The Afro News by Stephen Ogongo

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NOVEMBER 2010 I FREE PRESS I Tel. 020 7300 7320; 020 7300 7321; 07846062331 I Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

Testimony’s debut album “Nitaishi” inspires joy & hope

MPS holds first ever Diversity Excellence Awards Police officers and staff recognised for embracing diversity and improving equality

page 4

Deputy Commissioner Tim Godwin presenting Sergeant Steven Brown of Southwark Borough the Fair and Responsive Services Award

THE GUIDE

Visa Appeals: The Process pages 12-13

Three Congolese women - Sandra Belezika, Emmanuela Yogolelo and Mimi Kalumba sing about their journey of finding asylum in the UK

Deportee Mubenga’s death “extraordinarily regrettable” pages 6-7

Vaz: “We need to know in a full-ranging inquiry why he was treated in the way he was treated” page 3

page 21

Johnny Junior, new Rumba star is born

Racism stemming from policies claims 77 lives Get your latest immigration news on Your news, your guides, your concerns, your beauty, your recipes, your people.

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can love be transferred?

page 14

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WHERE ACTION IS

O2 Your Country Live African event taking place in London It features MOBO award winning Nneka, Samini, Richy Pitch and M3NSA The sensational Nigerian MOBO award winning Nneka supported by MTV Africa’s Best Performer 2009 Samini, DJ Richy Pitch and M3NSA are set to perform at this year’s O2 Your Country Live in London on 9th November. O2 Your Country Live is a fantastic free annual live music event to reward O2’s international calling community in the UK. The Independent described Nneka’s extremely successful ‘No Longer At Ease’ album as “the most invigorating, innovative and powerful release of the year”. She was awarded a 2009 MOBO Award for Best African Act. Amazon.co.uk included Nneka in their 2010 Emerging Artists alongside Ellie Goulding, Delphic and The Drums. Having toured almost non-stop she is now making waves in the USA. SPIN have named her one of the 10 artists to watch in 2010, Rolling Stone gave her a four star review and a David Letterman ‘Breakout Artist’ performance saw her reach her biggest audience yet. It’s a testament to the strength of Nneka’s talent that her success has grown by word of mouth, on the quality of her albums and the intensity of her live performance. She is not a big-label product, forced down people’s throats by marketing dollars. Her audience have sought her out

MOBO award winning musician Nneka because there will always be a demand for music that does more than just entertain, but teaches something universal. As she puts it herself: “I do it in a sweet way - but I sing to speak the truth.” Samini is Ghana’s most prolific contemporary musical icon. His smooth mix

Femi Kuti to thrill fans at the Barbican Hot off the back of performances at South Africa’s World Cup Opening Ceremony, Glastonbury, Damon Albarn’s Africa Express and a recent Grammy nomination, Femi Kuti’s take on Afrobeat is one of the most explosive sounds to emerge from Nigeria in years. Femi’s powerful saxophone style and his mighty stage presence combined with the funky grooves and driving horns of The Positive Force radiate pure, raw energy. Son

FEMI KUTI AT THE BARBICAN 28th November 7.30pm Barbican Tel: 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk Tickets: £10-25 +bkg

of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Femi brings the thrill of the Lagos Shrine “Sunday Jump” night to the Barbican. Femi’s new album ‘Africa for Africa’ will be out soon on Wrasse Records. “For a new generation of music listeners, it is understood that few, if any, musicians are able to match the exuberance, catchiness, and ultimate energy of a Fela Kuti concert.” (Afropop) “The stage reverberates with funky, danceable music. Femi is a musical icon and a worthy successor to his father. Nimble footed, humorous on stage but hard-hitting in both his lyrics and talk, Femi has added a new dimension to the polyrhythmic sound in which his father specialized.” (Worldpress)

of musical genres is a melodious interface Wanlov Kubolor, and produced the bulk of of the African music form Highlife, with its soundtrack. the Jamaican music forms Dancehall and M3NSA’s hard work and clear talent Reggae as well as the American styling of has been rewarded with a recent MOBO Hip-Hop. nomination for best African Act. He has Samini has had commercial and critical also just released his beautiful debut LP successes. Accolades from MTV, MOBOs, ‘No.1 Mango Street’. Channel O, Hip Hop Awards and a closing Gosia Manka, O2 Channel Marketing performance at the FIFA 2010 World Cup Manager said: “Your Country Live has have been recent highlights. been hugely successful for us, helping to Samini recognizes the importance of build brand consideration amongst internausing his talent and popularity to carry tional communities and raise awareness of messages of African unification, peace, relevant O2 offers. Through leveraging our development and hope across the African sponsorship assets we’ve been able to continent and in his country, Ghana. deliver great experiences to these commuProducer, writer and resident Scratch nities.” DJ Richy Pitch is already known as a proObtaining a ticket to the O2 Your lific beat maker and remixer, having Country Live African event is simple. Text recorded with established artists both in YC2 to 66102 for Nneka, Samini, Richy the UK and the US. In 2007 Richy moved Pitch and M3NSA on 9th November or from UK to Ghana, - his goal was to record visit O2Yourcountrylive.co.uk with local stars and talent and fuse the Winners will be notified by text mesclassic sound of Ghanaian music with his sage. If you’d like to go to the gig but are own production skills that he’d already not on O2, you can get your free SIM at developed in London. ‘Ye Fre Mi Richy O2Yourcountrylive.co.uk Pitch’ was released in September 2010 and featured the cream of Ghanaian music talent including Samini, Reggie O2 YOUR COUNTRY LIVE 2010 Rockstone and talented MCs such as Wanlov the Kubolor, M3NSA and Feat. Nneka, Samini, Richy Pitch and M.anifest. M3NSA, the multi talented M3NSA Ghanaian producer, MC, singer and 9th November songwriter has conceptualised and At O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, Shepherd’s performed on the hilarious critically Bush Green, W12 8TT, London acclaimed Coz Ov Moni (known as o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk the world’s first pidgin musical) with Doors 7pm

‘Africa United’ now showing in the UK ‘Africa United’ film is now showing in cinemas across the UK. It is a poignant tale of three Rwandan children who trek 3,000 miles across seven African countries to achieve their life’s dream and attend the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa. The three friends; Fabrice, Beatrice and Dudu follow their dream so that Fabrice can get a

role in the opening ceremony. ‘Africa United’ shows a different side to Africa as the children begin their adventures on their journey to Johannesburg. They get onto the wrong bus by accident and then end up in Congo where their tale begins. On their travels they meet a child prostitute and a boy soldier who join them as they look for their way to the World Cup.

The friends have to face a range of challenging scenarios from wild animals through to the issue of Aids and prostitution. The film’s educational message is subtle but makes a point of the realities that face Africa and shows a different viewpoint which works. By Amanda Hall-Davis

London set for Lord Major’s Show London communities will come together for the Lord Major’s show on 13th November. They’ll witness the new Lord Major - Alderman Michael Bear travelling to the Royal Courts where he will swear his allegiance to the Crown. South African Zulu warriors, Hong Kong acrobats, and Hackney hip hop dancers will perform in the procession which will include 20 marching bands, 71 floats, 21 carriages, 150 horses

and 6,000 people. The Lord Major’s show has continued for 800 years and continues to draw thousands of people to mark this historical event. Every year, a secure area of the city is closed off as the three mile procession follows the route from Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice. The Lord Major’s show begins at 11am following an RAF fly over and continues until 5pm when London’s finest Thames firework display will conclude

the day. “I have worked for the Lord Major’s show and it is truly amazing to watch the procession through the centre of London,” said Angie Finnochiaro, a 34 year old hotel receptionist. For further information, official programmes, disabled access, grandstands, maps and travel options, you can check the website: www.lordmajorshow.org. By Amanda Hall-Davis

AFRONEWS | My Own Media Ltd. The Old Fire Station, 140 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4SD, United Kingdom | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Stephen Ogongo Ongong'a | TEL: +44 (0)20 7300 7320 or +39 06 8741 0531 |Fax: 020 7300 7322 | Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk | CONTRIBUTORS: Amanda Hall-Davis, TAYO & Frances Mensah Williams | ADVERTISING: TEL: 020 7300 7320; 07846062331 | Email: sales@myownmedia.co.uk | DISTRIBUTION: Citipost Direct Distribution Ltd, London | Email: info@myownmedia. co.uk | PRINTING PRESS: Newsfax Ltd, London. | Advertiser and advertising agency assume liability for all content (including text representation, illustrations, and photographs) of advertisements printed or posted, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising there from made against the publisher | Supplement of Africa News, Registered at the Tribunal of Rome. Registration No. 22/2003 - 21-01-2003

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Deportee Mubenga’s death “extraordinarily regrettable” Vaz: “We need to know in a full-ranging inquiry why he was treated in the way he was treated” “This is a shocking incident. We need to know in a full-ranging inquiry why he was treated in the way he was treated. Why was he being deported while his family are still in the country? What steps are being taken by the airline and the immigration services to make sure they checked his medical records? These are very serious issues which affect every single person that is being deported”

Police and the London Ambulance Service were called at 20:25hrs on 12th October, to reports of a man unwell on a British Airways flight preparing for departure from Heathrow Airport to Angola. Mr. Jimmy Mubenga, 46, was being deported from the UK under escort by civilian security guards. He was taken by London Ambulance Service to Hillingdon Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrivMr. Keith Vaz, chair of the al. Metropolitan Police said the Home Affairs Select Committee post-mortem examination done at Hillingdon Mortuary on 14th October proved inconclusive. airline and the immigration services to Further tests will be conducted in due make sure they checked his medical course in order to establish the cause of records? Mr. Mubenga’s death. “These are very serious issues which On 18th October police investigating affect every single person that is being the circumstances surrounding Mr. deported.” Mubenga’s death arrested three men. Metropolitan Police said the death was They’ve all been released on police bail to being treated as “as unexplained at this a date in December pending further stage”. enquires. Labour’s Lord Judd told the House of Mr. Keith Vaz, chair of the Home Lords on 20th October: “This issue is not Affairs Select Committee, who called for only grave in itself, the trouble is that a full-ranging inquiry told BBC London: when something goes wrong it plays “This is a shocking incident. We need to directly into the hands of those who are know in a full-ranging inquiry why he trying to manipulate opinion in support of was treated in the way he was treated. militant rebels, militant terrorists and the Why was he being deported while his rest. family are still in the country? “It is therefore essential to get the “What steps are being taken by the administration of policy in this area right and humane in the cause of winning hearts and “This is the first time that there minds.” Neville-Jones, has been a death of an escorted whoBaroness agreed with Lord Judd, individual and it is extraordinarily said that the findings of any regrettable. We entirely take the investigations into Mr. death would be point that this is exactly what we Mubenga’s taken “very seriously”. do not wish to happen. We will take She said: “This is the first the consequences and the findings time that there has been a of an escorted individual of any investigation very seriously” death and it is extraordinarily regrettable. We entirely take the point that this is exactly what Security Minister Baroness we do not wish to happen. We Neville-Jones will take the consequences and the findings of any investiga-

Security Minister Baroness Neville-Jones has described the recent death of an Angolan man who was being deported from the UK as “extraordinarily regrettable”.

tion very seriously.” An inquest will be opened at West London Coroner’s court in due course. Detectives from the MPS Homicide and Serious Crime command are investigating the death. It is also being investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Tom Brake, MP, chair of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary policy committee, said: “We need to be absolutely certain that a proper risk assessment was carried out and we need to be certain the security firm that was used are using the appropriate restraint techniques, ones that don’t endanger people’s lives.” Baroness Neville-Jones said: “Escort staff receive training on issues such as welfare, first aid, use of force and restraint. Prior to removal, escorts are provided with a risk assessment for the individual that will include known facts on medical condition, the risk of self-harm, likelihood of any attempt to escape, known criminal activities or violent behaviour.”

Richard Edwards, a spokesperson for London NoBorders, stated: “This is yet another example of the violence of border regimes. Every year hundreds of people are deported from Europe, often by physical force, to face uncertain futures and sometimes persecution and death. Meanwhile hundreds die trying to enter the EU.” London NoBorders said that violence during deportations from Europe has been well documented and has been happening for many years. “In 1998 for example, Semira Adamou died from suffocation during an attempt to deport her from Belgium. And on 17th March this year, Alex Uzowulu died on a flight from Switzerland after police handcuffed him and placed a helmet on his head,” London NoBorders said. Mr. Mubenga leaves behind his wife Makenda Kambana and five children. By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

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

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

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MPS holds Diversity Excellence Awards Police officers & staff recognised for embracing diversity and improving equality Police officers and staff across London have been recognised for their work in embracing diversity and improving equality at the first-ever MPS Diversity Excellence Awards. A senior detective who led the Met’s approach to investigating ‘honour’ based crimes; a Safer Neighbourhoods team who developed a highly successful youth engagement project; and officers who worked to improve services to people with disabilities were among officers commended for their work in engaging with London’s communities and developing the Met’s diverse workforce. DCI Caroline Goode, from the Met’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command won the Diversity Leadership Award for her work resulting in improved training for front line officers and staff, enabling them to identify crimes of ‘honour’ based violence at an early stage and to respond quickly and effectively to support victims. The Met’s Edgware Safer Neighbourhoods team won the Community Engagement Award for the Nutmeg Project, a series of youth engagement concert events built around dance and music promoting an end to knife and gun crime. Over 12 months 2,250 young people attended the events and barriers between the local youth community and police have been broken down, leading to a drastic reduction in confrontational encounters on the street. PC Steven Brown of Southwark Borough won the Fair and Responsive Services Award for delivering excellent policing services to communities living on the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark.

The Met’s Promoting Difference Team won the Workforce and Culture Award for developing a model to improve the development opportunities for BME officers in MPS promotion processes. PC Helen Davies and colleagues from Lewisham were commended for their work with the local Deaf and deafened community through the borough’s Deaflink scheme. PC Jodene Feeney of Harrow Borough and DC Tanya O’Connell of Westminster won the Performance (Disability) Award for their work to increase understanding and awareness of dyslexia and for developing support mechanisms for staff with the condition. PC Cliff Bolton of Bexley Borough was Deputy Commissioner Tim Godwin presenting Sergeant Steven Brown of commended for his work pioneering Autism awareSouthwark Borough the Fair and Responsive Services Award ness in the MPS. PC about stop and search, and an officer from lenges of the diverse and international city Bolton identified that a number of youths Newham for her engagement with local in which we serve.” arrested in his area for anti social behavMuslim community. Denise Milani, the Director of Diversity iour had Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or Deputy Commissioner and MPS diver- and Citizen Focus said: “I and the other similar conditions. He identified gaps in sity champion Tim Godwin who presented members of the judging panel are honpolice understanding and showed how the awards at the special ceremony at New oured and privileged to recognise the teams improving officers’ knowledge of these Scotland Yard, said: “I am proud of the and individuals across the MPS who have conditions could avert escalating situations men and women of the service and their made a truly outstanding contribution to in public order incidents. desire to achieve and provide a profes- achieving the aims of the Met’s Diversity Other winners were officers from Brent sional service, with the continued chal- and Equality Strategy.” police for their work with young people

Pauline Long wins Women in Enterprise Award “I was totally surprised, thrilled and extremely humbled” Pauline Long, the founder of Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television and Arts (BEFFTA) Awards has been nominated to receive the Women in Enterprise Community Personality Award. Pauline won the Award for founding so many community and social initiatives including the BEFFTA Awards, for creating awareness and raising funds for various children’s charities, as well as for the promotion of entrepreneurship. “You are truly an inspiration to the community and women alike,” the organisers of Women in Enterprise Awards told Pauline in her nomination letter. The first ever Women in Enterprise Awards giving ceremony will be held on 17th November from 7pm to 10pm at Avalon, 141-143 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE. It is part of the celebration of Women’s Enterprise Day and Global Entrepreneurship Week. Pauline is one of the ten amazing women the Women in Enterprise Awards will be honouring on the night. They are women who through hard work and dedi-

Ms. Pauline Long, the founder of BEFFTA Awards cation have set up successful businesses, social enterprises and community based organizations. “You are among a group of women who have motivated others to venture out and become women in business or

aspire to be,” said the organisers of the Londoners (GL) Networking, a UK based Awards. social enterprise with focus on business “I was totally surprised, thrilled and and community development of Ghanaians extremely humbled, the Award came at a and Africans in the Diaspora. time when I needed more push to achieve GL is totally committed to providing my goals. Being recognised for what I like opportunities for people to network, learn doing which is serving my community is and do business for greater personal, proabsolutely amazing and I’m so grateful,” fessional development and business sucPauline said upon receiving news of her cess. nomination. Tickets for the Awards giving ceremoThe Women in Enterprise Awards will ny are being sold at £10 each. For further also honour women who have started new information, please log on to: www.ghanabusinesses or projects, and those who have ianlondoners.org or send an email to info@ developed new businesses or managed to ghanaianlondoners.org trade locally, nationally & internationally. The evening will consist of the Awards By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a giving ceremony, entertainment, refreshment and Send AfroNews your stories and pictures a speed networkHave you got a story to share with our readers? ing session. We'd love to hear about it, so please send it to us. The Women in Enterprise You may also send photos together with your stoAwards is the ries. Kindly include a contact phone number in brainchild of case we have any questions or need more inforA d w o a mation. Please send your stories and pictures to: Agyemang, Founder of afronews@myownmedia.co.uk G h a n a i a n

presents

Your Country LIVE 2010

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re better, connected

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COVER

Testimony’s debut album “Nitaishi” inspires joy and hope Congolese women sing about their journey of finding asylum in the UK The band composed of three singers from Central Africa, is led by Emmanuela Yogolelo, a member of the acclaimed Beating Wing Orchestra. This debut album charts Testimony’s musical and metaphysical journey from Central Africa to Manchester. It shows the singers’ evolution from traditional African Gospel songs to creating their own compositions. Testimony’s three inspiring women sing of their struggles as migrants and of the power of community self-help and love. Their songs are coloured by their growing interaction with musicians spanning the world, all living in multicultural Manchester. Emmanuela is a vocalist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her voice combines the passion of Swahili-rooted Gospel and sweet lyricism with an irresistible Congolese dance groove, interwoven with the compelling harmonies of her two companions. Emmanuela’s involvement with the Beating Wing Orchestra has widened the

group’s knowledge of different musical styles from around the world. It has facilitated her interchange with diverse musicians from the Orchestra, notably Cameroonian keyboard player, Serge Tebu, who is also the producer of the album and has composed a number of its tracks. Testimony’s growing musical creativity and confidence, founded on their personal journeys and passionate beliefs, has led all the three singers to create their own distinctive and powerful songs. Testimony initially developed as part of Community Arts North West’s Exodus Programme supported by the Arts Council England - North West, Big Lottery Fund, Manchester City Council and Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA). Emmanuela, a mother of two daughters, sought asylum in Britain in 2003 fleeing persecution in DR Congo. On arrival in Britain, as a woman of 27, she was alone without family or community, with no contacts and unable to speak English. Emmanuela initially had a difficult time in the UK since she was refused permission to remain in the country. For a period she was destitute and homeless, while trying to bring up two young daughters. During the eight years she was waiting, she did not lose hope or remain idle: she quickly

to overcome their problems and fighting for them to be treated as human beings. Last year Emmanuela and her daughters were given the right to remain. She describes why she fled, the problems she faced and her hopes: “I came to live: otherwise I would have been killed. Once here, I was surprised at how difficult the experience of emigration was – there were problems of acceptance, integration, a language barrier, a different culture.” She believes in the power of helping others and community organising: “I’m an immigrant, I’m a refugee, I’m black and I’m a mother. Community is at the very heart of everything that we do in Testimony. Music tells the story of my life. I hope that my singing can reach out to people everywhere and help them to find their own path through change.” Emmanuela says she needs more than leave to remain. “I need respect, understanding, to be a normal human being, like anyone” else. Emmanuela is an active member of local church and community organisations in Manchester. She has been singing from the age of six in church choirs and other bands in her native DR Congo. When she moved to Manchester, Emmanuela undertook training with Community Arts North West as part of the Exodus Refugee Arts programme. She

“I’m an immigrant, I’m a refugee, I’m black and I’m a mother. Community is at the very heart of everything that we do in Testimony. Music tells the story of my life. I hope that my singing can reach out to people everywhere and help them to find their own path through change” Ms. Emmanuela Yogolelo, Leader of Testimony, a popular Manchester-based African Gospel ©CAN

Testimony, a popular Manchester-based African Gospel singing group has just released a new album titled “Nitaishi”, a Swahili word for “I’ll live”.

learned to speak fluent English and became active in her local community: seeking to help other women in a similar plight

now regularly assists in organizing and facilitating their arts workshops. Community Arts North West praises her contribution to the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into community life in

Membe Manchester: “Emmanuela has worked tirelessly to help and support a range of voluntary activity benefiting isolated refugees and asylum seekers in Manchester. As a women asylum seeker, community activist and artist, she is an amazing strong role model for refugee and asylum seeker women. As an artist she is inspirational and has helped to put refugee arts on the map as a performer, and community arts activist in Manchester.” The “Nitaishi” LP also features Sandra Belezika, another vocalist from the DR Congo. She has been in the UK, living in Manchester for over 10 years, and is an asylum seeker. Sandra is active in her local community and church, and has also been involved in promoting world music on community radio stations in Manchester. She is an inspirational character, overcoming adversity and difficult personal circumstances with grace and good humour and has strong religious beliefs. She says: “Music is a passion to me. It is where I express myself, whether I’m happy or sad. So, for me, singing is more than just music: It is a ministration – I administer to people’s hearts and people’s souls, to lift them up and to console their hearts; to make an impact on people.” The third musician featured in this LP is Mimi Kalumba. Mimi is originally from

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

©CAN

COVER

ers of Testimony, a popular Manchester-based African Gospel group the DR Congo, but lived in Zambia before coming to settle in Manchester for some years. A prominent vocalist and churchgoer, Mimi is a dedicated community volunteer, who puts her heart into supporting other women and children. She describes her love of music: “Music is like medicine for the soul. I started singing because I was inspired by hearing music in church and I would love to pass on that inspiration to others.” Serge Tebu, the LP producer and accompanist came to the UK from

Cameroon in 2007. Serge had only the love of music with which to find his place in the community. As a composer and band leader he wanted to combine his skill and experience with other musicians from different musical influences, each having a desire to show that people from a variety of backgrounds can work and play together. Serge plays piano and keyboard, is a member of the Beating Wing Orchestra and is the founder member of Kokoriko an African/Jazz/Blues fusion band based in Manchester. Serge plays a variety of

styles. and keyboards & drum programming) and The accompaniment on the CD has Tshepe Tshepela (Studio Beni and keyalso been provided by the following mem- boards & drum). bers of the Beating Wing Orchestra: Lis A proportion of proceeds from this Murphy (violin), Pat Macmans (backing album will go to support women and chilvocals); Michelle Udogu (backing vocals), dren in Central Africa. Papy Manzabe (backing vocals), Blaise Chocolat TESTIMONY’S CONTACTS (lead guitar, bass guitar), Alan Tel. 0161 234 2975; 0161 234 2997 Budd (guitar), Papa Blanche http://testimonygirls.wordpress.com/ (studio back-rec http://www.myspace.com/emmanuelatestimony

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

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ONS census competition celebrates British diversity How to enter online photo competition and win fabulous prizes An online photo competition has been launched in a drive to encourage more people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities to fill in next year’s census. Called ‘Then and now: family stories’ the competition gives families across England and Wales the chance to celebrate the personal histories behind the changing face of Britain in the last 50 years. The Office for National Statistics (ONS), which manages the census, is running the competition in partnership with Olympus, a leading manufacturer of professional opto-digital products. Every family has its favourite stories that are passed from generation to generation. Contestants need to choose their most amazing, amusing or touching story to tell the world, using just two photographs and 250-500 words. Entries must impress a celebrity judging panel including BBC broadcaster Kurt Barling, journalist Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and TV presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli. Prizes include high end digital cameras from Olympus and winning families could see their pictures projected onto iconic buildings in major cities, including London and Birmingham. BBC broadcaster Barling said: “The 2011 Census is likely to show a nation that is increasingly culturally diverse. This competition will hopefully reveal glimpses of just how this came about.” Journalist Alibhai-Brown said: “This,

as Daniel Defoe said, is a land of many peoples, and it has been forever. Every family in the country will have connections outside their spot – including wars, migration to the new world, internal movements and intermarriages. That mix has given Britain colour, flavours, an open culture and infinite possibilities. The pictures and stories we expect to get will reflect that, hopefully through touching, intimate images.” Helen Bray, Head of Census Communications at ONS said: “The census includes everyone – it is a snapshot of all communities at a national and local level. “Our competition has a focus on family life. We want to encourage everyone to take part in the census so that the needs of their family are taken into account when decisions are made about the provisions for services like schools, roads and hospitals.” The census will take place on 27th March 2011. The statistics gathered will help local authorities plan for services such as transport, housing, hospitals, schools, community centres and libraries. The ethnic makeup of England and Wales is likely to have changed since the last census in 2001, so the 2011 Census is essential to ensure that the needs of every community are taken into account in the future. To enter the competition, entrants need

two photographs that bring their story to life. One of the photographs must be current – taken in the last ten years – and the other should be from the last century, the earlier the better. Contestants may already have a picture or may want to take one specifically for the competition. Entrants must upload two scanned images and 250500 words of text in one of three ways: on

the census website www.census.gov. uk/2011thenandnow; on Flickr at www. flickr.com/groups/2011census; or by sending an email to thenandnow@ons.gov.uk. The competition will accept entries until midnight 3rd December 2010. Details of the competition can be found at www.census.gov.uk/2011thenandnow

Census creates 35,000 Umunna calls for debate on ‘shocking’ stop and search figures temporary jobs Mr. Chuka Umunna, The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has launched a national recruitment campaign to fill 35,000 jobs across England and Wales. A range of full and part time temporary positions are available to help carry out the next census which will take place on 27th March 2011. Full application details are available via www.censusjobs. co.uk and also at local job and community centres. Working within the local community, census recruits will engage with a wide range of people and organisations. They will provide important help and support to make sure everyone in the area can complete and return their census questionnaire. Available roles include; census coordinators, who will help to manage local teams;

census collectors, who will provide help and support on the doorstep; and special enumerators, who will be responsible for communal establishments including care homes, hotels and student halls of residence. ONS Census Director Glen Watson said: “I am pleased to announce the start of our campaign to recruit 35,000 people across England and Wales for the 2011 Census. “The census is not just about counting people, the information it provides is needed to plan vital services like schools, hospitals, housing, roads and emergency services. “The 2011 Census is less than six months away. We need to give people help and support to complete and return the census questionnaire and this means recruiting the right people for this important nationwide project.”

Member of Parliament for Streatham, has called for an urgent debate in Parliament on stop and search after it emerged that black people are 26 times more likely than white people to be stopped and searched by police. Mr. Umunna raised the issue with Leader of the House Sir George Young in the House of Commons on 21st October. In reply, the Leader of the House promised to raise the issue with Home Secretary Theresa May and ask her to respond on the issue. Recent research by the Open Society Justice Initiative and the London School of Economics, analysing Ministry of Justice statistics, found that there are 41.6 searches carried out by police under Section 60 for every 1000 black people and 1.6 for every

1000 white people. This was the widest ‘race gap’ which the research found internationally. Mr. Umunna became one of the first ever Members of Parliament of Nigerian descent when elected in May and is the first ethnic minority MP for one of the three constituencies covering the Brixton area, which is considered to be the Black capital of the UK. In Parliament, Mr. Umunna said: “International research has been cited in The Observer showing that black people are 26 times more likely to be stopped and searched in England and Wales. The researchers said that that was the most glaring example of racial profiling that they had seen. That figure is shocking. “May we have an urgent debate on the matter, to discern whether the police in England and Wales are using their powers of stop and search appropriately?” Meanwhile Mr. Umunna has

been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Ed Miliband as leader of the opposition. The appointment means that Mr. Umunna will attend shadow cabinet meetings. In his role as PPS, Mr. Umunna will be one of two personal aides to Mr. Miliband, providing advice and acting as a contact point for backbench MPs. Mr. Umunna will retain his role on the Treasury Select Committee, scrutinising government economic policy and holding to account the Chancellor of the Exchequer and his ministerial team. Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Umunna said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as Ed Miliband’s PPS and look forward to the role and its responsibilities, as well as working alongside colleagues in the very strong team which the leader has put together.”

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November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

NHS Choices celebrates Black Health Heroes

Dedicated website profiles individuals improving the health and lives of others As part of the celebrations of Black History month, the national website of the NHS put the spotlight on black health heroes through its dedicated site www.nhs.uk/ blackhistorymonth. The site profiles individuals from within the African and Caribbean community that are improving the health and lives of others. The site also provides information on conditions that have greater prevalence amongst the black population. The health heroes celebrated include Dr. Tunji Lasoye an A&E consultant and surgeon in an inner city hospital; Rudolph Isaacs, a rare-type blood donor whose donations are especially vital to people who suffer with sickle cell anaemia, and the nursing trailblazer Nola Ishmael OBE. Nola is a qualified nurse and health

visitor. She was the first black person to become a director of nursing in London and helped shape policy in the Department of Health. Nola officially retired from the Department of Health in 2003 but is still busy working with health trusts and charities, as well as mentoring people from BME (black and minority ethnic) communities. Nola has just come out of retirement to hold the position of Deputy Director of Nursing and Clinical Standards. Dr. Comfort Momoh MBE, recently awarded for her work in the field of Female Genital Mutilation commented; “I don’t consider myself a health hero, just a woman angered by the significant number of girls subjected to Female Genital Mutilation and then faced with the difficult prospect of giving birth a few years down the line. However, it’s really encouraging to see the number

of people of African and Caribbean heritage making strides within health and the recognition given by www.nhs.uk.” According to statistics from NHS Information, the number of BME (black and minority ethnic) NHS staff is on the rise. Between 1999 and 2009 there has been an 11% increase of BME staff bringing the total to 41% BME last year. Barry Mussenden OBE, Deputy Director for Equality and Partnerships at the Department of Health says; “Black and minority ethnic people have contributed greatly to the NHS for over 60 years since the Windrush era, this recognition by NHS Choices shows the appreciation to all those inspirational health heroes throughout the UK.” For more information about other health heroes, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/ blackhistorymonth

MSDUK 2010 Conference

Organisations urged to work harder to embrace supplier diversity Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK) Chair, Sara Todd, has challenged large procurement organisations to work harder to embrace supplier diversity in order to drive efficiencies and innovation in the UK. Speaking at MSDUK’s Annual Conference in London, Todd also stressed that the UK’s growing number of minority owned businesses must play their part, improving levels of professionalism and their understanding of the specific needs of large corporates. More than 500 business leaders and procurement professionals, including representatives from BT, Eversheds LLP and the Department for Work and Pensions, attended the two day conference which included practical seminars, an Awards Ceremony and a business fair Todd who is also Executive Director at Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), said: “Despite

significant progress over the last few years, the volume of business won by ethnic minority owned businesses (EMBs) in the UK remains small. In the US, companies have been far quicker to embrace supplier diversity and the resulting commercial benefits. “Large procurement organisations need to change the way they think about their procurement processes and question their requirements. In particular, we must all question if the drive towards supplier consolidation and the trend for global suppliers is appropriate for all goods and services and look to ethnic minority businesses for innovation and agility.” Mayank Shah, Director of MSDUK, added: “The quality of the speakers and debate at the conference demonstrates that supplier diversity is a major issue for business leaders. Given the changing make up of the UK’s population and the need to build a sustainable economic recovery, it’s critical that diversity is debated at a national level.

“Discussions at the conference around the impact of the new Equality Act, the business case for diversity and processes to extend the supplier base were all keenly attended. Through the conference and similar events in the future we hope to inspire private sector companies to champion supplier diversity and contribute towards a sustainable, vibrant and growing ethnic minority business community.” The MSDUK 2010 Conference consisted of three events. The Knowledge Forum included a series of speeches and practical seminars. BBC presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli hosted an Awards Ceremony to celebrate supplier diversity at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square Hotel. There was also a Business Opportunity Fair where more than 60 EMBs and corporations exhibited their products and services to more than 250 visitors. The conference was sponsored by MSD, the Ethnic Minority Business Advocacy Network, Johnson Controls and ExxonMobil.

Nursing trailblazer Nola Ishmael OBE, was the first black person to become a director of nursing in London. She helped shape policy in the Department of Health

Nominations open for Zimbabwe Achievers Awards The CM Events Management Ltd is calling for nominations for the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards to be held in London in April 2011. Zimbabwe Achievers Awards aim at recognising Zimbabweans throughout the UK who have pushed the limits against all odds to raise the Zimbabwe flag high and do both themselves and their fellow countrymen and women proud. Celebrating art, business acumen, self expression and achievement in all fields, the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards recognise the commitment to excellence, creativity, innova-

tion and dedication of those Zimbabweans who have continued to expand on their talents and skill-set whilst celebrating their heritage. “Support your fellow countrymen and women and let’s give recognition to the people of our country who deserve to be lifted into the spotlight,” says CM Events Management Ltd. To view a list of categories and to put forward your nominations please visit www. zimachievers.com. The closing date for all nominations is 10th December 2010, and the voting will start from 17th December 2010 for the final awards.

20 beauty queens to fight for Miss West Africa UK 2010 crown Miss West Africa UK 2010 will take place on 26th November, at the Royal Regency Hall, London. Twenty beauty finalists who were voted by the public will fight it out for this prestigious crown. Mr. Nana Tamakloe, the founder of Miss West Africa Beauty pageant says: “What I intend to do with Miss West Africa is to have everything well organised, professional, and most importantly of all entertaining! If you are hardworking, show sufficient effort, have respect for your brand, and have talented colleagues, you can

become the best.” He says he is making efforts to take the pageant to the level of Miss World, and Miss Universe, “with the objective of letting people know about issues in the West African community, the beautiful women, the amazing culture and most of all, making West Africans proud.”

MISS WEST AFRICA BEAUTY PAGEANT +44(0)207 630 0064 info@misswestafrica.com www.misswestafrica.com www.misswestafrica.co.uk

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

RELIGIOUS NEWS

Hajj travellers advised to seek health advice before leaving 25,000 expected to travel from the UK for this year’s Hajj in mid November

Dr. Jane Jones, a travel health expert at the HPA said: “It’s really important that, if they haven’t already done so, pilgrims should seek medical advice soon about their trip, both to ensure that they will be able to comply with Saudi Arabia’s entry requirements for Hajj (e.g. a valid certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis) and to protect their own health during what can be a physically demanding

Methodists gear up for great Christmas giveaway ‘A Gift of Christmas’, booklet celebrating and reflecting on Christmas now available The Methodist Church is encouraging people to give a free gift to their friends and neighbours this Christmas. ‘A Gift of Christmas’ is a brand new booklet from the Methodist Church that celebrates and reflects on the story of Christmas. It includes Bible passages, stunning images from the Methodist Collection of Modern Art, prayers and reflections from a variety of authors, including John Byrom, Valerie Collinson and Graham Kendrick. It’s the latest in a highly successful series that includes ‘A Gift of Peace’, which has already sold nearly

15,000 copies. “The birth of Christ is the greatest gift ever given to humankind and we want to celebrate Christmas by sharing that gift with others,” said Deacon Eunice Attwood, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference and a contributor to the booklet. “A Gift of Christmas is an inspiring and engaging resource for churches to use to help their communities engage with the spirit of Christmas. Last year our Circuit literally gave away thousands of booklets, and we’re really excited by this new publication.” ‘A Gift of Christmas’ is designed for churches and indi-

viduals to give away and is also ideal for small-group and personal reflection. It can be purchased from www.methodistpublishing.org.uk at the price of £5 for 50 copies. A free nativity play script written by Revd Howard Mellor, and a PowerPoint presentation of the booklet will both soon be available to download for free from www.methodist.org.uk/ gift. The booklet also includes excerpts from new Christmas hymns featured in ‘Singing the Faith’, the new Methodist hymn collection due to be published next summer.

pilgrimage. It’s not just a case of ticking off a list of vaccinations. Every pilgrim is unique and should see their health care practitioner to determine what their particular health needs might be during Hajj.” She continued: “For many pilgrims Hajj is a once in a lifetime trip and being well prepared will help ensure that it is a healthy experience that is memorable for all the right reasons.”

Pope: Ensure all have daily access to food © La Presse

The Hajj is the largest annual international gathering of its kind with more than two million Muslims travelling from around the world. Around 25,000 are expected to travel from the UK for this year’s Hajj in mid November. The influx of a large population from around the world to a confined area has historically increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in particular men“It’s really important that, if they ingitis and respiratory infechaven’t already done so, pilgrims tions. The HPA commissions the should seek medical advice soon National Travel Health about their trip, both to ensure that Network and Centre they will be able to comply with (NaTHNaC) to provide travel The full list of advice Saudi Arabia’s entry requirements advice. and recommendations from for Hajj (e.g. a valid certificate of NaTHNaC can be found at vaccination against meningococcal http://www.nathnac.org/travmeningitis) and to protect their el/factsheets/Hajj_Umrah.htm Some of its top tips for own health during what can be a pilgrims include: To be up to physically demanding pilgrimage. date with all routine vaccina(including MMR and It’s not just a case of ticking off a tions polio); to have a valid certifilist of vaccinations. Every pilgrim cate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis; to is unique and should see their a basic medical kit, health care practitioner to deter- take including any regular prescripmine what their particular health tion medicines and oral rehydration therapy and self-treatneeds might be during Hajj” ment for diarrhoea; and to obtain comprehensive travel insurance. Dr. Jane Jones, In addition, the Ministry of A travel health expert at the Health in Saudi Arabia recomHealth Protection Agency mends that all pilgrims have the seasonal flu vaccination.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is reminding UK travellers going to Makkah (Mecca) for the Hajj pilgrimage this year to seek health advice before making the journey so that they will enjoy a healthy trip.

Pope Benedict XVI says freedom from hunger is one of the most urgent goals for the human family Everyone should have daily access to food, Pope Benedict XVI has said in a Message to mark the World Food Day. “The theme of this year’s World Food Day, ‘United against Hunger’”, the Pope

wrote in his Message, “is a timely reminder that everyone needs to make a commitment to give the agricultural sector its proper importance. Everyone - from individuals to the organisations of civil society, States and international institutions - needs to give priority to one of the most urgent goals for the human family: freedom from hunger.” For the world to achieve freedom from hunger, the Pope said “it is necessary to ensure not only that enough food is available, but also that everyone has daily access to it: this means promoting whatever resources and infrastructures are necessary in order to sustain production and distribution on a scale sufficient to guarantee fully the right to food.”

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

THE GUIDE

How can an employee resist a proposed alteration of his or her contract? Step One: Is it a change in a contractual term? The first question to ask is whether the term to be altered is in fact a contractual term or not. If it is not, a change to the term cannot give raise to a claim for breach of contract. Identifying what is and what is not a contractual term will require you to take legal advice. In France v Westminster City Council EAT/0214, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (the “EAT”), held that an arrangement entitling an employee to work from home in certain circumstances did not constitute a contractual term; hence the withdrawal of such an arrangement was not a breach of contract; hence the employee could not resist the change. By contrast, the same Tribunal in Land Securities Trillium Ltd v Thornley (2005) IRLR 765, held that a job description was a contractual term, therefore moving an employee from a ‘hands-on’ role to a

more managerial position, amounted to a breach, entitling her to resign and consider herself constructively dismissed.

Step Two: Does the employer have the contractual right to change your terms? Once you have determined that the proposed changes constitute a variation of a contractual term, the next step is to determinate whether the contract itself gives the employer the right to alter the terms. This could be expressly provided or could be implied into the contract of employment. In Land Securities Trillium Ltd v Thornley, the EAT held that a clause that provides that the employee will undertake work as his employer should reasonably require, does not give the employer the right to move an employee from a ‘hands-on’ role to a more managerial position. By contrast, in Burnett –v- F A Hughes and Co Limited EAT 109/77, the EAT held that a salesman whose sales territory was enlarged could not claim constructive dismissal because there was an implied term in his contract that he should be responsible for such areas as his employers should reasonably require. In International Packaging Corporation (UK) Ltd v Balfour & ors EAT 31/02, the EAT held that the right to vary wages cannot be implied. By contrast, in Airlie & ors –v- City of Edinburgh DC (1996) IRLR 516, the EAT held that an employer was not in breach of contract when, having consulted but failed to reach agreement with the employees’ union over proposed changes to the employees’ bonus incentive scheme, it unilaterally reduced the amount to be paid to employees under the scheme. This is because the agreement contained provisions for the scheme to be periodically reviewed in order to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. Although this case was not referred to in Bateman & ors –v- ASDA Stores Limited (2010) IRLR 370, the EAT reached a similar conclusion.

Step Three: Working under protest Where the employer has no power to alter the contract of employment or is unsure whether such powers exist, they may seek to terminate the old contract and offer a new one with the proposed changes or simply impose the new contract. In such a circumstance you are advised to immediately notify your employer that you do not accept the changes to the terms. You would then continue to ‘work under protest’, thereby protecting your position.

Many businesses are finding trading conditions difficult at the moment. Many offered generous packages to attract and retain their staff, which they thought would pay for itself. Some employers have found the cost of these packages unsustainable during this economy crunch and the spending cuts. One of the avenues open to businesses is redundancy, but some businesses do not believe that such a drastic measure is appropriate at this stage at least. Some believe that with some alteration to the packages offered to staff, they could remain competitive and more importantly, would be in a stronger position to take advantage of any upturn in demand. For most, the alteration required involves a diminution in the benefit packages offered to employees, or the redesign of the working arrangement to the detriment of the employees. The question many employees are asking now is, “can my employer alter the benefit package without my consent?” Employees are concerned about salary cuts, diminution of overtime rates, etc. This article provides a guide to dealing with this issue, especially where the employee is minded not to consent to such alterations. It is a fundamental principle of English contract law that changes must be mutually agreed by the contracting parties. Consequently a unilateral variation to the contract could give raise to a claim for breach of contract and/or constructive dismissal, if the employee resigns as a result of the breach.

If an employee accepts the new contract or simply carries on working, he may be deemed to have accepted the new contract and may be barred from bringing any claim for breach of contract or constructive unfair dismissal. In Jones –v- Association Tunnelling Company Limited (1981) IRLR 477, the EAT held that where an employee stays silent and continues working under changed terms without objecting, this may amount to an implied agreement to the variation in his terms. In GAP Personnel Franchises Ltd v Robinson EAT 0342/07, the EAT held that an employee may not claim for breach of contract when his contractual mileage allowance was reduced by his employer, as he continued to work without protest, thereby affirmed the employer’s unilateral variation of contract.

Step Four: Employer’s defence Where the new terms are imposed and you have rejected the terms and are thus working under protest, your employer may consider implementing the new terms to see if you will resign, or may terminate the old contract and offer the new one. In both cases, the employer may have a defence, if they can show that the dismissal was for “some other substantial reason of a kind such as to justify the dismissal of an employee holding the position which the employee held” (section 98(1)(b) Employment Rights Act 1996). This will include the need to restructure the business to remain viable. In Scott and Co v Richardson EAT/0074/04, the EAT held that an employee dismissed for refusing to agree to a new shift pattern that would have resulted in his losing overtime earnings was dismissed for ‘some other substantial reason’. The EAT went further to hold that it is not for the court to determine if the changes would in fact assist the business. This emphasizes that this is a business decision which only the employer is capable of making.

Step Five: When employer’s defence is not applicable If the employer is able to establish that your dismissal was for ‘some other substantial reason of a kind such as to justify the dismissal of an employee holding the position which the employee held’, the Tribunal would still need to determine if your employer acted reasonably in treating it as a sufficient reason for dismissing the employee having regard to the size of the organisation. In the case of Willow Oak Developments Ltd t/a Windsor Recruitment v Silverwood and ors (2006) IRLR 607, the employer was not able to use the defence because it was held that the employees were given little opportunity to consider the proposed changes or to seek professional advice and were not warned that they would be dismissed if they rejected the new terms. In conclusion, where an employer unilaterally alters the contract of employment, it would be prudent for the employee to notify the employer of the non-acceptance of the changes immediately to preserve his position and seek legal advice as soon as possible. By Seyi Clement Solicitor with Beacrofts, info@beacrofts.co.uk. www.beacrofts.co.uk 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 on 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 Beacrofts Solicitors for a Consultation with a Solicitor on 020 830 18183.

SPECIAL UK LEGAL GUIDE

Can your employer change your terms without your consent?

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

THE GUIDE

SPECIAL UK LEGAL GUIDE

Visa Appeals: The Process If you have been refused a visa to enter or stay in the UK, it can be very frustrating and upsetting. However, depending on the visa you have applied for, you may have an opportunity to appeal the visa refusal so that the visa may be successfully granted. Appeals are determined in the UK by an Immigration Judge appointed by the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). It is advisable to consider obtaining professional legal representation at this early stage so you have the optimum chance of succeeding in your appeal hearing from the beginning of the appeal process. Should you choose to undertake an appeal hearing without legal representation, then the procedure will be as follows.

APPEALS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE The Secretary of State (Home Office) is responsible for deciding upon immigration applications made inside the United Kingdom for people already in the United Kingdom. If you made an immigration application whilst in the UK, which has been turned down by the Secretary of State, you may challenge the refusal decision by appealing to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber (IAC), i.e. the Immigration Court.

The Secretary of State may also refuse a visa for which you have a right of appeal under the points based system, such as Tier 1 or Tier 4 visa, visa extension applications, EEA applications and Article 8 claims. Once you lodge your appeal, the Court is very likely to set an appeal hearing date for you within a couple of months.

Appeals Procedure 1) LODGING THE APPEAL Within the specified appeal deadline, complete the relevant appeal forms and draft grounds of appeal explaining why you disagree with the refusal notice and what you would like done. I.e.: for the Immigration Judge to agree that the Secretary of State has made an error of law and/or fact in refusing your visa application under the relevant immigration law and therefore you should be granted the requested visa. At this stage, you can request whether you would like to give evidence at the appeal hearing by way of selecting an “oral hearing” or whether you would like the Immigration Judge to decide the case on papers only, this is called a “paper hearing”.

2) PREPARING FOR THE APPEAL HEARING:

Greenfields Solicitors are leading specialists in Immigration, Nationality and Human Rights law. Our experienced Solicitors can help you in all aspects of Immigration law including: » Visas » Entry Clearance Applications (visitor, student, marriage, fiancée, Tier, dependants) » Extensions to Remain in the UK » Appeals & Administrative Reviews » Overstayers » Discretionary Leave and Long Residence » Human Rights » PBS Tier visa applications » British Nationality & Citizenship » Removal/Deportation » Advocacy If you have an Immigration problem, please call our experienced legal advisors to discuss your case. Our Solicitors provide advice through consultations at our London offices or by telephone. We have an excellent success rate and can help you secure your legal status in the UK. Contact our experts on:

020 8884 1166

www.greenfieldssolicitors.com "Greenfields Solicitors - the name you can trust in Immigration law. Your success is our success".

Once you have lodged the appeal forms to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, you will shortly thereafter receive a court hearing date. You will then need to start preparing your case for the appeal hearing. You should then prepare a statement which should include as much detail as possible explaining your case and why the Secretary of State was wrong to not grant you the visa. It is important to raise legal arguments if possible such as citing the relevant immigration rules or case laws that support your case, how these rules apply to you and how the Secretary of

State has misapplied the laws in your case and incorrectly refused you the visa. Statements should also be obtained from any witnesses whom you will ask to provide evidence at the appeal hearing. It is also important to include as much helpful documentation to assist the Immigration Judge in deciding whether the refusal notice is unfair or incorrect. This information may include information to help clarify why the Secretary of State got her facts wrong. For example, the Secretary of State may have refused a visa as she was not satisfied that you had provided documents as requested by her, when in fact you did send documents to her and have proof of postage such as a postal delivery receipt, which the Secretary of State failed to take in to consideration. The bundle of papers you wish to rely upon should be neatly numbered with an index and should be photocopied in triplicate – 1 bundle for the Immigration Judge, 1 bundle for the Home Office Presenting Officer (who will represent the Secretary of State), 1 bundle for yourself. The Home Office will also be required to send you a copy of the bundle of papers they intend to rely upon when arguing their case- both bundles will need to be lodged at least 5 days before the appeal hearing date.

3) AT THE APPEAL HEARING At the appeal hearing, it is likely that the Home Office will send a representative (Home Office Presenting Officer) to argue the case on behalf of the Secretary of State. Also present will be an Immigration Judge who should have read all the papers you have submitted in advance of the hearing along with the Home Office’s bundle of papers which they will seek to argue at the appeal hearing. The Immigration Judge will generally be seeking to identify the relevant issues to be discussed and argued at the appeal hearing. You and your witnesses will be asked to give answers to the Immigration Judge and answer any questions the Home Office Presenting

Officer may have. Your witnesses will also be provided with the same opportunity. It is important that you provide as much information and evidence as possible at this appeal hearing as this will ultimately be the best opportunity to argue this case. Usually Immigration Judges reserve their decisions in cases – this means the Immigration Judge will not usually indicate their decision but instead choose to write to you within a short period of time with their decision and the reasons why.

APPEALS TO THE BRITISH EMBASSY Visa or other entry clearance applications made outside the United Kingdom are decided upon by the British Embassy where the application was initially submitted. If you believe that an Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) has made a mistake in evaluating your visa application to come to the UK (e.g. for a family visit, for a fiancé visa, to settle on the basis of marriage to a British citizen or to somebody permanently settled in the UK) and thus decided incorrectly, you can appeal their decision at the British Embassy. Appeals lodged against an Entry Clearance Officer decision at a British Embassy will generally follow the same procedure as above, but the waiting time to obtain an appeal hearing is much longer: currently 6-8 months from the date of the refusal decision. This is because the British Embassy is provided more time to collate and lodge their bundle of papers which they will send to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber and the Home Office

THE GUIDE

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

Presenting Officer’s Unit, who will represent the British Embassy on their behalf at the court hearing. When the IAC has recorded your appeal, they will send a Notice of Receipt to the visa section that refused your application. When the visa section re-

ceives the Notice of Receipt, an Entry Clearance Manager (ECM) will review the decision to refuse your application in light of your Notice of Appeal and any supporting documents (‘Entry Clearance Manager Review’). If the ECM is then satisfied that your appli-

within 28 days to the Entry Clearance Manager requesting him to review the refusal decision and overturn it (completed appeal forms should also be included). This can be successful but in the event it is not, the case will be sent to the IAC in the UK for an appeal hearing. Obtaining professional legal advice from the onset of receiving a refusal decision is highly recommended; appeals can be difficult, lengthy and require knowledge of immigration law and practice and therefore you should seek the help of an experienced immigration solicitor if you are considering appealing a visa refusal decision. By Raheela Hussain, Principal Solicitor, Greenfields Solicitors, www.greenfieldssolicitors.com

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 on this Obtaining professional legal advice newspaper. from the onset of receiving a refusYou should always al decision is highly recommended; seek advice from an appropriately qualified soappeals can be difficult, lengthy licitor on any specific and require knowledge of immigra- legal enquiry. For legal tion law and practice and therefore advice regarding your case, please contact you should seek the help of an Greenfields Solicitors experienced immigration solicitor for a Consultation with if you are considering appealing a a Solicitor on 020 8884 1166. visa refusal decision

SPECIAL UK LEGAL GUIDE

cation meets the Immigration Rules, the original decision may be overturned, and entry clearance issued. If the ECM does not overturn the decision, you will receive a statement explaining why they decided to uphold the decision to refuse your application. The case will then be sent to the IAC in the UK for an appeal hearing. * PRACTICAL ADVICE: The whole procedure can be made more expedite by requesting an Entry Clearance Manager Review at the same time you lodge the appeal forms. In this way, you would not need to wait for the Court to record your appeal and then contact the ECM – the procedure would be direct. In practice, if the review is successful, refusal notice can be overturned within 1-2 months of being lodged. For example, if a wife applies for a spouse visa to join her British husband in the UK but the ECO refuses, because there is insufficient documentary evidence to prove that the wife and husband have a subsisting marriage (this is a very common refusal ground in spouse visa applications), the wife may then provide further documentary evidence

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

NEWS

Racism stemming from policies claims 77 lives At least 77 asylum seekers and migrants have died either in the UK or while attempting to reach the UK in the past five years as a consequence of direct racism or indirect racism stemming from policies, a new report by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) shows. “Driven to Desperate Measures: 20062010” damns government policies for putting vulnerable people at risk. “No section of our society is more vulnerable than asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Forced by circumstances beyond their control to seek a life outside their home countries, prevented by our laws from entering legally and from working, denied a fair hearing by the asylum system, excluded from health and safety protection at work, kept from social care and welfare, unhoused and destitute, vilified by the media and therefore dehumanised in the popular imagination, their hopes of another life are finally extinguished,” the report says. According to the report, 15 died taking dangerous and highly risky methods to enter the country. With legal barriers in place to prevent them securing visas or work permits to enter legally and sanctions applying to aboveboard carriers, the desperate stow away on planes and lorries or attempt to cross the channel in makeshift boats or cling to trains. The report, however, points out that the number recorded here is probably only a fraction of those

who have died in this way. The report shows that 44 people died as an indirect consequence of the iniquities of the immigration/asylum system – by taking their own lives when claims were not allowed, by meeting accidental deaths evading deportation or during the deportation itself, by being prevented medical care, or by becoming destitute in the UK. Of these 44, some 28 died at their own hand, preferring this to being returned to the country they fled, when asylum claims were turned down. Criticizing the detention system, the report says that some of those in detention and known to be traumatised and particularly vulnerable appear not to have been provided with the medical (especially psychiatric) support they needed. The report also shows that one person died accidentally as, in terror after a raid by police and immigration officials, he took evasive action. One person died during the deportation process itself as he was being deported to Luanda, Angola escorted by three guards from G4S, a private security company. Four people died after being deported back to a country where they feared for their safety. The actual number is certainly far higher, the report says. It also shows that seven people died because of being denied healthcare for preventable medical problems while two people died destitute and unable to access services. One baby died as a result of possible safety failings of a housing provider con-

IRR report damns government policies for putting vulnerable people at risk

tracted by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). Seven died in prison custody, either being held for deportation or while awaiting trial or serving sentences for charges involving false documentation. Four died in the course of carrying out work which, by virtue of its being part of the ‘black economy’, carried particular dangers and few protective rights. (The numbers listed here are probably a gross underestimate, as work-related deaths of

people who are ‘illegal’ will often go unreported in the media.) Seven died on the streets of our cities at the hands of racists or as a consequence of altercations with a racial dimension. Often the victims had been moved, via the government’s dispersal system, to areas where they were particularly isolated and vulnerable to attack. It should be noted that these deaths do not include those ‘settled’ black people, those with leave to remain who have met their death in the custody of the police, prison and psychiatric hospitals and in racial

violence attacks. Harmit Athwal, the author of the report, says: “Racism percolates right through the immigration/asylum system - from forcing people to risk life and limb to enter, forcing them to live destitute on the street, prey to violent racist attack. That twenty-eight people died at their own hand, preferring this to being returned, when their asylum application failed, to the country they fled, is a terrible indictment of British justice.”

Don’t deny irregular migrants their humanity and rights Global Migration Group deeply concerned about situation of irregular migrants The Global Migration Group (GMG) has expressed deep concern about the human rights of irregular immigrants around the globe. Although the number of migrants without proper legal status in transit or host countries is unknown, they are estimated to be in the tens of millions worldwide. GMG adopted a statement saying that migrants in an irregular situation are more likely to face discrimination, exclusion, exploitation and abuse at all stages of the migration process. They often face prolonged detention or ill-treatment, and in some cases enslavement, rape or even murder. They are more likely to be targeted by xenophobes and racists, victimized by unscrupulous employers and sexual predators, and can easily fall prey to criminal traffickers and smugglers. Rendered vulnerable by their irregular status, GMG said these men, women and children are often afraid or unable to seek protection and relief from the authorities of countries of origin, transit or destination. Children, especially those unaccompa-

nied and separated, are particularly at risk. Furthermore, children can be banned from classrooms or denied their fundamental rights, even as their parents work and contribute to the economies of host countries and thus contribute to raising the standards of living and human development for those societies. GMG observed that migrants in an irregular situation are often denied even the most basic labour protections, due process guarantees, personal security, and healthcare. Female migrants in these situations face greater risk of sexual exploitation, gender based violence, HIV transmission, multiple discriminations and specific challenges in access to employment, and health services, including reproductive healthcare. People who leave their own countries because their lives and liberty are at risk are often obliged to move in an irregular manner and find it increasingly difficult to seek and obtain refugee status. Too often, GMG says, States have addressed irregular migration solely through the lens of sovereignty, border security or law enforcement, sometimes driven by hostile domestic constituencies.

Although States have legitimate interests in securing their borders and exercising immigration controls, such concerns cannot, and indeed, as a matter of international law do not, trump the obligations of the State to respect the internationally guaranteed rights of all persons, to protect those rights against abuses, and to fulfil the rights necessary for them to enjoy a life of dignity and security. GMG noted that the fundamental rights of all persons, regardless of their migration status, include: The right to life, liberty and security of the person and to be free from arbitrary arrest or detention, and the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution; the right to be free from discrimination based on race, sex, language, religion, national or social origin, or other status; the right to be protected from abuse and exploitation, to be free from slavery, and from involuntary servitude, and to be free from torture and from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the right to a fair trial and to legal redress; the right to protection of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health, an adequate standard of living, social secu-

rity, adequate housing, education, and just and favourable conditions of work; and other human rights as guaranteed by the international human rights instruments to which the State is party and by customary international law. Protecting these rights is not only a legal obligation; it is also a matter of public interest and intrinsically linked to human development, GMG said. The GMG called on States, civil society, the private sector, the media and host communities to address the demand side of trafficking and exploitation, to work actively to combat xenophobia, racism and incitement to discrimination in national politics and in public discourse, to protect all migrants, as well as to actively promote tolerant societies in which every person can enjoy his or her human rights, regardless of migration status. The irregular situation which international migrants may find themselves in should not deprive them either of their humanity or of their rights, GMG said. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.

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November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

NEWS

UK to resume enforced deportations to Zimbabwe Green urges failed asylum seekers to return home voluntarily

Cheating bosses to be publicly named

Adult national minimum wage increases to £5.93 per hour Employers who deliberately flout minimum wage laws will be publicly named under a new scheme announced by Employment Relations Minister Edward Davey. Cases where employers breach the rules are to be publicised by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) from 1st January 2011 - giving them three months to ‘put their house in order’. The new sanction was announced as the new rates for the National Minimum Wage came into effect on 1st October. They are: £5.93 per hour for low paid workers aged 21 and over, increased from £5.80 and with the adult rate coming into effect at 21 rather than the previous 22; £4.92 per hour for 18-20 year olds, increased from £4.83; and £3.64 per hour for 16-17 year olds, increased from £3.57. For the first time there is also an apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour. The

new rate applies to those apprentices who are under 19 or those that are aged 19 and over but in the first year of their apprenticeship. All other apprentices are entitled to the standard minimum wage rate for their age group. Employment Relations Minister Davey said: “Bad publicity can be a powerful weapon in the fight against employers who try to cheat their workers and their competitors. Their reputation can be badly damaged if they are seen to be flouting the law. “Responsible employers should also make themselves aware of the new rates that come into effect (1 October). The increases to the National Minimum Wage this year are appropriate for the economic climate. They will strike a balance between helping the lowest paid whilst at the same time not jeopardising their employment. “The Low Pay Commission estimates that around 970,000 people stand to benefit from these increases.”

soon hear a further country guidance case on general safety of return to Zimbabwe. Mr. Green said they expect IAC’s ruling “to reflect the improvements in Zimbabwe since the previous country guidance case was decided in 2008.” He confirmed that those who have already been found not to be in need of protection will not be removed “until the IAC has delivered its determination.” “Those who have no right to remain in the UK, and who chose not to return voluntarily, will then face enforced return, in exactly the same way as failed asylum seekers of all other countries,” Mr. Green said. The minister said the newly announced change in asylum policy regarding failed asylum seekers from Zimbabwe “does not reflect any change in our categorical opposition to human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.” The UK, Mr. Green said, “will continue to call, both bilaterally and with our international partners, for an end to all such abuses and the restoration of internationally accepted human rights standards in Zimbabwe.” By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

Cameron hints at relaxing immigration cap Prime Minister David Cameron has given a hint that the planned immigration cap may be relaxed so as not to prevent British firms from bringing in high-skilled workers from abroad. Addressing the annual conference of the CBI, the UK’s leading business group, Mr. Cameron said: “Let me give you this assurance, as we control our borders and bring immigration to a manageable level, we will not impede you from attracting the best talent from around the world.” The Government has been committed to introducing an annual cap on non-European immigration. “We are fully committed to reduce the level of net migration back down to the levels of the 1990s - tens of thousands each year, not hundreds of thousands. Introducing a limit on migrants from outside Europe coming here to work is just one of the ways we intend to achieve this,” Immigration Minister Damian Green said in the past. The policy has been strongly

“As we control our borders and bring immigration to a manageable level, we will not impede you from attracting the best talent from around the world”

In a written statement, Mr. Green said they have intention of ending “the current suspension of enforced returns of failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe.” He however confirmed that the UK will continue to grant protection to Zimbabweans who have a well-founded fear of persecution. “As with any other nationality, every case is considered on its individual merits and against the background of the latest available country information from a wide range of reliable sources including international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.” Mr. Green said that according to the courts, not all Zimbabweans need international protection. Given that the situation in Zimbabwe has improved since the formation of the inclusive Government in 2009, “the time is now right to bring our policy on returns of failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers into line with that on every other country,” Mr. Green said. “This will mean that failed asylum

seekers from Zimbabwe will from now on be treated in exactly the same way as failed asylum seekers of all other countries when it comes to enforcing returns,” he added. Mr. Green said those who are found not to be in need of protection are expected to return home. “We prefer these individuals to return voluntarily and many hundreds have done so. It is in everyone’s interest for people to return to Zimbabwe and use their skills to support themselves and help rebuild the country. The Government support this process and are in active dialogue with Immigration Minister Damian Green Zimbabweans to explore how domestic transport, airport assistance at this process can be further assisted.” He urged failed asylum seekers from departure and arrival airports and, for Zimbabwe to return home voluntarily those eligible, up to £1,500 worth of reinunder one of the assisted voluntary return tegration assistance per person including a (AVR) programmes which are available £500 relocation grant on departure for immediate resettlement needs and, once for individuals of all nationalities. “There are three programmes available home, a range of reintegration options under which all returnees receive support which are delivered “in kind”,” Mr. Green in acquiring travel documentation, flight said. The Immigration and Asylum Chamber costs to their country of origin and onward of the Unified Tribunal Service (IAC) will © La Presse

UK intends to resume enforced deportations to Zimbabwe, Immigrations Minister Damian Green has said.

Prime Minister David Cameron criticised by firms and leading British universities, saying that it will stop them hiring the staff they need to compete internationally. On 1st October, in its submission to the Government’s consultation on limits on non-EU economic migration, the CBI asked the Government to ensure that the migration system is designed in a way that supports the economic recovery. It must ensure that companies can operate in an international environment and call on specialist skills from abroad when necessary, CBI said. Reacting to Mr. Cameron’s speech, Mr. Richard Lambert, the

CBI Director-General, said: “The Prime Minister demonstrated a real passion for business and an understanding that only business will create growth. There was a welcome emphasis on the need to re-boot the country’s infrastructure, with a coherent vision of what needs to be done over the next five years to secure economic growth. It was encouraging that he encompassed all parts of the economy, from broadband to ports and from transport to energy. He also made clear that access to finance and immigration would not be barriers to future growth.”

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Prime Minister commends athletes for keeping Jamaica on the map “We owe them a great deal... we owe them far more than we are able to deliver. We have to recognize the work that is done by the athletes who, through their effort, have enabled us to have sports as one area of enduring, consistent success even at times when we are under pressure on so many other fronts,” he said. Mr. Golding was addressing the sixth annual Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence ceremony, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on 21st October. The Prime Minister said that while the government is unable to provide the level of resources that the country’s sportsmen and women deserve, several measures are being worked on that do not necessarily involve money, citing the revised sports policy, which is now before the Human Resource sub-committee of Cabinet.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding “It is something that has benefitted from wide consultation. The examination that will be done by the HR committee will determine whether we need to have

further consultation before final signing off,” he said, while commending Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, for the Ministry’s work

©JIS

CMI to use renewable energy to produce potable water

The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) is receiving US$50,000 in grant funding to embark on a renewable energy project, which involves utilising solar and wind energy to provide potable water for domestic purposes. Fisher folk on remote island outposts and residents in deep rural or remote locations are expected to benefit from the undertaking. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme is providing US$40,000 for the project, with an additional US$10,000 in co-

on the policy. The Prime Minister also highlighted the proposal put forward by Minister Grange for a National Sports Commission, that would “provide overarching structure that will pull together all the government’s sports programmes, to ensure that they are properly co-ordinated, to ensure that the resources that are available are most efficiently utilized, and to provide that single point of reference, in terms of public policy support for sports in Jamaica.” Mr. Golding commended the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and E d u c a t i o n (CHASE) Fund, which has been doing a “tremendous job” and has managed well its resources. “We thank as well, corporate sponsors © La Presse

Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding has commended the country’s athletes for continuing to keep Jamaica on the map, even during times when the country faces major challenges in various areas.

funding to come from the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ). The project, to be undertaken by the CMI, will involve the use of simple, low speed wind generators, powered by halved 45-gallon drums that have been cut to create angled flaps, to run turbines, which will produce up to two kilowatts of energy. The power generated will be used to run a reverse-osmosis system that will convert sea water to fresh water. Renewable energy consultant at the CMI, Charles Bromfield, told JIS News that the system to be developed is designed to produce potable water from rain and sea water,

which will be purified on-site. “I have developed what they call a hybrid system, so it’s going to use wind and solar. Wind will back up solar, solar will back up wind, because you know, sometimes you have wind, sometimes you don’t,” he explained. Mr. Bromfield said schools can benefit from using the technology to provide potable water for sale. “So, you now have a method of getting sustainably pure water. So, we’d have the water, a little bag machine, a wind generator and we’d be able to bag the water and the average school can use that as a project to earn some money,” he pointed out. Since 1992, the Small Grants Programme has secured approximately US$401 million through the GEF to implement projects across the globe, which address critical environmental problems. This is in addition to US$407 million contributed by other partners in cash or kind. By JIS, www.jis.gov.jm

who do provide a significant level of support for our sporting clubs and activities,” he added. Meanwhile, Mr. Golding said the award memorializes the achievement of Jamaican cricketer, Courtney Walsh, one of the most outstanding sportsmen that the country has ever produced. “It is important that his achievements must always be held out as a standard of what can be achieved through hard work, diligence and perseverance. This award also recognizes the performance of contemporary sportsmen and women - persons who are still honing their skills - and it is important that we do that as well, because that is what encourages effort, that is what stimulates the ambition that must drive hard work,” he told the ceremony. Aileen Bailey, 2004 Olympic sprint relay gold medalist walked away with this year’s award, edging out race car driver, David Summerbell Jnr; international chess master Jomo Pitterson, and two-time Olympic champion, Veronica Campbell-Brown. By JIS, www.jis.gov.jm

CARICOM Secretary-General deeply saddened by Barbados PM’s death CARICOM SecretaryGeneral His Excellency Edwin Carrington, has expressed deep sadness at the news of the death of Honourable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados. “We had all been generally aware of the serious nature of his affliction with pancreatic cancer but had been hoping and praying that somehow he would have overcome this challenge. Well it was not to be and we are all deeply saddened by his passing,” the Secretary-General said. “His short term as Prime Minister of Barbados and thus Member of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community did not afford him the opportunity and scope to make the full contribution his talents promised to bring to the integration process at that level,” he added. Mr. Carrington said that Mr. Thompson’s deliberate, evidence-based approach to issues and the search for their resolution, while not always popular, sought to provide a well-grounded basis for decision making.

The late David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados “His calm, deliberate manner also served to facilitate the discussions of the most delicate and difficult matters at the highest level. Those said qualities endeared him to most of us,” the Secretary-General stated. “To his wife Mara, his daughters and other members of his family and to the Government and people of Barbados, we join in mourning the loss of this outstanding Caribbean son of the soil,” Mr. Carrington ended.

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

AFRICAN NEWS

Africa improves economically, but democratic recession continues Mo Ibrahim: Many countries “are less physically secure and less politically enfranchised”

The Ibrahim Index is published by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, an organisation committed to supporting good governance and great leadership in Africa. The Index assesses the delivery of public goods and services to citizens by governments and non-state actors across 88 indicators. Upon issuing this year’s Index, Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Foundation, said: “The 2010 Ibrahim Index gives us a mixed picture about recent progress on governance across the continent. While many African citizens are becoming healthier and have greater access to economic opportunities than five years ago, many of them are less physically secure and less politically enfranchised.” The Ibrahim Index is Africa’s leading assessment of governance, established to inform and empower the continent’s citizens and to support governments, parliaments and civil society to assess progress. The 2010 Ibrahim Index shows both areas of progress and setbacks in governance between 2004/05 and 2008/09 (the most recent period assessed). Overall governance quality remains largely unchanged from

“The 2010 Ibrahim Index gives us a mixed picture about recent progress on governance across the continent. While many African citizens are becoming healthier and have greater access to economic opportunities than five years ago, many of them are less physically secure and less politically enfranchised”

The 2010 Ibrahim Index shows recent gains in many African countries in human and economic development but declines in political rights, personal safety and the rule of law.

Mr. Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Foundation previous years, with a continental average score of 49. However, this average masks large variation in performance across countries. Angola, Liberia, and Togo have all seen significant improvements in governance performance scores. Furthermore, there are large differences in trends across the various categories of the Index. In both “Sustainable Economic Opportunity” and “Human Development” there have been improvements in many African countries. Importantly, no country has declined significantly in these categories. In “Sustainable Economic Opportunity”, 41 African states improved; ten of these were significant. In “Human Development”, 44 of Africa’s 53 countries progressed driven by improvements

in most countries in the “Health and Welfare” sub-category. Two of the improvements in “ H u m a n Development” were significant. This progress is not mirrored in “Safety and Rule of Law” and “Participation and Human Rights”. In “Safety and Rule of Law”, 35 African states have declined; five of these were significant declines. In “Participation and Human Rights”, although the results were more mixed, almost two-thirds of African countries declined in the “Participation and Rights” subcategories. Analysis of the performance of countries in the “Gender” sub-

category shows some progress. Considering these results, Salim Ahmed Salim, Board Member of the Foundation and former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity, said: “We must ensure that the political side of governance in Africa is not neglected. We have seen from evidence and experience across the world that discrepancies between political governance and economic management are unsustainable in the long term. If Africa is going to con-

tinue to make progress we need to pay attention to the rights and safety of citizens.” The Ibrahim Index of African Governance was created in recognition of the need for a robust, comprehensive and quantifiable tool for citizens and governments to track governance performance in Africa. The Ibrahim Index continues to be improved each year as part of the Foundation’s commitment to ensure it is a living and progressive tool.

EU condemns mass rape in DR Congo Members of European Parliament (MEPs) have strongly condemned the mass rape and human rights violations of at least 500 women and children between 30th July and 4th August in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The Parliament passed a resolution calling on the United Nations and Kinshasa to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation of the attacks. The cases of mass rape in the east of the DRC should be referred to the International Criminal Court, said the resolution, approved on 7th October with 585 votes in favour, eight against and 34 abstentions. More than 500 people were victims of mass gang rape, including young girls, women as old as 75 and baby boys and girls, from 30th July to 4th August, in the

eastern Congo mining district. These attacks were perpetrated by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu rebel group, and the Mai Mai militia. MEPs voiced “deep concern” that the UN’s MONUSCO Mission could not use its mandate to provide protection against such mass rape and other human rights abuses by armed movements, in the vicinity of its peacekeeping base. They also called for the creation of a “true” and decently paid and trained national army, able to control the mineralrich eastern region of the DRC. MEPs underlined that the rehabilitation and reform of the judicial system, including prevention and protection and combating impunity with regard to sexual violence, and also assistance for and reintegration of victims, should be central to the aid programmes to be funded.

AFRICAN NEWS

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

Umunna: Fighting corruption Nigeria’s biggest challenge All Nigerians should benefit from the country’s rich national resources, not just a small elite Nigeria is rich of natural resources but the ordinary people don’t enjoy the benefits from these resources. This is why Mr. Chuka Umunna, MP for Streatham and Vice Chair of the Nigeria All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), considers “Tackling and reducing corruption” the biggest challenge facing the country. Mr. Umunna was elected in May and was among the first ever Members of the UK Parliament of Nigerian descent. He has been following closely the political developments in Nigeria, and recently asked Foreign Office ministers for their most recent assessment of the political situation in Nigeria. As Nigerians prepare for elections in 2011, Mr. Umunna hopes that “the election process there will be able to run as smoothly as possible with democracy functioning fully and effectively.” He has also made a commitment to continue to press UK ministers “to ensure that Britain does all it can to provide whatever assistance Nigeria and its people ask for in this regard.” Here’s an exclusive interview Mr. Umunna, MP granted The AfroNews. Mr. Umunna, how would you describe the current state of relationship between the UK and Nigeria? I think the UK and Nigeria have a very positive and productive relationship. I think here in the UK we are keen to do all we can to assist Nigeria with the challenges it faces. A key element of this is with the need for free and fair elections: I know the British government is keen to assist the Nigerian government in achieving this aim.

What would you say are some of the main challenges Nigeria faces? Tackling and reducing corruption is the biggest challenge, although ensuring Nigeria has a fully functional infrastructure such as roads, healthcare and education is also critical, as well as resolving the tensions which have led to religious violence in the North of the country. Above all, everyone should benefit from the rich natural resources of Nigeria, not just a small elite. How can the UK help Nigeria to achieve political stability? The UK can assist by sending observers to oversee elections. It is worth stating that Britain must be careful not to be seen as the Mr. Chuka Umunna, MP for Streatham and Vice Chair of the Nigeria All-Party old colonial power tryParliamentary Group ing to interfere but instead assisting the put pressure on firms and governments to colleagues on the APPG – on issues related Nigerian people in whatever way they take a strong line and not to do business in to Nigeria and ensure they get properly would welcome. a way that encourages corrupt practices. debated and considered. There is a large and growing British Nigerian population What role do Nigerians in the UK As Vice Chair of the Nigeria APPG, in the UK and it is right that the business have to play in this process? what would you like to achieve? of Parliament should reflect this. In terms of corruption, which is the number one issue for me, the Diaspora can

I hope to take a lead – alongside my

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

TLG Capital invests in Ugandan agri-food sector It acquires a 20% stake in Vero Food Industries Limited, producer of mineral water and rice TLG Capital has furthered its Ugandan portfolio by signing an agreement to acquire a 20% stake in Vero Food Industries Limited (VFL) whose primary focus is the production of mineral water and rice. Due to start operations in the next couple of months, VFL is set to be amongst the largest producers of these products in the region, with the ability to produce over 42,000 bottles of mineral water a day. One of the main aims of the company is to promote and strengthen indigenous food production with the view of increasing local production. This in turn will allow for a shift away from reliance on international imports while creating sustainable supplies, a market for local pro-

Mr. Zain Latif, Principal of TLG Capital

duce and employment opportunities. VFL is aiming to benefit from both Uganda’s resources and the growing middle class population. This investment is TLG’s second in Uganda following its first in Quality Chemicals Industries Limited. Uganda is renowned for its abundant fertile land, regular rainfall, and mineral deposits, all of which are yet to be utilised to their full capacity. Even in spite of this missing potential the agriculture sector has long played a dominant role within the economy, outweighing all other sectors together and when managed correctly can provide a major catalyst for huge growth in the region.

“We are delighted to have TLG Capital on board with us as we move forward with our expected growth plans. Vero Foods is committed to becoming one of the largest food and beverage players in the East African market and we will build towards that goal with TLG Capital,” said a spokesman for Vero Foods. Zain Latif, Principal of TLG Capital said: “Since the 1990’s Uganda has been one of Africa’s leading performers with easily cultivated land and close links to neighbouring countries helping to support growth. Its upcoming transition to an oil producer will have a great impact on growth rates and impact positively on the emergence of a burgeoning middle-class, who will in turn create more demand for everyday essential items such as water and rice.”

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

ENTERTAINMENT

Fela Kuti Broadway Show comes to UK Fela! The Musical hits London’s ‘theatreland’ to celebrate the riotous and controversial life of a legendary musician, politician, human rights advocate and the founder of Afrobeat - Fela AnikulapoKuti who was born in Abeokuta, Nigeria in 1938.

When he came to London in 1958, Kuti’s initial aim was to study medicine but he instead chose to pursue his love of music and enrolled at Trinity College of Music, Greenwich. He formed the band Koola Lobitos which performed a fusion of contemporary Nigerian sounds and Jazz. He married Remi Taylor in 1960, then chose to return to Nigeria where he worked as a radio broadcaster for Nigerian Broadcasting. He then decided to head to Ghana in 1967 where he changed musical direction and founded his individual style known as Afrobeat. Kuti later embarked on world tour to promote his new sound. He soon opened a nightclub in

Nigeria known as Shrine where he regularly played. His music grew to reflect his political views and he chose to sing in Pidgin English so that the diverse African public could enjoy his sounds. In 1977 Kuti released the track “Zombie” which referred to the Nigerian military and insinuated that their methods were like the actions of zombies. The success of the track didn’t please Nigerian authorities. Soldiers organised an attack on the Kalakuta Republic where Kuti was badly beaten and his mother killed. His recordings, studio and instruments were subsequently destroyed. Kuti chose to take his mother’s coffin to the home of General Olusegun Obasanjo and wrote the tracks; “Coffin for Head of State” and “Unknown Soldier” which referred to the official statement issued claiming an unknown soldier had been responsible for the attack. To mark the anniversary of the Kalakuta Republic incident, Kuti married 27 women who were singers, dancers and composers working alongside him.

Reggae legend Gregory Isaacs dies in London

The world is mourning Reggae star Gregory Isaacs who died at his London home on 25th October. The Jamaican singer died at the age of 59, following a long illness. “Gregory was well-loved by everyone, his fans and his family, and he worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends,” his wife Linda said in a statement. Gregory is best known for the song ‘Night Nurse’ which he released in 1982. In his musical career, he released more than 50 albums.

He continued to produce music with strong political messages and put himself up for President of Nigeria in the 1978 elections but was not admitted to contest. In 1984, Kuti spent time in prison after a second attack by the military government with claims of currency smuggling which was later disproved. He was released after 20 months of incarceration. He continued with successful tours around Europe and the US which included playing for an anti-apartheid concert, until he and three band members were arrested for murder in 1993. Kuti passed away on 3rd August 1997 shocking the entire world. The National Theatre, Southbank, London is hosting Fela! The Musical, which is already a Broadway hit. The show kicks off on 6th November 2010. It is a vibrant, uplifting and unique creative production which highlights the extraordinary life and legendary songs of Fela Kuti. The show

includes an extravaganza of theatre, music and dance. The role of Fela Kuti will be played by Rolan Bell. For additional information you can telephone 0207 452 300

or check the website: www. nationaltheatre.org.uk/fela. Ticket prices start at £10 to £24.50. By Amanda Hall-Davis

Exodus Onstage Refugee Theatre Festival takes place in Greater Manchester A Manchester refugee theatre season boasts two world premieres and participants in exile from African countries including Sudan, Eritrea and Cameroon. Exodus Onstage Refugee Theatre Festival is a month of challenging and contemporary work exploring the themes of war, Diaspora and asylum. Twelve productions, of which ten are brand new works, will be premiered during November. Two of the productions are then set for Hampstead Theatre and the West End.

Highlights of the season - Souk Kitchen, a theatre installation by women’s refugee groups featuring live performance and the opportunity to sample foods from around the world (Zion Arts Centre, 5/6 November). - The world premiere of Feelgood Theatre’s Slave: A Question of Freedom, based on the life of Mende Nazer who was trafficked from Sudan aged 12. Slave will transfer to the West End (The Lowry, 23-27 November) - A new English language version of a

play by Kurdistan Arts and Culture, a group of Kurdish artists in exile (One Night There, Waterside Arts Centre, 5&7 November) - Featuring artists from Iraq, Somalia, Zimbabwe and Cameroon, Another Country is an immersive journey into the life of a refugee, directed by the awardwinning Cheryl Martin (Zion Arts Centre, 12 November). Many events are family friendly, including a day of Sudanese art, music and drama and Souk Kitchen, where audience members are invited to enjoy the music, dance, storytelling and food of Africa and Asia (Zion Arts Centre, 5/6 November). Free events include James Mackay’s photography exhibition ‘Even Though I‘m Free I Am Not’ featuring former Burmese prisoners of conscience, which won the Prix de la Photographie in Paris (On The Eighth Day, throughout November). Cilla Baynes MBE, director of Community Arts North West, said: “Exodus Onstage is a unique opportunity for audiences to experience how events in other parts of the world directly affect what happens here in the UK, through the

shared narratives and cultures of Greater Manchester’s refugee and asylum seeker communities. The last Exodus Onstage Festival in 2006 played to enthusiastic packed houses, proving that audiences in this region want to see and experience this work.” Festival participants are exiled from countries including Bosnia, Cameroon, Kurdistan, Malaysia, Eritrea, Somalia, Angola, DR Congo, Sudan and Zimbabwe and now live and work around Greater Manchester. Venues include Contact, The Lowry, Nexus Arts Café, Royal Exchange, Waterside Arts Centre and Zion Arts Centre. Many events are free. The top ticket price is £20. Community Arts North West (CAN) is a Manchester based arts development organisation which works in partnership with communities, agencies and artists to encourage, create, produce and promote cultural programmes of work. CAN’s participatory arts programmes aim to create a voice, expression and visibility for the many complex and diverse communities that make up Greater Manchester. For further information: www.can. uk.com/exodus or T: 0161 234 2987

ENTERTAINMENT

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

Johnny Junior, new Rumba star is born

His music is properly arranged, carefully thought and highly danceable Kenya’s music scene is witnessing the birth of a new Rumba star Johnny Junior. This promising young musician has been giving sleepless nights to some of the established Rumba musicians in the country since releasing his famous hit “Herana”. Some local musicians have even carefully staged what can be described as character assassination attempt to discredit Johnny Junior. But this young man is already proving to be an exceptional musician whose music is properly arranged, carefully thought and highly danceable. Born John Odhiambo Orondo, Johny Junior started performing in 2004. He first performed with Hit Sound International Band headed by Otieno Jagwasi before joining Musa Juma’s Limpopo International Band for four years as a vocalist. He released his debut LP in 2005 while still with Hit Sound

International Band. In 2009 he decided to launch his solo career and formed B-V Band. Johnny Junior is now one of the best vocalists in Kenya. During his first years in music, he was mainly playing drum sets and drums. With time, he kept on developing the desire of singing. Since trying and liking what he heard, Johnny Junior has fully concentrated on improving his singing skills. Johnny Junior’s favourite foreign musicians are the Zimbabwean Oliver Mtukudzi and the Congolese Ferre Gola. He, however, draws his musical inspiration from the late Kenyan Rumba musician Ochieng’ Kabaselleh – Ogolla. “Not only does Kabaselleh inspire me, I love his music,” he says. Johnny Junior is convinced he has a role of educating the public through his music. This is in fact quite evident in his lyrics. For instance in the track “Kalisto Baba”, he praises a friend who is a reliable, honest, trustworthy and generous

person. Melladen, in Upper Hill Estate. Johnny Junior holds that lack of unity Johnny Junior would love to see amongst Kenyan musicians is contribut- Kenyan musicians united and working ing to their countless problems. “We together to support each other. “Let’s don’t know what is called togetherness,” come together, let’s unite, it will take us he says, adding that with unity “we can go far, let’s love each other, tuwache chuki far.” Most Kenyan musicians are full of – (stop envy),” he says. envy, he says, He is grateful to his fans for their supLike all Kenyan musicians, the big- port. “Thank you ladies and gentlemen, gest problem Johnny Junior faces is pira- without your support we are nothing. I cy. “It is too much and it’s really pulling truly appreciate your love and support. us down,” he says. God bless you all,” he says. Johnny Junior has so far produced three LPs: “Jacky”, “Sweet Love” and By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a “Kalisto Baba”. He is working on a new LP to be released next year. JOHNNY JUNIOR & B-V BAND’S CONTACTS AND LINKS Johnny Junior says he is determined to succeed in his career as a musiTel. +254721654509 cian. “I have big plans, but my top E-mail: johnodhiamboorondo@yahoo.com priority is to work hard so that I can continue producing good music that http://www.facebook.com/posted. people will love. With that I’m sure php?id=150290644986397 all my dreams will come true.” He is now based in Nairobi where http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtr2UORY he performs every weekend at Club De8&feature=related

Ziggy Marley releases pro-marijuana song “This plant in both its forms, hemp and marijuana, is a gift from nature to us” “We need to enlighten people about the Ziggy Marley is a five-time Grammy “Wild and Free”. Ziggy Marley has released his “A Fire Burns For Freedom” is the latest song; a pro-hemp/marijua- multiple uses the plant has beyond its rec- winner and reggae icon, whose early na anthem entitled “A Fire Burns reational, spiritual and medicinal uses. immersion in music came at age ten when second song released in his Wild and Free This plant in both its forms, hemp and he sat in on recording sessions with his Series, and comes on the heels of his first For Freedom”. This song will be offered as a free download for listeners, as part of a larger set of free downloads called the Wild and Free Singles, offered by the reggae star and his record label, Tuff Gong Worldwide. The Wild and Free Singles are available at www.ziggymarley.com. The new song describes what Ziggy believes should be the natural state of marijuana and its related plant hemp.

marijuana, is a gift from nature to us. It has medicinal value, environmental value, nutritional value, as well as energy value. The seeds of the plant could cheaply provide nutrition for malnourished children all over the world. We should free the plant in all aspects of its uses,” says Ziggy. In the song “A Fire Burns For Freedom”, he goes further to make his point: “Denied the tree of life, sold us your lies, this damned hypocrisy costs so many lives.”

father Bob Marley. Ziggy’s solo debut, “Dragonfly”, was released in 2003. His second solo release, “Love Is My Religion”, which was released on his own record label, Tuff Gong Worldwide, won a Grammy to much critical acclaim in 2006. His third solo release, “Family Time”, also on his own label, scored him his fifth Grammy. His next album, slated for release in the summer of 2011, is tentatively entitled

release, “Africa Land”, which supported another historic moment: Africa’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup for the first time. Proposition 19 goes to the California, US ballot on 2nd November 2010, and would allow persons 21 and older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. It would also open the door to the state’s taxation of marijuana, and could possibly provide much needed revenue for the state of California, Ziggy says.

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

COMMENTARY-OP-ED

Time for an Honest Debate about Uni While the thought of their child not attending university is enough to make most African parents take to their beds, it’s time we gave more respect to the alternatives, says Frances Mensah Williams. Ask a group of African parents what they consider to be the key to success and chances are 99% of them will say ‘education’. It’s a fair bet that most of them will also consider education to be incomplete unless it includes (at least) one degree and, preferably, some kind of additional professional qualification. Any mention to said parents by their offspring of skipping university will probably be met with anything from a frosty look of disbelief (at the kinder end of the spectrum) to threats of being ignored, disowned or beaten into submission.

Should University be Universal? But is Uni really for everyone? The ambitions of the previous British government to steer 50% of young people into university sounded laudable, in theory. But what are we seeing today? Even allowing for the recession and resultant economic downturn, we are witnessing record levels of unemployment among graduates, inadequate opportunities for using their hardearned degrees and a real likelihood of creating a lost generation of talent that is now saddled with debt they are unable to discharge anytime soon. University degrees are simply not necessary for many jobs. In the United States, for example, of the 30 jobs projected to grow at the fastest rate over the next decade, only seven, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, typically require a bachelor’s degree. Among the top 10 growing job categories, two require college degrees: accounting (a bachelor’s) and post-secondary teachers (a doctorate). But this growth is expected to be dwarfed by the need for registered nurses, home health aides, customer service representatives and store workers. None of those jobs require a degree.

No Guarantees The implicit guarantee that three or four years of university will lead to a great job with bright prospects for a lengthy and successful career has been junked, along with so many assumptions that today’s realities have destroyed. Employment contracts have been ripped into shreds with some of the most swingeing jobs cuts in recent times seen across all sectors and, as seems likely, with more to come. The question of whether university is right for everyone is a legitimate one to consider, particularly given the state of the world today. After all, why do 50% of young people need to attend university when far fewer than half the jobs available actually require a degree? Why is there a real skills shortage and, as technology and globalisation change the nature of the sectors open to graduates, what kind of learning and training is really going to benefit our young people? As with any commodity, an oversupply leads to a reduction in value; degrees,

rightly or wrongly, have lost some credibility among employers, not least because significant numbers of employers are bemoaning a generation of graduates that lack good communication and behavioural skills and often seem ill-prepared to handle the discipline and social skills needed in today’s workplace. Professor Lerman, the American University economist, points out that “some of the people coming out of apprenticeships are in more demand than college graduates, because they’ve actually managed things in the workplace.”

Nanosurgeon or Nurse’s Aide? In the United States, according to recent projections from the Department of Education, perhaps no more than half of those who began a four-year bachelor’s

“Perhaps it’s time for parents to concede that Uni is not for everyone. Uni is a must for those who want a career in science, technology, maths or engineering, for example, or for those who wish to enter professions such as law or medicine; or those who genuinely enjoy learning for learning’s sake. For other young people, we would do well to counsel them to research options other than university” Ms. Frances Mensah Williams, Editor of ReConnect Africa.com

degree program in 2006 will get that degree within six years. For college students who ranked among the bottom quarter of their high school classes, the numbers are even starker: 80% will probably never get a bachelor’s degree or even a two-year associate’s degree – a lot of tuition to pay, without a degree to show for it. According to a number of US economists and educators, it is time to develop credible alternatives for students unlikely to be successful pursuing a higher degree, or who may not be ready to do so. For Richard K. Vedder of Ohio University and Robert I. Lerman of American University, the political scientist Charles Murray, and James E. Rosenbaum, an education professor at Northwestern, they would steer some students toward intensive, short-term vocational and career training, through expanded high school programmes and corporate apprenticeships. “It is true that we need more nanosurgeons than we did 10 to 15 years ago,” said Professor Vedder, founder of the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, a research non-profit in Washington. “But the numbers are still relatively small compared to the numbers of nurses’ aides we’re going to need. We will need hundreds of thousands of them over the next

decade.” Training, he adds, that can be conducted outside a college setting. Vedder questions why 15% of US mail carriers have bachelor’s degrees, according to a 1999 federal study, pointing out that “some of them could have bought a house for what they spent on their education.”

Follow the Money A frequently cited argument for university is that a degree is where the real money lies. While one could point out that successful business people like Walt Disney, Coco Chanel, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and Simon Cowell seemed to have managed well enough without one, it is a fair point that people with college and

academic and social independence. But can these experiences come only through Uni – or, as is more likely, also via more targeted and less costly routes into further education and development? Many employers today would question whether a degree alone means very much. What matters more, according to survey after survey, is that job applicants can prove that they are educated, responsible, and able to help a company achieve its objectives.

Cool Careers So perhaps it’s time for parents to concede that Uni is not for everyone. Uni is a must for those who want a career in science, technology, maths or engineering, for example, or for those who wish to enter professions such as law or medicine; or those who genuinely enjoy learning for learning’s sake. For other young people, we would do well to counsel them to research options other than university. For those who argue that not pushing a child towards Uni is causing them to lower their expectations and short-changing their futures, we have to recognise that education cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Channelling the talents that our children have into directions that will best suit them and enable them to shine is more important than imposing our ideas of success and what is deserving of respect. To my mind, this means that as parents, guardians, educators and influencers, we need to give more respect to young people who consider taking up a trade or vocational career route or what they feel is a ‘cooler’ career. We need to adjust our thinking from considering these routes to be a compromise or less worthy, and encourage our young to explore how these other careers can create a pathway to financial and personal success. Because our communities need skilled, technical school graduates just as much as university graduates. University offers no guarantees in terms of career success and it’s time that we accept this. For some of our kids, staring down the frosty looks and ignoring the threats of disownment may be the best decision they ever make.

graduate degrees generally earn more than those without them. On average, graduates earn an extra £160,000, or 23% throughout their lifetime, according to Lovemoney.com. That’s an extra £3,600 per year, compared to nongraduates – assuming you get a graduate level job, that is. This is despite increasing numbers of young people getting degrees: a third now do, compared with just 15% 20 years ago. Generally speaking, graduates are also less likely to be unemployed. On the other hand, degrees are expenFrances Mensah Williams is the sive. The average student leaves university Editor of ReConnect Africa.com (www. with debts totalling £15,700 and the curreconnectafrica.com) an online careers rent average graduates starting salary is and jobs publication for African profesjust £22,300. Even if one’s salary rises sionals around the world. every year by almost 5%, it will still take around 12 years to pay off student debts. It’s also SEND US YOUR LETTERS the case, however, that 20% of students drop out We welcome letters on topical issues, your of university and a third experiences, and or any article you have read in of graduates end up with the AfroNews. Letters, not exceeding 600 non-graduate jobs. words, must include your full name (not necesUniversity also offers sarily for publication), address and telephone many intangible benefits, numbers for verification. Letters may be edited allowing young people to for publication. take their first step into E-mail: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

November 2010 www.theafronews.eu

IMS: Improve vaginal health of postmenopausal women Women and doctors urged to overcome taboo of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy The International Menopause women may not report VA symptoms to i n c o r r e c t l y Society (IMS) has launched new their doctor because of concerns about attributing VA Recommendations for the man- taking hormone replacement therapy symptoms to agement of postmenopausal vag- (HRT). Some of this reluctance is due to other condiinal atrophy (VA), a distressing the adverse publicity for HRT over recent tions such as condition that will affect up to half of women after “It is so sad that women are suffering in menopause. The new guidance was silence with this condition; many believe that launched to mark World Menopause Day, an annual event VA is just an inevitable part of menopause and held on 18th October. that they have no choice but to live with the New research shows that one consequences. However, this is not the case, so in two women with vaginal atrophy will live with their condition it is vital that a dialogue about vaginal health unnecessarily for over three years, is initiated with postmenopausal patients as despite effective treatments being part of routine” available. The data suggests that this is largely due to poor awareness and understanding of the conDr. Rossella Nappi, Associate Professor of dition among women, and because VA is a “taboo” subject - even Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Director of between a doctor and patient. VA is characterised by sympthe Gynaecological Endocrinology & toms including vaginal dryness, itching, increased tendency of Menopause Unit, University of Pavia (Italy) infection and pain during sex. It occurs when the vaginal walls become thin, fragile and inflamed due to years, but, regardless of whether these thrush or a a reduction of oestrogen in the body. concerns are justified, local oestrogen bladder infecWhile VA has an obvious impact on therapy for VA, which delivers a low dose tion. The data sexual intimacy, it also has negative con- of hormone directly to the vagina, is not also show that sequences for a woman’s personal rela- associated with the possible risks of sys- women do not tionships, self-esteem and overall quality temic (oral) HRT. Doctors need to ensure understand that of life. If left untreated, VA can lead to patients fully understand this, so that they VA is a chronic serious long-term urogenital problems, can benefit from VA treatment. condition, and including incontinence. However, despite In addition, women with VA may have are resorting to these negative implications, just one in cultural or religious reasons for not talk- s h o r t - t e r m four women will actually speak to her ing to their doctor about their symptoms, symptom relief using lubricants and moisdoctor about VA. and women in general may be under- turisers, when treatment for the underlyDr. David Sturdee, President of the standably reluctant to discuss such private ing cause is available from the doctor. IMS and lead author of the matters, particularly with a male doctor. The VIVA Survey also found that half Recommendations, said, “It is unaccept- The Recommendations offer advice and of women would not discuss VA sympable that women are living with VA for so guidance to healthcare professionals, to toms with their physician. In addition, long, when various safe and effective enable them to initiate a successful dia- only two in five women would talk to treatments are available. So, to mark logue with their patient. Most women their spouse or partner about VA and twoWorld Menopause Day, the IMS is launch- express relief and respond positively thirds reported that their mother never ing the new Recommendations and is when a doctor initiates the conversation spoke to them about menopause, suggestcalling upon doctors to proactively raise about this topic. ing that VA is still very much a taboo the topic of vaginal health with postResults from the VIVA (Vaginal subject. menopausal patients. Women with VA are Health: Insights, Views & Attitudes) Dr. Rossella Nappi, Associate also encouraged to seek medical advice, Survey, an international study involving Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as there is absolutely no need for them to over 3,500 postmenopausal women, show Research Center for Reproductive continue suffering in silence.” that 96% of postmenopausal women are Medicine and Director of the The Recommendations note that many

Gynaecological Endocrinology & Menopause Unit, University of Pavia (Italy), said: “It is so sad that women are suffering in silence with this condition; many believe that VA is just an inevitable part of menopause and that they have no choice but to live with the consequences. However, this is not the case, so it is vital that a dialogue about vaginal health is initiated with postmenopausal patients as part of routine.” The Recommendations for the management of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy are available at http://www.imsociety. org/world_menopause_month.php Patient education materials are also available.

Good sex not a priority to UK women Research amongst UK women has revealed that they are far more likely to end a relationship due to lack of emotional support than poor sex. With emotional support and intimacy so crucial to relationship survival it is no surprise the proximity of today’s digital technology brings new infidelity threats and definitions, with

online sex and flirting-by-text both widely considered as cheating and grounds for relationship breakdown. The research conducted to mark 25 years of ELLE Magazine, revealed that ‘Emotional understanding & intimacy’ is the most important element of a relationship for almost half of women (46%) whilst just 2% put sex top of their list. When asked the most likely

reasons to end a relationship only 2% of women cited ‘poor sex life’, versus 38% who said ‘lack of emotional support’ was a deal breaker. The one-on-one intimacy of online and mobile infidelity emerged as a bigger threat to relationships than flirting in person with both online sex and flirtingby-text strongly regarded as cheating by 65% and 35% of respondents respectively.

Some 58% of women considered infidelity unforgivable whilst 37% said their decision to end a relationship with a cheating partner would ‘depend on the circumstances’. Jenny Dickinson, deputy editor of ELLE said: “The research showed women do not always see relationships in black and white we saw a good balance of both modernist and traditionalist thinking within the survey. However,

the results raise an uncomfortable question around infidelity in terms of what women are prepared to accept in such an integral part of their lives. As infidelity (and the way it is dealt with by high profile women) becomes ever more visible, are we lowering our expectations and simply putting up with it as an inevitable part and parcel of modern relationships today?”