family of over 350 young and vulnerable people across Plymouth and beyond, and to provide daily, and often hourly, essential support, and daily hip hop classes from their own living room.

With all of the worries and changes around the COVID-19 crisis situation, the Street Factory team are finding that their unique form of social care, and mentoring support, is needed more than ever.

Some of the issues and challenges facing the Street Factory community include

bullying, mental health of all kinds, low aspiration, racism, poverty, ageism, special and additional needs, homelessness, unemployment and lack of immediate opportunities.

The Street Factory service therefore supports a major number of people through these personal journeys on a day-today basis, making the COVID lockdown all the more serious for a number of these vulnerable community members.

Jo says, "The Stayathome requirement is tough for everyone in different ways, however, the personal struggles and challenges facing a number of the people in our extended Street Factory family are made even more significant, and present, than ever before.

“And we are determined to be there more than ever for these people in this heightened time of need.”

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Real Talk stepping W up to help during global health fears

ith a mission statement to create a socio e c o n o m i c platform and legacy for communities, Real Talk Radio has started up a help service for parents with children and the vulnerable.

For people in desperate need of any help, with anything such as shopping or food, they will be there to aid people at no cost to you in general circumstances.

Their vision is to open and control the financial destiny for the benefit of communities with their strategy whilst consolidating, communicating and creating economics through organised and effective business and community networking.

A podcast that is filled with refreshing honest conversation, the listener-funded station, which covers issues such as; work, love, money, friendships, racism and health, Real Talk Radio is looking for people’s help – so that they can help vulnerable people during these troubled global fears.

For anybody who would like to find out more, or would like to donate, contact Real Talk Radio’s website for further details.

ENTERTAINMENT

OSCARS to change streaming rules The governing body behind the Oscars has changed its rules so that films that debut on streaming services or video on demand serves are to be made eligible for next year’s awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’ current rules say that films can only enter if they have been shown in a LA cinema for at least a week.

But with picture houses closed during the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have said that a “temporary” exception was necessary.

Many films that are due for releases have been delayed, with others going straight to digital.

In a joint statement, Academy president, David Rubin and chief executive, Dawn Hudson, said: “The Academy firmly believes that there is no great way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theatre.

“Nonetheless, the historically tragic Covid-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules”.

The Academy said the exemption would end when cinemas reopen.

In recent years, the Oscars have admitted films made by streaming services like Netflix and Amazon – but only if they have also had a cinema release.

Oasis to reunite for NHS “with or without Noel” Liam Gallagher has said that super-band, Oasis, will be reuniting for a special one-off gig to raise funds or the National Health Service.

But, he did add one particular caveat… that it will go ahead “with or without Noel”.

After making the announcement, and getting no immediate response from his brother (Noel), the band’s lead singer Liam wrote; ‘Wanna clear

a few things up.

‘Oasis gig for NHS charity as in all money raised goes to NHS not to me – will happen with or without Noel Gallagher.

‘It may not be the same but trust me it’ll still blow your knickers off’.

The band made an acrimonious split following a mass backstage brawl in 2009 The ‘Brothers Gallagher’ have not spoken to each other since.

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0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th

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ENTERTAINMENT

Black Sabbath star, Iommi, auctions prized guitar for NHS Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi raised £16,00 after auctioning items from his personal collection in aid of the NHS during the present coronavirus crisis.

Amid the personal items up for sale was one of the legend’s prise possession; an Epiphone SG guitar which will be signed by the Sabbath frontman.

With healthcare staff struggling as the Covid-19 pandemic is believed to yet peak, he also auctioned CDs, vinyl disks and DVD box sets, with the money raised going straight to the University Hospital Birmingham in Iomi’s home town.

The 72-year-old said: “Coronavirus is difficult for everyone but it has also shown the great work being varied out

by our NHS”.

Iommi, who is a patron of the specialist cancer ward at the city’s Heartlands Hospital, came up with the idea whilst he was clearing out his studio whilst he was self-isolating during the lockdown.

“It’s about realising what we have in this country with the NHS”, the Birmingham-born star said. “It’s horrible but, in some ways, it’s bringing people together more”.

With an early guide price of £3,000, the guitar attracted almost US$4,940 in bids since the auction first went live.

Head of fundraising at the healthcare organisation, Justin Davy, said: “The NHS was incredibly grateful for Tony’s support at this extremely difficult time”.

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T

o mark International Dance Day on the 29th April, Birmingham Royal Ballet premiered Alone | Together, a short film created by dancers Tom Rogers and Kit Holder, and filmmaker Dan Lowenstein.

Alone | Together is based on the march from Holst’s Moorside Suite and is choreographed by Kit Holder.

Five musicians from Birmingham Royal Ballet's Royal Ballet Sinfonia and six Company dancers were joined by Assistant Director Marion Tait and Director Carlos Acosta, as, from their homes across Birmingham and

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beyond, they all performed Alone | Together.

The film premiered at 11am and is available to watch on the Companies social media channels and website.

The performance piece involved Carlos Acosta CBE, Marion Tait CBE, Tzu-Chao Chou, Céline Gittens, Brandon Lawrence, Max Maslen, Delia Mathews, Beatrice Parma; Robert Gibbs (1st Violin) Rebecca Jones (2nd Violin) Errika Horsley (Viola) António Novais (Cello) Vera Pereira (Double Bass).

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Published storyteller and poet to release new book

Haim Release Single From Upcoming new Album

G

Published storyteller and poet Clive Alando Taylor is set to release his new book, ‘SpiritVolition’ sharing his collection that takes a look at language and society through the expression of poetry and songs.

‘SpiritVolition’ is a collection of verses containing paradoxical and controversial elements interpreting current events and trends such as the multiculturalism, the new generation’s mind-set and progression of ideas in social media.

With that said, it is a modern expression that is “profound and extreme” using language. These pieces aim to stir the reader’s imagination and emotions as well as expression of ideas using what is deemed as unorthodox songs and poetry.

These songs and poems possess aesthetic and provocative qualities with distinctive style — incorporating wordplay — and rhythm. It also has earthly and spiritual components that readers can reimagine and enjoy.

rammy nominated, Southern California-bred sister band HAIM have released I Know Alone from their highly anticipated forthcoming album Women In Music Pt. III (Polydor Records).

With its wild collage of warped vocal samples and 808 beats combined with wobbly cello notes and stark acoustic guitar, ‘I Know Alone’ replicates a certain sense of emotional unrest from feelings of loneliness.

While the song was originally inspired by the band’s feelings of loneliness after coming home from tour, ‘I Know Alone’ and its lyrics like “been a couple days since I’ve been out” and “’cause nights turn into days that turn to grey” now take on a whole new meaning in today’s world as so many of us stay home and practice social distancing.

In tandem with the song, Haim have shared a stark, yet precisely choregraphed video directed remotely

by Jake Schreier (Chance The Rapper, Kanye West, Selena Gomez). The band co-choreographed the video with Francis Farewell Starlite. “’I Know Alone’ was always going to be the next song we released, but it feels eerily appropriate given what’s going on in the world right now,” Haim say about the new single, “We hope this song keeps you company.”

Speaking on the new album release date, the band add, “Now that we’re all starting to settle into our new normal, it feels like a more appropriate time for us to release this body of work. We’re so excited to announce that our new album will now be released on June 26.”

University of Warwick Wins RICS Social Impact Award RICS (Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors) has announced the winners of their inaugural RICS Social Impact Awards for the West Midlands where the University of Warwick’s Sports and Wellness Hub in Coventry won the esteemed title of Project of the Year.

Over 20 construction projects, whose entries celebrate their role in transforming the West Midlands’ communities and the everyday lives of people, were shortlisted back in February.

Designed to change lives, and inspire and motivate staff, students and the local

community to get active, the Sports and Wellness Hub project was a crucial part of the University of Warwick's estates strategy and plays a key role in its ambition to have the most physically active UK campus community.

From a 12-lane swimming pool with flexible configuration, 144-climbing-routes wall, 1000-seater sports hall and the biggest gym in HE, the 16,684 sq ft Hub features smart building technology throughout.

RICS Social Impact Awards Head Judge for West Midlands, Bryony Martin commented: “The building forms a crucial

part of the university’s ambition to have the most physically active campus community in the UK. The Hub is welcoming, accessible and inclusive, with attendance in the first year far surpassing expectations, in particular drawing in large numbers from the wider community.

“The building is stylish, incorporates smart technology and sits well within its native woodland setting. Willmott Dixon delivered the project, defect-free, on time and in budget employing innovative design to aid this achievement.”

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#DontRush lightens the gloom with the ultimate challenge

A

group of NHS doctors have taken up the new challenge that has taken social media by

storm.

Created by doctors from and African origin, the #DontRush

video challenge is bringing a ray of light into the gloom that is the coronavirus pandemic whilst highlighting the issues of the underrepresentation of diversity within the National Health Service.

With people now under lockdown and strict social distancing measures the #DontRush challenge sees the doctors glamming themselves up for a make-believe night out in their own homes or place of work.

The hilarious viral challenge uses a soundtrack, ‘Don’t Rush’ by Young T & Bugsey which is meant to give the illusion of somebody readying themselves to go in a matter of seconds But, of course, let’s face it – a matter of a whole lot of minutes is ‘mission impossible’ in itself.

Nonetheless, the aim here is for participants to hone the speed of there make up skills with the aim to raise money for the National Health

Service.

And, as it already stands, the TikTok challenge is receiving overwhelming response to date.

Toluwalase Asolo, a business management student at the University of Hull, started #DontRush to highlight togetherness in isolation after getting connected with ladies from Congolese, Nigeria, Sierra Leon and Turks & Caicos.

The video celebrates their diverse cultures, professions and interests all in one clip.

“It challenges has shown us that Black women creaters have tha ability to maintain virility in a digital space that is quick to eraise them.

“The #DintRushChallenge empowers and encourages women to embrace their beauty with and without makeup.

“But, in all honesty, we didn’t anticipate it blowing up the way it has.

The #DontRushChallenge has swept the world to bring some light relief do the doldrums that is Covid 19.

ENTER SHIKARI RELEASE THEIR NEW AMBITIOUS ALBUM

Enter Shikari have released their ambitious sixth studio album ‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’, through So Recordings. ’Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible’ is a punk, electronic, orchestral opus, produced by Rou Reynolds the renowned frontman at the centre of this pioneering and uncompromising musical force.

A poignant soundtrack for the new decade, this is an album about possibility, the unnerving irony of endless possibility, the band asking themselves what they can achieve as the world questions “what is possible?”.

“But maybe there's something quite apt about releasing this record right now?”

Rou Reynolds comments, “forced to promote our grand artistic endeavour via inadequate wifi signal.

One would have thought, in recognition of the fact that the exact sort of societal change I've been writing about mankind needing for the past decade is now playing out in real time in our real lives, the Gods would have cut us some slack, but it looks like we're in the same boat as the rest of you. Albeit infinitely more talented.

“Stay home, and keep washing those hands (and listen to our record).”

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 23

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Birmingham celebrated in huge A new Cold War Steve artwork

ENTERTAINMENT

new artwork which celebrates Birmingham and its people has been revealed by satirical collage artist Christopher Spencer, aka Cold War Steve, and Birmingham Museums Trust.

The hugely detailed work, Benny’s Babbies, is the artist’s most complex photocollage of his career to date, and was due to be revealed in his hometown at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery but has now been shared online whilst the doors to the museum are temporarily closed.

Spot comedian Joe Lycett and cricketer Moeen Ali, alongside Duran Duran and activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, with the members of Black Sabbath rocking out on top of the Rotunda building behind, where Benny from TV soap opera Crossroads (filmed in Birmingham) peers out over the crowd full with many more famous and recognisable Brummie faces.

Birmingham Museums Trust commissioned Cold War Steve to produce work inspired by the Trust’s digital image database, which hosts thousands of out-of-copyright images from the city’s collection which can be downloaded

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and used creatively for free.

The background of Benny’s Babbies is the View of St Martin's Church Birmingham from the Bullring,1815-1835, by Thomas Hollins, which features on a japanned tray. The backdrop has been updated with familiar city scenes, including the Birmingham Pride Festival, the brutalist architecture of the now demolished Central Library, Birmingham’s beloved Mr. Egg takeaway, and the Central Birmingham Mosque.

Benny’s Babbies is part of a series of artistic interventions and events planned in partnership with Cold War Steve and Black Hole Club, called Cut, Copy, Remix. The project set out to encourage creative use of the thousands of public domain images from Birmingham’s collection to celebrate the extensive resource and support emerging digital artists to use the images to inspire brilliant and bizarre new work.

Following an open call out for artists, the Birmingham Museums team also commissioned Mixed Milk, a Birmingham artist called Martin McNally, to make a film about the works in the collection.

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

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Council Delivers 10,000th Food Parcel

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ity of Wolverhampton Council has delivered 10,000 emergency food parcels to vulnerable residents since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

The milestone was reached this week as council leader, Cllr Ian Brookfield, spoke of his pride at the efforts of the authority to “look after its own”.

Cllr Brookfield personally delivered the 10,000th food parcel to a resident on The Scotlands Estate who has underlying health conditions and lives alone.

In just a few days after the Government announced the lockdown last month, City of Wolverhampton Council swung

into action and redeployed hundreds of staff away from their normal roles and converted WV Active Aldersley leisure centre into a distribution hub.

It was one of the first places in the country to start delivering parcels of free essential food supplies to vulnerable and isolated residents who have no other sources of help.

The council is now delivering more than 3,000 food parcels every week and demand continues to grow. Only people who are vulnerable with no other support

network are eligible for a parcel.

Cllr Brookfield, who is a former nurse and has been doing a weekly shift as a delivery driver throughout the crisis, said: “I deliver parcels every week and you can see how much it means to people when we turn up not just with a box full of supplies, but also a friendly face.

“Of course the food is important, but being able to talk with someone for a few minutes and see another human being, chat and have a bit of banter when you are isolated at home is often just as important.”

Global su do their b Covid-19 fi A

s the global pandemic this is coronavirus continued to claim unrelenting fatalities, global superstars took their own initiatives to do their own massive ‘bit’, in support of the vital frontline workers who are facing the crisis head-on.

While American multi-award winning singer Lady Gaga headed one star-spangled special televised concert alongside the likes of Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder and Sir Elton John, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) led a host of artists and celebrities to also raise awareness to help the Caribbean island in its fight against the Covid-19 spread with their own Telethon Jamaica, ‘Together We Stand’.

“The whole aim of the event was to helping the fundraise of the World Health Organisation

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and Global Citizens” Lady Gaga said, “and everyone involved were really excited about the show.

“We wanted everyone to put wallets back and enjoy the show and we raised well in excess of $35million for the solidarity response”.

The ‘Telethon Jamaica Together We Stand’ line-up saw the likes of Olympian Usain Bolt, singers Ziggy, Damian and Stephen Marley, Koffee, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest, Richie Spice, Wyclef Jean, Gloria Estefan, Sean Kingston, Sting and others make their individual pleas and pledges for the island's healthcare workers, with – as with the Lady Gaga-led showpiece - the virtual fundraising concert featured remote performances by the stars, which was broadcast entirely online to raise the funds to help in the purchase of equipment for

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workers on the frontline of the coronavirus battle there.

The country’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, said: “It was the combined efforts of the many individuals and companies of the entertainment industry, as well as other sectors of the Jamaican society, that ensured the event was successful in reaching its end-goal”, whilst along with the group Global Citizen, Gaga had already raised $35m (£28m) for the World Health Organisation.

The funds were to allow the organisation to buy protective equipment for health workers and to support the efforts to develop drugs and vaccines.

She (Lady Gaga) also announced that she had co-curated a concert to recognise the efforts of health workers in the fight against

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uperstars biT in ight

ENTERTAINMENT

Supporting the growth of the West Midlands film, TV and games sector

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reate Central, the industry-led body set up in late 2019 has secured £2million of investment to deliver a programme of activities to help turbo charge the West Midlands film, TV and games sector.

Create Central has been awarded £1million through the BFI’s National Cluster Growth Fund using National Lottery money to deliver a long term growth plan specifically to meet the needs of the West Midlands’ screen businesses.

In addition, £500,000 investment has been confirmed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and £500,000 from Tin Smart Social, a regional social enterprise.

The investment package will support the West Midlands local industrial strategy including a twoyear programme developed by Create Central members to support the continued growth of the region’s screen sector which will be ever

more important to the UK screen sector’s post Covid-19 recovery.

The programme is heavily focused on the ‘future of media’, with innovation, digital infrastructure, immersive storytelling and digital employability programmes taking place amongst more traditional elements such as attracting film

and TV production to the region and promoting the West Midlands screen sector on a global stage.

Leading industry professionals are backing the work of Create Central which has members including Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight and Nativity film franchise founder, Debbie Isitt.

Covid-19 During the telethon; Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, said: “The people of the United States … see how disastrous this is as a disease, and the impact it can have on even the most wellresourced health service".

The 6-hour ‘Together We Stand Telethon’ which was live-streamed on VP Records’ YouTube channel, with a portion being broadcasted live on Television Jamaica and various digital platforms, able to contribute over $50 million towards procuring the personal protective equipment.

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Harry Styles sends open letter to fans about rescheduled TOUR DATES

H

e was due to be welcomed to the Utilita Arena Birmingham for their big launch night, however, with safety the priority, the good news for his fans is that British pop singer-songwriter and actor, Harry Styles will be back next year.

Well-known as a member of the insanely popular boy-band One Direction, the Redditch, Worcestershire-born star was due

l Harry Styles

to perform on 15 April 2020, but he sent out an open, personal letter to his hordes of fans: “Anyone who knows me knows that performing has always been my favourite part of working in music.

However, during times like these, the safety and protection of touring crew, fans, and everyone else around the world is an immediate priority.

“For obvious reasons, the upcoming tour in the UK and Europe will be rescheduled to 2021.

“Tickets already purchased will be valid for these shows. In the meantime,

we will be closely monitoring the situation around the world and will continue updating you in the months to come.

“For the safety of yourself and others, please self-isolate. We’re all in this together.

“I can’t wait to see you out on the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. Until then, treat people with kindness.

H” Harry Styles will now be performing 1 event in Birmingham on Thursday 11th March 2021 at the Arena Birmingham.

l Rick Astley

Rick Astley set to play free concert for Emergency Services

1

980’s pop superstar, Rick Astley, is set to play a huge, one-off concert after he posted details of the massive gig, which is due for the Manchester Arena, on social media.

In a video message, the singer, probably best known for his greatest hit; ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, said that it is the very least he could do to say ‘Thank You’ for all the NHS and Emergency Services who are working

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on the frontline in the fight against the worldwide epidemic.

He said: “I promise you that my band and I will give it our all to give everyone there a great night out”.

Shows and concerts have been called off around the world and venues have been forced to close for week, possibly months, - or, even longer – due to the pandemic.

Astley’s concert is due to take place on October 28.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Stephen Fry to star in online play to aid theatre industry

Award-winning D’Frick going worldwide with Song of the Year Volta Music Award winner, Tom D’Frick, is taking the international music scene by storm with his latest hit ‘OVorvorm’ – which literally means they are scared.

The Ghanaian superstar, who was voted ‘Best Hip-Hop Song of The Year’ at the event, is getting his banging hit played around Africa, throughout Europe and beyond.

The tune is D’Frick’s first major tune this year, which is heavily demand throughout some of Europe’s major towns

and cities and high on the playlist at the Sensation Club, in Dubai.

The tune is also a favourite for Ghanaians throughout the US. With the much-loved Younggod and Kelvynbot also on-board, the song is, without doubt, an instant hit.

No.1 trending song in the Volta Region.

For some time now, standout track; ‘Ovorvorm’ has been the number one trending song in the Volta Region in Ghana.

C

omedian, actor and writer, Stephen Fry, will star in a new online radio play to raise funds for the theatre industry as it deals with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Emily Atack, famed for her role as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in the multi-award winning E4 The Inbetweeners, multi-award winning actress, singer, model and composer, Sheila Atim, Sarah Hadland of BBC TV’s Miranda and Russell Tovey, who is best known for playing the werewolf, George Sands, in another BBC production; the supernatural drama Being Human, will all appear in ‘The Understudy’, based on the novel by David Nicholls.

Fry said: “I am just so delighted to be working on Henry FilouxBennett’s superb adaptation of David Nicholls’s ‘The Understudy’.

“I do hope lots of you will listen in and combine a good time with support for our wonderful theatre

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l Stephen Fry industry”.

Nicholls added: “I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘The Undertaker’ and was hugely excited to see it come to life on a new online stage

and with such a great team”.

The play will be broadcast online in two parts, in May, to members of the public who have bought a £5 ‘ticket’.

All of the actors taking part in the production will record their individual lines separately at their individual homes.

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

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Aston Martin Acts To Support Customers During Lockdown

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ston Martin is working closely with its dealer network to help customers worldwide during the unprecedented lockdown conditions imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The brand is taking positive action to extend to 30 June 2020 all new-vehicle warranties that are due to expire, or have expired since 14 March 2020 or, in the case of China, since 1 January 2020. That is, broadly speaking, the period of lockdown in most countries where such conditions exist.

Furthermore, customers are being reassured the condition in their car’s Owner’s Guide stating that failure to adhere to specified service intervals may invalidate warranty coverage, is being waived until restrictions change and appropriate dealer operations are able to resume.

Aston Martin owners whose cars require a vehicle service during the disruption caused by COVID-19 are being assured that their warranty cover will be unaffected, and all cars serviced within three months or 2,000 miles (whichever

is earlier) of the in-car service indicator will be protected in full by any applicable Aston Martin warranty.

As soon as restrictions change and Aston Martin dealer operations are resumed, owners of these cars with service work due are being asked to arrange a booking with their dealer. The cars will then have the scheduled service work completed by fully trained service technicians using genuine Aston Martin parts.

Andy West, Director of Client Services at Aston Martin, said: “For all of us, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown has been,

and will continue to be, a very trying time.

“While issues such as car maintenance and warranty cover are, quite rightly, not top of mind for many we want to let our customers know that in partnership with our global dealer network we are doing all we can to support them, and their sports cars, through this period and will be looking forward to helping them get back behind the wheel of their beloved Aston Martin sports cars when it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

MG Motor Fights Coronavirus By Donating 30,000 Face Masks To Hospitals

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G Motor has continued its support for the fight against coronavirus by supplying PPE face masks to hospitals in the UK and Ireland.

The donation, which is one part of MG’s contribution to the international effort, will benefit hospitals in Birmingham, South Wales, Dublin and Cork.

MG’s first donation of 10,000 face masks was delivered to the NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham, at the NEC, on 20th April. The hospital, which was built in just two weeks from inception, has an initial capacity of 500 beds which can be

increased to 2,000 if necessary.

A spokesperson for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Nightingale Hospital Birmingham, said: “This donation of face masks reinforces our resources in the fight against coronavirus.

NHS Nightingale Hospital Birmingham will give hospitals across the West Midlands extra capacity should they need it and we are grateful for the support of local businesses like MG Motor.”

Head of Sales & Marketing at MG Motor UK, Daniel Gregorious, said “Given the international nature of our

business we were able to use our extensive network of suppliers to source face masks and supply them to the front-line, where they are needed.

“Our NHS heroes and their counterparts in Ireland are leading the fight against coronavirus and we are glad to be helping their efforts in this way”.

A further donation of face masks will be delivered to two NHS Trusts in South Wales, with each receiving 5,000 face masks.

In the Republic of Ireland, MG is donating 10,000 face masks to hospitals in Dublin and Cork.

Norton bikes in £16million Indian buy-out One of Britain’s most famous British motorbike brands, Norton Motorcycles, has been bought by Indian manufacturer, TVS Motor, in a £16m deal after the Leicestershire firm went in to administration in January.

TVS Motor announced it had purchased the "iconic" British brand on Friday and hopes to revive and expand it.

Founded in Birmingham, in 1898, Norton Motorcycles is one of the UK's last remaining motorcycle marques, best known for its role in motor sport.

In a statement, TVS Motor's

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joint managing director Sudarshan Venu said: "This is a momentous time for us.

Norton is an iconic British brand celebrated across the world, and presents us with an immense opportunity to scale globally.

"We will extend our full

support for Norton to regain its full glory in the international motorcycle landscape.

And we will work closely with Norton's employees and customers and the company would retain its distinctive identity".

Norton Motorcycles began making motorbikes in 1902 before soon becoming associated with races such as the Isle of Man TT. More recently, since it moved its operation to Donington Park in Leicestershire, in 2008, its most famous models are the Dominator and the Commando, while it’s Norton Interpol was used by UK police in the 1980s.

0208 865 1922 (London)

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 29

@PhoenixNewsUK

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Innovative Leamington Company Wins Queen’s Award

A

Leamington company on the cutting edge of new motor control technology has been recognised with the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Innovation.

Electric high speed motor specialists Aeristech, which is based in Hermes Close, has been honoured for its work in developing a range of advanced, high-speed electric motors to power electric superchargers and hydrogen fuel cell air-side compressors.

The rapidly growing company, which employs over 40 employees in the town, has a growing portfolio of contracts with vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers bringing the benefits of its technology to market.

Aeristech’s unique technology allows higher performance from the company’s smaller, more efficient running motors, thus helping its customers to achieve higher performance from their own products and playing a significant role in the advancement of technologies to reduce energy consumption and vehicle emissions.

Richard Wall, CEO of Aeristech, said: “Over the

MOTORS

past few years Aeristech has developed and commercialised what we believe to be the most advanced, oil-free, high-speed electric motor systems available, and it is very gratifying to have this recognised by the receiving of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

“I am very proud of our talented team at Leamington HQ who have been instrumental in this recognition.

“Our clients in the automotive industry, as with other sectors we’re operating in, such as aviation, stationary power and industrials, are adopting our technology as part of their strategy to reduce emissions.

We expect to become the technology of choice for fuel cell applications, given the significant energy reductions we can provide.”

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognised Aeristech’s progress in delivering their most ambitious set of motor systems yet. Established 54 years ago it is the most prestigious business award in the UK and celebrates the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services.

Bentley Motors Confirms All Retailers In China Now Open

B

entley Motors has announced that its 40-strong retail network in China is now fully open, as the country gradually returns to work following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Simultaneously, the luxury British marque is starting customer deliveries of the allnew Flying Spur, its luxury Grand Touring sedan, in the country.

As in all affected markets around the world, Bentley has been collaborating closely with its local partners, following

rigid guidelines and procedures put in place in line with local regulations to move forward in a safe and effective manner.

Behind the scenes, all parties have been working together to prepare for the moment when conditions allow the resumption of activities. New measures include extended opening hours to reduce showroom traffic, increased cleaning and protective equipment in place, and digital presentations where possible.

Kim Airey, Managing Director of Bentley Motors Chinese

Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, said: “During this difficult time, a series of practices were in place to protect the well-being of our stakeholders and safeguard services for our customers.

We have been paying close attention to developments surrounding the outbreak and are now pleased to be able to reopen our showrooms, with robust safety measures put in place, and allow customers back in to experience the extraordinary Bentley line-up.”

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Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

'Sector X: The B.R.U.C.E. Project’ bringing people together while apart

W

ith the nation under lockdown, the brains at Bewilder Box made it their mission to bring the joy of escape room games to homes all over the UK and beyond.

Collaborating with Eltham Escapes, they’ve launched an online multiplayer game that allows up to 6 players to work together from various locations in Sector X: The B.R.U.C.E. Project.

Sector X: The B.R.U.C.E. Project will run on any browser, (Chrome recommended) from a PC or Mac desktop computer or laptop, and is available from shop. escaperoomonline.co.uk priced at £15.00.

The puzzles, which are synced across each players screen, have been designed specifically to require

cooperation, so teams will need to drag, drop, solve and sleuth their way to victory, whilst communicating in real-time via Zoom or their chosen platform.

The game is heavily inspired by the point and click adventures that were made popular by Lucas Arts in the 1990s. ‘Point and click games evolved into the escape the room puzzle apps, which in turn evolved into reallife experiences’, commented Dave Middleton (co-founder of Bewilder Box).

‘Making this game feels like we’ve come full circle, though the original games were never multiplayer, which is the crucial difference here. Our online game is a shared experience; just like an actual escape room’.

Sector X: The B.R.U.C.E. Project is the latest in a long line of games

developed by the Bewilder Box team including its own hit games: ‘The Initiative’ and ‘Judgement D.A.V.E.’ located in Brighton; ‘The Official Peaky Blinders Escape Room’ for Escape Live in Birmingham; and ‘Flight 338: The World’s First Escape Plane’ in London.

Dave Middleton and Dave Staffell (co-founders of Bewilder Box Escape Rooms) are leading experts on the UK’s escape room culture. They have been interviewed by multiple publications including The Economist; co-organised and have been speakers at the UK’s escape room industry conference attended by 500 industry members in 2019; and appeared on ‘What Britain Buys’ with Mary Portas, discussing the growth of the escape room industry.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

@PhoenixNewsUK

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 31

www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIG DAVE’S SAFE PAGE

Practicing Mindfulness Using SLAMH T

he education platform that I have devised for Schools, NEETS, The Probation Service, HMP Prisons and is so relevant and apt for all of us, especially with the National Coronavirus emergency.

I devised it to help achieve and educate on so many issues that children, young people, young offenders, prisoners, are trying to address.

So I developed the SLAMH Program. SLAMH can mean two things (Start Low Aim High) or (Start Looking At Myself Honestly) depending on which audience I am addressing.

My program SLAMH is there to help and overcome fears, break bad habits and to improve self esteem.

To achieve and earn all of the above is possible because the one that SLAMH will help to deliver is a strong mind and a ‘Never Say Can’t Attitude’.

With twenty six world records to my credit I have found that the mind is the highest level of strength.

Like many athletes and sportsmen and women of all

sports, they like me, will take time out and put themselves in the ‘Zone’ before the event they are taking part in.

Each person will have their own individual way to deliver the appropriate mind set to enable them to deliver their very best.

So I class SLAMH as a life changing tool that can be used to make a difference to yourself.

With this mind strength comes another set of seven life changing tools to enable you to pick the right tool for the right situation.

These tools will cover Moral, Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Emotional, Educational and Inspirational events that will help to build, develop and shape your life’s outcomes.

All of the above is what SLAMH is all about as an alternative mindfulness education program and should be seen as a creative platform.

Not just for the hard to reach and disinfected in our society but also to help those people with mindfulness and wellness issues.

Especially for those unfortunate individuals who have to carry around that terrible ‘Black Dog’ on their backs.

SLAMH can really help with the stigma and taboo that burdens the individual that has to carry that enormous weight on their shoulders.

SLAMH works because of the 10 elements that make up the program. These consist of: Strength ( Inner and Outer), Balance, Coordination, Confidence, Nutrition, Stamina, Life Skills, Engagement, Social Learning and Communication.

With my background I have had numerous conversations and requests for me to be a role model and I am very very proud to be an Ambassador for my home city of Birmingham.

I have developed the SLAMH program to help others to become better citizens in their community

and to turn away from negative pathways and be more confident in their choices.

If you think you might benefit from a SLAMH session or you know someone whom you think would do so, then please drop me a

line on my website www.bigdave. online and I will respond back to you.

If there is a significant number of people who do so I will look to run a session especially for the readers of the Phoenix Newspaper

somewhere in Birmingham after the lockdown is removed.

Meanwhile if the demand is there, I am willing to run a series of online sessions for people to follow in their own homes.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Take That Musical Set For The Big Screen

T

he hits of recordbreaking boy band, Take That, are set to be used in a new film which is about a fictional boy band and their hordes of adoring fans.

The movie, ‘Great Days’, will be based on the stage musical ‘The Band’, about a group of women who get back together to see their favourite band or the first time after 25 years.

The film adaptation follows the success of music-based movies such as Mama Mia, Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman.

Sixteen of the group’s hits were used in the stage version, and they are writing a new song exclusively for the film.

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FRANK TURNER

F

rank Turner & The Sleeping Souls have released their new album, ‘Live In Newcastle’, on April 24, 2020 via Xtra Mile Recordings/ Polydor Records.

Captured at O2 City Hall Newcastle last November, the 20 track live recording was made during Turner’s 2019 headline tour in support of his latest studio album release, ‘No Man’s Land’, his fourth consecutive UK Top 3 album to date.

Details for ‘Live In Newcastle’ arrive amidst Turner’s current #IndependentVenueLove series of virtual fundraisers gigs, created to provide support to the UK’s independent music venues during the current

coronavirus crisis.

The series has already helped to raise enough funds to save Southampton’s Joiners Arms from closure, and has also provided over £10,000 in donations for London’s beloved Nambucca venue.

Having been forced to cancel his own recent 2020 tour dates due to coronavirus, Frank marked what would have been the Nottingham gig by hosting a viewing party for his ‘Show 2000 - Nottingham Rock City - 15/12/2016’ DVD re-lease, filmed at his 2000th solo show four years ago.

Over 6,000 fans tuned into his Youtube channel for the screening and live Q&A with Frank.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 33

Eddie Large

Honor Blackman

W

idely known for roles as Cathy Gale in ‘The Avengers’ and Pussy Galore in ‘Goldfinger’, the Essex-born actress also appeared in films which include; ‘A Night to Remember’, ‘The Square Peg’, ‘The Virgin and the Gypsy’ the western ‘Shalako’ and ‘Jason and the Argonauts’, with later roles including; ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ and Jack Brown and the Curse of the Crown’.

In theatre, she appeared in the likes of Tom Stoppard’s highly acclaimed ‘Night and Day’, ‘The Sound of Music’, the West End productions of ‘Nunsence’, ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘My Fair Lady’.

Like many of Britain’s shining thespian lights, she was a ‘chief suspect’ after appearing in US detective series, ‘Columbo’, before, in 2004, making a short appearance in ITV’s ‘Coronation Street’.

Forever in demand on stage and screen, she was awarded the ‘British Academy Television Special Award’ in 2000. She was 94.

Papa Diouf

T

he Senegal-born former President of French La Ligue side, Olympique de Marseilles – the first Black President of a top European club - he started off his career as a journalist, he centred his work around sport, before becoming a sports agent with clients including Marcel Desailly, Basile Boli, William Gallas, Samir Nasri and Didier Drogba.

As president of Marseille he appointed Didier Deschamps as manager – who went on to win the club’s first title for 18 years.

After leaving the club, in 2009, he worked for the Ligue de Football Professionel as an administrator and attended the

B

orn in Glasgow (as Edward McGinnis), he was best known for being part of Little and Large (with Syd Little-which is the stage name of Cyril Mead).

They came to fame in talent

OBITUARIES AND NOTICE BOARD

show, Opportunity Knocks’, in 1971, before appearing on a string of television variety shows and comedy programmes – including ‘Who Do You Do?’ - before starring in their own ‘The Little and Large Show’ and regularly appearing in Christmas pantomimes.

He underwent a heart transplant, at 62, in 2013 and, when out of hospital, he fell over on the road outside his home, which led to weeks in hospital, again.

Suffering from heart and kidney problems, he contracted coronavirus after being in hospital for a heart failure before dying, age 78.

B

orn in London, the British Formula 1 legend, who won 212 of 529 races, was described as ‘the greatest driver never to win a World Championship’ – he came runner-up four times between 1955 and 1961 – he was 3rd on the other three occasions.

Best known for his time driving for times like Mercedes-Benz, Maserati and Lotus, he did, however, win Nassau Cup, in the US, as well as the Tourist Trophy, the Sebring 12 Hour, the Mille Miglia and the 1000 km Nurburg races.

In 1980, he competed in the British Saloon Car Championship and, in 2011, at 81, took part in

the Le Mans Legends race before announcing that he finally retired from motor-racing.

Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, in 1990, he died aged 90.

Bill Withers

Irrfan Ali Khan B

T FIFA headquarters, in Zurich, to talk about racism in football and the standard of football in France.

He died after contracting coronavirus and died in Senegal - becoming the fatality in the country.

He was 68.

Sir Sterling Moss OBE

he well-known Bolywood star was more broadly known for roles he played in multi-award winning ‘Slum Dog Millionaire’ and ‘Life of Pi’.

He made his film debut in ‘Salaam Bombay!’, in 1988, before several minor roles led to him starring in British film ‘The Warrior’ and then starring in dramas like ‘Haasil’, and ‘Maqbool’.

He then went on to appear in ‘The Namesake’, ‘Lifein a…

Metro’ and ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ – for which he won a ‘Best Actor’ award at the National Film Awards before taking up roles in Hollywood blockbusters – ‘The Amazing Spider-Man, the afore-

mentioned ‘Life of Pi’ ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Inferno’.

Diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour, in 2018, he died of a colon infection age 53.

orn in West Virginia, in the US, the singer, songwriter and music producer had a succession of hit singles in the 1970s and 80s including ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, ‘Lean On Me’, ‘Just The Two Of Us’ and ‘A Lovely Day’, before winning three Grammy Awards.

A former naval officer – he enlisted in the US Navy in 1056 before serving 9 years – the multi-faceted performer, as well as his well-tune, distinctively harmonic voice, he was a wellhoned, sought-after guitarist and keyboard player whose breakthrough came after his debut single ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ in 1971. A string of hits followed throughout the following year.

Through legal wrangling the hits

dried up, but his prominence in the musical fabric was recognised when he was inducted into the ‘Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame’, by fellow musical legend, Stevie Wonder, in 2005.

A tribute concert was later held, in his name - with stars like Ed Sheeran, Aloe Blacc, Michael McDonald and Dr John – at Carnegie Hall.

He died from heart complications, age 81.

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Marc Hindu F h 10 2020 estiva and Colol of Love urs

urprise!

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March 6 202

March 17 2020

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Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

NEWS

Sikh Temple Donate £42,000 to NHS and Frontline Workers A

l Representatives of the Sri Dasmesh Sikh Temple in Lozells, Birmingham with their donation

Sikh temple in Birmingham has donated £42,000 to the University Hospital Birmingham Charity and the Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospital Trust as the global fight against the harsh reality that is Covid-19 gathers pace.

Thanks to its Gurdwara community, the Sri Dasmesh Sikh Temple, in Lozells, wanted to make the donation in support of the unerring work carried out

by National Health Service staff during what is proving to be trying times.

Sukwinder Singh Sungu, president of the Sri Dasmesh Sikh Temple, was proud to head the donation when he said: “We were hugely delighted to be able to support the NHS and the work

that they are carrying out across, especially across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands – especially during what are very difficult times.

“It’s with massive thanks to the generosity of the Gurdwara community for making this donation to help us to support people around the world who are in desperate need.

“I, we know that this generous donation will make some difference – especially to NHS staff and patients.

“We hope to donate further to the University Hospital Birmingham Charity, plus Sandwell and West Birmingham in future.

Director of Fundraising at the University Hospital Birmingham Charity, Charlotte Schofield, said: “We are massively grateful for the generosity of the Sri Dasmesh

THIS SPOT COULD BE YOURS! Reach a diverse audience worldwide

When the ‘Tough Gets Going’

Postive, Informative and Objective News Inspiring a New Generation

By Dr Christopher Johnson

Keeping you connected with your community

• locally • nationally • internationally

• monthly in print • weekly newsletter • daily online

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S

cientists are at pains to explain the current global health pandemic and its concurrent, more so, its repercussions for months or possible years to come.

Predictions and predilections are almost ‘off the chart’ and ‘Citizen Kane’ wonders how to ‘wade through the waters’ of currency.

Policy experts are utilising ‘statistical modelling’ to balance the ‘unknown’ with ‘the stark reality’ of credible evidence.

The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts that the British economy is likely to ‘recover rapidly’ in the aftermath of the present health scare.

It forecasts that Central Government’s investment into key sectors, is likely to remedy the country’s post-health crisis woes.

Yet, with the spate of mixed messaging/messages since

March this year, can business owners really trust these forecasts as accurate or perceive them, factually plausible?

Whilst the majority of news reporting focuses on public health services, coverage of the preponderant issues affecting the social care sector, is almost minimal, let alone given low priority in daily news bulletins.

Social care is a vital artery of the local economy. As a highly dependent business segment, it requires consistent, reliable and affordable injection of capital to be effective and efficient.

It relies heavily on food and hospitality, social enterprise, education and training, transport and logistics, property, manufacturing and allied sectors.

When these links are broken because of mistrust, prevarication and dithering, the impact can be felt across managerial and nonmanagerial staff levels.

The inability or reluctance to provide factual evidence on fatalities within segments of the social care sector, belies decades

Sikh Temple Birmingham for their fantastic support at what is a terrible time is for everybody.

“The £21,000 donation will help us support the NHS Superheroes and the patients they are treating at this challenging time.

“We are helping to support our staff by providing food, drink and toiletries in welfare hubs across the hospital to keep them refreshed during and after a shift.

Also, with this donation, the University Hospital Birmingham Charity will also help patients by buying radios and tables for our wards, to keep them entertained, as well as keep in touch with family and friends”.

Amanda Winwood, Fundraising & Membership Academy Manager at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Hospital Trust said: “Our friends at Sri Dasmesh Sikh Temple made a very generous donation to make sure that the wellbeing of our NHS staff is maintained as we tackle this coronavirus pandemic.

“We are all in this together and we can all help the NHS by staying 2 metres apart and only go out if desperately necessary”.

of underinvestment in market and strategic intelligence.

Like other sectors, mere funding is not always the appropriate answer or solution.

Historical fiascos in this sector are all reminders that when a ‘duty of care’ itself is sacrificed on the altar of lowering expenditure costs; the situation can be compounded by the precarious circumstances that exist today.

Indeed, due recognition must be given to this sector as a valuable and equitable ‘contributor to the health and overall wellbeing of citizens’.

The ethera of compassion must be enshrined within the ‘Social Care Charters’ or ‘Manifestos’ and be publicised across all parties involved in the future of this sector.

Most importantly, a compelling business case must be made for all aspects of care -by medical or clinical condition, lifestyle cases, ethnographic, cultural, faith, socio-economic and related demographic indices.

This should be an urgent exercise commissioned by the State in conjunction with private, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the voluntary sector since all of these have a vested interest in the care of the vulnerable citizenry.

Additionally, procurement systems should be less onerous and open to micro and smaller companies to bid for social care contracts.

Training in compassion, ethics, cultural sensitivity and business modelling, along with strategic leadership and management, should also be essential keys to any future plan.

A clear sense of direction and purpose is imperative to deal with this immense challenge of our time.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 35

NEWS

Fond Memories Of Former Maths Teacher, Mrs Sabapathy

T

he mother of former Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Paul Sabapathy CVO CBE, was recognised in a book written by one of India's outstanding Adminstrators - P. Sabanayagam.

Talking about Paul’s mother before she was married and was Miss Jesudas, when she taught at Ewarts School in Chennai, P. Sabanayagam described her as “a brilliant Maths teacher.”

He continued, “I think it is because of the grounding she gave me that I did exceedingly well in Maths in Cambridge Senior and in Madras Christian College for my B.A. degree when I got the Ross Prize and

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later when I was in the army to be able to fire a barrage in fifteen minutes.

“MCC was celebrating its 75th year in Tambaram. Her son Paul Sabapathy who had come as Chief Guest for the 75th year celebration of MCC in Tambaram and I also was present met me and spent quite some time.”

Speaking about the book, Paul said “She would have been so happy to read this. She is one of Gnanamanika m Pillays grand daughters.

“Reading this made me happy and uplifted me at this difficult time that we are facing with Covid 19.”

Paul’s Mother also taught under Ruth Desta, Emperor Haile Selassie’s Granddaughter in Ethiopia, and in Ghana, and then President Kaundas’ son in Lusaka.

The discovery of this book led to outpourings of love for Mrs Sabapathy, led by none other than Sir Alimuddin Zumla, world Authority on Ebola.

“We were reminiscing about our teachers at secondary school in Zambia and Mrs Sabapathy and her commitment was prominent in our hearts.”

Another former Student said “I have a lot of fond memories of Mrs Saba Not only was she brilliant in her field of Maths but she was also very good in imparting her knowledge.

“In change of subject of formulae she explained formulae of physics much better than our Science teachers.

“We were taught Maths by her for 3 years. Initially we were terrified of her but after a very short time I looked forward to her classes.

“It was indeed a very sad day for me personally when she informed us that she would be leaving us at the end of the first term in 1976 when we were in Form 5 in Kamwala Sec. School.

“When we completed term 2 in form 3 most of the class was expecting As in Junior Secondary

exams. When we completed a term of revision a lot of us were expecting 90s.

“In short she left an indelible mark on us.”

Another student reminisced “May the Lord bless her abundantly.

She was a motherly figure to everyone and she helped thousands of students (including me) get motivated to the highest level of performance.”

Finally another former student said “God bless her may she rest in peace- didn't realise she had passed away- let alone that she was resident in the UK- I would have loved to have met her and shared fond memories of our time at Prince Philip/ Kamwala Secondary School.

“A tremendous lady with God given ability to transmit knowledgeespecially Maths - I can still recall a lot of our maths lessons, and without her foundation I could never have become a mechanical engineer.”

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Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

LET’S TALK WITH DONALD CAMPBELL

Let’s Talk The World, Continents, Countries, Regions, Post Codes

I

t is quite amazing how the world is so divided and is often so controversial, right down to a post code

area.

We live, we travel, we rely upon navigation systems to get from place to place, by land, sea or air, and our destination is invariably linked to a post code.

Post codes determines so much, from the price of your house, to the cost of insurance for your car.

It can even determine who is brave enough to cross that dividing line into your area, your post code.

I remember, as a young man in the early 70s, going from my district, Handsworth, to another district, Small Heath, Birmingham, to visit a friend.

I stop at a shop to ask direction and the young man behind the counter was all smiles until I mentioned I was from Handsworth.

In seconds he disappeared out of site, he was hiding under the counter, petrified of my existence, because I was from Handsworth, a well know area of Birmingham.

The post code is so useful, from receiving your daily posts to loading up your sat nav to guide you on that long and difficult journey.

The post code is also used as a lottery, where one day you are down in the dumps and wondering where the next meal is going to come from, to total elation of winning thousands of pounds on the post code lottery

With Donald Campbell THE PATH OF LIFE Who knows?

You live a life You may get spliced Young and learning The degree of yearning Want to know more You begin to explore How does it go?

Why doesn’t show?

A map, the way to follow the very next day.

Yet that same post code can be your demise, just by stepping into another area, the often invisible border of another post code.

I guess we as human beings are very much like animals. We can be extremely territorial. That’s my property, my parking space, my area, my nest, my den, my post code, so do not trespass.

We can become very anxious and desperate in the pursuit of protecting our territory, our post code.

What does the post code mean to different generations, elderly, middle age, youngsters? To what length are we prepared to go to in

challenging another individual who, so-called, trespass into our territory, our post code.

The big question is does it really matter, and if so, why?

Coronavirus (COVID19) cares not where you live, continent, country, region, or post code, so there is your true enemy.

Fight against the invisible COVID19 by protecting you, your neighbours, your people by doing the right thing.

Social Distance, Isolate, Stay at Home. You know it makes sense.

GOD IS GOOD

The Missing Chapter continues…

F

rom 17 year old Private Herbert Morris to 96 year old Mr Albert Jarrett.

Mr Jarrett, a Veteran of WW2, served in Royal Air Force. Days after meeting him he told me that he doesn’t know why he is still alive because all his friends have

passed away. I told him that he is alive because has a story to tell, which the world needs to hear.

Mr Jarrett enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1942, in Jamaica. He later traveled to England to complete his training as a Military Transport Driver.

He completed his training at Melcham Training Base in Wiltshire, and was post to Ministry of Defence Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.

He was transferred to RAF Grantham, Lincolnshire, later returning to Sutton Coldfield Maintenance Unit, where he served the rest of his time.

During his service he was very active as a part of the logistics world, transporting and ensuring vital equipment were supplied to various parts of the country. l Albert Jarrett 26th November Mr Jarrett recalls some of the horrors of the war, such as seen 1945, Royal Air Force

the flames in the sky, and smoke billowing over Coventry as the enemy tried its best to destroy the City.

He also remembered a bomb being dropped in Sutton Coldfield, but fortunately it did not explode.

His memory of the day the war ended was total jubilation, when each and every individual became ecstatic.

The whole country was united, regardless of who you were or where you were from, “we were all one”, he said.

Mr Jarrett is extremely proud to have served in the Royal Air Force. He returned to Jamaica in 1947, and whilst working at the No1 Pier in Kingston he witnessed all the Windrush passengers board the ship in 1948, which is an enduring image that is printed in the bank

Would I find the same excitement?

The way ahead, a light shining We look back and say My god, was that the way?

Ignorance can be such bliss At times it ends with just a kiss The beaten track we all tread But not at all with the same head Donald Campbell, 30th March 2020

members and admirers of the National Caribbean Monument Charity (TNCMC); a charitable organisation that stand firm for the believe of gaining recognition for the many forgotten Caribbean Servicemen and Servicewomen, who served in both world wars, defending the liberties and right l Mr Jarrett laying a rose on of their mother country Great the plot allocated to TNCMC at Britain. the National Memorial Arboretum Today there are still a few of 14th February 2019. us who served in World War 2 who are living in this country, of his memories, forever.

Mr Jarrett was present at the with the memories of our days launch of The National Caribbean during the war but not with any Monument Charity, at the recognition for the service we National Memorial Arboretum, have given to our mother country Alrewas, Staffordshire, 14th Great Britain.

There are not many of us February 2019.

The following is a quote from World War 2 Veterans still alive Mr Jarrett, “May I say hello or active, and that is why, as a to everyone who are readers 96 year old, and a true hearted of our unique newspaper, the member, I am very much in Phoenix, also to those who are favour of the campaign of The

National Caribbean Monument Charity to recognise the service of Caribbean Service Personnel.

I would be over joyed to witness the unveiling of a monument at the National Memorial Arboretum in recognition of my service, and indeed the contributions of my comrades from 18 British Caribbean Islands to Britain”.

The plan is to create and install the monument in the National Memorial Arboretum by the end of 2021, which would make Mr Jarrett’s dream a reality. Your financial support, small or large, will help to write the missing chapter in the historical book of life.

Please donate www.tncmc.org donations.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 37

From Dream Holiday To African Legacy

H

e went on a lifetime dream holiday to Ghana, but, once there, the dream, for Nathan Dennis, developed into a full-blown mission - to help raise funds for a learning institute that is creating tomorrow’s world leaders today.

A leading educator, mentor and community outreacher, Nathan Dennis’ trip has become so much more in the pantheon of his achievements with what came before him.

“It was always an absolute dream of mine to visit Ghana”, he says.

“And earlier this year – before the advent of the coronavirus pandemic – I had the privilege and honour, whilst there, to visit the Future Leaders School in Accra – the story of which, proved compelling and overwhelming”.

The creator and director of 1st Class Legacy - which has years of experience in youth and diversity in the community by engagement strategy as it creates and develops leaders – he continued: “A nonprofit organisation, the school provides opportunities for underprivileged children to enable

them to gain an education.

“It began by way of a guy called Billa Mahmud who would sit under a mango tree in La Apapa, which is one of the poorest areas in Accra, and, if you will, gives free school lessons to children who would gather before him.

“What followed was even more compelling”.

After him doing it for 5 years, through relentless fundraising and huge financial aid, that ‘small acorn’ grew and metamorphosed into the Future Leaders School and then, following his sad passing, then the Billa Mahmud Memorial Future Leaders School in his honour.

“The thing is”, Dennis continued, “with up to 30% of families in Ghana living on the equivalent of £1 a week; only a select few were able to attend the institute.

“So, for more children to be able to access the drop-in education and welfare centre, I just felt that I had to do something to help them”.

On his return from his eyeopening week in Africa, Nathan, almost immediately, set-up a fundraising page to target £5,500

FIRST CLASS LEGACY SPOTLIGHT

to help to fund Ghana’s future leaders.

Before coronavirus I had the absolute privilege and honour to visit the Future Leaders School in Ghana”, he said, “and saw, first hand, the difference that we could make together.

“Please help me to raise what will be added to the critical funds for the school.

“Donations are welcomed on: @ justgiving and help to share this far and wide”.

Happily married to wife, Sabrina, with daughters; Tamina, Ayanna, Willow and Allyiah his very raison d’etra, Nathan Dennis’ legacy is widely known and respected throughout the UK and beyond. Now, his goal is to expand it – with great effect.

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Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Plans for what could be the ‘last resort’ for PPE

Plans for what could be the ‘last resort’ for PPE After emails were seen highlighting a PHE (Public Health England) document which revealed that protective gloves and masks could be reused by health and care workers in the UK, the documents also showed that some hospitals had already been forced to reuse some PPE by laundering single-use gloves.

The BMA (British Medical Association) said that the measure “underlined the urgency” for protective equipment.

PHE said that the safe reuse of its items was being considered.

However, it did say that no

decisions had been made.

It was later revealed that new details of plans to tackle shortages were discussed by the chief medical officers and chief nurses of the four UK nations.

Following the meeting, a draft document written by Public Health England and dated suggested solutions for the "acute supply shortages" of PPE. It said; "These are last-resort alternatives, but given the current in-country stock and the reduced ability to re-supply, we are suggesting that these are implemented until confirmation of adequate re-supply is in place".

Chelsea great, Didier, donates hospital for Covid-19 screening

D

From spring 2020

the law around organ donation in England is changing Unless you choose to opt out, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die.

Whatever you choose, let close family or friends know to help ensure your decision is honoured.

To find out more about your choices, including how to opt out: visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094

PASS IT ON

idier Drogba, one of the greatest strikers in the history of the Premier League, has donated his foundation’s medical facilities to his home land Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) government, to aid their fight against the county’s coronavirus crisis.

The Laurent Pokpu Hospital - which was built from funds donated by the former Chelsea player – in Attecoube Abidjan, is named after the country’s former player and coach who died in 2009.

Drogba made the donation to the government in the presence of the Major of Abidjan, Vincent Toh Bi Irie and Mariam Breka, who is the director of the Drogba Foundation.

The Ivory Coast recorded 566 Covid-19 cases – the second

highest in West Africa - with a registered total of four deaths.

Toh Bi Irie said: “We thank Didier for his donation, which is seen as a huge act of patriotism.

The hospital is yet to be fully completed, but the government is expected to make it fully functional for purpose very soon.

In the wake of the worldwide pandemic, Drogba, the west London club’s record goal scorer, made a scathing indictment of French doctors.

Along with other African footballing legends, including; Ghanaian international Christian Atsu, Cameroon great, Samuel Eto’o and former Senegal star, Demba Ba, he denounced remarks made by two leading French medical experts who suggested that any first testing for any anticoronavirus drugs should be carried out in Africa.

The football legends were incensed by the remarks that were made on French TV. Responding to the denunciation, Newcastle United winger, Atsu, posted on his twitter: “During the programme on French television station LCT, professor Jean-Paul Mira, head of the intensive care unit at Cochin Hospital (Paris) and professor Camille Locht, research director at Inserm suggested the effectiveness of the vaccine should be tested in Africa.”

On his twitter, Drogba posted: “It is totally inconceivable we keep on cautioning this. Africa isn’t a testing lab. I would like to vividly denounce those demeaning, false and most of all deeply racist worlds. Help us save Africa with the current ongoing COVID 19 and flatten the curves.”

Pensioners to Get Bumper Increase Pensioners in the UK will soon be receiving an inflation-busting rise in excess of £350-per-week any time soon.

It means that for people who become entitled to a full New State Pension, once they have reached the state pension age, then they will get weekly payments of £160.60, which will rise to a sum of £1175.20.

For people who reached pensionable age before then and are receiving the full Basic State Pension will get £1304.25 – which is up from £129.20.

There are also some pensioners who will also receive a state-

earning related pension.

Steven Campbell, a representative for retirement specialist Aegon said: “If so many people, including people of pensionable age, facing so many financial difficulties in covering basic expenses any extra is a help.

“The inflation-busting increase will offer those of a pensionable age some much-needed good news”.

The increase will most likely ignite controversy over the costs of the triple policy – which guarantees that the basic state pension will rise by a minimum of either 2.5% - the rate of inflation –

or average earnings growth.

Both Pensions Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority and Money and Pensions Service are urging savers to visit the Pensions Authority Service website for free guidance before making any relevant decisions.

Savers are also urged to visit the ScamSmart website to learn of the best ways to to be protected against any fraudulence activities.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 39

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Vitamin D as vital as ever, especially during trying times

V

itamin D is a fatsoluble vitamin that plays a number of critical roles in the human body.

It is nutrient especially important for the health of immune systems leaving people to wonder whether vitamin D may help reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.

It’s important to note that there’s no cure for Covid-19 and no known prevention measures apart from social distancing, proper hygiene practices.

That said, some research show that having healthy levels of vitamin D supplement can help to keep the immune

system healthy and may protect against respiratory illness in general.

With the virus counting for well over 100,000 cases in the UK alone, the one abiding fact is the disproportionate level of people who are affected are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background.

Figures showed that whilst accounting for 13% of the population, people from a BAME background make up 35% of coronavirus cases in intensive care and 70% of fatalities from frontline medical staff.

Figures further showed that when the number of Covid-19 deaths reached over 13,000, of those over 19% were BAME.

Directive to find why BAME account for 70% of NHS and Care staff Covid-19 deaths With nearly three quarters of the coronavirus deaths by staff employed in the NHS and social care sectors coming from a BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) background, public data has also revealed that 19% of patients to die in England are from an ethnic or mixed-heritage background.

Dr Habib Naqvior, the NHS Director for Workforce Race & Equality, said: “With the

fact that a high percentage of staff dying from this pandemic coming from a Black and Ethnic background is proving very worrying for us.

“This is proving to be very challenging for us but we very much need to rise to the challenge.

“What we need to do is look at what we can do by way of putting the right things in place right now to support our staff”.

Shadow Equalities Secretary, Marsha de Cordova, has

Former F1 boss, Dennis, creates free meals scheme for NHS workers Former Formula 1 chief, Ron Dennis, has created a new scheme to supply one million free meals to NHS workers as they go above and beyond in the fight against coronavirus.

Dennis, the former head of McLaren has said that his foundation has put a £1.5million budget and joined forces with a number of companies to supply 1,000 a day to people working in the health sector.

Dennis, 72, said: “I wanted a big solution to a big problem.

“It is an amazing effort, which I think is reflective of my reputation.

“If I say I’m going to do something, then I do it”.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said: “People with a vitamin D deficiency (including: people with dark skin, from African, African-Caribbean and South Asian background) should take a supplement all year round”, in order to protect musculoskeletal.

Generated from the exposure of sunlight, vitamin D – otherwise known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ – is crucial to the immune system, as well as healthy bones, muscles and teeth.

called for the government to “urgently investigate why people from a BAME background are far more vulnerable to the virus”.

This follows the chair of the BMA (British Medical Association), Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE, saying the first ten doctors named as having died from Covid-19 were all from BAME communities.

He called it “hugely disturbing and extremely worrying”.

The Chief Medical Officer in England, Chris Whitty, said that it is critical that we find out which ethnic groups are most at risk.

“It remains unclear why some ethnic groups appear to be more vulnerable”, he said.

“I have had discussions with leading scientists on this matter by way of teasing this apart”.

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Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

OVERSEAS NEWS

Caribbean swap rum and gin for vital sanitisers Famed for their highly sought after rum and gin, Caribbean countries and island states made sure they took up their respective responsibilities during the Covid-19 pandemic by using the alcohol – better known for drinking - as they too are doing all they can during this unprecedented pandemic.

Doing their bit to minimise the spread of the epidemic, rum and gin companies across the region are replacing their countries favourite bottled tipples with to take up the worldwide strain by now producing much needed alcohol-based hand-sanitizers and high-proofed disinfectants.

Companies like Blue Light Gin, Shillingford and Hampden estates are amongst those said to be leading the way in the new, emergency production.

Kirk Seetah, of Grenada Distillers Limited, said: “Hand sanitizers couldn’t be found anywhere on the island. There was a huge demand so we thought that the best thing we thought was to do our bit.

“We immediately started to produce upwards of 1,200 sprays before a 7-day, 24-hour curfew went into effect.

They are now sold in stores

throughout the island as well as being donated to old people and children’s homes, Grenada Distillers Limited employees, prisons, the police and mental health institutions.

In Jamaica, world-renowned J Wray & Nephew, the distiller, blender and bottler of run is doing its bit having already produced in excess of 100,000 litres of the high-strength hand sanitizer for hospitals and vulnerable groups.

Senior Director of Public Affairs And Sustainability at J Wray & Nephew, Tanikie McClarthy Allen, said: “Even before seeing a downturn in alcohol sales in Jamaica and the number of coronavirus-related cases in the country at 47 – and 3 deaths – we (J Wray & Nephew) already repurposed our plants in Jamaica in helping to combat COVID-19 in the country.

“The decision was taken almost immediately after the first confirmed infection case.

“We pride ourselves on been part of every national response there has been throughout J Wray & Nephew’s 195-year history.

“We are part of the fabric and story of Jamaica”.

Leaders throughout the Caribbean are sharing the same message as they all pleaded: ‘Stay In And Stay Safe!’

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Ooni of Ife A endorses locally invented fumigator l The Ooni of Ife

s the coronavirus pandemic makes its mark in Africa, in Nigeria, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, fulfilled his position as Royal King of the ancient Yoruba city of Ife by leading by example when he set about the fumigation of Ile Ife, before providing the wider State of Osun, and 35 other State, with fumigators, as the country, and continent at large, stood strong as, together, they stood up to the crisis.

And in highlighting the advanced, forward-thinking nature of The Ooni – as well as the inventiveness and integrity of Nigeria-at-large - the whole operation took place with fumigators and drones that were locally invented and provided.

It was before the full operation was ready to take place, that

The Ooni, in a press conference, described his actions as “a necessity to eventuate the State’s, and country’s creativity at its best - Especially that of our young people!

He continued: “Their innovation stemmed from ‘thinking outside the box’ – just like major inventive creators have done in the past, and still doing the world over today.

“The motorised fumigator”, he said, “is a creation out of necessity that can also serve purpose in the fields of agriculture and industry once we – and the whole world – finally successfully tackle the pandemic.

“We need an abundance of fumigators right now, and that’s why we have partnered with suppliers of drones to then be able to widen coverage”.

Of equal standard as those found in any western country, China or other leading Asian states, and unequalled in Nigeria each Ifemade fumigator’s range capacity covers some 20-30 feet in radius.

“With it being heavily tested and approved by royal accent, not only is it cost-effective, but, it is easy to assemble. And, we fully approve of its workability.

“We need to do now, is to make sure that we roll this out to the general public”.

As Co-Chair of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), The Ooni of Ife stressed that, by way of support, he will be donating two of the fumigators to every one of the States of the Federation of Nigeria.

This is in addition to what he is already doing – as he continues to assist the Nigerian government by sharing out food and sanitizing items to people most in need in the country.

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Campaign calling for debt relief for poor nations More than 100 organisations from around the world are calling for debt payments of developing countries to be dropped this year.

The countries include the world’s poorest economies who are struggling with the impact of coronavirus.

Major charities including Oxfam and ActionAid International are asking for the debt relief, which would free-up more than $25bn (£20bn) this year.

They have written to the world leaders and major central banks calling for a range of debt relief measures.

The call is being spearheaded by UKbased charity Jubilee Debt Campaign and came just before a due meeting of the G20 group of the world’s largest and fasted-growing economies.

Sarah-Jane Clifton, director of the Jubilee Debt Campaign said: “Developing countries are being hit by an unprecedented economic shock, and at the same time facing an urgent health emergency.

“The suspension of debt payments called for by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank saves money now, but kicks the van down the road and avoids actually dealing with the problem of spiralling debt”.

The campaigners want debt payments to be cancelled with immediate effect, including payments to private creditors.

“This is the fasted way to keep money in countries in responding to coronavirus and to ensure that public money is not wasted bailing out the profits of rich and privileged speculators”, Ms Clifton added.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, campaigners want debt relief to be applied for all countries in need and urgently for the poorest countries.

Looking long-term, they want a process to reduce debt to a sustainable level once the crisis is over.

This involves asking the IMF to introduce clear guidelines on when a debt is unsustainable and follow its policy only to lend to countries with unsustainable debts if there is a default or debt restructuring plan in place.

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 41

W

ith it having the largest postal service in the world, as India is now under total lockdown, it is using its huge, record-breaking operation to help deliver lifesaving medicines aimed at tackling the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the country.

The service’s red postal vans, which makes thousands of daily journeys covering all of the country’s post offices based in some 600,000 or so villages, will be transporting medical equipment and drugs where they are most needed at a time when transport there is at a stand-still.

Since the country’s total lockdown and many industries, including hospitals, medical centres, pharmaceutical companies, laboratories and people on the whole left in the lurch, the postal service came to the fore in India’s ‘hour of need’.

Ashok Kumar Madan, executive director of the IDMA (Indian Drug Manufacturer’s Association), explained the problem that was faced: “We were facing a lot of difficulties.

“We usually rely on couriers to get our products out to customers, but, because of the lockdown, none of them were responding to us, probably because they didn’t have curfew passes, or delivery people to call on.

“Many of these products were essential medicines; such as for heart conditions and/or cancer.

OVERSEAS NEWS

Lifesaving medicines delivered

by India Postal Service

With the postal service already in partnership with IDMA to prioritise medical deliveries in the state of Gujarat, he then got a call from Alok Ojha, the senior superintendent of the service in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Ojha was then offered the

chance to repeat that service on a wider scale with Madan explaining: “We were looking for a solution and, with it being rendered an “essential service” by the government – which allows them to operate normally during the lockdown - the postal service

have unhindered access to the whole country.

As word spread, more people began to call and ask for help.

Since the lockdown, far more companies and institutes have made similar requests, with the postal service used to deliver

everything from batches of lifesaving drugs, N95 masks and ventilators, moving medicines and equipment between major states and cities – via the the red vans.

Ghana government supplying free water in Covid-19 crisis

A

s the country emerged as the first SubSaharan African country to make such cuts in its battle to combat coronavirus, the president of Ghana has announced that his government will pay people’s water bills for the next three months as the country continues it ceaseless fight against the deadly global crisis that is showing no immediate signs of coming to any full stop.

As the pandemic continues to take its hold on lives on people throughout the world, in the West African country, President Nana Akufo-Addo made a televised address to the nation where he said that his government has urged the country’s utility companies

to ensure a reconnect any disconnected supplies.

Water-supply tankers have now been made available to provide water to the most vulnerable communities. It (Ghana) was also the first country in the region to cut interest rates to reduce its benchmark of 16% to an eightyear low of 14.5% - the first cut since January..

Meanwhile, Ghana’s health workers who are treating patients with coronavirus will receive a boost to their basic pay and all health workers will also be granted with a three month tax holiday.

In a resent account, the national figure there showed a total of 214 cases of people contracting the Covid-19 virus – with five deaths.

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Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Explore Sydney and NSW without leaving home B

eing able to dream about what to do and where to go is now more important than ever - and you can now take a virtual trip to Sydney and regions of NSW without leaving home.

Destination NSW's consumer travel website, VisitNSW.com, has a new suite of still and video Zoom-ready assets available for consumers to download to make their conferencing calls a little more fun.

The Zoom background collection was curated to inspire wanderlust in the dreaming phase of the travel planning cycle, with NSW backgrounds curated around three

key themes - native animals, sunrise and sunset, and spectacular scenery.

The NSW destinations and experiences include stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere's first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungles, sea life frolicking underwater along the NSW Coast from Tweed Heads to Narooma, aerial shots of regional NSW including Stockton Beach and Broken Hill, breakfast with Coffs Harbour kangaroos, and a timelapse of the world-famous Sydney Harbour.

“Travel might be postponed, but dreaming about travelling is definitely encouraged via our Zoomready assets,” said Stephen Mahoney,

Don’t miss out on our Education, Training & Recruitment Section

Acting CEO, Destination NSW. “Our stunning NSW Zoom backgrounds have been created to keep NSW's unique experiences and destinations top of mind, and to provide inspiration for future holidays makers as they dream about travelling while staying connected and entertained through Zoom calls in the current stay-at-home period,” said Mahoney.

With a number of virtual wonderlands and three themes to choose from, join the revolution and take your pick of one of the Zoom backgrounds to immerse yourself in NSW like never before.

Coverage on Pages 14 & 15!

'Celebrity' Penguin Goes Viral Online During Lockdown

Responsible Tourism – Canary Islands' Marine Life Few places in the world, let alone in Europe, boast natural beauty like the Canary Islands.

Swimming in the beautiful sea water that surrounds the islands are at least twenty-eight different species of whales and dolphins.

Some of these mammals reside in the area while others are simply stopping-off during migration.

In order to protect marine life, the habits of these animals need to be better understood. Fortunately, the unique geographical and aquatic characteristics of the Canary Islands make it one of the

few places where species such as the short-finned pilot whale, the Atlantic spotted dolphin or the Bryde's whale can be regularly observed.

There are only a few other places in the world where it is possible to observe up to nine different species in a single day.

There are few sights in life as remarkable as seeing the sudden swish of a dolphin or whale as it pulls up to the surface. It is understandable that spotting sea life such as whales, dolphins, sperm whales is a major tourist attraction.

A Cotswold wildlife park is offering 'virtual visits' during lockdown with a series of livestreamed talks and feeding displays However one of the biggest attractions is proving to be Birdland's celebrity king penguin Spike.

Since lockdown, videos of Spike's antics at the Bourtonon-the-water attraction, have received more than 25,000 views on Facebook.

The 12-year-old flightless bird has also seen a rise in the number of followers on his personal Facebook page to nearly 14,000 in recent weeks.

Alistair Keen, head keeper at Birdland Park & Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water, decided to stream weekly feeds and talks live online as a way to keep people informed on what dayto-day life was like for the birds without any visitors.

Using his smartphone, Alistair has recorded flamingo and pelican feeds, provided meet the parrots' sessions

To advertise

and livestreamed from inside England's only breeding colony of king penguins.

“We wanted to come up with a means to maintain some way for people who would normally be

visiting us to still be able to keep up to date with what's going on,” said Alistair.

“At first it seemed a bit strange to be doing talks just to a colony of penguins, but when we started

to see the online reactions of people from across the country and further afield, I realised there was an enthusiastic audience out there.

“Spike's videos have proved particularly popular and he is definitely a character. Over the years he's become a bit of a celebrity and I am sure he's enjoying all the online attention,” he added.

Spike, who was hatched in 2007, had to be hand-reared by Alistair after being abandoned by his parents Frank and Beryl.

Over the years he has become one of the country's best known penguins with a starring role alongside the legendary Sir David Attenborough as part of the 'Natural Curiosities' series.

Among his other television highlights are 'Penguins Make You Laugh Out Loud' and 'Junior Vets'. He's also featured on 'Escape to the Country' and starred in adverts for LG and an Icelandic bank.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 43

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

U.S. Virgin Islands says "All Eyes still on We for 2020"

F Lion King Harry Goes Out on a Limb For Treetop Takeaway Harry the lion is having to branch out to enjoy his own version of a takeaway, courtesy of keepers at Longleat Safari Park.

Staff at the Wiltshire wildlife attraction are ensuring that, even during lockdown, he still has to work for his supper by hiding meat treats up the trees in his outdoor enclosure.

However the eight-yearold big cat, who was born at Longleat, is making it look easy when it comes to ensuring he receives the lion's share – even if it is squirrelled away more than three metres off the ground.

As part of the lions' environmental enrichment, keepers place food among the branches as it provides a good workout and allows them to use muscles required for hunting and grabbing hold of prey.

“All lions are capable of climbing trees, but Harry is particularly good and makes it look deceptively effortless,” said Keeper Caleb Hall, who captured Harry's feat on film.

“He's quite a character and very popular, both with his keepers and the other lionesses.

He is strong, quick and there's no doubt he's king of his territory,” he said.

ollowing the successful launch of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's Division of Festivals' online gatherings, an expanded Virtual Carnival experience is available to a worldwide audience.

Ian Turnbull, Director of the Division of Festivals, announced that following the premiere of the 'Home Wuk' series, which featured top Virgin Islands disc jockey DJ Avalanche and garnered exceptional online engagement, the division is now offering additional "stay-athome" opportunities to celebrate Carnival Virgin Islands.

Set to celebrate its 68th edition this year under the theme ‘All Eyes on We for 2020’, Carnival Virgin Islands on St. Thomas was postponed as the territory embraced containment strategies to arrest the spread of coronavirus.

The Virtual Carnival features replays of the 2017 and 2019 Children's and Adults' parades on WTJX, live-streamed village performances by Poizon, Fusion and Spectrum bands, Shaw HP and Mic Love, an online take on J'ouvert celebrations (dubbed "Jou'Virtual"), and performances by popular DJs and local and regional artists.

Online audiences were also able to participate in a weekly Carnival Zumba with instructor Gaynel Harris.

"We wanted to offer a

sense of normalcy during an extraordinary time in history, so we are providing fun and entertainment while sharing the culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Turnbull. "It's about providing stress relief in a new, virtual format," he added, encouraging the community to "play safe and stay safe."

Tanya-Marie Singh, CEO of WTJX - the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System - said she welcomed the opportunity to partner on this initiative with "our longtime partners, the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, which has been a sponsor of WTJX's production of Virgin Islands Carnival for as long as I can remember."

Singh added that after a successful Crucian Christmas Festival, staged by the Division of Festivals, WTJX was eagerly anticipating coverage of the 2020 Carnival parades. "Since COVID-19 halted the in-person celebrations, we're happy to bring past Carnival parades, which adds to the virtual activities that the Division of Festivals has been offering online."

Turnbull stated that this is a unique opportunity that allows the community to enjoy Carnival while complying with the government's Stay-atHome Order. "It also provides prospective visitors with a glimpse of the appreciation Virgin Islanders have for their history and culture."

Maine's Abbe Museum Indian Market Will be Held Virtually Last month the Abbe Museum, located in Bar Harbor, Maine, made the decision to cancel their upcoming Abbe Museum Indian Market (AMIM), scheduled for May 1517, 2020, due to COVID-19.

AMIM, modeled after markets like the Heard and Santa Fe Indian Market, is the first multi-day event of its kind in New England that invites Native American artists from across North America to participate, with the goal of developing Bar Harbor as a destination for Northeastern

Native Art. While the current health crisis will prevent the public from attending in person, Digital AMIM will bring the event to homes throughout the world. Digital AMIM will be a one-day online event scheduled from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

Eventgoers will have the chance to meet some of the 2020 AMIM artists, learn more about them, their process, and their body of work, allowing artists to connect directly with the community to educate and sell their wares.

In addition to spotlighting artists, Digital AMIM will include performances and educational programming. At the end of the evening, there will also be a film screening and panel discussion.

AMIM was created to shine a bright light on Wabanaki artists and deepen the economic impact of art making for tribal communities.

Its cancellation, along with the cancellation of several other markets throughout the country, will have a significant impact on native artists who are dependent on these events for their livelihoods.

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Page 44 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

Buy-to-let landlords face ‘seismic’ tax change

l Imogen Lea, Clarke Willmott LLP People selling buy-tolet properties or other property owners could clock up financial penalties due to ‘seismic’ changes to the capital gains tax (CGT) payment rules, says tax specialist Imogen Lea, from national law firm, Clarke Willmott LLP, From April 6, anyone who disposes of a residential property giving rise to a capital gain on which CGT is payable, will be required to make a digital return to HMRC and to pay an estimate of the CGT due within 30 days from the sale completing.

People will also no longer be able to benefit from a possibly

substantial sum of money remaining in their hands for up to 22 months after a residential property disposal.

“This is a very big change and could easily catch people out,” said Imogen, a consultant in Clarke Willmott’s Taunton private capital team. “Interest on the unpaid tax and other financial penalties will be due if the rules are not followed.

“The risk of such a tight turnaround is people being unaware of the changes and failing to comply. They need to be aware of the vastly reduced time limits and to be ready to make the return and estimate the CGT due.

Service To Ease Financial Worries Of Homeowners

M

ortgage Advice Bureau in Birmingham, has launched a dedicated Mortgage Information Support Service to help homeowners who are worried about their finances as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The free support service, which is available to homeowners in Birmingham, has been set up to answer any queries or worries people may have about paying their mortgage, and to guide them back to financial security.

Mortgage Advice Bureau has also created an online resource of FAQs on the topic. This will be updated daily as more queries are raised.

In an ever-changing economic

climate, the UK government is responding daily with new measures to minimise the impact of the Coronavirus, not only on our health, but our finances too. This includes access to a mortgage payment holiday of upto three months for those worst hit financially by the virus.

However, this may not be homeowners’ only worry regarding monthly finances and with the new Mortgage Information Support Service, Mortgage Advice Bureau is answering people’s most common questions around managing their household finances to help them cope.

Raj Bedi, Business Principal, explains further: “We are living in unprecedented times and some homeowners are rightly

worried about their finances.

With a mortgage typically being a homeowner’s largest outgoing, monthly mortgage payments are naturally going to be the biggest concern. We’ve set up the Mortgage Information Support Service to help local people through this challenging period and to offer advice to those who need it most.

“The helpline is managed by our fully qualified mortgage advisers who can provide guidance about what to do if repaying a mortgage is a worry during the coronavirus outbreak.

“We are doing our upmost to support people and hope that the helpline will allow homeowners to talk openly and get them back on track with their finances”.

Saleh & Sons

Specialising in Caribbean Produce Fresh Meat & Vegetables Tel : 0121 551 1736 250 Lozells Rd, Birmingham B19 1NP

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 45

AZUZA STREET

Muslims may be forced to delay Hajj Bookings

S

audi Arabia has asked Muslims from around the world who are planning to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage to delay booking amid uncertainty over the COVID-19 epidemic.

Hajj minister Mohammed Banten said the kingdom was concerned about the safety of pilgrims and urged people to “wait before concluding contracts”.

In excess of 2 million people were expected to travel to Mecca and Medina this July and August for the annual gathering.

Muslims who are physically able

must undertake the Hajji once in a lifetime.

The lesser pilgrimage, the Umrah, has already been suspended as a precaution to try to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

People are also being prevented from entering Mecca and Medina, as well as the capital of Riyadh, as authorities in the country try to contain any Covid-19 outbreak that has infected over 1,600 and claimed a dozen or so lives.

Banten said: “Saudi Arabia is fully ready to serve pilgrims and Umrah seekers in every circumstance.

“But, under the current circumstance, as we are talking about the global pandemic, from which we have asked god to save us, the kingdom is keen to protect the health of Muslims and citizens.

“So we have asked all our Muslim brothers in all countries to wait before concluding contracts (with tour operators) until the situation is clear”.

The minister also said that, for the time being, people who had purchased Umra visas and that could not be used would be refunded the costs.

l Hajj Pilgrimage

Two Prominent Religious Leaders To Growing Numbers

T

he coronavirus pandemic hit new highs after claiming the lives two leading religious leaders - Reverend Bishop Horatio Fearon and Reverend Theophilus Augustus McCalla MBE. Both of whom were prominent figures at the Church of God of Prophecy.

The two latest names added to

the vastly growing list were, are, well-known religious leaders from the same church in in Wolverhampton.

Bishop McCall, 86, was also a founder of the Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association in Birmingham. He was said to have had underlying health issues – one o which including him being a diabetic.

Bishop Fearon - who was also in his 80s - died shortly after Bishop McCall. They died within 24 hours of each other – both after contacting coronavirus.

One regular churchgoer, who knew both men well, spoke of the major concerns of fellowparishioners about the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic as the pandemic knows no limit as to who it affects.

It is understood that the congregation is concerned that any number of them might add to its number of fatalities due to the pandemic.

Led by the well-established Pentecostal Holiness Christian church, the Church of God of Prophecy, which, itself was founded in 1923, created Nehemiah United Churches Housing Association which provides accommodation for people predominantly from the Caribbean community.

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Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

World record holder Duplantis due to jump in London this summer

F

ollowing breaking the pole vault world record in Glasgow, 20-year-old superstar Mondo Duplantis will return to the UK this summer to compete at the Müller Anniversary Games in London.

One of the biggest young stars in world athletics, Duplantis’ rise to prominence has come on the back of a number of major medal wins and record-breaking feats over the course of the last few years.

Most recently, Duplantis historically revised the pole vault world record twice in the space of one week, first with a clearance at 6.17m in Torun, Poland before then going 1cm better at the Müller Indoor Grand Prix Glasgow with 6.18m.

During his breakthrough as a senior athlete, he backed up becoming the youngest world finalist for some 34 years at London 2017 with European gold in 2018, the winning height a hugely notable one given the

l Mondo Duplantis mark of 6.05m saw him set a huge personal best as well as revise his own under-20 world record.

Mondo said: “The memories I have of vaulting in the UK – from competing at my first world championships in front of tens of thousands of people to breaking the world record in Glasgow – are unforgettable, so to have another opportunity to return to the UK is huge for me.”

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FA launch ACL in women’s football study

T

he English Football Association (FA) has launched an advisory group to study why anterior cruciate ligament injuries are more prevalent in women’s football.

Women players are 8-times more likely to injure their ACLs than men.

During this season, 12 players in the top two divisions in the women’s game – the WSL (Women’s Super League) and the Woman’s Championship – have suffered with the serious knee injury during this season with the FA saying that the results will be “carefully assessed”.

An FA spokesperson said that the results from the Female Athletics Scientific Advisory Group will be carefully assessed over time.

The spokesperson said: “The audit, already in its early stages, will be carried out by a group of experts from institutes involved

in producing results in women’s athletics and football.

“Then, we will be able to assess any particular injuries – including ACLs. “We will then be able to analyse rates of injuries in comparison to previous audits in men’s and women’s football, as well as in other sports.

A programme of ACL strategies - set up by the FA - is already in place, where experts deliver contents on the prevention, and rehabilitation from, to club medics.

Manchester City defender, Aoife Mannion, is one of the WSL players to suffer the potential career-ending knee injury and, after undergoing surgery, will be on the side-lines for a lengthy period.

Fellow WSL club, Bristol City, is undergoing research into the possible relation of the menstrualcycle in ACL injury prevention.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2020 - Page 47

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Billionaire, Dangote, in bid for Arsenal takeover N

igerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote GCON (Order of the Niger), is preparing to make a bid for England’s Premier League giants, Arsenal.

Marked as the richest man in the West African country, and the 96th wealthiest man in the world, Aliko, 62, the, Founder and Chair of the industrial conglomerate, the Dangote Group, is putting plans together to stake his case for a takeover bid for the north London club as soon as he has completed his petroleum refinery – the largest in Africa - set-up in Lagos.

The refinery is due for completion in 2021.

Valued at $14.1billion by Bloomberg’s Billionaire’s Index, he (Aliko) is a well-known

massive Arsenal fan and has made several bids to take-over the club in recent years, which, each time, has been rebuffed by the ‘Gooner’s’ (Arsenal’s nickname) owner – and fellow-billionaire – American business man Stan Kroenke.

Dangote said: “As a supporter, Arsenal is a team that I am interested in buying.

“I’m going to look at the idea of making a bid once this contract (petroleum refinery) is completed.

“I do, though, have several projects that I have to complete.

So, I am not looking to buy Arsenal right now.

“I’m looking to take them (Arsenal) to the next level, so, I’ll be looking to make a bid next year”.

LMA insist on testing before resuming The LMA (League Managers’ Association) has insisted that the football season in england should only resume after all the players, from every club, in all of the divisions are tested for coronavierus.

“But”, chief executive, Richard Bevan says, “Tests have to be made available to NHS workers and patients first.

“With the game being postponed indefinitely, due to the Covid-19, once that has taken place, wouldn’t it be a great idea to then access it to sport”.

On another point, he criticised the EFL (English Football League) for not consulting his members after they said that, once it restarts, the season can be completed in 56 days.

Bevan described the proposal as “amazingly tight.

He thinks that testing is key to getting back to action as soon as possible

l Aliko Dangote GCON (Investment Corporation of Dubai)

Test Player Malcolm mourning ‘surreal’ death of his father Former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm says it is “really difficult” to come to terms with the death of his father who died after contacting coronavirus, after not being able to visit him in hospital.

Malcolm’s father, Albert, who lived in a care home, died at the age of 75.

He was admitted to hospital with a bladder infection on March 29 and had only tested positive for the covid-19 virus just two days before he passed.

Malcolm, who took 128 wickets in 40 Tests between 1989 and 1997, said: “It’s so sad as we lost him in only a few days.

“It’s only when we got the death certificate when reality really sinks in. And when it does, it feels like you are having a dream and you will be out of it soon.

“But it’s going to be very difficult”.

He added: “We have a date for the funeral but the process is so difficult and so different now to going through bereavement in the past.

“There are only 5 people and the vicar who are allied at the graves.

We are hoping in the future, when we get back to some sort of normality, we can possibly a proper service, celebrating his lie with all his grandchildren and his friends”.

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Malcolm in Mourning - Page 47

Duplantis to Jump in London this summer- Page 46

Mental Preparations Concern For Tokyo Olympics Legends Thomas cancels Cure Leukaemia Tour de France fundraiser

l Geoff Thomas

Ex-England, Crystal Palace, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Crewe, Barnsley and Rochdale footballer, blood cancer survivor and Cure Leukaemia Patron Geoff Thomas has reluctantly announced the cancellation of his GT15 Tour de France challenge with a view to completing it in 2021.

Geoff and 18 other amateur cyclists had been training to cycle the full Tour de France route, a day ahead of the professionals, this summer with the aim of raising £1,000,000 for national blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia.

Their fundraising would directly fund the UK Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) network which comprises 12 blood cancer centres across the UK. The specialist research nurses funded within these

centres allow pioneering clinical trials for blood cancer to run benefitting a catchment area of 20 million people and many of these nurses have now been redeployed to help run clinical trials to fight the Covid-19 virus.

Following the main Tour de France announcing its postponement to August 29th Thomas, 55, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2003, said: “I am devastated to cancel this event which was due to be my final Tour de France challenge.

“Whilst the official organisers have announced the new date there is still too much uncertainty and risk from a logistical and operational perspective for our event to take place.

“However, I am so grateful that the majority of the team has already assured me that they will complete the event in 2021.”

T

he cancellation, or postponement, of many a major event - due to the global pandemic that is coronavirus - has not only created a huge nightmare in the diaries (and coffers) of organisers, participants and fans alike, but, for the likes of sporting, entertainment, major family get-togethers and other mass official gatherings, the future is darkened by uncertainty and confusion.

The postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is where the issue of the mental health of its competitors could come to the fore.

There is a record number of athletes and others whose respective intense Olympics preparations were due to pinnacle this summer.

With that in mind, there is a growing concern for their mental health preparations – amongst other issues.

Following the first Olympic Games postponement in its history, the most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps, has backed the decision.

He said: “At first I was shocked at the cancellation”, he said. “It didn’t seem like something that could be managed, or controlled”.

For the athletes, he said: “Your

whole life is pointed towards this moment and then this curveball.

Now you have to wait for an extra year.

“I just feel so bad for the athletes who have made it this far. On the one hand I’m relieved that they’ve got an extra year to prepare. But the waiting makes it much harder”.

With that he added: “I really hope we don’t see an increase in athlete’s suicide rates because of it. This postponement is uncharted waters”.

With him suffering deep postathletics depression, mental health awareness has since been the foundation of Phelps’ life.

Every athlete is in a singular place and he is worried about Tokyo Olympians being abruptly being asked to re-calibrate their lives.

“As someone who has gone through some who has gone through some really deep stages of depression, and still dealing with it, I hope and pray than every one of these athletes gets some kind of help with the mental health of this situation. This is a very big thing, and we can’t even leave our homes – no matter who or where we are”.

“So, if you’re an athlete, go online, or pick up the phone. Find someone to talk to”.

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