The Afronews No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 by Stephen Ogongo

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No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 I Tel. 020 7300 7320; 020 7300 7321; 07846062331 I Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

From homeless to movie star

Celebrities set for World Aids Day GLOBAL CATWALK in London page 3

Makoni: How Girl Child Network empowers girls

Hollywood actress Karita Fleming reveals challenges facing black actors in Hollywood pages 10 - 11

THE GUIDE Unmarried couples beware! Key differences in rights between married and unmarried couples

page 3

page 13

Pupil crowned Best Overall ‘Peer Mediator’ in Lambeth

“An African Election” set for UK release

page 5

page 17

Vivienne Westwood urges public to support Refugee Council page 7

Get your latest immigration news on Your news, your guides, your concerns, your beauty, your recipes, your people.

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Western Union joins forces with global music artists to make people’s days better. Tell us how you would make someone’s day better and you could win the equivalent of $1000 to make it happen. Log on to worldofbetters.com

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

WHERE ACTION IS

Photographic exhibition for World AIDS Day

Stigma under the lens at Rich Mix Lineth is 35 years old. Her husband died of an HIV related illness and she was diagnosed as HIV positive six years ago. She has three children who are all HIV negative. Lineth does not have a job because she is too frightened to apply for one, instead she scrapes together money to support her children by doing ad hoc laundry and cleaning. “The reason I don’t want to apply for a job is because I don’t want to tell them I am HIV positive. I am frightened. I am not strong enough. I don’t want to tell them I have HIV. I don’t want to feel that discrimination.” Lineth has told her close friends and children about her status, but not her parents and siblings. “I am frightened of revealing my status because my family will say you are so promiscuous, a prostitute or maybe a whore. They will lose respect for me.” Christian Aid has partnered with Magnum Photos to launch ‘Stigma under the lens’, a photographic exhibition for

powerful testimonies that tell of discrimination by friends, family and society at large. There have been many medical advances in the past 30 years since HIV was first identified, yet stigma remains the biggest barrier to people around the world accessing lifesaving treatment. The stories examine how stigma manifests itself in everyday life for someone who has HIV, and go some way to explaining why thousands of people would rather not know their status than face discrimination at home, in their community, at work and within their faith.

STIGMA UNDER THE LENS AT RICH MIX

World AIDS Day featuring brave people around the world living with HIV under the shadow of stigma. Four Magnum photographers

Gina Yashere Live In Colour at Southbank Centre

Join stand-up comedian Gina Yashere on a rare trip back to the UK with a new show full of hilarity and joy. Yashere has a made a lot of changes in her life of late. She’s travelled the world, from Nigeria to discover her ancestral roots, to Thailand to get her zen on, to Malaysia to... get robbed, to Indonesia to get tattooed, and she’s ended up in the one place she truly feels at home - Los Angeles. Not content with being one of the most sought after comedians in the UK, Gina decided three years ago to up sticks and move to Hollywood to see if she could grab a piece of the American dream. She’s not done too badly. Since landing in Los

Angeles she has lost over five stone in weight (after all, she is in the Land of the Olsen twins... and Victoria Beckham) and has performed her stand-up on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment, as well as being a regular on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, playing a crap psychic. She has also had her own 1 hour stand-up special airing on Showtime. Gina is determined to be different and determined to do it her own way. Join her on a rare trip back to the UK with a new show full of hilarity and joy!

GINA YASHERE LIVE IN COLOUR 30th November 2011 7:45pm Southbank Centre/Purcell Room Belvedere Road London SE1 8 XX Tickets: £15, £12 Concessions: 50% off (limited availability) Tel: 0844 875 0073

(Alessandra Sanguinetti, Peter van Agtmael, Olivia Arthur and Patrick Zachmann) travelled to Kenya, Bolivia, Tajikistan, India, and the UK to record

Rich Mix 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA From 28th November to 11th December From 10am - till close Free

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic at Jazz Cafe George Clinton is one of the greatest innovators of urban based soul, rock and funk over the last 40 years. He’s has been showing the world what the funk is for 50 years and his career mirrors musical trends from doo wop to hip hop. While growing up in New Jersey, George was a teen age fan of Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers. After seeing them perform at a talent show, he decided it was time to get up and do his thing. First as the founding member of the Parliaments, Clinton started recording doo wop sides in the 1950’s, followed by a move to Detroit where the group finally hit pay dirt with their Number One R&B hit “(I Just Wanna) Testify” in 1967. In 1968, George formed Funkadelic in 1968, a visionary band that combined acid rock with primal funk. Funkadelic carried the torch for George’s creative output until 1972 when, in a stroke of genius, George renamed the band Parliament and signed them to Casablanca Records, while Funkadelic signed with

Warner Brothers in 1976. Clinton now had two powerhouse bands signed to two different labels even though each band consisted of the same members. As George breaks it down, “Parliament was more orchestrated with horns and complicated vocal arrangements while Funkadelic was more a straight up rock band with a heavy rhythm section.” With the growth of funk as a vibrant musical force, George was churning out landmark hits with both acts. Parliament was hitting with dance floor jams like “Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk),” “Aqua Boogie,” “Flashlight,” and “Bop Gun.” Meanwhile, Funkadelic was also hitting hard with anthemic funk jams like “(Not Just) Knee Deep” and “One Nation Under A Groove.” As the Seventies came to a close, George Clinton soldiered on as a solo act and hit once again with the Number One Urban smash “Atomic Dog.” Times and music changed, but Clinton remained true to the funk and recorded a number of acclaimed albums for Prince’s Paisley Park imprint as well as Epic Records in the 1980’s and ‘90’s. And

George and his touring band, the P-Funk All Stars, graced the stage at the Woodstock festival as well as on a popular Nike ad during the 2002 NBA playoffs, and a show stopping live performance with OutKast at the 2004 Grammy Awards. Now the funky worm has turned with George back in control of his creative output with the C Kunspyruhzy label. “I can’t wait to grow this Pfunk thang all over again,” he laughs. “I got the old roots with the live concerts and the new branches with the various band members, as well as my own solo projects.” It’s the best of ALL worlds…all worlds funky that is!

GEORGE CLINTON AT JAZZ CAFE Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London, NW1 7PG 30th November 2011 7:00pm Tickets £37.50 in advance hmvtickets: 0843 221 0100 Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2514

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No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

Celebrities set for World Aids Day GLOBAL CATWALK in London

The London GLOBAL CATWALK to mark the 2011 World AIDS Day will take place on Friday 2nd December, at the Boothroyd Hall, Castle Green Conference Centre, Gale Street, Essex, RM9 4UN. It is part of a worldwide synchronized Music and Fashion Event, organized by POSITIVE RUNWAY: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread and AfricanActs Media. The event will be simultaneously staged on the same day in different cities and countries around the world including London, Miami, Lagos, British Virgin Islands, Greece, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago and others. The one in London will be a red carpet event combining Fashion, Music, Theatre and Film Screening with POSITIVE RUNWAY’s signature Red Ribbon Models® walking the Runway. The event will be filmed for worldwide broadcasting and will be graced by dignitaries and VIPs as well as celebrities from Fashion, Music, Film, Television, Sport and other Arts, all sending out a powerful positive message to “Stop the Spread of HIV/AIDS!” The London event will open with the screening of the movie “Unseen, Unsung, Unforgotten”, which will be followed by speeches and discussions and theatre acts.

The Fashion segment of the event will feature POSITIVE RUNWAY: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread with some of London’s multi -award winning fashion designers and runway models. Participating designers include Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah Creations; Nkwo Onwuka of Nkwo designs; and Sue MK of Haranga African Klodz, as well as top men’s fashion designers, Benjamin Kitoko and Zekaryas Solomon. The GLOBAL CATWALK will be choreographed by multiaward winning model trainer and TV personality, Catwalk Professor aka Mr Fierce. Award-winning models walking the runway on the night will include London’s Male supermodel, Julius Reuben; multiaward winning Top Male Model of Colour Ibukun Jegede; Mr. World Guyana - Adam Max Chung; Male Supermodel - Prince Nkay; and BEFFTA 2011 Best Male Model Award Winner Dwain Stephens. Female models will include Alasia Ballard from America’s Next Top Model, who will be flying in from Atlanta; Rosemary Chileshe - London’s supermodel of African origin; Sue Chintu - Face of the Universe; Maria Namiiro - former

Miss World Uganda; together with POSITIVE RUNWAY’s own signature Red Ribbon Models® from Montenegro, Finland, Sweden, the UK, Cameroon; Ghana; Martinique; Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia and many others. POSITIVE RUNWAY: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread® is a voluntary global HIV/AIDS response campaign. It tours the world working with celebrities as influential advocates in the fight against the

spread of HIV/AIDS and other scourges affecting today’s young people such as child trafficking, sexual responsibility, child abuse, drugs abuse, gun and knife violence, as well as negative peer pressure. For further information about the event, please log on to www.positiverunway.org or www.facebook.com/pages/PositiveRunway-Global-Catwalk-to-Stop-theSpread/103650343054766

Makoni: How Girl Child Network empowers girls Girl Child Network (GCN) protects the rights of girl children worldwide. Founded in 1998, “it is called Girl Child Network because a girl is affected by both gender and age,” says Betty Makoni, the founder. “Gender because there are socially constructed roles she must play, but when we say that this child is a girl, we are trying to point to the gender role, in that what we are dealing with is what society expects of them, like being forced to marry. Boy children do not go through marriage at 10 years old. “Also genital mutilation. Boy children do not go through that, and prostitution too; mostly girls are forced to do prostitution. So when we say Girl Child, we want to make an emphatic point that the child we are concerned about, whose situation is critical, is the girl who is also a child.” Before Betty could build her centre which gives girls the opportunity to receive counselling and shelter from the horrors of abuse that they’d suffered in Zimbabwe, she faced a two-year battle from those who wanted to shut GCN down. The males were not receptive to her plans, calling the girls names, labelling

Ms. Betty Makoni, Founder of Girl Child Network them and telling them that they were not going to get married. The harassment also came from their male classmates and teachers. The teachers were also not supportive of her plans because some of them were perpetrators. Other perpetrators of the abuse included fathers, government authorities, police officers and social workers. “They felt that the more girls spoke out on the abuse, the more they were getting exposed about the system that was not working, and also about other cases that

had been swept under the carpet, or had been corruptly dealt with. Many of the perpetrators were arrested and were sent to prison and that sent warnings to would-beperpetrators. So people started getting the awareness that it is a crime, that it is punishable, and the sentences were really a deterrent.” After working for 10 years in Zimbabwe, Betty found that there was a lot of potential in marginalised areas of Africa. So she set up many programs including The Girls Empowerment and Education Fund. Targeting girls all over the world, the fund supports informal groups of girls to develop into fully fledged organisations. “Maybe she wants to enter into renewable sanitary care, or has an innovative idea to do with removing poverty or preventing HIV and AIDS. We give small grants to the girls to help them without us dictating what they should do,” says Betty. Grants ranging from $50 to $500 are given to girls who write to the organisation through their networks in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda and Sierra Leone. “Sometimes it is little money that is holding them back. We’ve given money to girls

that managed to get scholarships to America, and it was only the money that would have stopped the poor girls from writing in the examination that would get them the scholarship.” To learn more about or support Girl Child Network, please log on to: www. girlchildnetworkworldwide.org. By Chinwe Ojielo

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No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

COMMUNITY

Book celebrating everyday black heroes launched

A new book that celebrates Black role models was launched at the Centre of African Studies at the Brunei Gallery of the School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS), University of London.

ments of Black people to this country and to the world. But we seem to be stuck in the same old narrative when it comes to celebrating Black Heroes, many of them coming from past times and different cultural experiences. Great though their achievements are, the old heroes are not the only story and, in many ways, they are

“Everyday Heroes: Learning from the Careers of Successful Black Professionals” by Frances “Every year in the UK, October is Mensah Williams is a collection of interviews with 16 professionals designated as Black History Month from different careers including and is used to celebrate the achievelaw, accountancy, music, publishments of Black people to this country ing, medicine, banking and archiand to the world. But we seem to be tecture. In a practical, easy-to-read for- stuck in the same old narrative when mat, the ‘everyday heroes’ talk it comes to celebrating Black Heroes, about what it takes to succeed in many of them coming from past their careers, their own influences times and different cultural experiand the life lessons they have ences. Great though their achievelearned along the way. The book ments are, the old heroes are not the also includes a number of projects only story and, in many ways, they and exercises to help readers assess their own skills and identify poten- are not today’s story. It is time to celtial career routes. ebrate a new set of heroes – today’s The book launch featured a preheroes – that can help our young sentation by the author as well as a lively panel discussion and open people navigate the challenges of the world as it is today” forum. Panellists included Eric D. Edwards, Deputy Head of a large comprehensive school in North Ms. Frances Mensah Williams, London and Ayesha Patel, Regional Author of “Everyday Heroes: Manager for London and the South Learning from the Careers of East for the organisation Career Successful Black Professionals” Academies UK. Also on the panel was Toyin Dania, Business Counselling Manager for Wandsworth Youth Enterprise not today’s story. It is time to celebrate a Centre (WYEC) and one of the ‘heroes’ new set of heroes – today’s heroes – that featured in the book. can help our young people navigate the The panel discussion was followed by challenges of the world as it is today.” a short personal testimony from Jeffrey The book provides young people with Muthee, a University student on the impor- ideas about possible careers. Studies show tance of role models in shaping his career that over a third of young people in UK opportunities to date. state schools do not know anyone in a job The launch brought together represen- that they would like to do, highlighting the tatives from education, business and aca- need to give students a glimpse of some of demia as well as students and members of the professions about which they may not the African diplomatic corps. be aware. In her presentation, Ms. Mensah Secondly, the book provides inspiraWilliams said: “Every year in the UK, tion by showcasing role models who are October is designated as Black History not celebrities, but who are quietly sucMonth and is used to celebrate the achieve- ceeding in their chosen fields of expertise.

Thirdly, it provides education in how to access and succeed in those careers with useful projects as well as a range of careers exercises to help the reader explore their own skills and potential career direction. During the panel discussion, Mr.

Edwards, the deputy head teacher of a school that had been at the heart of the August riots but whose students had not participated, appealed to the audience to act as mentors to young people. He cautioned against a short-term, ‘ticking the box’ approach, pointing out that engaging young people required commitment and authenticity. Ms. Dania spoke of the opportunities that entrepreneurship offered young people

and what she hoped her interview in the book would achieve. “My career entails providing a place for young people to come to that allows them to be themselves and explore what their options are. Personal and Business development is a tool that can support so many of our young people especially in this climate and I am happy that “Everyday Heroes” allows them to see the type of work I do and the type of work that they may be interested in going into.” In his presentation, Mr. Muthee said: “The reason why I appreciate this book so much is because it illustrates my thoughts on what a mentor is in such a practical and effective way. This book brings it so close to home and makes it so real because it uses real life people from our local communities. I hope there will be other editions because you never know, I may just be in the next one!” Expressing her delight at the success of the launch, Ms. Mensah Williams said: “Young people, whatever their background or ethnic origin, really need guidance to understand that they can be successful simply by understanding their own skills and talents and applying them with integrity to whatever career they choose to undertake. By reading about people in the book who look just like them and who are working in careers they may have felt intimidated about considering for themselves, my aim is for today’s generation of Black youngsters to not only feel inspired but to aspire to professions that will give them better and more sustainable opportunities in life.” “Everyday Heroes: Learning from the Careers of Successful Black Professionals” is available through www.everyday-heroes.co.uk.

Christmas shopping boutique to raise funds for African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust You can experience and celebrate African-Caribbean heritage on a festive shopping spree organised by Afridiziak on Saturday 3rd December 2011 at a South East London venue. The Afridiziak Gifts and Occasions Christmas Shopping Boutique will be held at the CLT Art Cafe (Bussey Building/ Warehouse), 133 Rye Lane, Peckham London SE15 3ST, from 12:00 to 21:00.

It is their second annual Christmas shopping boutique in aid of the AfricanCaribbean Leukaemia Trust. A host of African-Caribbean retailers will be selling a range of gifts. The first 100 shoppers will receive either a luxury Jamaican rum cake or a mini cupcake. Retailers will be selling a culturally inspired gift range for men, women, and children. Some of the products on sale will include: hair products, beauty merchan-

dise, books, toys, educational gifts, paintings, jewellery, accessories, bags, clothing, plus a wide array of gifts for the home and greeting cards. The festive shopping day will include DJs Blaze It Up Entertainment who will provide the music by spinning an eclectic mix of tunes throughout the event. Food and drinks will be available through the day. Guests will receive a goodie bag on departure which will be subject to availability. Other perks of the

day will include complimentary facepainting for the first 25 children which is provided by Estar Artistics. The shopping event will raise funds for the AfricanCaribbean Leukaemia Trust through several organised raffles and a £1 charitable donation from the entrance fee. The entrance fee is £3 for adults and free for children. By Amanda Hall-Davis

COMMUNITY

TG Foundation Fashion Gala Dinner raises £6,700 for Congolese children The TG Foundation Fashion Gala Dinner has raised £6,700 for Children affected by rape and conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event held in London at the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, was hosted by BBC3 presenter Stacey Dooley who visited Congo in 2010 for her moving and insightful documentary “Kids with Guns” exploring issues affecting child soldiers in the DRC. Stacey also met and interviewed victims of rape. A fashion show featuring a collection by London College of Fashion Graduate Kate Williams opened the event, with Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model Contestants Juste Juozapaityte and Jessica Abidde modelling in the show. Performing alongside the fashion show was Pop Singer POLA. This was followed by a performance by contemporary dancer Anna Kirakowska called “Perspective” exploring the emo-

tions women go through following sexual assault. Also attending the event was Apprentice Contestant and Television Presenter, Raef Bjayou. The CEO of the TG Foundation, Tatiana Giraud, talked about the ongoing sexual violence against women, children and men in the DRC, especially in the north-east of the country and the work that the charity is involved in with its partner organisation Centre Kitumaini.

Since the beginning of the year, the TG Foundation has helped fund medical projects, socio-economic projects, housing projects and education projects for victims of rape and has recently paid the school fees of 50 primary school children affected by rape. The charity auction included lots donated by Alice Temperley, Dame Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, DKNY, Franco’s, Bryan Adams, Solange Azagury Partridge, Dustin Hoffman, Nicky Clarke, House of Dereon, Jaeger, Jimmy Choo, Patrizia Pepe, Stella McCartney and Moncler. The £6,700 raised will provide a further 70 primary school children affected by rape and conflict in DRC a chance of going to school. It costs £8.00 a month to sponsor one primary school child to go to school or £96.00 a year.

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

World AIDS Day

AMREF to host meeting for Africans in London To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) will host a unity event on 1st December 2011 in London. The event titled ‘Africa’s health in Africa’s hands’ is aimed at reaching out to Africans in the Diaspora. It will be held at AMREF’s offices: AMREF UK, Clifford’s Inn, Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1BZ. The unity event will showcase AMREF’s work. There will be speeches and presentations from AMREF’s senior team. Attendees will have the chance to find out how they can join AMREF in working towards their vision of ‘better health for Africa’. Dr. Noerine Kaleeba from Uganda will be the keynote speaker. She has been a governance member of several prestigious bodies, including the Uganda AIDS Commission, the WHO Global Commission on

HIV/AIDS, Marie Stopes International, Chair of Action Aid International Board and is now Deputy Chair of AMREF. “I am extremely excited about this event and I believe it will be a great opportunity to discover the potential for Africans in the Diaspora, in supporting and contributing to healthcare solutions in Africa,” Dr. Kaleeba said. In 2005 Dr. Kaleeba was aptly named, “The Angel of Africa” in a ceremony at the University of Dundee in Scotland, where she also received a Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of her tireless work promoting the needs of HIV/Aids sufferers. “As an African Organisation AMREF speaks with a unique voice that represents the real health challenges of real people in Africa – I therefore call upon Africans in the Diaspora to join us and to raise our voices for better health for Africa,” said Belinda Coote, CEO of AMREF in the UK. For further information about the meeting, please log on to www.amrefuk.org.

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

COMMUNITY

Pupil crowned Best Overall ‘Peer Mediator’ in Lambeth Children and young people urged to speak out to stop bullying Zara McNicholas, an 11-yearold primary school pupil at Granton School in Lambeth who doubles as a ‘Peer Mediator’ known to the children as ‘buddies’, has been crowned Best Overall ‘Peer Mediator’ in Lambeth. Zara was voted the overall winner by her fellow peer mediators from primary schools across the borough. She is a friendly face who provides a kind ear. She doesn’t take sides, she doesn’t go and tell everyone what has just been said - in other words she has been taught to keep her services private. Children and young people who are victims of bullying at school are often told they ‘shouldn’t suffer in silence’ - and their first response should be to tell someone. But what happens if children are too scared or embarrassed to talk to their teachers, or even their parents? Zara is that ‘someone else’ who children can turn to instead of their teachers or parents. And she is exceptional at it. The Peer Mediation service was commissioned by Lambeth Council through the organisation ‘Healthy Minds’ and based at the Hurley Clinic in Kennington. It is a method of involving young people in managing conflict using non-threatening and co-operative methods that promote inclusiveness, respect, and self-esteem. Lambeth was the first South London Borough to deliver the pioneering service two years ago. Now most schools across the borough have between 12 and 20 peer

mediators and other local authorities south of the river have registered their interest in introducing the service. The peer mediator does not decide on the solution for those in conflict but through a series of steps they help children come to an agreement on how to sort out their problem through discussion. Peer mediators are available during lunch and break time to mediate fellow pupils who have had a disagreement. Discussions take place in a quiet and private area in the playground or in the school building. However, there are limits and a peer mediator has to be able to refer to a teacher when the situation becomes too complex for them to handle. It is a voluntary process and children refer themselves - they are not sent there by teachers. Zara McNicholas has been crowned Best There is a rota for the Overall ‘Peer Mediator’ in Lambeth mediators - on average they will mediate about organising regular meetings to discuss once a fortnight. Peer mediators generally run the service with how the service is running. Zara said: “Mediation has made me some adult support organising the rotas, publicising the peer mediation service and feel more confident to help, talk and play

with other children that I would not have normally communicated with. When I mediate other children I feel that I have done a good deed and they’re going to be happy. What I have learnt from mediating is that you don’t just have to have a small group of friends. What you do need to be is a good listener and patient. It works because you are allowed to sort things out without teachers getting involved. “We talk in private, away from other children and the classroom so we can open up without others listening. Peer mediation is something that has brought us all together. The school is a happy, calm, place since peer mediation was introduced. I really believe that bullies are the way they are for a reason and that they have suffered sadness and bullying themselves in one way or another. It is up to children, teachers, and parents to stop this from happening.” Cllr Pete Robbins, Lambeth Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Service, said: “I am delighted to say that on the whole I meet happy children who are clearly very happy in their school and have lots of friends. However some children in Lambeth sadly suffer from bullying - and we all have a responsibility to tackle that. “The Peer Mediation service is a hugely innovative way of reaching out to these children, who may otherwise have felt marginalised or unable to discuss their problems with a teacher, parent, adult, or friend. I can’t speak highly enough of Zara and all the other Peer Mediators in Lambeth for their hard work and urge them to keep it up!”

Leading media and showbiz stars to host Miss Cameroon UK 2011

Ten girls are preparing to compete for the Miss Cameroon UK 2011 crown. The event will take place in London on 26th November.

Cameroonians worldwide celebrated 50 years of independence earlier on this year. The Miss Cameroon UK Beauty Pageant this year will also be a celebration of the achievements of the independent Cameroon.

The Miss Cameroon UK Beauty Pageant is an innovative way to put Cameroon on the world map and to let friends of Cameroon learn about the country’s history, culture, traditions and all aspects of Cameroonian life including tourism and investment potential. It is a celebration of the beauty and talent of every Cameroonian woman. The organising team of the Miss Cameroon UK has announced that two renowned Media and Showbiz personalities Sama Ndango and Jordine Bartlett will host the event. Sama is an award winning Star TV Presenter and Celebrity Life Coach, who has dedicated his life in awakening the celebrity that lies dormant within people. Jordine is a very talented reporter, show host and voice actor, whose attractive character and elegant style has made her the perfect host for live fashion shows and beauty pageants across the UK. She has hosted top fashion shows such as ‘Fashion Diversity’ and ‘The Top Model of

Colour’ and was the BEFFTA Awards presenter for ‘Fashion’s Finest T.V’ last October. She is also due to host the ‘Miss Universe Wales’ beauty pageant in Cardiff in January.

MISS CAMEROON UK 2011 26th November 2011 Porchester Hall - Porchester Road, Bayswater, London, W2 5HS www.porchesterhall.co.uk/location/ Start time: 5:30pm End time: Midnight After Party: O’ Bar Night Club – Peckham – London SE15 5EB CONTACTS Jocelyne Ngassa: 07956 454 786 Richard Tchoutezo: 07958 041 638 Cinthia Sah: 07951 817 085 Email misscameroonuk@yahoo. co.uk www.misscameroonuk.co.uk/

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Raise bar for foreign spouse migrants, government advised

More than half of immigrants’ family members could be banned from coming to the UK should the government accept latest recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).

The government’s immigration advisors recommended the introduction of a minimum salary of between £18,600 and £25,700 before tax for UK residents sponsoring a partner or dependent for citizenship.

The MAC was asked to identify a salary that would prevent any sponsor, their spouse or their dependents from becoming a burden on the state. Presently the threshold is an annual income of £5,500 after tax, excluding housing costs. This is equivalent to £13,700 before tax and including housing costs. The thresholds are based on the income levels at which a family is not entitled to state benefits or contributes at least as much to the public finances as it consumes in services. According to the MAC, a salary threshold of £18,600 would reduce settlement through the family route by 45 per cent, while a minimum of £25,700 would reduce it by 63 per cent. “The current threshold of £5,500 seems low considering the government’s desire to ensure new migrants settling in the UK are not a burden on the state,” Chairman of the MAC, Professor David Metcalf CBE, said. “Our recommendations are made on a purely economic basis and we recognise that family migration is not determined by economics alone. However our analysis suggests there is justification for raising the pay threshold.”

“The current threshold of £5,500 seems low considering the government’s desire to ensure new migrants settling in the UK are not a burden on the state. Our recommendations are made on a purely economic basis and we recognise that family migration is not determined by economics alone. However our analysis suggests there is justification for raising the pay threshold” Professor David Metcalf CBE, Chairman of the MAC

Vivienne Westwood urges public to support Refugee Council British fashion designer and businesswoman Vivienne Westwood has appealed to the public to support the Refugee Council in their work with the traumatised refugees. Vivienne is urging the public to donate to the charity on Monday 5th December when all donations will be doubled if they

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reach a target of £20,000. All proceeds will go towards the Refugee Council’s Therapeutic Casework Unit, which provides tailored support for victims of torture and sexual violence, helping them come to terms with their experiences and rebuild their lives. This is part of the Big Give Challenge which doubles donations to selected charities with money from private sponsors. The appeal is the culmination of the Refugee Council’s 60th anniversary celebrations throughout 2011. The charity formed in response to the 1951 UN Convention for Refugees, was created to ensure people fleeing Nazi Germany, and other forms of persecution in their own countries, could get the protection they need in a safe country. The Refugee Council has since been the leading organisation providing support and advocating for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. “I believe that refugees and asylum seekers need our help,” said Ms.Westwood. “I believe this help should not stop once they get onto our soil, but continue until they are back on their feet. For this reason, I am proud to support the Refugee Council’s Big Give appeal which will enable them to

continue supporting traumatised refugees, as they have done so well for the last 60 years.” D o n n a Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said “I believe that refugees and asylum seekers need our they were help. I believe this help should not stop once they get delighted to be onto our soil, but continue until they are back on their supported by one feet. For this reason, I am proud to support the of Britain’s most cherished icons. Refugee Council’s Big Give appeal which will enable “Britain has a them to continue supporting traumatised refugees, as long-standing they have done so well for the last 60 years” tradition of supporting and proMs. Vivienne Westwood viding protection to people Your donation could be doubled if you seeking safety make it on Monday 5th December. Fill out here and the Refugee Council has played a your details at www.refugeecouncil.org. central part in that over the last 60 years. uk/biggive and the Refugee Council we’ll We urge the public to join Vivienne Westwood in donating to our appeal so that be in touch on the day to remind you. You we can help more traumatised refugees to may also send an email to ben.latham@ refugeecouncil.org.uk or call 0207 346 rebuild their lives,” Ms. Covey said. 1280.

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

CURRENT AFFAIRS

The European Commission has adopted new guidelines on the use of security scanners at airports. The new legislation allows airports and the European Union (EU) Member States that wish to use security scanners for the screening of passengers to do so under strict operational and technical conditions. Member States have been testing security scanners since a terrorist attempted on 25th December 2009 to blow up a plane flying from Amsterdam to Detroit with plastic explosives he had hidden in his underwear. Until now the use of security scanners has been done under a patchwork of different national operational procedures and standards and in a limited way. As a common EU-wide framework, the new legislation legally allows Member States and airports to

EU adopts new rules on airport body scanners

Mr. Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission replace current security systems with security scanners. It also ensures the uniform application of security rules at all airports and provides strict and mandatory safeguards to ensure compliance with fundamental rights and the protection of health. Member States and airports do not have an obligation to deploy

Unemployed teens neglected at great cost - Barnado’s The most disadvantaged unemployed 16 and 17 year olds are being ignored, with each young person costing public authorities an average of £56,000 over their lifetime, a new report by the UK’s leading children’s charity Barnardo’s has revealed. According to Barnardo’s, opportunities for 16 and 17 year olds to acquire the skills needed for work are rapidly declining while the government’s major reforms aimed at tackling worklessness and benefit dependency prioritise young people from the age of 18. “Britain’s uneven playing field is causing an entire generation of the most disadvantaged teenagers to become ‘lost in transition’. Proof of this lies in the unemployment rate for 16 and 17 year olds which has almost doubled over the last decade,” Barnardo’s chief executive Anne Marie Carrie said. “If the Government is serious about solving the worsening unemployment crisis it must tackle the issue from the root. This is the only way that the rhetoric of social mobility can become a reality for all young people, especially the most disadvan-

taged 16 and 17 year olds.” Mrs. Carrie described as “a step in the right direction” the plans to raise the age of compulsory participation in schooling. “However, the lives of 16 and 17 year olds will only truly be transformed if flexible and relevant options are put in place which fit their needs.” Every year Barnardo’s trains and supports over 3,000 young people, Mrs. Carrie said, adding that: “We know that with the right support, most young people are willing and able to learn and work. The question is: are we willing to make sure they have every chance to succeed?” Barnardo’s has called for a range of alternative education, employment and training options to be available for 16 and 17 year olds in order to prevent them becoming classed as ‘NEET’ (not in education, employment or training). Barnardo’s called for programmes targeted to engage young people living in areas of deprivation; personal development mentoring and individually tailored programmes; industryspecific training and qualifications that lead to jobs in specific trades; and guidance and advice to develop employability and enhance CVs.

security scanners, but if they decide to use them, they will have to comply with the operational conditions and performance standards set at European level. Security scanners are capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic items carried on a person. Under the new EU legislation,

security scanners shall not store, retain, copy, print or retrieve images. Any unauthorised access and use of the image is prohibited and shall be prevented. The human reviewer analysing the image shall be in a separate location and the image shall not be linked to the screened person and others. Passengers must be informed about conditions under which the security scanner control takes place. In addition, passengers are given the right to opt out from a control with scanners and be subject to an alternative method of screening. Vice-President Siim Kallas, EU Commissioner responsible for transport, said: “Security scanners are not a panacea but they do offer a real possibility to reinforce passenger security. Security scanners are a valuable alternative to existing screening methods and are very efficient in detecting both metallic and non-metallic objects. “It is still for each Member State or airport to decide whether or not to deploy security scanners,

but these new rules ensure that where this new technology is used it will be covered by EU wide standards on detection capability as well as strict safeguards to protect health and fundamental rights. Experience to date shows that passengers and staff generally see security scanners as a convenient method of screening.” By laying down specific operational conditions and by providing passengers with the possibility of opting out, the legislation safeguards fundamental rights and the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In order not to risk jeopardising citizens’ health and safety, only security scanners which do not use X-ray technology are added to the list of authorised methods for passenger screening at EU airports. All other technologies, such as that used for mobiles phones and others, can be used provided that they comply with EU security standards.

TUC: Workers spend 200 hours travelling to and from work

Each worker spends nearly 200 hours a year travelling to and from work, a TUC analysis of official statistics has revealed. This adds up to around five weeks extra work. According the TUC study, the average commute times for men are 26 per cent greater than for women - an average of 6.2 minutes longer on each commuting journey. Men spend an average of 219 hours commuting per year, compared to 174 hours for women - a gap of 45 hours over the 12 months. The gender commuting gap is biggest in the South East (8.8 minutes for each journey), the East of England (8.6 minutes) and Scotland (7 minutes). The gap is smallest in London (3.3 minutes for each journey) and the North East (3.6 minutes). Women in London have longer average commute times than men who work in every other part of the UK. London has the longest com-

mute times for both male and female workers at 37.8 minutes per journey each way, while Northern Ireland has the shortest at 22.4 minutes. A recent report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that workers with the longest commutes tend to earn more than those with shorter journeys to work. With increasing congestion on the roads and public transport problems significantly adding to people’s commute times, the TUC has called on employers to offer smarter flexible working options to help staff avoid unnecessary and costly commutes. Next year’s London Olympics offers the perfect opportunity for workers in the capital to embrace smarter working such as home working and staggered start and finish times, TUC said. “Unnecessary long commutes are frustrating and expensive for staff, and bad for business too,” TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said. “Smarter working must be part of the modern economy. Staff want greater access to

flexible and high quality homeworking and employers need to do more to provide it. The link between long commutes and better pay is a concern as it can discriminate against women, who still bear the greatest share of childcare responsibilities, and do more than their fair share of work in the home. Eliminating the need for long commutes can also broaden access to a wider range of jobs for those unable to travel from home.” A similar call has also come from the Chief Executive of Work Wise UK Phil Flaxton who said: “British workers are frustrated at the amount of wasted time caused by long, arduous journeys to and from work. Smart commuting, flexi-time and remote working can offer an ideal solution, giving a range of benefits for employees and employers alike. Not only is the amount of time commuting an issue, the 9 to 5 culture with its peak travel times generates congestion on the rail, underground and road networks and as a consequence, increases stress for commuters.”

CURRENT AFFAIRS

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

©Paul Keheler

MAC’s proposals on highly skilled workers applauded

REC has welcomed the response of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to the government’s proposals on settlement rights for skilled workers from outside the EU. The government’s proposals centred on restricting or removing settlement rights and introducing a system whereby non-EU workers would be required to leave the UK

after five years. REC expressed concern that the UK could become a less-attractive option for high-calibre international workers if there is strictly no route to settlement. In response, the MAC said: “It was felt that a negative signal could be sent about the UK’s position as being seen as “open for business”. Many respondents said that uncertainty about prospects for future settlement in the UK would deter top talent

from coming at all, with repercussions for highly charged and highly politicised issue. the UK’s international competitiveness.” We will continue to use our research and Commenting on the MAC’s response, the ongoing feedback from recruitment Scott Pendry, REC Policy Advisor said: professionals so that migration policy “The response from the MAC is measured reflects labour market needs.” and very welcome. Recent immigration changes mean that only those non-EU migrants with a job offer, in a shortage “The response from the MAC is occupation, or of exceptional measured and very welcome. talent are able to enter the UK to work. The MAC recommen- Recent immigration changes mean dations would enable this small that only those non-EU migrants group of highly skilled workers with a job offer, in a shortage to continue contributing to the UK economy, spurring business occupation, or of exceptional talgrowth and ultimately, helping ent are able to enter the UK to create new job opportunities for work. The MAC recommendations resident workers.” REC said that it was impor- would enable this small group of tant for the UK to ensure that UK workers are provided with highly skilled workers to continue contributing to the UK economy, career opportunities and can develop the skills that employ- spurring business growth and ultiers are looking for. “However, mately, helping create new job this can take time. In the shortterm there is an urgent need for opportunities for resident workers” UK businesses to have access to skilled workers which Mr. Scott Pendry, Government policy needs to facilitate,” Mr. Pendry said. REC Policy Advisor “Immigration will always be a

The government has accepted recommendations from the Independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on changes to the shortage occupation list. MAC had recommended the removal of specialist jobs that are no longer required in the UK from a government-approved list that ensures the UK only accepts migrant workers that the country needs. The occupations that have now been removed from the list include: secondary education biology teachers; speech and

language therapists; pharmacists; orthoptists; and veterinary surgeons. MAC had also recommended the removal of rank and file orchestral musicians from the list but the government has decided not to do so for now, until further discussions take place with the industry on the resident labour market test. The following occupations have been added to the occupation list: actuaries; high integrity pipe welders; environmental scientists; and geochemists. The shortage occupation is part of the

Tier 2 immigration route via the points based system. Highly skilled migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) seeking to work in the UK must apply for visas via this route. Employers can only bring someone into the UK under Tier 2 if the job is on the shortage occupation list or if they pass a resident labour market test, that is, if no suitable resident workers apply after advertising the job in the UK first for four weeks.

©Tiero

New shortage occupation list comes into effect

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

COVER

From homeless to movie star Hollywood actress Karita Fleming reveals challenges facing black actors in Hollywood You can be homeless, abandoned by the very people who should take care of you, but if you stay focused to identify your talents and do everything possible to develop and exploit them, nothing can stop you from achieving anything you set your eyes on. This is exactly what Karita Fleming, an award winning Hollywood actress, runway model, MTV2 personality, director and producer has done. Those who now see this beautiful exotic woman can’t believe that she was once a homeless child. Her courage to stand up to the man beating her mother and threatening her little brother earned her ticket to street life when she was only 14 years old. Karita’s journey is definitely one of trial, tribulations, recovery and redemption. She fought her way up from the streets to feature films and on to catwalks, in addition to gracing magazine covers. Karita is a living example of a melting pot. She has African, Italian, Native American, Irish and Latino blood flowing in her veins. Her fierce exotic eyes give only a hint of the inner warrior that this

young woman is. She made history by becoming the first woman of colour to hold the lead starring role in a feature-length Science Fiction film. “Love(less)” directed by Tyler Timberlin, was released in the US in early 2010. Karita is currently working on a film for Cox Cable and Comcast about being black/biracial women in the film industry, especially in Hollywood. The challenges black/biracial women in the film industry face are just incredible. One of the biggest obstacles black actresses face is lack of roles to play. Most of the time directors seem not to know what roles to give them. “It’s really hard for us to get those huge romantic lead roles, they don’t know really know where to put you,” Karita says. Many decision makers in the film industry are very old and full of stereotypes. Karita says it’s not rare to hear director says: “She’s black, we can’t really sell her.” There is a stereotype of Black women as undereducated, brassy, overly sexualized, etc. Karita reveals that most of the time black people doubt their capabilities. “Even

though America has got its first black president, we are having that problem here. To the rest of the world, it’s like we’ve really moved forward and I feel that we have, but there is still an argument whether he can do a good job because he is a black president. And that’s from other black people.” Since there are few roles for black actors, Karita says that usually this leads to a fight amongst black actors, with some openly blocking the paths of others. “Many don’t want to see other people of colour succeed,” she says. Other black actresses have been nasty to Karita because they think she is going to take their place. Lack of self-esteem is also widespread amongst black actors. “Many think they can only play simple, sideline roles,” Karita says. Karita reveals that actresses of colour who have made it seem to turn their back to the emerging ones. “They are not reaching out to women of colour who are trying to succeed.” Karita would like them to reveal who they were before becoming celebrities. “Tell us more, let us know who you are, what you’ve been through. Don’t just give us that Hollywood image, we know it’s fake, that’s why it’s called fantasy. How did you get there, what did you do?” Unlike many

COVER

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

“Believe in yourself when no one else does,” but “don’t be too sensitive” because if you are, “then no one can tell you when you are being mediocre” Hollywood actress Karita Fleming Hollywood stars who hide their past, Karita wants the whole world to know that her journey to success in Hollywood began at a ghetto. Karita says that growing in a dangerous situation may help one develop survival tactics. Some of the films Karita has acted in include “Middle men” and “Value of the Gun”. The Bond girlesque spitfire known for her roles as assassins, killers, and superheroes doesn’t want to be favoured in any way. “I don’t want anybody to give me anything because I’m black. And I don’t want people to automatically decide who I am because I’m a black person.” Karita stresses that acting is not an easy job. “If I were a person who would give up easily I wouldn’t be an actress, I wouldn’t have taken this job,” she says. While she’d like to encourage many young people to become actors, she warns them not to do so simply because they want to get rich. “If you want a job to get richer, don’t do this job because you won’t get richer, go be a doctor, lawyer, rocket scientist, don’t be an actor because you are not going to get richer out of this” especially at the initial stages. She reveals that there are actors who have acted in several movies and commercials, but still can’t afford to pay their rent and utility bills. Narrating how hard it has been for her to make it in acting, Karita says: I’ve walked into offices and I’ve been told that I’m too black. I’ve been to offices and I’ve been told that I’m not black enough, I’ve been told that my hair is too kinky, or that my eyes are too green, I’ve been from too fat to too skinny.” All excuses for not giving her the roles she wanted to play. “Many people only see you on screen and aspire to be there as well thinking it’s quite easy,” Karita says. “They don’t see the part where people reap you apart, tell you that you have no talent and send you home.” She describes entertainment industry as “an industry where you have to get used to people telling you that you are never going to be anything.” An industry full of people ready to exploit you. It’s quite common to be told: “You want to work, well, then I guess we gonna have sex,” Karita says. She says that she has been to places where girls do all sorts of things to the directors in the bath-

rooms just for roles. Karita is quick to point out that doing those sorts of things is not the key to getting important roles. What matters most is talent. Her talent has on many occasions made her get the same roles the other girls were doing all sorts of things with directors to get. “I get the roles because of being talented,” Karita says, adding that there are actors and actresses who have made it without having to do those things with directors. “If you are a talented actor or actress, you know that you don’t have to do that,” Karita says. Karita confirms that there are many actresses without talent who have won big roles because they did something extra with directors. She explains how to identify such actresses: If you see a pretty girl playing a key role in an unconvincing manner and you start asking yourself “how did this girl have this role? That’s usually the girl who did something extra for her role,” she says. Karita holds that while beauty is important, one should not only bank on it. Asked how she managed to get where is now, Karita says: “I started doing this when I was six years old, that’s how I got here. I’ve been to two schools, I’ve been to a college, I’ve had acting coaches, acting teachers, I’ve performed on stage since I was eight years old, I’ve written my own plays since I was 12. To get here you must work for it for a very long time.” Karita who was a motivational speaker and youth counsellor wonders why many girls and women starve themselves to death simply because they want to lose weight. “Why are you starving yourself? There are people in other parts of the world who would kill to have this life, who would kill to have this food.” She adds: “Those who have curves, glass bodies don’t like them, but isn’t that what being a woman is about, having those curves, glass bodies?” Karita holds that a good actor should be able to play any role, and even play multiple roles in the same movie. She in fact loves acting in movies in which she plays multiple roles. “In one movie, I can laugh, cry, be the villain and be the hero.” Asked what she likes most about herself, Karita says: “I always think of myself in terms of how hard I’m working, how

harder I should work, I guess my will to survive. I appreciate being a strong person everyday because I couldn’t do this job if I wasn’t. I would be in tears every day.” Karita’s biggest weakness is the urge to do so many things at the same time. And she never gives up. “At the point I feel I should give up I always try again, it may not work out but I always feel happy that I tried,” she says. Apart from acting, Karita likes production and directing. Her decision to become a producer is motivated by the fact that women of colour don’t easily land key roles in movies. “We women of colour in the industry say we don’t have any key roles,

so why don’t we just write them or make them?” She tells black actors and directors: “Make your own business, make your own movies, make your own TV Shows.” Karita’s advice for those aspiring to become actors is: “Believe in yourself when no one else does,” but “don’t be too sensitive” because if you are, “then no one can tell you when you are being mediocre.” And to all our readers, she says: “Just remember to fall in love,” because love is the greatest thing. By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

KARITA FLEMING’S LINKS www.facebook.com/KARITAWORLD www.myspace.com/karitafleming

Unmarried couples beware! Key differences in rights between married and unmarried couples One of the most enduring and widespread myths in English law is the perception of the ‘common law marriage’, whereby if a couple live together, then after a certain period of time – probably the most common perception is seven years, but two and four are also popular (and mistaken) beliefs – they will acquire similar rights to those of a married couple. It is believed that there are more than two million unmarried couples in England and Wales, meaning over four million people are potentially unaware of just how exposed their situation is. As far as the law is concerned, common law marriage hasn’t existed in England and Wales for more than 250 years, ever since the Marriage Act in 1753 declared that all marriage ceremonies must be conducted by a minister in a parish church or chapel of the Church of England to be legally binding. In 2004, the Civil Partnership Act gave same sex couples the same legal rights and responsibilities as married heterosexual couples, and for the remainder of this article, the term marriage will refer equally to civil partnerships between same sex couples. Unfortunately, the nature of personal relationships is that when things are going well and the loving couple are in love with one another, probably the last thing on either of their minds is to protect their individual positions should the relationship break up, and yet when relationships do break up, all too often they swing from the one extreme of love to the other of bitter disputes and a stubborn refusal by either side to give ground. In the case of a marriage, the law provides extensive provision for key matters including the home, finances, the children, and in the event of the death of one of the partners. When divorcing, the law effectively places all assets from both partners into a common pool that is distributed by the judge according to what they deem to be ‘fair’. In the case of an unmarried couple, the law effectively treats them as separate individuals, often taking a very mechanical view of how things should be divided, with little scope for the judge’s discretion.

Generally speaking, should you decide for whatever reason to live together but not get married, then to borrow from the business maxim that the best time to sign a contract is at the beginning when you’re still friends, we strongly recommend that you agree from the outset, and in writing how you intend to settle matters in the event you should break up. And without wishing to be too pessimistic, it is a fact that 45% of marriages and a much higher proportion of unmarried couples will eventually separate. Quite ironically, this is essentially a ‘pre-nuptial’ agreement which at present is not binding on a divorcing couple as the courts can, and usually do, ignore them if they do not agree with their provisions. However for an unmarried couple, such an agreement can indeed be legally binding. In the rest of this article we shall look at some of the key differences in rights between married and unmarried couples across the four fundamental areas of home, finances, children and death.

The home It is quite common following a divorce for the former matrimonial home to be transferred into the sole name of the ex-wife who continues to live there with the children of the marriage. Furthermore, the ex-husband may also be obliged to pay maintenance for his children and/or his ex-wife. This is because the courts invariably place the welfare of the children above all other priorities, which usually means maintaining a stable home environment with sufficient income for the upkeep. The case of an unmarried couple not in a civil partnership is very different. The judge is not allowed to exercise their discretion - whether the welfare of the children is at stake or not - and the property rights of the former partners remain exactly the same after the split as before. If a house is bought in joint names, it should be split accordingly on separation, and either party can force a sale of the property to realise their share. If

the parties are contributing unequally to the purchase price, or to payments on the property, for example if he is paying 80% and she is paying 20%, this should be reflected in the amounts they take away with them.

upbringing. However since December 2003 an unmarried father can acquire similar rights if he registers the birth of the child jointly with the mother. If an unmarried couple split up, the mother will automatically have the right to look after her child, and the father could not challenge her unless they have entered into a Parental Responsibility Agreement or he has a court order in his favour.

Death

If the property is in the sole name of one party, it remains that person’s property on separation, unless the other party can establish that there was an intention that they would be entitled to a share in the property. Proving this can be highly problematic – unless the couple had thought to enter into a written agreement when purchasing the property.

Inheritance is certainly an area where having the foresight to make arrangements in writing i.e. a will, can make all the difference should one of the couple die. Inheritance law dictates that in the absence of a will the estate will pass to their immediate family (except their house if they own it together with an unmarried partner). The crucial difference is that a husband or wife is considered the next of kin, but an unmarried partner is not. As such, an unmarried partner will not even be entitled to administer the deceased partner’s estate, nor be involved in decisions on medical treatment or organ donors – unless a will specifies as such.

Finances Pension contributions can pass from one partner in a marriage to another under certain conditions should they die. Unmarried couples have no such rights whatsoever and for inheritance tax purposes the taxman treats them as individuals even if they have been together for years and hold their assets in joint names. While there is no inheritance tax between husband and wife, if one unmarried partner dies, all their estate above £325,000 (known as the nil rate band, and set at this level until 2015) will be taxed at a rate of 40%.

Children The mother is the only adult who has any automatic rights in respect of the couple’s children. She alone will have parental responsibility for them, which covers all aspects of their welfare and

By HAMILTON BRADY LTD, www.hamiltonbrady.co.uk Tel: 0844 873 6081 E-mail: info@hamiltonbrady.co.uk Address: Springfield House Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5BG Disclaimer: The above article is meant to be relied upon as an informative article and in no way constitutes legal advice. Information is offered for general information purposes only, based on the current law when the information was published in this newspaper. You should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified solicitor on any specific legal enquiry. For legal advice regarding your case, please contact Hamilton Brady for a Consultation with a Solicitor on 0844 873 608.

Get your latest immigration news on Your news, your guides, your concerns, your beauty, your recipes, your people. This one is all about you! www.foreignersinuk.co.uk

SPECIAL UK LEGAL GUIDE

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THE GUIDE

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AFRICAN NEWS

Pope: Africa a continent of hope Pope Benedict XVI has described Africa as “a continent of hope”. Speaking during his visit to the state of Benin, he said: “When I say that Africa is a continent of hope, I am not indulging in mere rhetoric, but simply expressing a personal conviction which is also that of the Church.” He observed that too often people’s minds are blocked by prejudices or by images which give a negative impression of the realities of Africa. “It is tempting to point to what does not work; it is easy to assume the judgemental tone of the moraliser or of the expert who imposes his conclusions and proposes, at the end of the day, few useful solutions,” Pope Benedict XVI said. To talk of hope is to talk of the future and hence of God, he said. Addressing an audience of politicians, diplomats and church leaders, the Pope made a special appeal to Africa’s and world leaders: “Do not deprive your peoples of hope! Do not cut them off from their future by mutilating their present! Adopt a courageous ethical approach to your responsibilities and, if you are believers, ask God to grant you wisdom!” He reminded leaders of their people’s desire for liberty, need for material security, and wish to live in harmony according to their different ethnic groups and religions.

“Many conflicts have originated in man’s blindness, in his will to power and in political and economic interests which mock the dignity of people and of nature. ... These ills certainly afflict your continent, but they also afflict the rest of the world. Every people wishes to understand the political and economic choices which are made in its name. They perceive

sions and choices which they can no longer avoid.” He also denounced corruption in Africa and urged Christians to be builders of

“Have courage! Jesus wanted to identify Himself with the poor, with the sick; He wanted to share your suffering and to see you as His brothers and sisters, to free you

peace. The Pope asked world leaders to protect migrants, displaced persons and refugees. He also called for improved care for the sick, especially those affected by AIDS.

from every affliction, from all suffering. Every sick person, every poor person deserves our respect and our love because, through them, God shows us the way to heaven.”

People in Uganda intending to apply for a UK visa must now do so using online application system before going to the visa application centre in Kampala to submit a printed copy of the application form and biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Appointments to submit applications at the visa application centre must be booked online when completing the online application form. UK Border Agency said that the visa application centre in Kampala will only accept applications from those who have applied and booked an appointment online. A ‘drop in’ service at the visa application centre will only be available to genuine emergency/time sensitive cases. The new rule became effective on 16th November 2011.

Pope Benedict XVI manipulation and their revenge is sometimes violent.” The people, the Pope said, wish to participate in good governance. While recognizing that no political regime is ideal and that no economic choice is neutral, the Pope said: “Man demands that his humanity be respected and promoted. Political and economic leaders of countries find themselves placed before important deci-

EU condemns violence in Egypt European Union has condemned criticized Egypt’s security forces violence in Egypt and urged the for using unnecessary violence to authorities to listen to the people’s clear Tahrir Square. ALDE said thousands of demconcerns. “I am extremely concerned at the riots and violent clashes witnessed in Egypt, notably in Tahrir square over the weekend. I deplore the loss of life and the many injuries and express my solidarity with the families of the victims,” EU foreign affairs Chief Catherine Ashton said. Ms. Ashton called for calm and restraint and strongly condemned the use of violence. “There is no doubt that the transitional process is a difficult and challenging one. I have expressed my concern in the past about the emergency law and the ongoing military trials. I reiterate that the interim authorities and all parties concerned have the crucial task of listening to the people and protecting their democratic aspirations,” she said. Ms. Ashton urged the Egyptian authorities to restore law and order in a manner respectful of human rights. “Citizens and political parties’ demands that the transition moves forward and safeguards the principles of democracy must be listened to. As Egypt prepares to go to the polls, in its first democratic and transparent elections, I remain confident that the Egyptian people and the authorities will find the way to move peacefully forward and succeed in overcoming the challenges.” The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) in the European Parliament

onstrators were still sleeping when police started to knock down their tents and beat people. They turned a peaceful demonstration into a violent clash . The people have been demanding for transfer of power from the Supreme Council of Armed Forces to a civilian government, but the military has said that it will hand over its power to civilian rule by the end of 2012, if the chaos ends. This is totally unacceptable, certainly from an institution that claims it wants to install democracy, ALDE said. Edward McMillan-Scott, EP Vice-President for democracy and human rights said: “By creating violence the army puts the elections starting on 28 November in jeopardy. Saying now that the Ms. Catherine Ashton, EU foreign affairs army will hand over power to Chief civilian rule by the end of 2012 if the chaos ends, is preposterous. the Supreme Council of Armed Forces, the The military is creating the chaos deliberately. Egyptian government and the state media to Egypt will only become a free and democratic stop creating violence and chaos. “If the milicountry if the army ends military trials, emer- tary will not organise presidential elections gency laws and cracking down peaceful dem- soon, the EU should consider stopping the aid onstrations, without delay.” it is giving to Egypt,” Mr. Verhofstadt said. ALDE President Guy Verhofstadt urged

©EU

UK visa applicants in Uganda to apply online

©Broc

“Do not deprive your peoples of hope! Do not cut them off from their future by mutilating their present! Adopt a courageous ethical approach to your responsibilities and, if you are believers, ask God to grant you wisdom!”

Happy holidays!

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No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Local authorities have organised a number of activities to mark Local Government Month in November, which are aimed at enhancing public participation in the process of local governance. Project Manager for Local Government Reform in the Ministry of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government (HEWLOG) Clive Edwards, said the month of activities, under the theme: ‘Your Partner in Community Development’ seeks to enhance understanding of how local government works for the benefit of citizens and to encourage community involvement in development initiatives. During the month, the various parish councils will be staging town hall meetings, awareness workshops, foras and exhibitions to highlight their work, and quiz and essay competitions. There will also be sittings of youth councils, health fairs, rehabilitation projects, visits to parish infirmaries, and long service award ceremonies. Activities conclude on 2nd December, with the national local government awards

at a venue to be determined. Mr. Edwards is encouraging citizens to participate in the various parish activities, noting that they will increase their understanding of how the local authorities operate. “People always say that because of Local Government activities, we know more and learn more about what our councils do and their roles and functions than we did before,” he stated. Secretary Manager of the St. Catherine Parish Council, Christopher Powell, said that the council is making strong efforts to enhance citizen involvement in local governance. He said that since June of this year, the council has been engaging citizens in a series of town meetings. “We’ve been stressing the areas of compliance in terms of paying rates and taxes and what those taxes are used for, in terms of delivering quality services, and to call on them to engage their councillors in direct dialogue so they can be more aware and informed of what is transpiring at the councils,” he stated. By O. Rodger Hutchinson

Chang welcomes GIS in Schools Jamaica has introduced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology into schools, with approximately 146 teachers being trained to date.

©JIS

“I am excited that… educators are becoming more aware that GIS is an excellent learning tool, particularly in the teaching of geography in schools,” Minister of Housing,

Minister of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang Environment, Water and Local Government, Hon Dr. Horace Chang said. GIS is designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage and display all types of geographically referenced data.

The Minister noted that some 60 educational institutions, mainly secondary schools as well as some tertiary ones, including teacher training colleges, are now delivering GIS courses. He stressed that this integration of the technology into the curriculum is critical, as students should not just be able to read a map and state where parishes, countries and continents are, but should be able to comprehend and relate to the rapidly changing physical and cultural environments, locally and globally. “It (GIS technology) enables us to better understand and address the major issues and problems that our modern world now faces, including climate change, energy dependence, financial and economic markets, globalisation and local and regional conflicts,” he said. Dr. Chang commended the Land Information Council of Jamaica (LICJ), which has collaborated with the Ministry of Education to introduce GIS into schools. He also expressed the hope that the programme will continue to expose students to a technology that can help shape their lives. By Alecia Smith-Edwards, JIS Reporter

©JIS

Participate in Local Governance, Jamaicans urged

Mr. Clive Edwards, Project Manager for Local Government Reform in the Ministry of Housing, Environment, Water and Local Government (HEWLOG)

Diabetes a threat to Jamaican productivity President of the University of Technology (UTech), Professor Errol Morrison, has warned that unless the prevalence of chronic communicable diseases, like diabetes, are reduced or eliminated, they could negatively impact productivity. Speaking at a corporate health and wellness power breakfast, hosted by UTech at Lillian’s Restaurant on the university’s Old Hope Road campus in Kingston, Professor Morrison noted that 75 percent of Jamaica’s workforce is afflicted by either diabetes or hypertension, suffers from poor nutrition or experiences any combination of them. Professor Morrison, who is also chairman of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica as well as UTech’s Diabetes Outreach Programme, pointed out that two-thirds of the population is overweight, with half of that number being obese. “With that kind of excess weight, it leads to problems, which prevent them from delivering maximally at the workplace and, as a result, (there are) poor outcomes at the workplace,” he explained. The UTech President also

said the next two decades would witness a 138 per cent increase in number of persons reaching or passing age 65 years, and the productivity level of that aging workforce would not be at the

“As a result of those initiatives, a number of these economies have seen an increase of some 30 per cent, and more, in productivity at the workplace,” he stated.

Two-thirds of the population is overweight, with half of that number being obese. “With that kind of excess weight, it leads to problems, which prevent them from delivering maximally at the workplace and, as a result, (there are) poor outcomes at the workplace” Professor Errol Morrison, President of the University of Technology required level. Professor Morrison pointed to the need for various sector stakeholders to imitate the actions of interests in what he described as the “tiger economies of the east”. He explained that stakeholders in that region, particularly countries on the Asian continent, have instituted initiatives which have been yielding results, including feeding and mandatory exercise programmes.

Professor Morrison said that UTech is also contributing to efforts to reduce the prevalence of diabetes, through its outreach programme. “Diabetes and other chronic diseases are major public health problems and we are taking a major thrust in that (prevalence reduction) direction,” he stressed. By Douglas Mcintosh, JIS Reporter

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

ENTERTAINMENT

“An African Election” set for UK release

A film exposing the never-be- grew-up in Ghana, was eager to see how fore-seen, nitty-gritty of political this once hopeful country had progressed electioneering in Africa is set for and where the country was heading to. Although eight political parties and UK release. “An African Election” is a political documentary that captures the intrigues of political campaigns; the almost carnival like atmosphere that is laced with fear of the unknown and the danger that lurks behind-the-scenes. This film which opens on 25th November 2011, offers a documented insight into the 2008 presidential elections in Ghana. The film looks behind the scenes at the complex political machinery of a thirdworld democracy struggling to legitimise itself. Directors Jarreth and Kevin Merz, travelled to Accra, Ghana’s capital during the months preceding the election to take the temperature of the country and witness the campaign. After a 28-year absence Jarreth, who

independents had entered the presidential race, the contest was primarily between two parties. The main contenders were Nana Akufo-Addo representing the NPP (New Patriotic Party) and Prof. John Atta Mills from the NDC (National Democratic Congress). The stakes were high for both parties. While the NPP hoped to retain its power and continue the economic growth it began, the NDC desperately needed to win. Each party wished to control the future of large oilfields discovered off the Ghanaian coast that promise great wealth for the country — and for those in power. Jarreth met and travelled with the former President and founder of the NDC, Jerry John Rawlings, as he campaigned for Prof. Atta Mills. A military pilot and revolutionary, Rawlings won the first demo-

cratic presidential elections of Ghana’s Fourth Republic in 1992. After Rawlings was termed-out in 2000, his party lost to John Kufuor of the NPP. During his two-terms, President Kufuor led the country into a modern business era with development and investment in industry, banking and real estate. There was considerable economic growth during his presidency and the western world, once again, viewed Ghana as a stable African partner. Jarreth and his two camera teams joined the candidates during their political campaigning throughout the country. They

travelled from bustling urban cities to remote rural villages to find out what the people hoped to gain from the election. Juxtaposing candid interviews with commentary from journalists and behindthe-scenes footage of party leaders, the film provides an in-depth view of the forces at work politically, economically and socially. The filmmakers capture the suspense that builds along the road to victory, as each side encounters unforeseen twists and turns that make for a race that is always exciting and an outcome that is never predictable.

New musician wants to make one million people happy to have a chat with him after his sold out gig at London’s Upstairs at The Ritzy. What made you decide to become a musician? I wanted to make one million people happy. I was chanting about doing something impossible and that’s what came up and I really challenged myself to do that.

Sebastian Blake is a 22 year old up and coming singer-songwriter from Why did you choose music to Brighton. do that? A follower of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, it was his faith that drew him to music, and now his unique brand of soul, rock, pop and rhythm and blues has led to comparisons to Michael Jackson, Prince and Lenny Kravitz. The AfroNews managed

I don’t know about you but I feel that politics doesn’t change the human heart; music does and that’s what I want to do; really touch people’s hearts. I thought that the arts and music really

resonate with that. So for how long have you been playing the guitar? I bought myself a guitar last June and I challenged myself to do 100 shows in one year. In the end I only did 80, but I’m quite proud of that because I couldn’t play and didn’t have any songs. So prior to June you never sang at all? No, never. I always loved dancing, and that was what I thought I would be doing, dancing, because I was a semi-professional break-dancer, but since making my determination to make a million people happy, that’s now transformed into singing. How do you feel about the comparisons to Michael Jackson and Prince? At first I was kind of bitter about it, but it’s a great honour to be compared to such legends

when I think about it because they’re amazing. I’ve listened to Prince, but after being compared to him a lot I started to really listen to Prince a lot, you know his old albums, his early days and then his current albums, and I’m like ‘yeah he’s the bomb!’ I’m really excited; it’s a real compliment.

well, so I encourage anyone to make a vow. Sebastian is currently making his first EP which will be released in early 2012. For further information about him, please visit his Facebook page: www.facebook. com/sebblakemusic. By Chinwe Ojielo

How will you know when you’ve broken the one million people barrier? I really want to meet people, so I guess when I can remember a million names. Nichiren Daishonin said make a vow and I made a vow; an unbreakable one and I have to do this no matter what. In ten years time I will have achieved this. It’s not even for me; it’s for myself and others. I think the vow is what’s really motivated me to buy a guitar, do the shows, learn to sing and given me the courage to do it as

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No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

COMMENTARY-OP-ED

The Palaver Hut

Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in retrospect umph in killing Gaddafi. Case closed!

ment. The monarchy was abolished and a

The world greeted the death of There’s an adage that says “money is Libyan Arab Republic was proclaimed. Muammar Gaddafi, as the end of the main cause of most wrongdoing and On gaining power, he immediately his 42 years of despotic reign over problems in the world”. This is never far nationalized the oil business with the West Libya. from the truth, as history shows Libya and ordered the shutdown of American and No doubt, Gaddafi’s death leaves the Libyan people in an awkward position with the new National Transitional Council (NTC) government, who have been in power just for a few months, but already are being accused of numerous humanright abuses including war crimes against humanity. I’m sure this is not the post-Gaddafi we all wished for Libyan people. But whatever the case maybe, the new Libya’s NTC’s soldiers are not going to face any sort of war crimes because they managed to tri-

came into the spotlight with the discovery of oil on its soil in 1959, a very poor desert country that suddenly became rich under the leadership of King Idris. The US and European companies invested huge stakes in the extremely lucrative petroleum and banking sectors in Libya. Meanwhile, Muammar Gaddafi, who hailed from a small tribe of Arabs, the Qadhadhfa, who are mostly herders that lived in the Hun Oasis, entered the Libyan military academy at Benghazi in 1961, and graduated in 1966. He later pursued further studies in the UK SEND US YOUR LETTERS where he underwent a four months military We welcome letters on topical issues, your experitraining. On 1st ences, and or any article you have read in the September 1969, Gaddafi AfroNews. Letters, not exceeding 600 words, must led a small group of include your full name (not necessarily for publicajunior military officers tion), address and telephone numbers for verificaon a bloodless coup tion. Letters may be edited for publication. d’état against King Idris, while the king was in E-mail: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk Turkey for medical treat-

British military bases. He told Western officials that he would expel their companies from Libya’s oil fields unless they shared more revenue. The oil companies complied with the demand, increasing Libya’s share from 50 to 79 percent. Further cementing western hatred of the new regime, Gaddafi played a leading role in the 1973 oil embargo against the US and maintained cooperative relations with the Soviet Union. Gaddafi also reportedly channelled early oil wealth into national free health care and education. Ever since, the US and its closest allies maintained a mostly hostile relationship with Muammar Gaddafi and Libya. The ‘international community’ repeatedly enforced or renewed sanctions against Libya in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2004, former US President G. W. Bush administration dropped sanctions against the regime and paved the way for a new era in US-Libyan bilateral trade. The deliberate gunshot that killed Gaddafi has managed to hide some very

divisive and awkward secrets Gaddafi may have revealed during his trial. He would have opened during the trial, old political wounds and politically damaged the Western governments. It’s a pity we will never know the gory details of what happened and when, especially how Gaddafi was helped to rebuild his oil industry and what happened to his billions of petrodollars investments, as we speak. Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam who has been arrested, should not be killed but given a chance to face fair trial. He may reveal some of the mysteries behind many of the top-level security documents from the Reagan’s Administration pertaining to Libya. The documents remain classified. These include National Security Decision Directives 16 (Economic and Security Decisions for Libya), NSDD 205a (Annex: Acting Against Libyan Support of International Terrorism), NSDD 224 (Counter-Terrorist Operations Against Libya), and NSDD 234 (Libya Policy). The documents that have been declassified are partially redacted. The George H.W. Bush NSDD 19 (US Policy Toward Libya) also remains classified.

RECIPE

Ingredients • 500 grams rump steak cut into large chunks • 1 large onion finely chopped • 1 clove of Garlic crushed • 5 tsp hot curry powder • 2 tsp hot chilli powder • 1 beef stock cube (optional) • 1 pint of boiling water • 1 tbsp (heaped) tomato purée • 1 lemon, juiced • Salt and pepper, as required

Method 1. In a large pot on a high gas flame, fry together the steak, onion and garlic for five minutes. 2. Add the two spices and continue to cook until the spices are almost burnt.

By Joseph Spencer

Simple Beef Curry

3. Cover all the contents of the pot with boiling water (about a pint), throw in the stock cube (if you’re using it) and stir everything together. 4. Add the tomato puree and lemon juice, and stir the pot again. 5. Bring it all to the boil, add salt and pepper if required then reduce the heat and allow the ingredients to simmer together. 6. Continue to cook everything until you have what looks like a curry in the pot. 7. This should take about 90 minutes on a medium gas flame. 8. Serve with cooked rice and anything else you normally have with a curry. By Recipe Safari, http://recipesafari.blogspot. com/

LIFESTYLE & RELIGION

No. 27. 22nd - 28th November 2011 www.theafronews.eu

Students want peer-to-peer sex and relationships education The survey of schools around Britain shows a majority of pupils (56%) are most likely to learn about sex from their friends rather than a teacher. Most of the pupils (82%) said they wanted sex and relationships education to come from a trained young person. The survey, commissioned by Channel 4’s Battlefront Campaign and officiated by ComRes suggests that the current style of SRE lessons is not meeting young people’s needs. Half (49%) of pupils said they felt awkward asking questions in their SRE lessons taught by teachers, compared to only 1 in 5 who felt comfortable. In contrast 67% of pupils were comfortable asking questions to a trained young person and just 8% felt awkward. According to the survey, the solution may be for teenagers to be taught by trained older teenagers. Secondary schools across the country (London, Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Manchester and Wales)

©Battlefront

Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) is failing pupils, with almost half of them saying they had received too little SRE in their schools, a new survey has revealed.

MP Chris Bryant (right) showing his support to 18-year-old trained peer to peer sex and relationships and Battlefront campaigner Shereece Marcantonio were keen to be included in the survey. Award winning peer-led

programmes RESPECT and Dance4Life came in to the schools

to teach peer led sex education lessons to year nine to 12 teens. A day before the lesson took place, pupils completed questionnaires relating to sex education previously received. After the peer-led lesson, pupils filled in another questionnaire focusing on their peer-to-peer experience. This second questionnaire showed that the majority of students (70%) wanted to receive more SRE lessons taught by a trained young person compared to 3% who didn’t. One year 11 teen (aged 16) summed up where schools are going wrong. She said a peer-led SRE lesson is “a lot less awkward than other sex-ed lessons as the teachers are closer to our age and can relate to us more.” Channel 4’s Battlefront commissioned the research as part of the ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ campaign. Campaigner Shereece Marcantonio (18) from East London succeeded in getting the attention of Chris Bryant MP, who hosted a reception for her on 16th November, in the Jubilee Room of the House of Commons. Shereece announced her findings to an audience of Parliamentary Groups, MPs, X-Factor winner Matt Cardle and other celebrities. She’s determined to get the

Government to listen to her and try out peer-to-peer teaching methods in the National Curriculum. “My campaign has always been about changing the National Curriculum, by trying to get peer on peer teaching into sex and relationship education. If we can educate kids in a relaxed and engaging way, we can help avoid unwanted pregnancies and help teenagers cope with their first sexual experiences safely,” Shereece said. Teenagers are not the first to show that the sex education curriculum needs to change. A spokesman for the Department for Education has said: “We are carrying out a wide, internal review of the PSHE curriculum to strengthen classes to address weaknesses reported by Ofsted last year.” Dr. John Lloyd, who is a Policy Advisor for the PSHE Association sees Shereece’s research as vital and will be using her findings to guide his review of the PSHE system. According to Britain’s Family Planning Association, Britain has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Western Europe. This new research reveals that teens across the UK see peer-led SRE the most effective way forward.

Benetton pulls controversial Pope- Church’s appeal on imam kiss ad after Vatican protests power feed-in tariff The Benetton clothing company has withdrawn an ad showing Pope Benedict XVI kissing an imam on the mouth. The controversial ad was pulled after the Vatican denounced it as an unacceptable provocation and threatened legal action. In a statement, the Holy See said the advertising campaign showed the Holy Father “in a way considered to be harmful, not only to the dignity of the Pope and the Catholic Church, but also to the sensibility of believers.” “We cannot but express a resolute protest at the entirely unacceptable use of a manipulated image of the Holy Father, used as part of a publicity campaign which has commercial ends,” said Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. “It is a serious lack of respect for the Pope, an affront to the feelings of the faithful and an evident demonstration of how, in the field of advertising, the most elemental

rules of respect for others can be broken in order to attract attention by provocation.” Benetton had said its UNHATE campaign which was launched on 16th November, was aimed at contrasting the culture of hatred and promoting closeness between peoples, faiths, cultures, and the peaceful understanding of each other’s motivations. In a statement launching the campaign, Benetton said: “The central theme is the kiss, the most universal symbol of love, between world political and religious leaders, such as: Barack Obama and Chinese leader Hu Jintao; Pope Benedict XVI and Ahmed Mohamed el-Tayeb, Imam of the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo (the most important and moderate centre for Sunni Islamic studies in the world); the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “These are symbolic images of reconciliation - with a touch of

ironic hope and constructive provocation - to stimulate reflection on how politics, faith and ideas, even when they are divergent and mutually opposed, must still lead to dialogue and mediation.” But the Holy See was not pleased with the way the ad depicted the Pope. Fr. Lombardi said the Secretariat of State was “examining the steps that may be taken with the competent authorities in order to guarantee adequate protection for the figure of the Holy Father.” “We reiterate that the meaning of this campaign is exclusively to combat the culture of hatred in all its forms,” said a Benetton Group spokesman. “We are therefore sorry that the use of the image of the Pope and the Imam has so offended the sentiments of the faithful. In corroboration of our intentions, we have decided, with immediate effect, to withdraw this image from every publication.”

The Church of England has launched an online petition asking the Government to slow down their plans to drop the rate of returns on electricity grid feed-in tariffs for solar panels to give churches, and other community groups, more time to complete installation. The petition from the Archbishops’ Council’s Cathedral and Church Building Division, is also asking for a special community tariff. It has already attracted almost 1,000 signatures. Already 35 CofE churches have solar panels installed and more than 300 are actively considering a solar project. Installing solar panels on churches is a complex business and the 50% cut in return rate proposed for 12th December

will penalize churches who are committed to installing solar panels, but will not have time to complete, says the petition. The installation of solar panels is promoted across the CofE’s 44 dioceses as a way of using natural resources to reduce the carbon footprint of a church. The Church, through its national environment campaign Shrinking the Footprint, is committed to the Government’s carbon reduction targets of 80% by 2050. “This news is very disappointing,” said Martyn Goss social responsibility officer for Exeter Diocese. “Here in the Southwest we have been encouraging churches to install panels and many will be adversely affected by this cut in tariff resulting in having the rug pulled from underneath them by such short-term political decision making.”

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