AfroNews 17 Jan 2012

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No. 1. 17th January 2012 I Tel. 020 7300 7320; 020 7300 7321; 07846062331 I Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

Justice at last for Stephen Lawrence

Nigerians in London protest fuel subsidy removal page 3

Conference for Refugee Community Organisations coming up in Birmingham page 4

The late Stephen Lawrence. A teenager whose death changed the way racism and racist crimes are tackled in the UK and Europe

Exhibition celebrates ethnic minorities’ contribution to defence

pages 9 - 12

page 2

THE GUIDE How to apply for Settlement visas and ILR for spouses, civil partners & unmarried or same-sex partners page 13

Eedris Abdulkareem swears hard at D’banj at protest page 17

Racism still prevalent in UK Report: Zero tolerance approach drives racism further underground page 8

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No. 1. 17th January 2012 www.theafronews.eu

WHERE ACTION IS

We Were There

Exhibition celebrates ethnic minorities’ contribution to defence An exhibition celebrating diversity and the significant role Britain’s ethnic minorities have, and continue to play in the defence of the country will travel to the north this month and in February.

The exhibition titled “We Were There” will be held in Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and Middlesbrough.

The exhibition, which is open to the public, documents the last 250 years of UK’s military heritage from the late eighteenth century, both World Wars through to the modern day.

The event will be officially launched in each location by Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC and local dignitaries.

Originally from Grenada, Lance Corporal Beharry joined the British Army in 2001 enlisting into the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment. He is the first person to receive the Victoria Cross since 1982 and the first non-posthumous member of the British Forces since the 1960s to be awarded the medal for bravery.

Commenting on the importance of the exhibition, Lance Corporal Beharry said: “In the Army you’re a soldier first and foremost. Your race, religion or gender doesn’t come into it.

You’re there to do an important job and everyone is equal. The ‘We Were There’ exhibition helps highlight this, as well as recognising the contribution made by different countries, cultures and communities in keeping Britain safe.”

Lance Corporal Beharry’s story is just one of a great number to be included in the exhibition and his experiences will be recorded against such important historical figures as, the female secret agent who earned the George Cross, Noor Inayat Khan, a Lieutenant who fought in the trenches and played professional football, Walter Tull and front line ‘doctress’ from the Crimean War, Mary Seacole.

“One thing that I noticed when I first saw the exhibition was the number of untold, yet amazingly brave and courageous stories the Armed Forces can tell,” Lance Corporal Beharry

Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry with his Victoria Cross for valour in Iraq, Kosovo Medal for service in Kosovo and Iraq Medal for service in Iraq said. “It’s truly an inspirational exhibition with so many people’s tales to respect and admire.”

Entry into the exhibition is free for anyone who has a keen interest in military history or gaining an insight into their own

ethnic heritage.

“We Were There” exhibition “aims to provide surprising and interesting information on unique areas of Britain’s military history, as well as helping to promote a better understanding for people

of all ages about their communities within the Armed Forces,” Army Community Liaison Officer for the region, Warrant Officer Class Two Dave Sado said.

“We’re delighted to mark the launch of the event alongside Lance Corporal Beharry. He’s a true inspiration to all and testament to the courage shown by our ethnic minority soldiers not only of today, but also those of the past.”

“We Were There” is free to the general public, schools and colleges throughout the period.

Transportation is available for organised group visits.

The exhibition will be visiting the following locations across Yorkshire and the North East including; Leeds Royal Armouries from 16th to 23rd January; Kala Sangham in Bradford from 24th to 27th January; Cutlers Hall in Sheffield from 30th January to 3rd February and The Acklam Green Centre in Middlesbrough from 6th to 10th February.

More information about the exhibition can be found by searching “We Were There North” on Facebook.

“The Witches of Gambaga” film will be screened at the BFI Southbank on 21st January 2012.

It is an extraordinary story of a community of women con-

demned to live as witches in Northern Ghana. Made over the course of five years, this disturbing expose is the product of a collaboration between members of the 100 strong community of ‘witches’ and women’s movement activists determined to end

©Niall Mc Diamid

“The Witches of Gambaga” showing at BFI Southbank “Nobody knows the number of alleged witches who never find sanctuary, but I wanted Ghanaians and other Africans, to hear what has happened to women who have lived to tell their tales” Ms. Yaba Badoe, Director of “The Witches of Gambaga” abusive practises and improve women’s lives in Africa.

Painful experience and insight come together to create an intimate portrait of the lives of women ostracised by their communities. Told largely by the women themselves, their incredible stories and struggles are con-

veyed to a wide range of audiences by the director’s narration.

The film was completed in July 2010 by Fadoa Films Ghana and UK. It was directed by Yaba Badoe, and co-produced by Badoe and Amina Mama.

“Within 24 hours of meeting women condemned to live as

‘witches’ at Gambaga in March 1995, I knew that I had to make a documentary about their lives,” said Ms. Badoe. “The more I listened to their stories, the more determined I became to use film as a way to challenge beliefs that demonize women.”

While observing that the number of alleged witches who never find sanctuary is unknown, Ms. Badoe said she “wanted Ghanaians and other Africans, to hear what has happened to women who have lived to tell their tales.”

THE WITCHES OF GAMBAGA 21st January 2012 From 2:00 to 5:00pm BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1 Tube: Waterloo www.bfi.org.uk Admission £5.00 best to book early

AFRONEWS | My Own Media Ltd. The Old Fire Station, 140 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4SD, United Kingdom | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Stephen Ogongo Ongong'a | TEL: +44 (0)20 7300 7320 or +39 06 94354517 |Fax: 0207 253 23 06 | Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk | ADVERTISING: TEL: 020 7300 7320; 07846062331 | Email: sales@myownmedia. co.uk | DISTRIBUTION: Tojake Uk-Wade | Email: info@myownmedia.co.uk | PRINTING PRESS: Newsfax Ltd, London. | Advertiser and advertising agency assume liability for all content (including text representation, illustrations, and photographs) of advertisements printed or posted, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising there from made against the publisher | Supplement of Africa News, Registered at the Tribunal of Rome. Registration No. 22/2003 - 21-01-2003

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No. 1. 17th January 2012 www.theafronews.eu

COMMUNITY

3

©Jesse Adeniji

Nigerians in London protest fuel subsidy removal Nigerians in the UK have joined Christian, dying of starvation. We have a the fight against fuel subsidy Nigerian traditional worshiper, dying of starvation. Today, we know it’s the struggle removal.

between the oppressed Nigerian and the minority one percent ruling over the rest of Nigerians,” he said.

The protestors called for good governance in Nigeria and asked Nigerian leaders to listen to the people’s voice.

They also warned of a pending revolution in Nigeria to get rid of corrupt leaders who have impoverished the country and made it lose credibility.

Since the government of Nigeria announced the removal of subsidies on 1st January 2012, gas prices in the country have doubled. The cuts have also led to an increase in transportation costs in the country.

©Jesse Adeniji

On 6th January 2012 about 400 Nigerians gathered in front of the Nigerian House in Northumberland in London, where the Nigerian Embassy is located to express their grievances to the Nigerian government.

The peaceful protest was organised by the Students’ Association of Nigerians in the Diaspora (SAND).

Addressing the protestors, London-based Nigerian activist Kayode Ogundamisi said: “No matter who you supported during the last general elections, we are all victims of oppression of Nigeria’s ruling class.”

He said that Nigerians from all religious backgrounds are dying of starvation. “Today we have a Nigerian who is a Muslim, and dying of starvation. We have a Nigerian

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COMMUNITY

Conference for Refugee Community Organisations coming up in Birmingham The Basis Project will hold a national conference in Birmingham on 23rd January 2012.

The Basis Project led by Refugee Council and Refugee Action, is an Englandwide service giving one-to-one support to hundreds of refugee community organisations (RCOs) to help them manage, develop and sustain their work.

The Basis National Conference will bring together refugee community organisations, refugee support and infrastructure support organisations and funders to explore ways forward from the current challenges for RCO development.

It will be a day for RCOs to share inspiration and learning, and an opportunity to build relationships between each other and with other agencies. Facilitated conversations and activities will enable participants to meet, share and build new links.

The Basis National Conference will above all, be an event for RCOs: a day

when RCOs can come together and learn from each other. It will also be a day to increase communication and learning between RCOs and other organisations and funders.

This event is free and travel and childcare expenses will be covered for refugee community organizations.

Speakers include: Donna Covey (Refugee Council Chief Executive), Elizabeth Balgobin (Chair of

Voice4England), Micheline Safi Ngogo (Light Project International), Sirak Berhe (Investing in People and Culture), Atiha Chaudry (Chair, Greater Manchester BME Network).

More speakers to be confirmed.

Workshops and facilitators: Social Enterprise run by David Ndiwanyu, The Nile African Development; Collaboration: united voice run by Anna Musgarve, Refugee Council and Beatrice Botomani, Bradford Refugee Forum; Social Media run by Nick Mickinski, MRCF; Community Research run by Jan Crawley, South West Foundation; Commissioning run by Fiona Sheil, NCVO, Kaveh Kalantari, Iranian Association, and Andy Pallas, TactCare; Reaching the Media run by Nazek Ramadan and Anne Stoltenberg, Migrant Voice; Community Involvement run by Janice Marks, Federation for Community Development

Zambian community worker dies in London Charity Shamboko, an outstanding Zambian community worker has passed away. She died on 5th January 2012 in London.

Born on 3rd June 1959 in Kitwe, Zambia, Charity came to the UK in 1990 for studies.

She gained qualifications in Marketing, Public Relations, Business and Finance.

Her thirst for knowledge made her spend most of her time studying. Last year, she completed her degree in Community Development at Bradford University.

Charity was also an active citizen in the community, running her own consultancy providing expert advice and helping people reach decisions in education and business planning.

Poland.

She was the first woman Funeral arrangements national President of are being held at 1 Zambia Jaycees which she Kingsmead House, run as an efficient commuKingsmead Estates, nity service organisation, attending various seminars Hommerton Road, London E9 5QH. and meetings abroad.

Charity helped many There are plans to take Charity’s body to Zambia.

Zambians who came to the If you would like to supUK for the first time by port the family, please do providing free advice so through Mr. Pazu whether it was looking for The late Charity accommodation, finances, Shamboko, Santander Shamboko information or emotional Bank, Account no support. She had a big heart and simile for 60257010 sort code 09-01-39. Tel everyone.

02089854846. Mobile 07719852345.

Charity lives behind daughter Charity Shamboko JR, who lives in Warsaw,

By Daniel Mwamba

The AfroNews recruiting junior freelance journalists based in London Do you want to make some experience tributed weekly in London? Do you want The AfroNews is recruiting junior African journalists for writing for an established newspaper, dis- to publish reports on community events, concerts, shows, exhibitions, community freelance work based in London.

Have you studied or are you studying journalism? Are you active in community affairs? Do you have a feel of what concerns and/or entertains your community?

heroes on a freelance basis?

Then The AfroNews wants you!

Send your CV and a cover letter to editor@myownmedia.co.uk

Learning; and Diversifying your Income run by Fergal McCullough, Refugee Action.

More workshops on collaboration for service delivery and creative volunteering to be confirmed soon.

BASIS PROJECT NATIONAL CONFERENCE Date: 24th January 2012 Time: 11.00 – 16.30 Venue: Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Burlington Arcade, 126 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4JQ How to book a place: Complete the booking form by logging on to http://www.surveymonkey. com/s/DGY9NHW; send an email to basis@refugeecouncil. org.uk or call Basis Project on 020 7346 1297.

BBC ONE casting call for Caribbean family Would you and your family like to follow in your ancestors’ footsteps in a unique living history experience?

BBC ONE’s hit living history series “Turn Back Time” is back! Last year the programme sent shopkeepers back in time on the British High Street. This year they are looking at family life through the ages and they are on the hunt for families to experience life in a different decade!

The producers have taken a street of UK houses back to the Edwardian era, and they will fast forward a few lucky families through five seminal eras, taking them right up to the 1970’s.

As part of the programme’s exploration of the changing makeup of Britain in the 1960s, the producers are looking for a Caribbean family to join the street in the final two episodes, and experience the Britain that their parents’/grand-parents’) generation found when they arrived here.

“We’re looking for a lively and fun Caribbean family, with children aged between eight and 18, to take part in the programme,” producers of “Turn Back Time” say.

If you’d like to find out more, please contact the producers by either sending an email to Ingrid.oreilly@walltowall. co.uk or calling 020 7241 9399.

Filming will take place from 12th to 15th April and from 19th to 22nd April 2012 in the UK.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

By cutting legal aid the government will incur further costs of at least £139 million, a new report has revealed.

The King’s College London (KCL) report, “Unintended Consequences: the cost of the Government’s Legal Aid Reforms”, shows that the cuts proposed in

“This welcome report suggests that not only will slashing legal aid force some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including people who have fled conflict and persecution, to go without legal support, but will also be of little benefit to the economy or the taxpayer. It is unacceptable that vulnerable people are having their right to justice taken away, but particularly when the government’s reasons for doing so are in doubt” Ms. Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council

the Legal Aid, Sentencing & Punishment of Offenders Bill will give rise to unbudgeted costs which will undermine the Ministry of Justice’s proposed contributions to the government’s deficit reduction plan.

The report comes just as the Bill will return to the House of Lords to be debated.

“This research undermines the Government’s economic rationale for changing the scope of legal aid by casting doubt on their claims of realising savings to the public purse,” the report author, respected academic Dr. Graham Cookson said. “Without a trial, it is impossible to say for certain what the impact of the proposals will be, just as it is impossible for the Government to assert that there will be a net saving of £270 million per annum.”

The report supports the Sound Off for Justice Campaign – the Law Society’s campaign to stop the government cuts to legal aid which the Refugee Council supports.

Under the current proposals, while most asylum matters remain eligible for legal aid, all immigration cases will be removed from scope. This means, for example, that refugees applying for family reunion will be unable to seek free legal help, and some separated children and victims of trafficking will also be unable to access legal advice.

Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the

©Dreamstime

Legal aid cuts will cost government £139 million

Refugee Council said: “This welcome report suggests that not only will slashing legal aid force some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including people who have fled conflict and persecution, to go without legal support, but will also be of little benefit to the economy or the taxpayer. It is unacceptable that vulnerable people are having their right to justice taken away, but particularly when the government’s reasons for doing so are in doubt.”

Ms. Covey said it was already very difficult for asylum seekers and refugees, including children, to find legal help. “If the Bill goes ahead, they will no longer be eligible for legal advice on important matters such as family reunion, wrongly having financial support withdrawn, and for

many victims of trafficking,” Ms. Covey said.

Refugee Council has strongly urged the government to consider the Law Society’s alternative proposals to the cuts, “to ensure those that need access to justice the most will still be able to get it.”

“The Law Society accepts the need to achieve savings, but this report confirms that much of the Ministry of Justice’s claimed savings are being achieved at the expense of other parts of Government,” Desmond Hudson, CEO of the Law Society said. “This is kamikaze accounting and will do little to tackle the deficit while sacrificing access to justice. Should we be promoting our justice system internationally while denying access to ordinary citizens?”

NIESR: Economic and student migrants cost little A new research by NIESR shows that non-European economic and student migrants impose costs on UK public services that are small both relative to the total cost of these services and to the share of these groups in the population as a whole.

pean economic migrants and those on student visas who were the focus of the study.

Although the study didn’t look into the fiscal and economic benefits of these groups, the relative balance between what they cost and what they contribute is firmly weighted towards a significant positive net contribution, both to the economy, The key conclusion of the study is that and to public finances. migrants overall impose somewhat less The report shows that non-European than proportionate costs on the public ser- economic migrants are likely to be comvices examined. This means that their per paratively light users of health and social capita consumption of public services is care services due to their relatively young less than that of the population as a whole.

021211_150.8x69_TTX_Afro_0037_en.ai 1 02/12/2011 age 11:21:52 profile, good health, their status as The finding is especially true of non-Euro- employees and presence in professional

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occupations.

Non-European economic migrants may place slightly higher demands on education expenditure than non-migrants, as more are at the age when their children are young, and difficulties that schools experience in accommodating pupils who arrive mid-year.

Costs for language support are likely to be low as many non-European economic migrants are from English-speaking countries.

Moreover, there is no evidence that the presence of children with English as an additional language reduces overall educational attainment for children whose first language is English. In addition, the professional status and educational attainment of non-European economic migrants make it more likely that they will be consumers of private health and education in comparison to the population as a whole and so make fewer demands on public services.

Total expenditure on state education, health and personal social services accounts

for 44 per cent of public services expenditure. The average expenditure per adult migrant for these services is estimated to be significantly lower than for non-migrants: expenditure per non-European economic migrant is estimated at between 16 and 23 per cent less than for non-migrants and for student migrants, between 41 and 49 per cent less.

Migrants account for an estimated 11.8 per cent of personal social services expenditure though they make up 13 per cent of the population.

This pattern is consistent for the different migrant groups, all of which have a smaller expenditure than the non-migrant population. For example, the cost of nonEuropean economic migrant is £403 per head for the year in comparison to £515 per head for non-migrants. This reflects migrants’ younger age profiles.

For health expenditure, migrants account for an estimated 10.8 per cent of the spending but make up 13 per cent of the population. Expenditure per head is £1,602 in comparison to £2,003 for the non-migrant population, reflecting smaller number of middle-aged and older people in the migrant population.

For all non-European economic migrants, expenditure per head is £1,270, with this group accounting for between 0.6 and 0.9 per cent of the population but only 0.5 per cent of expenditure.

Tel. 0207 300 7320 Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

CURRENT AFFAIRS

No. 1. 17th January 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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Leading mental health charity Mind and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) have urged employers to encourage staff to talk about mental health issues.

They made the appeal after a new CIPD report revealed that the issue of mental ill health is still being swept under the carpet in most workplaces.

Only 40% of employees say they would feel confident to disclose a mental health problem to their employer.

The survey of 2,000 people in employment in the UK reveals that despite more than a quarter (26%) of employees having experienced a mental health problem while in employment, too few employers are taking positive steps to manage this increasingly business critical issue.

Just 25% of respondents say

their organisation encourages staff to talk openly about mental health problems and only 37% say their employer supports employees with mental health problems well.

The research also shows that women are significantly more likely to report experiencing a mental health problem while in employment (31%) than men (22%).

Nearly two thirds of employees with poor mental health say that this is the result of a combination of problems at work and outside work in their personal life. Just 15% of respondents with poor mental health say this is due to work alone and 20% say their problems are solely down to problems outside work in their personal lives.

CIPD and Mind have launched a new guide to help employers manage and support mental health at work.

The guide, “Managing and supporting mental health at work

– disclosure tools for managers”, will help employers ensure that how they manage people supports their mental wellbeing and resilience, and also encourage more employees to talk about any mental health issues they may be facing at an early stage.

“Managing mental health at work is central to good business performance,” says Ben Willmott, CIPD Head of Public Policy.

“Stress is the number one cause of long-term sickness absence, but it is not just time lost to absence which impacts on the bottom line. Our survey highlights that the majority of people with poor mental health continue to attend work and report that it can impact on their ability to concentrate, make good decisions and provide effective customer service. It is estimated that this presenteeism costs UK businesses £15.1 billion per year in reduced productivity, while mental health related sickness absence costs £8.4 billion.”

©Chris Sampson

Most employees afraid to disclose mental ill-health

Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer says: “This research shows that there is still a long way to go until workers feel able to discuss their mental health openly in work, enabling them to get the support they need. With 1 in 4 people surveyed having experienced mental ill health, this is an issue that will touch almost every workplace in the country.”

While supporting staff through

a difficult period shouldn’t be costly, it can bring to any organization huge benefits, says Mr. Farmer. “This new guide provides advice for managers to help them foster an environment where staff can feel comfortable to disclose a mental health problem, and simple information to support their employees through any period of mental ill health to help their recovery.”

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

Racism still prevalent in UK

©Dreamstime

Report: Zero tolerance approach drives racism further underground

Racism is still prevalent in the UK with many young people casually expressing discriminatory views, a new report has revealed.

The report by the Trust for London and the Runneymede Trust shows that very little work has been done to prevent racist violence.

The zero-tolerance approach used in the classroom and youth clubs is failing and driving racism underground, the report shows.

It also emerges that most perpetrators of racist violence are young, white males.

At the same time, lots of young people are ‘at risk’ of perpetrating racist violence, not just those involved with gangs.

Preventative work, according to the report, reduces harm and financial costs.

Youth workers and teachers need appropriate skills, tools and confidence to tackle racism effectively, the report recommends.

Three projects around London, in Greenwich, Bexley and Barking and Dagenham are developing ways to tackle racism by creating platforms for young people to discuss difficult issues of racism and identity.

Working with Men, based in Greenwich ran a six week programme on conflict resolution in Greenwich College. Through group exercises and sports sessions Working with Men covered issues of identity, culture and coping with violence. Those seen as the most problematic students were given ‘supervisor’ roles within the common room to build

their leadership and problem solving skills.

Bexley based project, Leap Confronting Conflict took a youth led approach to working on racial and identity issues, recruiting young volunteers as peer educators who have then gone on to undertake a variety of initiatives in their local area on issues of racism and identity.

Bharat Mehta, chief executive of the Trust for London, which funded the study, said: “The work has shown that many people hold racist views but the issue of racism has become such a difficult

one in our society that individuals will go to great lengths to avoid having their views or what they say labelled as racist.” He added that zero tolerance “does not work and only serves to push the problem underground.”

Sarah Isal, deputy director of the Runnymede Trust, a thinktank that specialises in research about race, added: “What the projects did find is that racist views are still very much prevalent among young people and there is a climate of intolerance with negative stereotyping relating to specific groups.”

“The work has shown that many people hold racist views but the issue of racism has become such a difficult one in our society that individuals will go to great lengths to avoid having their views or what they say labelled as racist” Bharat Mehta, chief executive of the Trust for London

Met to revamp stop Immigration fuelling demand for housing - MP and search policy The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has ordered a radical overhaul of stop and search policing in London.

The move has been seen as a bid to improve relations between the police and the black community who have strongly opposed the policy.

A black person is up to 27 times more likely than a white person to be stopped by police using stop and search powers.

MPS said that the new approach will see a renewed focus on reducing violence and for the power to be used in a more intelligence-led and targeted way, leading to more arrests and more weapons seized.

A new dedicated, experienced central team will lead a wide range of changes affecting every element of stop and search with the aim of improving policy, practice, and performance across the board.

MPS announced that there will be fewer ‘Section 60’ authorisations, while the intelligence threshold to approve this power

will be increased, ensuring there is a stronger case to grant it in the future.

MPS Commander Tony Eastaugh, who will lead the change at the Met said: “Stop and search is an important policing tactic and a deterrent to crime. We know from public attitude surveys that communities support us when it is used fairly and professionally.”

He admitted that there are disparities in the use of stop and search powers. “Whilst the causes of these disparities are complex, it is vital that we not only maintain but enhance local accountability to provide greater transparency in relation to our use of stop and search to combat violent crime.”

Commander Eastaugh said public satisfaction surveys show that “the wider community recognise that stop and search is a vital tool and we know we must retain their backing.”

He added that they’ll continue to work to increase the involvement of communities and third sector organisations and statutory partners as they move forward with the new changes.

An MP has asked the environmental groups to speak out about the impact of immigration on Wales.

Monmouth MP David Davies produced figures which suggest Monmouthshire will have to continue building houses for an extra 350 people per annum for many years to come just to keep up with demand caused by net migration alone. In addition, increased life expectancy, population growth and family break-ups will fuel demand further.

“There is a real danger that immigration is becoming an issue which only extremists will raise,” said Mr. Davies. “It goes without saying that the millions of law abiding people who have come here, learnt English, got jobs and integrated into society are to be made welcome and those who try to whip up prejudice based on ethnicity or where people were born should be completely condemned.”

While calling for more action to ensure the UK visa system enables genuine tourists to come to the country, Mr. Davies said “we cannot escape the fact that continued large scale immigra-

tion is fuelling the demand for housebuilding, including in areas like Monmouthshire, even though the number of recent UK arrivals living here is small.”

He said: “The reason is due to the ‘ripple’ effect. Most new arrivals go to London and other major cities. This creates demand which pushes longer standing residents into outer areas, which in turn displaces others over a period of time.

“In simple terms, housing becomes scarce in London so some move out to Reading for example. This in turn displaces Reading residents to Swindon and so on with demand for housing increasing along major transport routes as people move further away to get access to cheaper housing.”

Mr. Davies said Greenpeace and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales have avoided talking about the issue, “while Friends of the Earth is in complete denial. It is too often seen as a subject which shouldn’t be raised in polite society.”

He urged the environmental groups “to come off the fence and join a broad coalition of moderate centre left and right politicians

Monmouth MP David Davies who completely abhor xenophobia and racism, but wish to voice their concerns about the effect of population growth on the environment.”

Mr. Davies has written to a number of environmental groups to seek their support, on environmental grounds, for government measures to reduce immigration into the UK.

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COVER

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Racist killers of Stephen Lawrence finally jailed Dobson and Norris, were 17 and 16, at the time of the murder. On 4th January 2012, Gary was sentenced to at least 15 years and two months. David was given a minimum term of 14 years and three months for the murder, which Mr Justice Treacy said was a “terrible and evil crime”.

Passing sentence, the judge told the pair: “A totally innocent 18-year-old youth on the threshold of a promising life was brutally cut down in the street in front of eye witnesses by a racist, thuggish gang.

You were both members of that gang. I have no doubt at all that you fully subscribed to its views and attitudes.”

After sentencing, the judge called forward Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll, who has been the senior officer in the case for a number of years, and told him: “The Macpherson Inquiry shamed and humbled the Metropolitan Police by its conclusions as to the errors and failures in the initial investigation into this case. That said, it’s right to acknowledge the hard work and professionalism of other officers of the Metropolitan Police in more recent times, in collaboration with highly skilled scientists, the Crown Prosecution Service and the dedicated prosecuting team in this court.

“However, the convictions of Gary Dobson and David Norris will not, I hope, close the file on this murder. On the evidence before the court there are still three or four other killers of Stephen Lawrence at large.”

The convictions come after a forensic review of the case found significant new scientific evidence on clothing seized from the suspects’ homes 18 years ago.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick, who ordered the 2006 cold case review that led to the convictions, said: “We are very pleased for the family and those who loved Stephen. There have been several investigations over the last 18 years during which the Lawrence family have campaigned tirelessly for justice.

“This prosecution has depended upon previously unavailable scientific technology and techniques which led to the discovery of the new evidence.” She said that during the inquiry there was close co-operation between the Metropolitan Police, the CPS and counsel. The investigators also worked very closely with the Forensic Science Service and LGC Forensics.

“We pay tribute to Mr and Mrs Lawrence’s courage and dignity. They have contributed to major changes within policing, the law and society as a whole,” Ms. Dick said. Stephen’s parents, Doreen and Neville, wept in court as the jury delivered the guilty verdict.

©PA

Finally, two men have been jailed for the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in Eltham in 1993.Following a six week trial at the Old Bailey, Gary Dobson, 36, and David Norris, 35, were found guilty of being involved in the unprovoked attack on Stephen as he waited at a bus stop with a friend.

The late Stephen Lawrence. His family’s campaign for justice has changed the way racism and racist crimes are tackled in the UK and Europe

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Doreen Lawrence: Police failed miserably to catch Stephen’s killers Speaking outside the Old Bailey after Gary Dobson and David Norris were convicted of Stephen’s murder, Mrs. Lawrence said she should not have had to spend 18 years trying to bring her son’s killers to court.

“This has been a very difficult time for me and I would like to thank all those people that have expressed kindness and support for me and my family over the last 18 years,” Mrs. Lawrence said.

She also thanked the jury for their verdicts but added that they were not a cause for celebration.

Mrs. Lawrence said: “How can I celebrate when my son lies buried? When I cannot see him or speak to him? When will I see him grow up and go to university or get married or have children? These verdicts will not bring my son back.

“How can I celebrate when I know that this day could have come 18 years ago if the police who were meant to find my son’s killers (had not) failed so miserably to do so. These are not a reason to celebrate.”

Mrs. Lawrence, however, said she felt relief that two of her son’s killers have finally been caught and brought to justice.

“Relief that these racist men can no longer think that they can murder a black man and

“Had the police done their job properly, I would have spent the last 18 years grieving for my son rather than fighting to get his killers to court” Mrs. Doreen Lawrence, Mother of Stephen Lawrence get away with it; relief that despite the defence being able to raise issues of contamination, the jury saw through it.

“I feel relieved that, to some extent, I can move forward with my life. But mixed with relief is anger - anger that me and my family were put through 18 years of grief and uncertainty, not knowing if or when we would ever get justice.”

She criticized the police for failing to properly carry out investigations into Stephen’s death. “Had the police done their job properly, I would have spent the last 18 years grieving for my son rather than fight-

Prosecute other Lawrence murder suspects - lawyers The Society of Black Lawyers (SBL) has called for immediate prosecution of the three remaining men who are suspected of being involved in the racist murder of black teenager, Stephen Lawrence in 1993.

They made the call following the conviction and sentencing of David Norris and Gary Dobson who were both given life sentences at the Old Bailey on 4th January 2012.

Norris was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years and three months and Dobson received 15 years and two months. Both were sentenced under old guidelines as if they were juveniles because they were under the age of 18 when the crime was committed. Dobson had previously been acquitted in 1996, following a private prosecution brought by the Lawrence family. It was only due to a change in the law on double jeopardy in 2005 that he was able to be tried again.

“We welcome the sentences

©OBV

Doreen Lawrence, the mother of Stephen Lawrence strongly criticised the police for failing to catch his killers earlier on.

that have been passed and recognise that the judge’s hands were tied in that respect,” Jide Lanlehin, criminal barrister, said. “The sentences could have been much longer if judicial discretion, based on exceptional circumstances had been possible. Such a crime, if it had been committed by juveniles today, would have attracted a far longer sentence. Sadly, neither the sentencing guidelines nor legislation allowed for such discretion to be exercised.”

SBL Co-Chair, Peter Herbert OBE urged the Crown Prosecution Service to immediately review the case “with a view to bringing prosecutions against the three remaining suspects.”

The convictions of Norris and Dobson, Mr. Herbert said, “represent substantial new evidence of a joint enterprise in relation to all five men. Luke Knight and the Acourt brothers should be re-interviewed. They should not think that they are safe from the continuing call for justice.”

ing to get his killers to court.”

Mrs. Lawrence expressed disappointment with the way the police handled exhibits. “Despite the police saying that this case was so important to them, the exhibits were treated in such a way the defence could suggest contamination.

“This result shows that the police can do their job properly but only if they want to. I only hope that they have learnt their lesson and don’t put any other family through what we have been put through.”

Mrs. Lawrence affirmed that racism and racist attacks were still rampant in the UK.

“The fact is that racism and racist attacks are still happening in this country and the police should not use my son’s name to say that we can move on,” she said.

She appealed to the public to think of Stephen not as “a black teenager murdered in a racist attack in south east London in April 1993” but “as a bright, beautiful young man who any parent of whatever background would have been proud of.”

“He was a wonderful son and a shining example of what any parent would want in a child. I miss him with a passion. Hopefully now he can rest in peace,” she added.

IPCC pays tribute to Lawrence family’s determination for justice The Independent Police dence of black and minority ethComplaints Commission nic communities in policing.”

“To play our part,” she said, (IPCC) has paid tribute to “the IPCC will strive to ensure the Lawrence family for their extraordinary determination to achieve justice for their son Stephen.

Commenting on the conviction and sentencing of two men involved in the murder of Stephen, Deborah Glass, Deputy Chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission said the sentences were only “a partial justice for the family of Stephen Lawrence.”

“There can be no doubt that in their struggle they were also instrumental in bringing muchneeded fundamental reform to policing in this country. The Independent Police Complaints Commission, the result of a recommendation of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, is itself one of those reforms,” Ms. Glass said.

While saying it was important to acknowledge changes made over the past decade, Ms. Glass pointed out that “much remains to be done to increase the confi-

not only that our values embody the lessons learned from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, but also that our actions reflect the aspirations for justice on which those values are based.”

Ms. Glass admitted that “the initial investigation into Stephen’s murder was truly shocking in its negligence”. She however gave credit to the current Metropolitan Police investigation team. “While nothing can diminish the family’s pain for Stephen’s loss or compensate for the initial failures of the investigation, the Metropolitan Police have since 2006 worked tirelessly to secure these convictions and to ensure that two racist killers will not be Ms. Deborah Glass, Deputy Chair of the Independent Police free for many years,” Ms. Glass said.

Complaints Commission

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PACE praises Lawrence family’s relentless campaign for justice Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly President Mevlüt Çavusoglu welcomed the conviction and sentencing of two men involved in the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

approach to race relations in the United Kingdom, which has spilled over into the rest of the continent.”

The PACE President continued: “However, this could only happen once there was a recognition that there had been a collective failure, and a recognition that there was ‘institutional racism’ not only in the police force, but also in many other areas of society, which had to be tackled.”

Mr. Çavusoglu said the problem of ‘institutional racism’ was one which continues to raise its head

Mr. Çavusoglu said justice has finally seen the light after 18 years in what he described as one of “Europe’s most notorious racist hate crimes.”

“This case has done more than any other individual case to raise horror and concern about racism, not only in Britain but also across Europe,” said Mr. Çavusoglu. “The gratuitous nature of the killing, the initial failure in the response of the police and the botched initial prosecution led to a complete overhaul of the

across Europe, whether in relation to migrants, asylum seekers or refugees, or in connection with other marginalised and vulnerable groups such as the Roma. It is one which the Council of Europe – through its Parliamentary Assembly, its Human Rights Commissioner, its anti-racism body ECRI and other bodies – monitors on a daily basis.

“Justice will only ever be a half-full glass for the Lawrence family. Nothing will bring back their son. But their relentless campaign for justice has changed the face of tackling racism and racist crimes. It has ensured that an innumerable number of persons, not just in the UK, but across Europe, do not have to stare at empty glasses of justice. We have the Lawrence family to thank for this,” Mr. Çavusoglu said.

Reverend Jackson: Black people still second class citizens in UK The conviction and sentencing of two people involved in the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence should not distract political leaders from the wider problems of racism in the UK, the US civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson has said.

Addressing a press conference in London before the sentencing of David Norris and Gary Dobson, Mr. Jackson said: “Justice must be implemented and it must be a deterrent against this behaviour.

These two young men must not be trophies; it rather takes away from the deeper malady of expanding violence.”

He said: “There is too much of violence against immigrants and people of colour” in the UK. Mr. Jackson pointed out that three other suspects in Stephen’s murder are on the loose. “The community has incubated them – all these years many people knew who they were and they would end up being convicted on the strength of a drop of blood or a strand of hair,” he said. “It was much more obvious down through the years who was involved in this killing.”

Mr. Jackson condemned racism in the UK saying that black people in the country are still treated as “second class citizens – free but not equal, not adequately protected by law.”

He praised the persistence of the Lawrence family in seeking justice for their son. “Where there is a case like this, hats off to the mother and father, whose love never dies and who would never give up on the killing of their child,” Mr. Jackson said.

Addressing the same press conference, Bishop Wayne Malcolm of Christian Life City Church London said Lawrence’s case marked a “turning point in the way racial

crimes are handled” in the UK. “We are very much glad that attention is being paid to the wider issues that Stephen Lawrence has come to represent,” he said adding that the church community would like to see “a new chapter in the way race crimes are treated in the UK.” Superintendent Leroy Logan acknowledged “the determination and tenacity of both Neville and Doreen Lawrence” in seeking justice.

“Race equality is fundamental not just for the black minority ethnic community but for the wider community,” he said.

Supt Logan asked the government to take leadership to hold chief constables to account.

Lee Jasper, Chair of London Race & Criminal Justice Consortium & Executive member of Operation Hope and Recovery, said he was glad for the relief the conviction brought to Stephen’s parents.

He criticised the British justice system for being “incapable of bringing justice to the black people.”

“I’m not celebrating with those wish to give the British system a pat in the back,” Mr. Jasper said. “The multidimensional reality of racism in Britain is now resurgent.”

He added that all the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry “have dissipated, evaporated and disappeared.”

The relationship between the police and black community is now as bad as it was in 1993 and 1986, Mr. Jasper said.

Ms. Audrey Adams, mother of Rolan Adams who died in a race attack in 1991 said their fight for justice was very similar to the Lawrence family. “We were considered to be the public enemy number one, we were considered to be the troublemakers,” she said.

With tears, Ms. Adams said: “It has been very difficult and what I’m really

angry about is that Neville and Doreen Lawrence have had to fight and fight and fight for over 18 years to get justice for their son.”

She said time had come for the British society and justice system to stand by victims of crime. “We pay our taxes, we’ve been part of the society not just for 50 years, for many years, we’ve build this

country from the proceeds of the transatlantic trade, we’ve done our bit,” she said.

“What I don’t want to see continue for my grandchildren is that when you are a victim of circumstances, when you are a victim of crime, then you become a public enemy number one,” she said.

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

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COVER

POEMS

Strange kind of justice Dedicated to Stephen Lawrence, a bright beautiful young man Strange kind of justice That takes a life of 18 years and takes 18 years more to serve Where only some of the guilty get the punishment they deserve Strange kind of justice That can allow killers to grow freely into adulthood Yet deprive that of the bright, beautiful young man they brutally took

live in anguish and suffer Strange kind of justice That allows the injustice of murder and prejudice to thrive And keeps the ignorance of discrimination alive Strange kind of justice That leaves mothers, fathers, families,

Strange kind of justice That looks on with disinterest whilst families fight for a lifetime Whilst the guilty unremorseful and defiant are given a lifeline

©Dreamstime

Strange kind of justice That allows racism to thrive even though it’s against the law That supports a judicial system that’s rotten to the core

communities in pain That dares to take the names of equity and liberty in vain

Strange kind of justice That regards some lives as cheaper and more inferior than others And allows the innocent to

Strange kind of justice That offers a distorted, biased imbalance of scales Tilted to keep murders and racists away from the jails Strange kind of justice That sees a police force cast aside facts and evidence

I Am Nobody’s Nigger Rappers when you use the word “nigger” remember that’s one of the last words Stephen Lawrence heard, so don’t tell me it’s a reclaimed word.

I am nobody’s nigger So please, let my ancestors rest in peace Not turn in their graves in Jamaica plantations Or the watery graves of the slave trade Thrown overboard into middle passage Just for insurance claims They were chained up on a boat As many as they could manage and stay afloat Stripped of dignity and all hope Awaiting their masters and European names But the sick and the injured were dead weight to toss And Lloyds of London would cover that cost.

I am nobody’s nigger

So you can tell Weezy and Drake That they made a mistake I am nobody’s nigger now So you can tell Kanye and Jigga I am not a nigger... in Paris I’m not a nigger in London I’m not a nigger in New York I’m not a nigger in Kingston I’m not a nigger in Accra Or a nigger with attitude in Compton Cos “I don’t wanna be called yo nigga” How were you raised on Public Enemy And still became your own worst enemy?

You killed Hip Hop and resurrected headless zombies That can’t think for themselves or see where they’re going Or quench the blood lust because there’s no blood flowing In their hearts, just in the streets They don’t give a damn as long as they are eating

Their hearts ain’t beating, they’re cold as ice (bling) Because they would put money over everything Money over self respect or self esteem Or empowering the youth to follow their dreams Stacking paper cos it’s greater than love it seems Call me “nigger” cos you’re scared of what “brother” means To know that we share something unspeakable To know that as high as we rise we are not seen as equal To know that racism is institutional thinking And that “nigger” is the last word you heard before a lynching.

By Dean Atta

Disregarding human rights along with reason and sense Strange kind of justice That requires wealth and power in order to be accessed That shuts its doors on the least empowered and the poorest Strange kind of justice That would see a mother set aside her right to grieve Forced to challenge all those that failed her and dared to deceive Strange kind of justice That would take credit for a family’s perseverance and tenacity and dare to celebrate When it eventually and only partially delivered eighteen sad and painful years too late

By Zita Holbourne

“I had the honor and privilege of providing the ushers and stewards for Stephen Lawrence’s funeral. As I stood over his body laid open in his casket I noticed his hands were heavily bandaged. I managed to catch the undertaker and asked why this was. What he told me made my blood run cold. He said that Stephen had tried in vain to protect himself from the knife attack with his bare hands before the fatal blows were stuck. In doing so his hands were cut and badly slashed. The anger welled up as I stood there looking at him as the people paid their respects. I cried standing there that day as the bloody horror of what happened was illustrated by this tragic detail.”

Mr. Lee Jasper, Race equality campaigner

THE GUIDE

No. 1. 17th January 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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How to apply for Settlement visas and ILR for spouses and civil partners ©Dreamtime.com

According to the United Kingdom Immigration Rules, in order to qualify for leave to enter the UK with a view to settlement (settlement visa) as the spouse/civil partner of a person present and settled in the UK or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement, you will need to meet the following requirements: • the applicant is married to or the civil partner of a person present and settled in the United Kingdom or who is on the same occasion being admitted for settlement; or a person who has a right of abode in the UK or indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK and is on the same occasion seeking admission to the UK for the purposes of settlement and the parties were married or formed a civil partnership at least 4 years ago, since which time they have been living together outside the UK; and • the applicant provides an original English language test certificate in speaking and listening from an English language test provider approved by the Secretary of State for these purposes, which clearly shows the applicant’s name and the qualification obtained

(which must meet or exceed level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference) unless: - exempt (aged over 65; physical or mental conditions that prevent meeting the requirement; exceptional compassionate circumstances); or - the requirement is met in other ways and • the parties to the marriage or civil partnership have met; and

• you both intend to live permanently together with the other as spouse/civil partner and the marriage or civil partnership is existing and genuine (not a ‘marriage of convenience’, for example); and • there will be adequate accommodation for you and any dependants without recourse to public funds in accommodation which you own or occupy exclusively; and • you will be able to maintain yourselves and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds; and • the applicant holds a valid UK entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

If the settled person has more than one husband or wife, only one husband or wife will be allowed to join them here in this category.

The appropriate form to apply for a settlement visa is Form VAF4a.

Your foreign spouse/civil partner will have to submit a substantial amount of documents to support their application for a spouse/civil partner visa.

If your application is successful, your spouse/civil partner will get permission to live and work here for a probationary period of up to 27 months.

At the end of the two years, they may apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK (ILR) as your spouse/ civil partner.

You may be able to get permission to live permanently in the UK (ILR) as soon as you arrive, if: • you and your partner married or formed a civil partnership at least 4 years ago; and • you have spent those 4 years living together outside the UK; and • you are both coming to the UK to settle here together; and • you have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, unless you are exempt The appropriate form to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) as spouse or civil partner is: Form SET(M) – settlement (please see page 7 of the form).

How to apply for Settlement visas and ILR for unmarried or same-sex partners In order to qualify for leave to enter the United Kingdom with a view to settlement as the unmarried or same-sex partner of a person present and settled in the UK or being admitted on the same occasion for settlement, you will need to meet the following requirements: • the applicant is the unmarried or same-sex partner of: a person present and settled in the United Kingdom or who is on the same occasion being admitted for settlement; and you have been living together as if you were married or in a civil partnership for at least 2 years; or a person who has a right of abode in the UK or indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK and is on the same occasion seeking admission to the UK for the purposes of settlement and you have been living together for at le-

ast 4 years as if you were married or in a civil partnership; and • the applicant has sufficient knowledge of the English language and sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom (KOL requirement), unless exempt; and • any previous marriage or civil partnership (or similar relationship) by either partner has permanently broken down; and • you are not related by blood; and • you both intend to live permanently together; • there will be adequate accommodation for you and any dependants without recourse to public funds which you own or occupy exclusively; and • you will be able to maintain yourselves and any dependants adequately

without recourse to public funds.

If your application is successful, your partner will get permission to live and work here for a probationary period of up to 27 months. At the end of the two years, you may apply for permission to settle permanently in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) as the settled person’s unmarried/samesex partner.

You may be able to get permission to live permanently in the UK (ILR) as soon as you arrive, if: • you and your partner have been living together for at least 4 years as if you were married or in a civil partnership; and • you have spent those 4 years living together outside the UK; and • you are both coming to the UK to

settle here together; and • you have sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK, unless you are exempt The appropriate form to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) as unmarried/same-sex partners is: Form SET(M) – settlement (please see Section 2, page 7 of the form).

By Foreignersinuk.co.uk Disclaimer: The above articles are meant to be relied upon as informative articles and in no way constitute legal advice. Information is offered for general information purposes only, based on the current law when the information was published in this newspaper.

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AFRICAN NEWS

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has urged Nigerian national, local, religious and opinion leaders to make a bold and concerted effort to halt the spiralling sectarian violence unleashed by a series of recent attacks by the Boko Haram group.

“It is essential that the country’s leadership, and especially its Muslim and Christian leaders, join forces to unequivocally condemn all violence, including retaliation, and encourage their followers to identify and help arrest all those involved in killings and other acts of violence that have been taking place,” Ms. Pillay said.

While acknowledging that some religious leaders and politicians had already made such calls, the High Commissioner urged the country’s leaders “to speak with one voice, and act resolutely to stop an already highly dangerous situation from spiralling out of control.”

“One day it is a church congregation that is being targeted, the next day it is a mosque, and the day after that it is some secular target,” she said. “The reli-

© United Nations

Pillay urges Nigerian leaders to halt spiralling sectarian violence

Ms. Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights gious tolerance that has been a central tenet of Nigeria’s Federation is being threatened, and I urge all Nigeria’s leaders to avoid falling into the trap of calling for, or sanctioning, retaliation

or making other provocative statements. Everybody will be the loser if Boko Haram succeeds in its aim and efforts to sow discord between Muslim and Christian, or pit Northerner against

Southerner. The fact that people are already leaving some areas where they are in a minority, out of fear of attacks by the majority, shows just how dangerous this is becoming for the country as a whole. Anyone inciting violence or hatred must be held accountable, no matter who they are.”

Ms. Pillay also said it was vital that the security forces respect human rights, and avoid excessive use of force, when conducting operations so as not to stoke further tensions and resentment among local inhabitants. “I appreciate what an extremely difficult task the Government is facing,” Ms. Pillay said. “However, the police and other security forces should act with a sense of responsibility and respect for the rule of law in order to avoid making a bad situation even worse.”

The High Commissioner noted that “members of Boko Haram and other groups and entities, if judged to have committed widespread or systematic attacks against a civilian population – including on grounds such as religion or ethnicity -- could be found guilty of crimes against humanity. Deliberate acts leading to population “cleansing” on grounds of religion or ethnicity would also amount to a crime

against humanity,” she added.

The High Commissioner recalled that it is for this reason that the International Criminal Court was created as a back-up mechanism to the efforts and willingness of national authorities to ensure that there is accountability.

“There must be no impunity for any acts of violence, including those committed in retaliation for earlier attacks,” Ms. Pillay said.

The High Commissioner expressed concern about the recent loss of life during protests over the removal of fuel subsidies, and urged the authorities to carry out transparent independent, impartial and thorough investigations into the events.

“The Government of Nigeria has a duty to ensure all its security personnel avoid use of excessive force and to investigate whether or not all necessary precautions were taken before members of the security forces resorted to the use of live ammunition,” she said. “At this critical juncture, the authorities at all levels need to earn the respect and support of the general public by scrupulously observing human rights, and showing they too are accountable for any excesses.”

THE WAY I SEE IT

Goodluck, listen to Nigerians and reinstate fuel subsidy With the spate of protests sweeping across Nigeria, it is clear that Nigerians are determined to fight fuel subsidy removal. This seems to be the beginning of a tug of war between the government and the people.

Protests have escalated in the country and abroad after President Goodluck Jonathan announced the removal of the fuel subsidy. The price of petrol has since increased from N65 (US $0.40) to at least N140 (US$ 0.86) a litre. While transport costs have already skyrocketed, other essential daily expenses will also rise considerably.

Defending the cut, President Goodluck said he had no intention “to inflict pains on Nigerians,” adding that the cut was in the “best interest of all Nigerians”.

He appealed to Nigerians to make sacrifices for a better future: “We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow.”

He also insisted that deregulation of the petroleum sector was an effective way of fighting corruption and helping the economy grow. “The truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices... either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.”

Ordinary Nigerians who are seriously affected by this controversial policy went on strike on 9th January 2012. The protests, initially called to ask the government to reinstate fuel subsidy, have now included calls for good governance and for President Goodluck’s resignation.

But the president has vowed not to rethink his decision. He said: “I will not back down, I will not resign, nothing will happen.”

President Goodluck and his government may have what they consider to be good reasons for removing the fuel subsidy. But they should not forget that in a democracy, the will of the majority must

be respected.

Having failed to convince Nigerians of the importance of this measure, they should not use force to implement it.

A government that fights its own people is destined to lose the war.

While there has been desire for serious political change in Nigeria, nothing has previously motivated Nigerians to embark on that path.

The removal of fuel subsidy and the government’s adamant refusal to back down on this issue may be the trigger that leads to a peaceful revolution in the country.

It is wrong to think that by shooting at protestors, Nigerians will give up the protests and accept to live with the new policy.

When people are poor and already struggling to survive, then you come up with a policy that automatically leads to sharp increase in the cost of living, it is insane to think that they will easily accept such a policy.

How can people accept to buy food

they can no longer afford? How can they travel to work if they can’t afford transport?

The government of Nigeria should listen to the voice of the people and re-think this measure. Any political decision that makes people starve will always meet the strongest possible resistance.

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Accelerate reconstruction of Haiti, donors urged Oxfam: Reconstruction proceeds at a ‘snail’s pace’

Two years on from the earthquake, reconstruction of Haiti has proceeded “at a snail’s pace” leaving more than half a million Haitians still homeless, a new report by international agency Oxfam shows.

Oxfam urged the Haitian Government and countries that have pledged money for rebuilding to accelerate reconstruction of the country.

Jamaica must earn from exporting its culture - minister The Minister of Youth and Culture the Hon. Lisa Hanna, has said she intends to ensure that Jamaica increased its foreign exchange earnings from its cultural content with the proper management and marketing of its products and content.

Minister Hanna made the remarks while receiving officials of the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) who paid her a courtesy call.

“I firmly believe that substantially increasing our foreign exchange earnings is a sure path to economic growth for Jamaica and I believe that right now we have a great opportunity to produce market and sell our cultural content to the world.”

Minister Hanna also said that the CPTC must consider broadening its basic training offerings to the young people into areas such as sound, lighting and film so that they can

create a cadre of trained professionals for the development of Jamaica’s cultural industries both locally and internationally.

“And as we seek to aggressively market our culture internationally we must move to strengthen our agencies for increased productivity and efficiency.”

CPTC CEO Chantal HyltonTonnes told the Minister that the CPTC was being “revitalised” and was moving back to its “core mandate” which was to produce and market “cultural content”. She said the CPTC was receiving considerable interest in material produced by the company in countries such as Japan and Australia. She told Minister Hanna that the company was creating cultural content to be sold overseas so that the company could become sustainable.

Mrs. Hylton-Tonnes agreed with Minister Hanna that, “Jamaica’s culture was one of its most valuable assets.”

By JIS News

tion, water and health care.

“With a new government in place and billions of aid dollars pledged, Haitians are left asking why there has not been more progress in rebuilding the country, ” said Oxfam’s country director in Haiti, Cecilia Millan. “The second anniversary of the devastating earthquake must be a call to action. Despite the apparent slowness of reconstruction, this remains an opportunity for Haiti´s political and economic elite to address the chronic poverty and inequality that has plagued the country since independence. Haiti must move forward not backward.”

Two years on, there has been some positive progress made on reconstruction.

Nearly half of all earthquake rubble has been removed, accounting for 5 million cubic meters of debris. That is significantly faster than the rate of removal in past humanitarian crises in areas not as complex as urban Port-au-Prince. In a country where only an estimated 5 per cent of roads were covered in hard-top before the earthquake, some 430 kms of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated since the earthquake, providing vital infrastructure for economic recovery.

However major problems remain. Over half a million people are still living under tents and tarpaulins; most Haitians do not have running water, a toilet or a access to a doctor; cholera has claimed thousands of lives and remains a major threat to public

health. At the same time, more than 70 percent of the workforce is under or unemployed.

Oxfam called on the new administration to take a strong leadership role and produce a comprehensive resettlement policy for those displaced by the earthquake with a clear timetable, as well as engaging more with Haitian civil society in the planning and management of reconstruction to ensure their priority needs are met.

Billions of dollars of aid were pledged for Haiti’s reconstruction, but promises of funding haven’t always been translated into money on the ground. According to the UN, as of the end of September 2011, donors had disbursed just 43 per cent of the $4.6 billion that they pledged for reconstruction in 2010 and 2011.

With some 70 per cent of the Government of Haiti’s budget coming from development assistance, donor support is essential if the new government is to deliver on its promises to tackle some of Haiti’s most pressing issues.

“Donors must honour their promises to Haiti and stay the course. We must not allow impatience with the slow pace of progress to stand in the way of much needed support to those who remain without access to basic services or opportunities for a secure future. We must work together and keep our long-term commitments to the Haitian people,” said Millan.

New focus to enhance Jamaica’s image internationally Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. A. J. Nicholson has said the main area of focus as he embarks on his new role will be to enhance Jamaica’s image internationally.

“It is my respectful view that Jamaica’s place within the international arena is not where it should be. Our first duty is to impress upon all persons within the Ministry, at home and abroad, that the breach has to be repaired,” Mr. Nicholson stated.

The newly-appointed Minister was speaking to JIS News following a meeting with members of staff at the Ministry’s offices in New Kingston on 11th January 2012.

He said this mission will be among his top priorities as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, as it is impor-

©JIS

©Jane Beesley

In the report, “Haiti: The Slow Road to ReconstructionTwo Years after the Earthquake”, Oxfam called on the Government of Haiti to implement a comprehensive reconstruction plan to rebuild the country and rehouse the approximately 520,000 people still living under tarpaulins or in tents.

The agency has also urged donors to disburse the funds they have pledged to the reconstruction effort and called on the international community to strengthen the government’s capacity to effectively coordinate reconstruction.

Oxfam said that while the emergency relief effort following the earthquake was successful in saving countless lives and providing basic services to over a million people, much more needs to be done to meet Haitians’ long-term needs for housing, jobs and basic services, such as educa-

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, A. J. Nicholson tant to set the stage for increased foreign investments. “If persons intend to invest in Jamaica, they are not going to do it unless our image within the international arena is accommodating,” Senator Nicholson noted.

Mr. Nicholson also informed that he intends to place increased attention on Jamaica’s role as a leader in CARICOM. “I believe,

that one of the tasks that the Minister of State and I face, is to ensure that the CARICOM arrangement and experience is put on firm footing,” he remarked.

He noted that “what has been happening in CARICOM was not what was intended by the framers of the agreements for the Caribbean Community to be formed and established”.

Senator Nicholson noted that a number of public servants of the past have set the stage for younger leaders to follow. “Those who have gone before us, for example, Prime Ministers, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, and the Most Hon. Michael Manley, have set a real torrid pace in placing CARICOM on the road to where Jamaica’s development and the Caribbean’s development ought to be,” he said.

By Athaliah Reynolds, JIS Reporter

Tel. 0207 300 7320 Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

No. 1. 17th January 2012 www.theafronews.eu

17

Is Jamaican music industry victimising Macka Diamond?

“I make no apology for being creative” Despite continued effort to make good of her music career, Jamaican female Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond believes that she is often harshly and unjustly criticized, unfortunately by members of the Jamaican music industry.

Though 2011 was strenuous on the industry and arguably for various reasons including a worldwide recession and the inability of local artistes and industry players to stimulate or re-energize the Reggae/Dancehall brand; Macka Diamond has worked hard throughout the past year at sustaining her own image and brand.

She was able to garner an island wide approval from the fans after the release of an all summer long, runaway hit titled “Cowfoot”. Thereafter, Macka released a second album, “Don’t Disturb Me” on iTunes and was named the International Reggae and World Music Award (IRAWMA) International Female Rapper/DJ of the Year as well as listed as one of the 10 Most Fascinating People of the Caribbean.

She also became the first female Dancehall artiste to be featured on WorldStar Hip-Hop

dot com after the release of her “Power Wine” video.

Macka has done over 20 gigs internationally including the world premiere of movie, “Redemption of Paradise” to which she played lead roll.

Despite all this achievement in a time when many artistes have not been able to re-vamp or make a significant impression on themselves, Macka has not been nominated in any significant category of the Star People’s Choice Award. Although this is not encouraging for her, she refuses to take issue but what annoys her is that she was placed in the “Worst Dressed Female” category of the Awards.

Macka believes this is a direct attempt to further humiliate her.

“This demonstrates the disregard persons have for individual achievement in this industry. If they don’t like you, no matter how well you do, your work is not contemplated; and that is one of the self inflicted wounds this industry suffers and will continue to suffer if nothing is done to curb the actions of those who fail to put professionalism before personal vindictiveness,” Macka said. “I don’t care if they believe I am the worst dressed artiste, that is not my grouse because in my opinion I believe women in Dancehall should be creative and

represent Dancehall so my dressing is by choice and I make no apology for being creative, an important ingredient that is lacking locally.

However, while I like Hip-Hop and RnB music and the images the artistes of these genres project, I believe there must be a distinguishing difference between Jamaican music and any other. It might not seem significant here in Jamaica but it certainly makes a statement on the international side.”

Macka said she will continue to work her butt off and will only retire when her body tells her to do so. As for the fans, she believes it must be frustrating to them to know that their own opinion counts little resulting in them hardly if ever, given a chance to choose what they like and often times have to ‘suck up to’ what is fed to them.

Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond

Eedris Abdulkareem swears hard at D’banj at protest Controversial rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has called out the Mo’Hits pop singer D’banj and other Nigerian artistes who campaigned for President Goodluck Jonathan before the April Polls in 2011.

Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem

On 10th January 2012 the Kennis Music act made an appearance at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos State, Nigeria, in support of the on-going strike against the Federal Government’s removal of Fuel subsidy.

Eedris got on stage and said “…and all of una wey sing for Goodluck, F*** that bastard D’banj for collecting money from Goodluck, God will punish you”.

The rapper also revisited his past issues with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“The man wey say i dey craze because i sing Nigeria jaga jaga where him dey now inside this hardship. Na 2002 I sing Nigeria Jaga Jaga, na 2012 we dey so o”, Eedris lamented to the mammoth crowd.

The rapper who has six albums credited to his career had released “Jaga jaga”, a

single which described the country’s downstate back in 2002. Obasanjo supposedly replied him derogatorily.

Reporters had a quick chat with the rapper just after he performed his songs.

Eedris disclosed that he was also approached to campaign for the current president but he said ‘no’. “They called me too but I turned them down, D’banj can’t be here because he knows he has disappointed the people”, Eedris said.

Others at second day of the protest included Olu Maintain, Pasuma, Zeez, Femi Kuti, Eldee, Seun Kuti, Salawa Abeni, Tosyn Bucknor,Tunde Bakare, Dele Osunmakinde, Bimbo Akintola, Desmond Elliot and several others.

In related news, the rapper recently released a sequel to his “Jaga jaga” hit song titled “Jaga jaga Pt 2”; the message doesn’t stray away from the content in the original song.

The Video that complements his anger features Femi Ogedegbe and Kelvin Ikeduba Nollywood’s stars.

By Sweet Pikin Concept

18

No. 1. 17th January 2012 www.theafronews.eu

Tel. 0207 300 7320 Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

RELIGION

Cleric: Imams in Britain must reach out to youth

Imams at British mosques have let down a generation of young Muslims by failing to reach young people who sometimes end up in prison, Ibrahim Mogra, chair of the mosque and community affairs committee of the Muslim Council of Britain, said.

Following the publication of a report showing that the number of Muslims in British prisons has rocketed over the last 20 years, Mogra told ENInews in an interview on 11th January that most Muslim clergy and mosques have finally realized

that in houses of worship they are preaching only to the converted.

“They are now taking their message out to the youth,” he said, “and this is excellent. The cocktail of issues facing young people today -- broken homes, difficulties with arranged marriages, drugs, the absence of male role models -- requires a unified effort. I am convinced that more and more imams and mosques will rise up and join that effort.”

Ahysham Ali, Muslim adviser to Her Majesty’s Prison Service, which manages most prisons in England and Wales, said in a 10th January story in the Times that the Muslim population behind bars in Britain has rocketed to 10,600 in 2011 from 1,957 in 1991.

Muslims represent 12.6 percent of the total prison population in England and Wales compared with a proportion of about three percent of the general population.

Ali described it as “a tragedy” and pointed the finger at out-of-touch imams who were often recruited from countries in

the Middle East to work in the U.K. But port, specific projects have been set up in many of them, he said, could speak hardly mosques, madrasses [schools] and Muslim a word of English. community centers to tackle crime and “It is a tragedy,” said Ali. “I have seen drugs.” youngsters, the next generation, just totally switch off from it (religion). This is danBy Trevor Grundy, gerous. It allows others to take advantage, ENInews to take up the vacuum.”

Mogra told ENInews that he agreed with Ali that too many imams were “Hundreds of imams and mosques have concerned only with the woken up to the dangers faced by the rituals of faith, such as the youth and have been preaching solutions correct length of the beard, and remedies against them. They are now rather than making taking their message out to the youth ... mosques more attractive to young men and women.

Where there has been local authority supBut he said encouragport, specific projects have been set up in ing signs were on the horimosques, madrasses [schools] and zon adding, “hundreds of Muslim community centers to tackle imams and mosques have crime and drugs” woken up to the dangers faced by the youth and have been preaching soluIbrahim Mogra, tions and remedies against Chair of the mosque and community them. They are now taking affairs committee of the Muslim Council their message out to the of Britain youth ... Where there has been local authority sup-

RECIPE

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3. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

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By Recipe Safari, http://recipesafari.blogspot. com/

Tel. 0207 300 7320 Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

No. 1. 17th January 2012 www.theafronews.eu

LIFESTYLE

19

BHF: Cigarette packaging hoodwink young people A new survey for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) revealed that over 25 per cent of 16-25 year-old regular smokers believed one branded cigarette pack was less harmful than another based on the packet design alone. Yet the reality is that all cigarettes contain harmful toxins, tar, and carbon monoxide.

The government plans to consult on whether the UK should adopt ‘plain packaging’ for tobacco products.

The report, which includes survey responses from more than 2,700 smokers and non-smokers, revealed that three quarters think selling cigarettes in ‘plain packs’ - with no colourful branding or logos, and larger health warnings - would make it easier for people to smoke less or quit.

One in six (16%) said they’d consider the pack design when deciding which cigarettes to buy while one in eight (12%) said they’d choose a brand because it was considered ‘cool’.

The overwhelming majority (87%)

ly still advertises tobacco on the cigarette box.

It’s an absurd loophole the tobacco industry takes full advantage of to lure in new young smokers. We must close it if we really want to protect younger generations from taking up this fatal habit.”

A total of 69 per cent of young people surveyed agreed that cigarette packaging was a form of advertising.

Around 200,000 children and young people in England start smoking each year, and more than two thirds of the UK’s existing 10 million smokers started before they turned 18.

In November 2011 the Australian government agreed cigarettes need to be sold in standardised plain packs of the same colour without any logos or branding imagery. They will also include large picture health warnings on the front and back of pack and will be mandatory from

©Tomasz Sienicki

Glitzy cigarette packaging are hoodwinking children and young people, with more than a quarter of young smokers making health assumptions based on branding.

thought plain packs were less attractive than branded packs. This shows how plain packaging could make a significant difference in deterring young smokers.

“As informed adults we know that smoking is a deadly addiction that kills half of all smokers,” BHF Director of Policy and Communications, Betty McBride, said. “But young people are not always fully aware of the risks, and the power of branding holds more sway.

Tobacco advertising is rightly banned in the UK. Yet current glitzy packaging clear-

December 2012.

BHF are asking the UK Government to introduce a tobacco plain packaging bill into Parliament, and for ministers to seek amendments to the EU Tobacco Products Directive, which would enable large frontof-pack picture health warnings.

“As informed adults we know that smoking is a deadly addiction that kills half of all smokers. But young people are not always fully aware of the risks, and the power of branding holds more sway.

Tobacco advertising is rightly banned in the UK. Yet current glitzy packaging clearly still advertises tobacco on the cigarette box” Betty McBride, BHF Director of Policy and Communications

How violent videogames affect the brain Violent video game play has a long-term effect on brain functioning

Whether or not playing videogames too much, especially violent ones, causes brain damage has long been matter of much debate.

Now science shows that those fears were not entirely unfounded: alterations in the brain do occur, although perhaps it is still too early to know how harmful.

Cognitive function and emotional control A new study, conducted at Indiana University School of Medicine and presented at the congress of the Society of Radiology in Chicago found the first hard evidence of the effects

of video games using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Playing violent video games for only one week can change the brain in regions associated with cognitive function and emotional control, the study found.

“For the first time, we have found that a sample of randomly assigned young adults showed less activation in certain frontal brain regions following a week of playing violent video games at home,” said Yang Wang, M.D., assistant research professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. “These brain regions are important for controlling emotion and aggressive behavior.” And 10 hours of videogames a week is all it takes.

A volunteer group of 22 young men aged between 18 and 29 years with low past exposure to video games were asked to play shooting video games for 10 hours a week for one week and to

avoid playing at all the following week. A second group didn’t play a violent video game at all.

Each volunteer underwent fMRI at the beginning of the study, another fMRI at the end of the first week, and a third exam at the end of the second week.

After only one week, those volunteers who played violent video games showed less activation in the area of the brain that control emotion and aggression.

The difference in brain functioning was clear both comparing the gamers during the gaming week and the non-gaming week as well as the young men who played with those who hadn’t played at all.

The fact that after they stopped playing for one week the brain activity returned to normal shows that there is good potential for recovery, but what is yet to be understood, say the authors of the study, is what happens to the brain after years of constant stress.

Biochemical changes Another study of the Universities of Amsterdam and New York published on ‘Science’ has moreover shown that the vio-

lent videos reconfigure the type of neurons in the brain.

BOLD-fMRI examinations (a specialized type of scan used to track neural activity and biochemical changes in the brain) have revealed that playing violent videogames increases the neurons best suited to address fight or flight situations, as happens during wartime for example.

There is also an increase in the connections between higher brain centers (cortex frontoinsulare, dorsal anterior cingulate, temporoparietal, and inferotemporal) and lower ones (amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus and midbrain) that form the nerve network that controls the autonomic neuroendocrine and vigilance.

The saliva of subjects has been examined while they watched alternately very violent video clips and clips that were not violent at all. Only those who watched violent clips increased norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter that characterizes their brain neurons that had been observed flourishing under BOLD-fMRI. Noradrenaline is essential in the overall response to stress because it increases attention and the fight or flight reactions by

supporting the activation of the sympathetic nervous system with increased heart rate, release of energy in the form of glucose from body stores of glycogen and increased muscle tone.

From the biochemical point of view, it’s as if the player were actually physically fighting.

Video game addiction Another study conducted on 14-year olds by Belgian, Canadian, French, English, Irish and German researchers published in ‘Translational Psychiatry’ has shown that, comparing casual players with addicted ones, only in the brain of the latter does the volume of the striatum, implicated in procedural learning and cognitive flexibility, appears greater. And it becomes more active in case of loss, a phenomenon also observed in those who use cocaine, amphetamines or alcohol.

This is linked to alterations of dopamine, the neurotransmitter of pleasure, so that the researchers suggest a kind of addiction to video games due to saturation of the mechanisms of reward and compensation.

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