The AfroNews May 2012

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No. 7. May 2012 I Tel. 020 7300 7320; 020 7300 7321; 07846062331 I Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk

Suzanna Lubrano releases thrilling Zouk Pop single “Tardi Di Mas�

Let’s support each other and help the needy

page 17

AFRUCA Summit calls for joint efforts to fight branding of children as witches

THE GUIDE Guide to the new student visa rules page 13

page 6

Exclusive interview with Pauline Long, founder of BEFFTA Awards pages 10-11

Million Pound Drop mum and daughter open new businesses

Vanessa Obura tells her man she’s a “Wife Material�

page 4

IPCC to handle all Met Police racism complaints Get your latest immigration news on

page16

page 8

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WHERE ACTION IS

Egusi Soup

Cross-cultural Nigerian family comedy now showing “Top Brass” (Theatre 503, 2010), a short play written in response to “The Charming Man” by Gabriel BissettSmith.

Janice’s recent radio plays include: “Reunion” (BBC Radio 4 Extra, 2011); “Carnival”, a short play for the “From Fact to Fiction” series (BBC Radio 4, 2010) and “SE8” (BBC Radio 4, 2010).

This year, Janice has adapted Malorie Blackman’s novel “Noughts and Crosses” for the Saturday Play (BBC Radio 4).

Making up the cast are: Ellen Thomas, Rhoda Ofori-Attah, Anniwaa Buachie, Nick Oshikanlu and Lace Akpojaro.

“Egusi Soup” is a co-production between Soho Theatre and Menagerie Theatre Company.

A new play about love, life and loss, with plenty of spicy bits comes to theatres in London, Cambridge and Colchester.

“Egusi Soup” by Janice Okoh is a fast, furious and funny new intergenerational and cross-cultural Nigerian family comedy.

As the Anyias, a British-Nigerian family, pack their suitcases and prepare to head home to Lagos for a memorial service in honour of the late Mr. Anyia, they soon realise they will need to get rid of some

excess baggage first, and not just of the material kind.

The chaotic return to London from the USA of the Anyias’ eldest daughter, Anne, disrupts the family equilibrium that has settled after her father’s death, and deeply held resentments resurface dramatically.

Janice Okoh is an award winning playwright. In 2011, her play “The Real House” (Three Birds) won the Bruntwood Prize and was short-listed for the Verity Bargate Award and the Alfred Fagon Award.

Her recent theatre productions include:

EGUSI SOUP BY JANICE OKOH Mumford Theatre, Cambridge 18th & 19th May 2012 7.30pm Tickets: £11.50/£8.50 Box Office: 0845 196 2320 or 01223 352932 Book Online: www.anglia.ac.uk/ mumfordtheatre Soho Theatre, London From 23rd May to 9th June 2012 8.00pm Saturdays 3.30pm & 8.00pm Tickets: £10/£15 Box Office: 020 7478 0100 Book Online: www.sohotheatre.com Mercury Theatre, Colchester From 14th to 16th June 2012 7.45pm Tickets: £11.00/£6.50 Box Office: 01206 573 948 Book Online: www.mercurytheatre. co.uk

Ms. Janice Okoh, author of “Egusi Soup”

Egusi Soup Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ EgusiSoupMenagerie

Juwon Ogungbe stages Life Force Music Concert in London Pianist and singer Juwon Ogungbe will perform songs from his new CD “Life Force Music” (Second Generation Records) in London on 19th May 2012.

Ogungbe will perform with his Life Force Band featuring Lekan Shobiyi (guitar); Renell Shaw (bass), Soji Ijaduola (drums) and Junior Balogun (percussion).

“Life Force Music” album is a rich textural experience - part social commentary, part personal sharing – showcasing Juwon’s melliferous baritone and innovative compositions.

A welcome album for the times, it’s intensely musical, enjoyable and crisply produced and crosses between AfroRhythms, Classical and the mainstream in a compelling way.

The CD will be available for sale at the event.

Juwon Ogungbe is a composer, singer

Musician Juwon Ogungbe and pianist. Born in London, he was educated in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Juwon enjoys a multifaceted career in music, expressing his creative, interpretative skills and talents.

Juwon has composed music for the likes of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre, London International Festival of Theatre, Theatre for a New Audience (New York, USA) and the Young Vic/Barbican Centre’s “Young Genius” season.

In Dance he has worked with Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Union Dance, Badejo Arts amongst others.

He has also composed for several BBC Radio Drama productions. In Film and Television, Juwon has composed for Thames TV, Channel 4, Sankofa Films and several small independent production companies.

For his own groups and ensembles, Juwon has created up to 10 music theatre productions, the most celebrated of these is “Early Morning Wahala - An Illegal Immigrant Speaks” (1992/3). He also composed an opera for Arun Youth Opera,

entitled “The Green Lady” (2003).

Juwon formed The Vocal Ensemble of Africa in 2010 to explore the rich musical legacy of Africa and beyond. Bringing singers from many cultures and nations Juwon has created a rich musical language that embraces everything from afrobeat to soukous to jazz to soul to gospel.

JUWON OGUNGBE’S LIFE FORCE MUSIC CONCERT 19th May 2012 7.30pm The Lost Theatre, 208 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2JU www.losttheatre.co.uk Box Office: 0844 847 1680 Tickets: £12.50 /£10.00 advance

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

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COMMUNITY

No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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Women For Africa Awards coming up in London

African female champions will be recognized and celebrated at the inaugural Women For Africa (W4A) Awards UK in London on 19th May 2012.

The awards ceremony multi-talented Cameroonian make-up artwhich will be held at The ist Christelle Kedi and more.

Great Hall in Kensington, Some of the guests who will grace the promises to be an elevating occasion are Nollywood actress ‘Stella and inspiring evening for Damasus’ (also a Women4Africa African women who have Ambassador); Richard Taylor OBE; excelled in different fields.

Ambassador Dr. Mokowa Blay Gyami; Nominees are from several Mrs. Betty Djokoto (Headmistress Wesley African countries including Girls High School Cape Coast, Ghana); Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Antonia Okonma (former actress in the Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Sierra ‘Bad Girls’ TV series); Adebayo Jones Leone, Kenya and more.

(Celebrity Fashion designer); Isha Johansen Amongst those to receive (Founder Johansen Premier FA Football recognition awards are Susan Club, Sierra Leone); Eryca Freemantle Mashibe from Tanzania. Ms. (Celebrity Make-up artist); Kathy Lewis Mashibe is a FAA certified (Chair, SIG Chartered Institute of commercial pilot and an air- Marketing); Dionne Reid (Michelle Obama craft maintenance engineer. lookalike), amongst others.

She is the first female with The finalists for the Face of both qualifications in Women4Africa Awards will soon be postTanzania. Ms. Mashibe is one of a number of outFACE OF WOMEN4AFRICA standing women who will AWARDS be recipients of awards for their significant Tel: +442033726527 achievements.

Email: info@women4africa.com Among the nominees are entrepreWebsites: www.women4africa.com neur and philanthropist Kenyan born Pauline Long who is also the founder www.faceofwomen4africa.com of BEFFTA Awards, PR guru and Twitter: @women4africa entrepreneur Marvis Amankwah, the Facebook: women 4 africa

Ms. Tola Onigbanjo, founder of Women For Africa Awards ed on www.faceofwomen4africa.com.

This event will highlight a broad range of African women from all parts of the continent, quietly but efficiently adding value to the UK economy and society.

For tickets and more information, please call Ricky – 07961979566; Lara – 07947914328; Dan – 07949009081; Shola – 07805035734 or send an email to: tickets@women4africa.com.

Inquiry to question mental health labels

A new independent inquiry is set to find out whether the label ‘schizophrenia’ stigmatizes or helps people.

With many more poor and black and minority ethnic (BME) people labelled ‘schizophrenics’ than other groups, the diagnosis has been controversial for a long

time.

Supported by 23 national and international organisations and 100 individuals, experts and those who have lived with the label are getting together to explore whether the label is useful or counterproductive.

The Inquiry will investigate the impact the label ‘schizophrenia’ has on people’s lives and collect evidence from mental health service users, carers and medical professionals among others.

An independent panel consisting of service users, academics and a lawyer will examine the evidence collected and make recommendations to professional, statutory and voluntary sector bodies such as the Department of Health, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and mental health charities.

The Inquiry, which has not sourced funding from any organisation, will collect evidence via their website www.schizophreniainquiry.org.

Retired psychiatrist, Dr. Suman Fernando, one of the four people co-ordinating the Inquiry, said: “We are aware of the increasing unease, even among psychiatrists, about the use of ‘schizophrenia’ or ‘psychosis’ to describe complex problems of living. More importantly, when these are used as labels attached to people, they can

“We are aware of the increasing unease, even among psychiatrists, about the use of ‘schizophrenia’ or ‘psychosis’ to describe complex problems of living. More importantly, when these are used as labels attached to people, they can cause stigma and undermine the humanity of people given these labels. Indeed, some people seem to suffer from the labels more than they do from other problems of living.

Black people in Britain have historically suffered disproportionately in this way” Dr. Suman Fernando, Retired psychiatrist cause stigma and undermine the humanity of people given these labels.

“Indeed, some people seem to suffer from the labels more than they do from other problems of living. Black people in Britain have historically suffered disproportionately in this way.”

Dominic MakuwachumaWalker, who has experience of being labelled, and is a member of the Inquiry panel, said: “The time is right for finding out really what is going on when we label people

with a psychiatric diagnosis such as ‘schizophrenia’. Does this label provide the help that some people may actually need or are we just propping up a multi-million dollar research and pharmaceutical industry? And how do we take on board the different cultural meanings that people give to experiences that are being diagnosed as ‘schizophrenia’?”

The evidence-collection phase of the Inquiry will run until June 2012 and the report will be published in October 2012.

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COMMUNITY

Pauline and Krystle Downie

Million Pound Drop mum and daughter open new businesses Mother and daughter Pauline and Krystle Downie, who last year won £25,000 on Channel 4’s The Million Pound Drop have launched two new businesses with their cash prize.

The entrepreneurial duo launched “It’s My Magazine” and Kadence Bluu Hair Integration Solutions on 1st April 2012 at the Mahogany Bridal Show in Bloomsbury, London.

“It’s My Magazine” is a personalised glossy magazine featuring timeless moments captured from any special event, including weddings and christenings.

Differing from conventional albums, it also includes editorial features, and interviews with guests attending the special day.

Kadence Bluu Hair Integration Solutions provides advice and installs of hair extensions, which can both disguise hair loss and meet the needs of clients who simply wish to wear their hair in longer styles. Kadence Bluu also uses natural hair care oils and massage to stimulate client’s own hair growth.

Commenting on the Million

Pauline and Krystle Downie, mother and daughter who are business partners Pound Drop win and how it is helping to transform her life, Krystle, a former PR manager for the NHS website said: “The timing couldn’t have been better. I was recently made redundant and had always wanted to start a business with my mum, so decided to

go for it.”

Krystle was determined not to let redundancy be the end of the road. Having lost her job just before Christmas 2011, she retrained and is now a qualified hair integration technician.

“Having experienced hair loss

myself, I decided to turn my passion into a business to help others.”

Krystle’s mother Pauline, a former head of Design Technology said: “We’ve always wanted to work together, however, having Davina ask us what we would

spend the money on, and answering a joint business, in front of an audience of millions, made us strive to actually do something about it and accomplish our goals.”

Asked how she felt when she learnt that was being made redundant, Pauline said: “The opportunity came along for me to explore a career change and I knew that if I didn’t take it now, I never would.

Starting a business is usually quite scary, however taking the step with my daughter has made it much easier, and less daunting.” Pauline also relies on her faith as they embark on their new business. “I’ve put my faith in God and taken the leap into the unknown. Hopefully the business will be led in the right direction,” she said.

Commenting on the launch of “It’s My Magazine” and Kadence Bluu Hair Integration Solutions, Dr. Cecilia d’Felice, Consultant Psychologist said: “Both hair loss and redundancy can have an extremely detrimental effect on self esteem and confidence.

However Krystle’s story shows how you can turn adversity around, and achieve a positive outcome - she is an inspiration!”

Interview with Krystle Downie, co-founder of “It’s My Magazine” and Kadence Bluu Hair Integration Solutions

“Redundancy was the best thing that ever happened to me” Krystle, how did you feel when you learnt that you were being made redundant?

Krystle and Pauline Downie appeared on Channel 4’s Million Pound Drop game show in February 2011 and won £25,000

I was initially quite disappointed when I was informed that I’d be made redundant, as I’d been with the company for four years. However, upon reflection I realised that this was the opportunity I’d been waiting for to really spread my wings. I was keen to be able to express my creativity

and indulge my passions, which I hadn’t been able to do within the confines of a typical nine to five job. However I’d become slightly institutionalised in that I would probably never have made the step if redundancy hadn’t come along. For me personally, redundancy was the best thing that ever happened to me.

What’s your advice to people losing their jobs especially those being made redundant?

I’d advise that anyone facing redundancy view it as the chance to take their personal development to the next level. If you are at the stage where you dread Mondays, then redundancy can give you the opportunity to start your own business, change careers or do something completely

different like go travelling. Grab the opportunity with both hands and banish fear.

Any other comment?

When starting your own business, explore your passions, and develop it from there. The end game is to reach a point where you’re happy to “go to work”, even if it’s just initially in your sitting room.

Networking is vital, utilise any links that you may have to promote your new business. Finally, a viable business idea will sell itself. Market research is key, so if you find yourself struggling to get to the next level with your business, then spend time considering if there is a demand for your concept.

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

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COMMUNITY

Summit calls for joint efforts to fight branding of children as witches Community leaders and politicians have condemned branding of children as witches and pledged to work together to fight the harmful practice.

Chairing a Summit organized by the charity Africans United Against Child Abuse (AFRUCA) at the House of Commons on 18th April 2012, MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna said: “children have to be at the forefront of the government’s strategy to end witchcraft branding, to make sure resources to provide vital funding are available, getting churches and community leaders to work together in solving issues surrounding the problem.”

Mr. Umunna, who has previously said there can be “no excuse whatsoever” for witchcraft abuse, stressed that “Case recording and collating data would help the government make proper publications of how widespread the problem is.”

Mr. Umunna said there was need for the government to listen and change policy and laws to protect children at risk of being branded witches. He called for involvement of genuine faith leaders in fighting the practice.

Churchgoers should be empowered so as to speak out against rogue faith leaders who brand their children witches, Mr. Umunna said. He suggested com-

From L to R: Tim Loughton MP-Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Young Families; Chuka Umunna MP- Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, and Debbie Ariyo (OBE) - Executive Director of AFRUCA bining resources and expertise within different agencies to combat branding of children as witches.

Key TV channels should be monitored to identify elements of witchcraft and exorcism, Mr.

Umunna said.

Led by Modupe Debbie Ariyo (OBE), AFRUCA, a charity promoting the rights and welfare of African children in the UK, has been campaigning for a law criminalising the branding of children

as witches.

Several MPs including Keith Vaz, Catherine Mckinnell and Tim Loughton, Minister for Children & Families attended the AFRUCA Summit.

Meg Hillier, MP for Hackney

and Shoreditch, a former Children’s Minister also attended the Summit.

Religious leaders, politicians, children’s charities, barristers and social workers also attended the Summit to discuss and find out what can be done to end the abuse and loss of young lives in our communities.

“All parties are united in addressing the key issues surrounding child branding in the UK. The main priority is to help communities in addressing the key areas and combating the root causes of this problem,” Mr. Loughton said.

He added that through his efforts as Children’s Minister, “people found guilty of these terrible child abuse acts can now get mandatory life sentences.”

Rev. Nims Obunge (MBE) of the freedom’s Ark Church in Tottenham said that “most churches were a sanctuary of peace and love within the communities, and were not to be misinterpreted with witchcraft negativity.”

Commenting on the AFRUCA Summit at the House of Commons, Ms. Ariyo said: “It’s so good to see a community take ownership of an issue.” She thanked all who attended the Summit and said it was outrageous that “someone’s life can be totally ruined just because someone thinks they are a witch.”

By Monica Hayward

South Nottingham College launches support group for young Black males A unique cultural group for Black males will be set up at South Nottingham College, supported by the School of Education at Nottingham Trent University.

The first “Black on Track UK” group which will meet up to four times a term, will feature a social curriculum to provide Black males with structured support.

Guest speakers will also be invited to act as role models and explore topics such as positive relationships with women, managing stereotypes of Black men, staying off the streets and getting into work, and planning for the future.

The launch of the group follows a 15 month research project by Nottingham Trent University’s Sheine Peart, course leader for the Masters in Education at the School of Education, which was carried out at South Nottingham College and the former Broxtowe College.

Sheine worked with young Black male students on their experiences of further education (FE). While the findings were mainly positive, they revealed that in the

absence of formal cultural support in FE, students had formed their own peer support group to work with other Black students and found it a vital tool in maintaining cultural pride and strong friendships.

“On the whole, the students I questioned enjoyed FE and thought that it met their needs much better than school,” Sheine said. “However, there’s more to their experience than just the academic side and there is no formal cultural or emotional support for them, an issue which is replicated in FE across the country.”

Having seen this is a real issue, South Nottingham College is very keen to provide this support. “We have put together a programme which will build an empathetic community among the members and give them a positive sense of self for the future,” Sheine said.

Along with Sheine, South Nottingham College learner achievement coach, Claudius Dyer, and lecturer, Norris Stewart, have also been instrumental in establishing the group, with support from its principal, Malcolm Cowgill. Funding for the group,

which will start to meet in next academic year, is also being provided by South Nottingham College.

“I am extremely pleased to be supporting this innovative initiative,” Cowgill said.

“South Nottingham College has links abroad with South Africa, Gambia and Tanzania and we were keen to provide something UK based for young Black men”.

Sheine said that the group is initially an informal programme for Black male students at South Nottingham College, but there are plans of moving towards an accredited framework which will give all the participants a final award.

“We also have hopes to expand it through volunteering opportunities for young Black males to work in local schools on reading, achievement or mentoring projects, and eventually to link up with the police and duplicate the programme for other Black males who may be at risk, such as ex-offenders who are being integrated back into the community,” Sheine said.

Findings of the research carried out by

Sheine will be published by Trentham books in September this year in a book titled “Making Education Work - How Black men and boys navigate the Further Education Sector.”

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COMMUNITY

Take education seriously, Makoni advises girls Betty Makoni, a advised girls.

Ms. Makoni is the Founder Zimbabwean activist has encouraged girls to take their and Director of Girl Child Network (GCN) Zimbabwe. education seriously.

“I advise girls to work very hard She is also Chief Executive in school and attain highest grades Officer of Girl Child Network possible,” Ms. Makoni said. “Don’t listen to all “Better be with a certificate in this trash that education as it will never divorce educated women don’t you no matter what. A man of get married quality is not afraid of equality” and build families.”

S h e Ms. Betty Makoni, warned girls Founder and Director of Girl that abandonChild Network World Wide ing their studies would lead to terrible consequences. Many women who stopped World Wide (GCNW). This is education as girls to elope and get an organization that champions married are now miserable, Ms. the rights of the girl child globally.

Makoni said.

“Marriage should not be an “Better be with a certificate in oppressive institution. This is where education as it will never divorce you should be loved and supported,” you no matter what. A man of quality is not afraid of equality,” Ms. Makoni Ms. Makoni told girls.

She praised men “who see educated women as contributors and not competitors.”

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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Nissi Mutale launches debut book in London Nissi Mutale, a multi award winning blogger and beauty queen has authored a book titled “Finding Me”.

Nissi, who is the reigning Miss Southern Africa UK, launched her book on 25th April 2012 in London.

Nissi’s debut book “Finding Me” presents her journey from self conscious teen to confident woman through poetry and short reflections.

It takes the reader on an exploration of the beautiful, painful and growing qualities of love, both romantic and otherwise.

Nissi, 22, is proof that brains can come with beauty. Born in Zambia but raised in an East London estate, Nissi’s humble beginnings helped

form the grit and drive the young lady has to succeed.

Nissi is passionate about helping women of all ages have great self esteem. She writes about beauty, identity and her relationship with God with flare and tact.

Determined to help women see that they are beautiful just as they are, she also emphasises the need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Nissi’s writings set her readers happily down the path of self reflection, self appreciation, and self improvement.

Aside from her writing Nissi is keen on promoting development in Southern Africa, most especially around education and health care.

For more information about Nissi Mutale, please visit: www.nissimutale. com or call 07949 345 520.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

IPCC to handle all Met Police racism complaints All complaints of racism against Metropolitan Police officers will be automatically referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The police watchdog said it will “undertake a thematic review” of the cases to identify any trends.

The move comes as five Met officers are under investigation over racism allegations.

On 12th August 2011 an allegation of racist language and assault against a 21-year-old man by MPS officers was referred to the IPCC. On 24th August 2011 IPPC received a referral regarding a 15-year-old youth who was allegedly assaulted by MPS officers at Forest Gate police station. The CPS is currently reviewing both of these investigations.

On 5th April 2012, an independent investigation commenced into allegations that racist comments were made within a group of MPS officers.

A further six cases referred in early April involve matters that have been inves-

Half of Britons ready to quit UK Forty-eight per cent of all Britons are “seriously considering” leaving the UK, a survey published by The Sun newspaper has revealed.

According to leading personal finance experts, many of them are planning to take their money with them. “The Sun’s findings reflect what our consultants have been telling us all year – that an increasing number of people are seeking advice on emigrating overseas,” said Nigel Green, CEO of the deVere Group.

Britons who are concerned about the cost of living, unemployment and crime, are considering moving abroad “as they seek a better quality of life for themselves and their families,” said Mr. Green.

He observed that “there’s a growing realisation that by moving their funds out of the UK, where they’ll be taxed less and better able to protect and maximise their wealth, they will have the potential to achieve this desired higher standard of living.”

Mr. Green continued: “Financially, wherever they choose to live in the world, expatriates are uniquely-positioned to be able to acquire a far greater level of disposable income than their counterparts in their home countries. From tax solutions to pensions, to investments and educations schemes, there is a raft of distinct benefits.”

tigated by the MPS or the investigation is at an advanced stage.

These referrals were made late when IPCC could no longer carry out meaningful investigations.

The IPCC therefore expects the MPS to conclude those investigations and be informed of the outcome in order to assess whether robust and appropriate action has been taken.

The IPCC said it shared the public concerns generated by these referrals, and as a result, now plan to closely scrutinise how the MPS is handling racism complaints.

“We want to be satisfied that these cases are being dealt with effectively and in line with our previously-released guidance on handling allegations of discriminatory

behaviour and our position on stop and search,” IPPC said.

Commissioner Mike Franklin, who assessed the MPS referrals and has overall responsibility for the five current independent investigations, said: “Responsibility for tackling racism in the police and for most complaints about racism by police

officers rests squarely with the police, who must demonstrate that they are not being passive and are taking action to root it out. However in view of these referrals the IPCC is increasing its level of scrutiny over these cases.”

He urged the police not to hide behind statistics but to recognise “that actual recorded allegations of racism are probably an indication of much wider disaffection and dissatisfaction.”

He said that young black men who are most likely to be stopped and searched are least likely to use the formal complaints system. “At the heart of people’s concerns are issues of fairness and respect – the British policing model which relies on policing by consent simply cannot deliver a professional service if sections of the population perceive it to be unfair and discriminatory,” Commissioner Franklin said.

MPs criticise UK Border Agency’s inefficiency Home Affairs Committee has criticized the UK Border Agency for failing to deport more than 600 Foreign National Prisoners who were released between 1999 and 2006.

The Committee’s third report of the year into the Work of the UK Border Agency, also criticises the Agency for failing to clear the ever increasing “controlled archive”.

The report urges the Home Office to act immediately to deal with the public scepticism in the effectiveness of the UK Border Agency and to require clarity in the information it produces for both the public and Parliament.

The Committee also highlighted the confusion surrounding the circumstances of the 520 Foreign National Prisoners released in 2010–11, who have been allowed to remain in the country.

The Committee found that the Agency has still not resolved all of the asylum ‘legacy’ cases first identified in 2006. Instead, there are 17,000 ongoing cases still awaiting a final decision and the Agency appears to be discovering more cases.

When first announced in 2006, the backlog was estimated at 400,000-450,000. The true figure was 502,000 cases. The Committee highlighted its concern at the size of the “controlled archive” which has only been reduced by 5000 files since its last report in November 2011. There are now 119,000 files placed in the archive where every effort to track an applicant has been exhausted. The MPs warned that at the current rate it will take a further four years to close all cases.

“This is unacceptable,” said Rt. Hon Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the Committee.

The MPs said that the £9.1m cost of the Iris Scanners, which are being closed down only five years after their introduction, should not be repeated.

The Agency should publish data collected on e-Gates trials to ensure it does not suffer the same costly investment in equipment which will not last, the Committee said.

The Committee said it remained uncertain over the feasibility of the Government’s e-borders timetable. It is difficult to see how the scheme can be applied to all rail and sea passengers by December 2014, the Committee said.

Observing that the Agency is still losing almost half of the appeals brought against it, the Committee said systems must be put in place to improve the Agency’s appeal figures. It is unacceptable that the Agency refuses to recognise the term ‘Bogus Colleges’ and that it makes half of its inspections announced, the Committee said, adding that the UK Border Agency must make all inspection visits to Tier 4 sponsors unannounced.

The Agency should as a matter of routine, begin working to establish the identities of Foreign National Prisoners, and ensure that they have the necessary travel documentation, as soon as they are sentenced, MPs recommended.

“The reputation of the Home Office, and by extension, the UK Government, is being tarnished by the inability of the UK Border Agency to fulfil its basic functions,” said Mr. Vaz. “The Foreign National Prisoner issue

and the Asylum backlog were scandals which first broke in 2006, six years ago. UKBA appears unable to focus on its key task of tracking and removing illegal immigrants, overstayers or bogus students from the country.”

Refugee Council welcomed the Home Affairs Select Committee’s report which criticized the UK Border Agency for failing to fulfil its basic functions. Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said: “Having told the public it had cleared the asylum backlog, this report confirms that the UKBA is still working on live cases.

These are people who have been in the UK for years, many living in limbo with no rights, and they deserve a quick and reasonable decision.”

Refugee Council urged the government to heed the warning given in the Committee’s report that the UKBA is not using country of origin information appropriately in all cases.

A similar warning had been given by the Independent Chief Inspector.

“The selective use of information, speculation and incorrect assumptions in life or death decisions must cease without delay,” Ms. Covey said.

Refugee Council said they were pleased that the report also raised concerns about sending people back to countries like Sri Lanka, where their lives may be at risk. “The UKBA must acknowledge the dangers facing people in their countries of origin and provide protection until they can return home safely. People seeking asylum must get a fair and effective service and a decision that is of the best possible quality,” Ms. Covey said.

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No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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

COVER

Let’s support each other and help the needy Interview with Pauline Long, founder of BEFFTA Awards Pauline Long, founder of BEFFTA Awards, is appealing to members of the Black community to unite and support each other.

“Does giving back take away from you? No it does not, it in fact increases your blessings,” she says in this exclusive interview with The AfroNews.

As part of their new initiative to support community charities, Ms. Long and her BEFFTA Awards team will host “BEFFTA This Is Love Concert” on 26th May 2012 at The Hippodrome.

It will raise funds for The Stephen Lawrence Centre which risks closing down due to financial difficulties.

Pauline, why have you decided to organise the “BEFFTA This Is Love Concert”?

BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts) Awards is a special award ceremony that purely gives back by recognising and honouring amazing black and ethnic talent within music, fashion, comedy, television, poetry, spoken word, modelling, film production and art directing, acting and more.

In the spirit of continuing to give back the BEFFTA Awards has branched out to reach out to community charities and projects and support them in whatever way we can whether financially or by volunteering our services. In this case I decided to initiate an annual charity concert that would help create awareness and raise much needed funds for various community charities but most importantly “BEFFTA This Is Love Concert” is spreading a message of love and promoting anti-violence and antihate.

Only through love for a brother and a

sister can we live peacefully in a community. This year we decided to support a very important charity which is The Stephen Lawrence Centre. The Centre is at risk of closing due to financial difficulties.

The parents of Stephen Lawrence have done an amazing job by creating something very positive from something negative and I think the only thing a united community can do is offer their kindness and help keep the Centre open.

It is a community asset and a Centre of excellence offering a fantastic learning environment not only to the youth but anyone with interest in film/media, IT, art, business management and entrepreneurship.

The Centre also offers mentorship schemes to young people. The BEFFTA team visited the centre and were amazed by what the centre has to offer. We caught a glimpse of Doreen Lawrence mentoring the youth at the centre.

Who will perform at the concert?

The line-up is absolutely fantastic, the artists are all on a different level but the greatest thing about them is they are all doing it for a worthy cause. They are donating their time and skills to The Stephen Lawrence Centre. The artists performing at “BEFFTA This Is Love Concert” on 26th May 2012 are: Omar, Starboy Nathan, Don-E, Myco Chris, Stedman Pearson, Dego Ranks, 4FLAVA, ShiiKANE, David O, Dionne Reid, Cloud Silver Line, May7ven, J-Sol, Aisling O’Reilly, and many others.

What are some the main challenges you’ve encountered in organising the charity concert?

One of the main challenges is having to

explain again and again that it is a charity concert raising much needed funds for a very worthy cause The Stephen Lawrence Centre, to people that are constantly asking for free tickets.

I do not understand how people can say they are coming to support the show when they cannot reach out to part with £20 to buy a ticket, money that will all go straight to the Centre.

I would like to encourage our community to give back more to our charities, no one, absolutely no one will come to our aid if we do not come to our own aid.

Yes we can and I strongly believe that together as a community we can. The other challenge is getting businesses to sponsor the event, but that is not new. I know many if not all people organising events for the community usually have to pay from their own

pockets, some have to work two or three jobs somewhere, some have to remortgage just to make it happen for the community.

I call upon community businesses whether small or big to support community based projects that give back and together

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

COVER Do you think the UK has learnt anything from the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence and the conviction of his killers?

Time will tell. I think the question should be why racism? Why go out of your way to be a racist when you can choose love and accept diversity?

No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

lost in administration and management, very little if nothing reaches the people on the ground.

You’ve been seeking support for different charities. Please describe the reaction you’ve received from the Black community in the UK.

port and some even went as far as sending hate mails.

I wonder who appointed these people as leaders. But as a self-motivated individual I saw no point taking their actions to heart as it is easy for me to turn a negative into a positive. Four years on BEFFTA is going strong fully funded by me and my husband and doing exactly what it was created to do.

BEFFTA Awards is a unique award ceremony that runs in the UK, USA and very soon in Africa and the Caribbean. It is the award ceremony where everybody is somebody, where everyone who has worked hard whether for a year, a month, a decade in the entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts is honoured. It is an award ceremony where we expect the A list celebrities and well known celebrities to mix equally with the unknown and unsung talent under one roof. It is where they are expected to share the same stage and sit on the same row because at BEFFTA Awards your contribution to the above industries whether small or big is valued.

We are about encouraging personalities to achieve at the highest level no matter what the critics say. At BEFFTA Awards we encourage personalities to swap business cards and work together and I’m proud to say that throughout the years the award ceremony has created unity amongst the community and plenty of collaborations have been born as a result.

I have always been and I am a fun of giving back, it is my calling. It is what I live for, however I cannot do it on my own.

I often seek help from some amazing peoUnfortunately racism is something ple in the community because together we inevitable for any black person here in the can achieve a lot but I have to point out UK. I have experienced it. My children, that it takes a lot of convincing to get friends and family have experienced it. people to join you in giving back.

One of the many experiences that still linDoes giving back take away from you?

No it does not, it in fact increases your blessings.

There is a misconception that “My plea to the community is to only the rich can give back and hence the misconception that rise up above anything that wealthy. Well, far from it. brings division and unite to sup- I’mActually let me re-tract my port each other if not for our comment, I am wealthy because benefit, for the benefit of our I have a roof on my head, I have children and the generations to had a meal, I’m healthy and I have had an education. Some come. Let us give back, let us may not agree with me and say build our dynasties together and being wealthy is driving a be our own support pillars for all Lamborghini, living in a mansion and jetting off on Holiday the foundations we set. in Dubai. I think it is wrong to Remember our children are assume that only one that has watching!” the latter lifestyle is wealthy and therefore is the only one I’ve learnt that you are running a stuthat should give back. dio in London. Please share with us about Ms. Pauline Long, I have done several events it.

Founder of BEFFTA Awards of Mr and Miss East Africa UK, none of them ever made money, East End Studio is one of London’s I paid for the venues, I gave largest blacked out film and Television gers on my mind is when I was spat at and cash to the winners and at the same time studios where we also work with the youth called the forbidden N word just randomly donated money to the charities all from who are studying film and media. The stuon a packed moving train. No one came to doing second jobs. It then becomes even a dio is giving them opportunity to have the my aid, everyone in the carriage just car- huge challenge to continue supporting the real exposure in the film industry. It is my ried on like it was normal. For one to do charities publicly through events, you shift day and night job that requires a lot of that to another human being there must be and start supporting them privately with- dedication. We have shot several music some deep-rooted hate towards the black out creating mass awareness for them. It is videos with major bands and artists from race that we will never understand. It is more affordable this way. So for now I’m rock bands to hip-hop, RnB, Reggae, pop, rather sad. personally supporting three charities with Christian. We shoot commercials, movies, the little I have as I continue to run Mr and fashion shows, theatre and dance rehearsThere are so many organisations Miss East Africa UK to help open doors als, dance classes, auditions and more. doing or claiming to be doing charity for the youth and lead them to the path of work in African countries. What’s your entrepreneurship.

Any other comment? view on their work?

Many Africans normally complain My plea to the community is to rise up What we need in Africa more than any- when others do things on their behalf, but above anything that brings division and thing else is the opportunity to trade with they are hardly ready to take leading unite to support each other if not for our the global village. We need the chance to roles. Have you had a similar experi- benefit, for the benefit of our children and be allowed to explore beyond the territo- ence? the generations to come. Let us give back, ries of our beautiful continent. Doing charlet us build our dynasties together and be ity work is not a bad thing, it is amazing.

Of course I have had similar experi- our own support pillars for all the foundaGiving back where you took from is awe- ences, I have even had hostility when I tions we set. Remember our children are some, giving back and sharing with people started BEFFTA Awards. Some personali- watching! that gave you is fantastic but when the ties who go round calling11:21:52 themselves com021211_150.8x69_TTX_Afro_0037_en.ai 1 02/12/2011 spirit of giving back becomes a mockery munity leaders refused to lend their supBy Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a where people have been asked to sit and wait for the basket to T-TALK arrive, then it is wrong.

International Calls from your mobile As a result Africa’s visible image is only that of a begging bowl. As an African when you are seen giving back to Same rates 24/7 ! fellow Africans people Use your existing pay will always tend to monthly or PAYG SIM. raise brows but if a European or an For more details visit American is doing the www.auracall.com/afro same, they are hailed as heroes. Why is that so when we know clearly that most of the Helpline: 020 8497 4622 big charities’ funds get Please share with us your experience of racism in the UK.

we can all grow. Their growth is the community growth and if there is a growing community then the businesses will definitely receive support too from the very community they are giving back to.

It is a two way traffic that must be addressed. For “BEFFTA This Is Love Concert”, I would like to encourage businesses to auction whatever services or goods they can offer and donate funds to The Stephen Lawrence Centre. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to buy tickets either on the night of the show at The Hippodrome Golders Green or buy online in advance. We want to stand proud together at the end of the concert and announce how much we have all raised for the wonderful Stephen Lawrence Centre. I would like to see bloggers and members of the press giving the concert coverage before the big night as opposed to asking for press passes to cover the event on the night. The time is now; please offer any support that you can.

11

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THE GUIDE

No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

13

Guide to the new student visa rules

The changes to the Immigration Rules which come into force on 6th April 2012 will affect all foreigners coming to the UK under the points based system (PBS). This guide seeks to explore how the recent changes will affect students.

year long).

Your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) tells the amount of money you need to show to pay your course fees. If you do not know what this amount is, you must ask your Tier 4 sponsor.

Changes to Tier 4 include

Evidence of money to cover your living costs

• Financial requirements to apply • Duration of student visa • Post study worker route • Graduate Entrepreneur route • Financial requirements to bring dependents along • Curtailment The government estimates that when reforms to the student visa system have been fully implemented, there will be around 70,000 fewer student visa grants a year and around 20,000 fewer visas issued to dependants.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS To successfully apply for a Tier 4 visa, you need to have enough money to pay for your course fees and for your monthly living costs.

You will score 10 points if you provide evidence that you have enough money to pay your course fees and living costs.

To claim the 10 points, you must show evidence that you: • have paid all or part of your course fees and (if relevant) accommodation fees to your Tier 4 sponsor; and/or • are receiving official financial sponsorship; and/or • have enough money to cover your remaining course fees and living costs, if any.

You can prove you have the money if you have cash in an account in your name (this includes joint accounts with your name) or a loan in your name; or official financial or government sponsorship.

You must be able to prove that the money you need to apply has been in your account for 28 days before you submit your application.

Evidence of money to cover your course fees If you are applying to start a new course, you must show that you have enough money to pay your course fees for the first year of your course (or for the entire course, if it lasts less than a year).

If you have already started your course and you are applying to extend your stay so that you can continue that course, you must show that you have enough money to pay your course fees: • to the end of the current academic year; or • for the next academic year, if you will continue your course at the start of the next academic year.

If you are applying to do a ‘study abroad’ programme in the UK as part of an overseas course, you must show that you have enough money to pay any fees you need to pay to the Tier 4 sponsor for the first year of the programme (or for the entire programme, if it is less than a

The amount of money that you will need to show depends on: • location: where you will be studying; and • whether you have an ‘established presence’ as a student in the UK; and • length of your course

Where you will be studying The UKBA calculates your living costs as: • £1,000 a month if you are spending more than half of your study time in inner London; or • £800 a month if you are spending more than half of your study time outside inner London ‘Inner London’ are any of the following London boroughs: Camden, City of London, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster.

money to cover your living costs for: • 2 months; or • the length of your course, if this is less than 2 months.

If you do not have an established presence, you must show that you have enough money to cover your living costs (see above) for: • 9 months; or • the length of your course, if this is less than 9 months.

If the length of your course includes a part of a month, the time will be rounded up to the next month.

DURATION OF ADULT STUDENT VISA The government introduced a fiveyear time limit for study at bachelors and masters degree level with certain exemptions for longer courses and doctorates at higher education institutions.

The Home Office believes that this will ensure that the student route serves its proper role as a means of temporary entry to the UK, not of achieving permanent settlement here.

Your student visa will now allow you to stay in the UK for the whole duration of your course, plus additional time, which varies according to the length of your study.

MAIN COURSE OF STUDY: (including student union Established Presence Your money requirement will be lo- sabbatical officers) • 12+ months: additional 4 months; wer if you are currently studying or have recently finished studying in the UK (‘established presence’).

• 6-12 months: additional 2 months • less than 6 months: additional 7 days

You have an established presence:

SHORT COURSE OF STUDY: to prepare you for • if you completed a single course of study lasting at least 6 months during study your most recent permission to stay in the UK; or • if you are applying to continue studying on a single course in the UK, of which you have completed at least 6 months.

Additionally, your current or most recent permission to stay must have been: • under Tier 4; or • as a student under the former Immigration Rules that were in force until 30th March 2009; or • as a postgraduate doctor or dentist.

You cannot amalgamate 2 or more courses to make up the 6 months’ study.

Amount of money needed If you are applying to enter or remain as a student without having an established presence in the UK as a student, you must have funds amounting to: If you have an established presence, you must show that you have enough

• 12+ months: additional 4 months; • 6-12 months: additional 2 months • less than 6 months: additional 1 month

POSTGRADUATE DOCTORS AND DENTISTS ON A RECOGNISED FOUNDATION PROGRAMME • The full length of the course (up to a maximum of three years) plus one month after the end of the course.

WORKING WHILE UNDER TIER 4 The time students are allowed to spend on work placements has been limited in order to crack down on those who come to the UK to work, rather than study.

The previous limit of 50% of the length of the course has been changed to one-third.

POST STUDY WORKER ABOLISHED Students could previously work in the UK for 2 years after completing their studies, by applying under Tier 1 (Post Study Worker) route of the points based system.

Following 6th April 2012, Post Study Worker route, deemed far too generous

in offering a two-year visa with no work restrictions, is no longer available.

The changes to the rules introduce a more selective system: in order to benefit the British economy, it has been agreed that only those who graduate from a university and have an offer of a skilled job at a salary of at least £20,000 (or more in some cases) from a reputable employer accredited by the UK Border Agency will be able to apply to continue living and working in the UK.

GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR: NEW ROUTE On the other hand, the new Graduate Entrepreneur route will introduce up to 1,000 places for students working on world class innovative ideas, who wish to develop these and who fall short of the requirements set out in Tier 1 of the points based system – Entrepreneur route.

Young entrepreneurs or small company directors will be considered to remain in the UK after their studies if they have £50,000 to invest in their business.

CURTAILMENT Curtailment is where leave is cut short by the authorities for a reason relating to non compliance of a particular visa.

From 6th April 2012, curtailment is mandatory where a migrant has failed to start or have ceased their work or study with their sponsor. This also includes cases where a sponsor notifies the UK Border Agency that a migrant is no longer pursuing the purpose of their visa.

The new changes will seek to reduce the curtailment threshold which is the level of leave you have left (which means that the authorities will not normally pursue curtailment) from 6 months to 60 days. The new changes also set out the limited exceptions to mandatory curtailment.

By Paljinder Kaur Bath [On behalf of Sejal Karavadra] Paralegal at DBS Law Edited by Federica Gaida

Questions If you have any questions relating to an immigration issue that needs to be answered, please email Sejal on Sejal@ dbslaw.co.uk quoting The AfroNews as the subject. Sejal will be answering a small selection of questions in each edition.

Disclaimer: The above article is meant to be relied upon as an informative article and in no way constitutes legal advice. Information is offered for general information purposes only, based on the current law when the information was published in this newspaper.

You should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified solicitor on any specific legal enquiry. For legal advice regarding your case, please contact DBS Law for a Consultation with a Solicitor by telephone on 0844 or by email on sejal@dbslaw.co.uk.

SPECIAL UK LEGAL GUIDE

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

14

No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Take stand on human rights, Dominican Republic presidential candidates urged for an extensive reform of the police, the appointment of an ombudsman and the provision of effective measures of redress in cases of gender based violence, abuses against migrants, denial of identity documents to Dominicans of Haitian descent and forced evictions.

“The presidential elections offer an In an open letter, Amnesty International extraordinary opportunity to discuss the details a series of recommendations for challenges faced by the Dominican presidential candidates, including the need Republic, including on how to better protect and promote human rights,” Javier Zúñiga, “The presidential elections offer an extraor- AdvisorSpecial at dinary opportunity to discuss the challenges A m n e s t y faced by the Dominican Republic, including I n t e r n a t i o n a l said. “Human on how to better protect and promote rights must not human rights. Human rights must not be be seen as a seen as a secondary or separate issue from secondary or issue daily issues of politics and economics, but separate from daily as integral and essential to the Dominican issues of politics and ecosociety” nomics, but as integral and essential to the Javier Zúñiga, ominican Special Advisor at Amnesty International Dsociety.”

Amnesty

Be involved in children’s academic life, fathers urged Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, has appealed to Jamaican fathers to become more involved in the academic life of their children.

He said that “too often, in our education system, the fathers turn up to take the little ones…to school, basic or infant, and then the next time you see him is at graduation from high school.

That trend has to change.”

The Minister made the call while addressing students of the Bishop Gibson High School for Girls in Manchester on 19th April 2012, during the dedication ceremony for the school’s new computer laboratory.

He praised the school for its sound academic programme with “forward thinking teaching practices,” and its contribution to the solid social and moral upbringing of the students.

He also lauded the institution for its vision to establish a Fathers’ Group, which encourages fathers to play an active role in the education of their daughters.

The Education Minister said this was a commendable move by the school, which he hopes will be replicated in all schools across Jamaica.

“I’m so happy and I want to commend the fathers, who engage themselves in their

daughters’ education and to encourage them,” he said. “It’s a trend that’s growing and we want it to be infectious,” he added.

Rev. Thwaites also told the girls that when they are ready to choose life partners, they must choose men who will be good fathers to their children. “The truth is that we men, very often, take our standards from the women who are around us, and therefore, there is a heavy responsibility that you have to yourselves and your children and to all of us,” he stated.

Rev. Thwaites further advised the girls that it “doesn’t matter how much money (a man) flashes or what kind of car he drives, but if he isn’t going to be a good father, and if he doesn’t match the character that you have learned at Bishop Gibson, tell him to pack his bags and go.”

Rev. Thwaites officially opened the school’s newly constructed computer laboratory, which was built through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry, the Parent-Teachers Association, the School Board and the community.

The $7.2 million facility boasts more than 70 computers and a state-of-the-art audio visual system.

By Athaliah ReynoldsBaker, JIS Reporter

©Amnesty International

Amnesty International has urged presidential candidates in the Dominican Republic to take a public stand on a range of issues including alarming levels of police killings, violence against women and abuses against migrants.

International said that human rights violations by the police are often inadequately investigated and many officers responsible are not brought to justice. The new President, Amnesty International said, should ensure that the Office of the

Prosecutor General instructs all prosecutors to investigate thoroughly all allegations of human rights violations by the police.

Presidential elections in the Dominican Republic will be held on 20th May 2012.

MoU signed for projects to boost Jamaican MSME Sector A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) valued at $15.4 million was signed on 20th April 2012 between the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) to implement three projects aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

These are an MSME Energy Conservation and Efficiency Project; establishment of a Craft ‘Biz’ Facility; and a Small Business Growth and Distribution Linkages Project. Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the JBDC’s Marcus Garvey Drive offices, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, said the projects seek to strengthen the capacity of the MSME sector to contribute to economic growth.

Citing the energy efficiency project, he said it touches on a most critical area of economic activity. The cost of energy, he said, “is perhaps the single most constraining factor on the growth and development of the economy...I

believe the activities indicated are critical to not only deepening the awareness of the problem, but begins to address aspects of the problem that has long been ignored or not given fulsome attention,” he stated.

Managing Director, DBJ, Milverton Reynolds, explained that the projects to be undertaken, will build capacity, enhance competitiveness among MSMEs, and provide business development service products, business mentors, technical service management products, and risk management interventions.

“We expect that these services will have a significant impact on many individuals who operate in the MSME sector,” he stated.

Chief Executive Officer, JBDC, Valerie Veira, in her remarks, said the partnership will provide critical support to facilitate the growth of the sector.

The MSME Energy Conservation and Efficiency project will run for 12 months and will benefit approximately 60 companies. The purpose of the project is to promote energy conservation management so that businesses will achieve lower operational costs and increased productivity.

It will also focus on promoting energy efficiency through work-

shops, energy audits, and renewable energy solutions, as well as the creation of income earning opportunities through renewable energy. The MoU will also allow for the JBDC to acquire energy solutions for the 60 targeted companies, publish two manuals for energy efficiency and conservation, acquire energy monitoring tools for conducting audits of 50 companies in the first instance, and subsidized audits for 20 companies.

Meanwhile, some 30 craft producers will be provided with specialized technical assistance and business development support through the Craft ‘Biz’ Facility, while the Small Business Growth and Distribution Linkages Project will strengthen the capacity of selected companies to take advantage of marketing and financing opportunities in an effort to create growth and development within their individual businesses.

Other support activities will include product development guidance and facilitation of enterprise readiness. Beneficiaries will also receive guidance in export readiness requirements and market testing and exposure opportunities.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter

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AFRICAN NEWS

No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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Al-Qa’ida “seeking African partners” - Report shows Al-Qa’ida terrorist movement is looking to partnerships in Saharan and Sub-Saharan Africa to re-group and re-energise, a new report by think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has revealed.

“Global Jihad Sustained Through Africa”, written by Valentina Soria, says that since the central leadership of Al-Qa’ida is weakened and challenged, the terrorist movement is re-grouping and reenergising itself in Africa.

Assessing regional affiliates such as Al-Qa’ida in the Maghreb and Al-Shabaab, as well as the recent activity of Boko Haram who appear to be emulating the practises of other Al-Qa’ida terror movements, report author Ms. Soria claims “a worrying prospect is developing of an arc of regional instability which Al-Qa’idacore could exploit.”

This threat, the report warns, poses new challenges as jihadism evolves and disperses into territories of ungoverned space across large stretches of the African continent. Among these, the potential for radicalisation and mobilisation of a new subset of British youth in the UK. “The focus of anti-jihadist counter-terrorism is shifting to Africa. Western intelligence and security services understand what is happening in Pakistan, in the Maghreb and in Yemen, even if they cannot do very much about it. But counterterrorism officials privately acknowledge that they are unsighted, and are working hard to try to understand how far the jihadist challenge may be migrating to Somalia, Kenya, north Nigeria and the borderlands of some of the vast territories of West Africa,” the report says.

The report reveals that Western intelligence and security services are aware of possible new challenges “as jihadism evolves and disperses into territories of

“The focus of anti-jihadist counter-terrorism is shifting to Africa. Western intelligence and security services understand what is happening in Pakistan, in the Maghreb and in Yemen, even if they cannot do very much about it. But counterterrorism officials privately acknowledge that they are unsighted, and are working hard to try to understand how far the jihadist challenge may be migrating to Somalia, Kenya, north Nigeria and the borderlands of some of the vast territories of West Africa” Ms. Valentina Soria, Author of “Global Jihad Sustained Through Africa” ungoverned, or loosely governed, space across large stretches of the African continent.”

The report warns that there are many dimensions to the potential threat including fighters from African conflicts coming into the UK. “The dynamics of jihadism in Africa may provoke direct terrorist attacks inside the UK, though to date there is no direct public evidence of this happening. Attacks on UK citizens and interests abroad, however, have already taken place, in Kenya

and Nigeria,” the report says.

The report adds: “Most significant is the potential for radicalisation and then mobilisation of a new subset of youth in the UK. This has already taken place over the last fifteen years in sections of the Pakistani, North African and even the Indian communities; the UK could soon be facing much greater radicalisation among the Somali minority and new radicalisation

in some sections of other communities from east and west African countries.”

The report further warns that a new phase of decisive developments from Africa could trigger further turmoil. “The UK cannot expect to remain immune from the ‘spill-over’ effects of events that could reshape part of the African continent,” it says.

Oil spill in Niger Delta 60 times bigger than Shell admitted

The spill in 2008, caused by a fault in a Shell pipeline, resulted in tens of thousands of barrels of oil polluting the land and creek surrounding Bodo, a Niger Delta town of some 69,000 people.

The previously unpublished assessment, carried out by US firm Accufacts, found that between 1,440 and 4,320 barrels of oil were flooding the Bodo area each day following the leak.

The Nigerian regulators have confirmed that the spill lasted for 72 days.

According to Shell’s official investigation report, only 1,640 barrels of oil were spilt in total. But based on the independent

assessment the total amount of oil spilt over the 72 day period is between 103,000 barrels and 311,000 barrels.

“The difference is staggering: even using the lower end of the Accufacts estimate, the volume of oil spilt at Bodo was more than 60 times the volume Shell has repeatedly claimed leaked,” said Audrey Gaughran, Director of Global Issues at Amnesty International. “Even if we use the start date given by Shell, the volume of oil

©AI

A major oil spill in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region was far worse than Shell previously admitted, an independent assessment obtained byAmnesty International and the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD), has revealed.

spilt is far greater than Shell recorded.”

Shell’s oil spill investigation report also claims that the spill started on 5th October 2008 – while the community and Nigerian regulators have confirmed a start date of 28th August 2008.

What is not in dispute is that Shell did not stop the spill until 7th November – four weeks after it claims it began – and 10 weeks after the start date given by the community and the regulator.

Converting the amount into litres, Shell’s figure is just over 260,000 litres, while the lowest estimate based on the Accufacts assessment, and using Shell’s start date, would be 7.8 million litres.

However, using the start date given by the community and regulator and the higher end of the estimate, then it is possible that as much as over 49 million litres of oil spilt at Bodo.

The publication of the independent assessment coincided with a global week of action in which people from across the

world called on Shell to stop hiding from the devastating impact of its operations in the Niger Delta on people’s lives and the environment.

Patrick Naagbanton, Coordinator of CEHRD, added: “The evidence of Shell’s bad practice in the Niger Delta is mounting. Shell seems more interested in conducting a PR operation than a clean-up operation. The problem is not going away; and sadly neither is the misery for the people of Bodo.”

More than three years after the Bodo oil spill, Shell has yet to conduct a proper clean up or to pay any official compensation to the affected communities. After years of trying to seek justice in Nigeria the people of Bodo have now taken their claim to the UK courts.

Amnesty International is also running an online petition calling on Shell’s Chief Executive Peter Vosser to act. To sign the petition, please visit: www.amnesty.org. uk/ownup.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Young Kenyan musician to watch out for

Vanessa Obura tells her man she’s a “Wife Material” If a man loves a woman but he is reluctant to propose because he doubts whether she can make a good wife, it would be good for the woman to assure him that she truly is a wife material.

her to take singing seriously.

She embarked on music as a career in 2010 when she released her first hit “Special.”

This year Vanessa has released two singles: “Raha Yangu” and “Jibeba” and she intends to release more songs and This is what Vanessa Obura, a young hopefully her first album next year.

Kenyan musician does in her new single Being a woman of two worlds, “Wife Material”.

Vanessa’s music incorporates elements The song talks about a guy who loves from Kenyan and Ivorian music.

Vanessa, but is hesitating to take their relaShe says that Ivorians like telling stotionship to a higher level because of what ries, so she uses her music to share with Vanessa does. She is a musician who loves her fans true stories based on her personal to “party and hustle and be independent.” experiences. “But I mostly speak for the Vanessa observes that men are seem- women,” she says. ingly “intimidated by independent As a young female musician in Kenya, women.”

Vanessa says that it’s a challenge to earn She says that “women who like to party people’s respect. People easily misjudge tend to be taken as women who are not you, it’s not easy to know who is sincere in serious.” I like “to have fun and hustle to their dealings with you, she says, adding make it on my own and have my own,” that sometimes her “kindness is mistaken Vanessa says. with flirting.”

While the song “Wife Material” is For a very long time, musicians in based on Vanessa’s personal experience, Kenya were seen as promiscuous people she is convinced that many other women and this made many parents discourage not are facing a similar challenge. only their daughters but even their sons Vanessa who was born and raised up in from becoming musicians.

Ivory Coast, is now based in Nairobi.

Vanessa is, however, lucky to have She has always attended talent shows parents who are very supportive of her and done well in the competitions. Vanessa musical career. “All a parent wants is the took part in plays and musicals while at best for their children,” she says. “My dad school and her teachers always encouraged has been really supporting me, even asking how my shows went.”

Apart from being a wife material, VANESSA OBURA’S LINKS Vanessa is an up and coming musician with an extraordinary talent. As says: “Stay tuned, because I http://www.reverbnation.com/vanika she have a lot more I want to offer to the Facebook: search for Vanika Pink world.” She is right. Watch out for Twitter: @VanikaPink this special talent.

Email: vanessaobura@yahoo.fr

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

Vanessa Obura says that men are seemingly “intimidated by independent women”

“How 2 Steal 2 Million” Scoops four prizes at Africa Movie Academy Awards South African Charlie Vundla won the Best Director Award at the eighth Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held on 22nd April 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Vundla’s film noir thriller “How 2 Steal 2 Million”, was named Best Film. South African actress Terry Pheto won the Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in the film, which also won Best Achievement in Editing (Garreth Fradgely).

With four awards, “How 2 Steal 2 Million” was the most awarded film on the night.

Nigeria’s Benin-set historical epic “Adesuwa” was a close second with three awards, for Costume Design, Visual Effects, and Best Nigerian Film.

South Africa’s crime drama “State of Violence” won Best Film in an African Language and Best Achievement in Sound.

“Man on Ground”, a Nigerian/South African xenophobia-themed coproduction, won the Special Jury Award – given for

only the third time since the inception of AMAA – and Best Supporting Actor for South African Fana Mokoena.

Nigeria’s Rita Dominic was named Best Actress for her role in Kenyan film “Shattered”, while Ghanaian Majid Michel won Best Actor for his role in “Somewhere in Africa”.

“Toussaint Louverture” was named Best

Diaspora Film.

Nigeria was the most awarded country on the night, receiving 12 awards, followed closely by South Africa with 10.

AMAA received 328 entries from across Africa in 2012, up from 220 in 2011.

Dr. Asantewa Olantunji, director of programming of The Pan African Film Festival, headed this year’s jury.

In a statement, the jury said: “This year may prove to be the beginning of a new era for AMAA. Not only did AMAA witness an unprecedented number of film submissions, from more countries throughout the African continent and its Diaspora, it also witnessed a remarkable increase in the quality of the films submitted.

“From their technical qualities to the acting and directing, the 2012 film slate is most impressive.”

The jury said that the task of selecting the “Best” in each category was challenging. “The competition in most categories was very strong and our decisions reflect much thought and debate,” the jury said.

The jury was also impressed by the quality and diversity of the storylines of the films presented. “The decolonization of African films and images is well underway.

As never before, we see films that tell real stories: inspired by, reflective of and crafted by the people, by whom and for whom they were made,” the jury said.

Some of the biggest names from black Hollywood were at the AMAAs, including Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee Lynn Whitfield (“The Josephine Baker Story” and “Without a Trace”); Morris Chestnut (“American Horror Story”, “Boyz in the Hood”); Rockmond Dunbar (“Prison Break”, “Sons of Anarchy”) and Maya Gilbert (“General Hospital”, “Days of Our Lives”).

“Heroes” star Jimmy Jean-Louis hosted the prestigious awards, which included performances from Asa, 2Face Idibia and Senegal’s Viviane Ndour.

Only films produced and released between December 2010 and December 2011 were eligible.

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ENTERTAINMENT

No. 7. May 2012 www.theafronews.eu

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Suzanna Lubrano releases thrilling Zouk Pop single “Tardi Di Mas” Suzanna Lubrano, the Cape Verdean Zouk artist has released a new powerful, thrilling single and clip titled “Tardi Di Mas”.

The songstress with a honey-like voice says that the new song is totally different from all the songs she did in the past. “It has more professionalism,” she says.

“Tardi di Mas” has been produced by Giorgio Tuinfort, Akon’s Production partner.

Suzanna says that Giorgio’s experience of working with international artists including the late Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, the late Michael Jackson, helped make “Tardi di Mas” an excellent hit.

“Tardi di Mas” which in English means “Much Too Late”, is a song about a relationship that has come to an end. It talks about a girl who was in love, did everything possible to save their relationship but the guy didn’t love her.

The guy only realised he loved the girl after she fell out of love. But at that stage it was already too late. “You never loved me before, now you do, but it’s too late,” she tells the guy.

“Tardi di Mas” is inspired by a true story. Suzanna says that many people go through similar experiences. “As is commonly said, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone,” Suzanna says.

“Tardi di Mas” is the first song of a new LP Suzanna is working on.

The LP which is in post production phase, is expected to be released later this year.

Suzanna reveals that this will be “her most personal LP” for it’s the first time she has written and produced most of the songs.

Suzanna, who previously concentrated on performing, is now getting more involved in music production.

She says that the most challenging part of being in the music industry is to evolve

empty lyrics, I would like to have wisdom to write inspiring, encouraging, loving songs. Songs that can make people feel loved, see things in different ways.”

Suzanna observes that many children listen to music, but unfortunately, many of the songs they are exposed to are not appropriate for them.

Suzanna is one of Africa’s most talent-

“I’d love to spread positive messages. It’s very important to spread positive messages, I don’t want to write empty lyrics, I would like to have wisdom to write inspiring, encouraging, loving songs.

Songs that can make people feel loved, see things in different ways” Suzanna Lubrano, Musician

and keep up to date with new trends.

A beautiful mother of three, Suzanna says it’s quite difficult to be a mother and musician. “Missing children and travelling make it difficult,” she says, adding that whenever she travels, she calls her children as often as possible.

Suzanna says that she does everything out of love, and advises upcoming musicians to love what they do. “Stay original, stay yourself. Don’t try doing what someone else is already doing,” Suzanna says.

“Use your talent, that’s the best way to get

ed female artists. She has won several awards including the 2003 Kora All African Music Award for Best African Female Artist.

The Netherlands-based musician won the 2010 Museke Online African Music Award for Best African Artist based in the Diaspora.

“Tardi Di Mas” is available as a download on all major music platforms.

where you have to be. If you imitate others, you’ll just be another one, but if you do something original, you’ll be unique.”

Suzanna, who is known for her moving

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a Zouk hits, also plays different styles of music including SUZANNA LUBRANO’S LINKS Coladeira, R&B, Batuqu and Bachata. Her music is often described as Latin Pop. http://www.suzannalubrano.com She says: “I’d love to spread https://twitter.com/SuzannaLubrano positive messages. It’s very important to spread positive http://www.facebook.com/suzanna. messages, I don’t want to write lubrano

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COMMENTARY-OP-ED

Social networks not doing enough to combat online racism Talk to any Black person who grew up in the UK since the ‘Empire Windrush’ hit Tilbury in 1948 and they’ll tell you that they faced overt and systematic racism on a daily basis.

Since the rise of the politically correct generation racism has simmered beneath the surface of British society. Now we have it floating through our 3G and Wi-Fi connections. After decades of trying to smother racist ideology with political correctness, we have come full circle and racism is beginning to bubble to the sur-

“Social networking has allowed racists of the world to unite and this is done under the guise of freedom of expression. This is a global public platform that everyone can tap into. Should we really tolerate hatred on a platform that can easily permeate every aspect of our lives?”

face again.

With almost 60% of the Black population agreeing that racism is still prevalent in the UK, this is not necessarily news.

What has changed is that racism has adapted to the 21st century.

Liam Stacey’s brutal racist tweets about Fabrice Muamba, the Black footballer who had a heart attack during a match in March, landed him seven weeks in prison. Yet, many believe that Stacey’s sentence is unwarranted, the overkill of political correctness.

Almost a year ago, Liam O’Donoughoe, a Norwich City Football Club fan, tweeted a racist remark about James Vaughn, which earned him a lifetime ban from the Canaries’ ground. From my point of view Stacey’s conviction is finally a step in the right direction. For once such comments have been considered serious by the judiciary. However, socially we haven’t addressed the core beliefs of racism.

We’ve simply done all we can to hide them.

In 2007, thousands of Facebook users signed a Unite Against Fascism petition to rid the site of racist images and messages from the British National Party’s Facebook group. Facebook did all they could to have the group leaders remove the images,

which was haphazard and ineffective, but they didn’t do anything to close the group.

In fact, there is nothing in Facebook’s terms and conditions to hinder the use of racist content. The BNP Facebook group is still operating today, racist banter still in full effect.

Do a search on YouTube for ‘racism’ and the content is astounding. There is an entire section dedicated to Black jokes.

Do the same for ‘fascism’ and the results are even more alarming. Google, the world’s largest search engine, has done nothing to remove racist and fascist content from YouTube.

Like Facebook, Google believes in the freedom of expression of its client base. It allows for the broadest use of the medium. YouTube’s terms and conditions state: “We encourage free speech and defend everyone’s right to express unpopular points of view. But we don’t permit hate speech (speech which attacks or demeans a group based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, and sexual orientation/ gender identity)”.

In other words, images that promote hate are fine, as long as you don’t voice your hatred.

Social media sites and their users hide behind the US Constitution’s First

Amendment, guaranteeing freedom of speech, and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas”. This is prefect legislation for social networking sites, since it negates accountability for the actions of its users.

Twitter didn’t take actions against Liam Stacey for his comments; in fact Liam Stacey’s Twitter account was still active until he went to prison. He actually used Twitter to make a public apology.

Twitter didn’t report his actions to the police, but disgruntled users brought it to their attention. Yet the platform for cyberhatred is still left open. There is no onus on social media sites to bring their users to task. They have no obligation to police their users and face no condemnation for the actions of bullies, racists, stalkers or predators.

Social networking has allowed racists of the world to unite and this is done under the guise of freedom of expression.

This is a global public platform that everyone can tap into. Should we really tolerate hatred on a platform that can easily permeate every aspect of our lives?

With the government purposing to monitor all our electronic communication, for our protection of course, I plan to protest against any monitoring that infringes on my civil liberties. But is Stacey’s sentence an infringement of his civil rights? I like to think of it as a message that racial hatred will finally not be tolerated. These sites have a moral obligation to ensure their users do not use their platforms to incite hatred. Hopefully one day they will also have a legal obligation too.

By Oran Blackwood

SEND US YOUR LETTERS We welcome letters on topical issues, your experiences, and or any article you have read in The AfroNews. Letters, not exceeding 600 words, must include your full name (not necessarily for publication), address and telephone numbers for verification. Letters may be edited for publication.

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LIFESTYLE & RELIGION

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Britain’s oldest Black Church celebrates 60th Anniversary Britain’s oldest black Pentecostal denomination, the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) will celebrate its 60th anniversary Jubilee in August 2012 at their recently refurbished 2,000 seater headquarters in Luton, Bedfordshire.

The celebrations will run from 24th to 27th August 2012 and feature live worship services, a music concert, a video presentation and contributions from special guests.

Bishop Alvin Blake, head of COGIC stated: “COGIC has a great cultural and spiritual heritage in Britain. For almost 60 years we’ve been proclaiming a gospel of hope, and seen many people’s lives positively changed as a result. During this year of celebration we will be reflecting on our history and achievements as well as looking to the future.”

COGIC UK was started in 1948 by members of the Windrush Generation, Bishop Oswald and Mary McLachlan, who were a part of the first wave of Jamaican migrants to come to the UK in the late 1940s.

They initially started church services in their home in Stoke Newington, north London.

COGIC UK became an official church denomination in 1952 when the founder of its American counterpart, Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, formally inaugurated the organisation during a visit to London to

attend the World Pentecostal Conference.

The US branch of COGIC is America’s largest black denomination, and has over six million members, plus an additional one million members around the world.

COGIC UK became a prominent force in black Christian circles under the leadership of Bishop Robert Clifford Bell, who led the church between 1963 and 1998.

The denomination now has 21 branches throughout Britain. Aside from being a beacon of hope in their local communities, COGIC has impacted the wider black Pentecostal church movement in the UK through the lives of individual members

who are renowned both within and outside the denomination.

COGIC’s National Choir also played a part in introducing UK audiences to the black church and the power of gospel music. It was the first black gospel choir to be featured on BBC TV’s Songs of Praise and was heavily featured in the historic Songs of Praise broadcast from Southwark Cathedral in 1984.

Anniversary celebrations and events will be held throughout 2012. COGIC will officially participate in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee BIG Lunch on 3rd June 2012. The church will also be utilising social media to augment their celebrations.

A COGIC Diamond Jubilee Heritage Page has been set up to encourage past and present members to share memories of their experience being part of COGIC, as well as reach out to former members of COGIC’s Mass Choir.

Rev Clevere Fenty, the Chair of COGIC’s Jubilee Organising Committee said: “I have great memories of the church – of its lively services, the great singing and music and more importantly, the various people whose lives the church has transformed through its gospel message.

“I have great memories of the church – of its lively services, the great singing and music and more importantly, the various people whose lives the church has transformed through its gospel message. All these things and more will be looked on during our celebrations, but more importantly we will be celebrating our youth, looking to the future and looking at new ways to reach our broken communities” Rev Clevere Fenty, Chair of COGIC’s Jubilee Organising Committee All these things and more will be looked on during our celebrations, but more importantly we will be celebrating our youth, looking to the future and looking at new ways to reach our broken communities.”

Rev Fenty has been a member of the Church since 1966.

Nurses, midwives and pharmacists to prescribe controlled drugs Appropriately qualified nurses and pharmacists can now prescribe controlled drugs like morphine, diamorphine and prescription-strength co-codamol, the Government has said.

Under the Changes to Misuse of Drugs Regulations, up to 20,000 nurses and midwives, and 1,500 pharmacists who are qualified as ‘independent prescribers’ will now be able to prescribe controlled drugs where it is clinically appropriate and within their professional competence.

Department of Health said that the move makes the best use of their skills and helps patients get faster and more effective care.

Nurses and pharmacists will also now be able to mix a controlled drug with another medicine for patients who need drugs intravenously. This will ensure faster

treatment, especially for those who need urgent pain relief in A&E and palliative care settings.

They will also be able to supply or administer morphine and diamorphine under Patient Group Directions, for urgent treatment of very sick or critically injured groups of patients.

Most prescriptions for controlled drugs will be to reduce pain and suffering of emergency patients in A&E, or those nearing the end of their life. These patients will now no longer have to wait for a doctor to sign a prescription, which means they will be able to receive urgent pain relief more quickly.

Nurses and pharmacists will also be able to prescribe controlled drugs in community pain clinics for patients with longterm conditions such as arthritis.

“These changes will help deliver faster and more effective care, making it easier for patients to get the medicines they need, without compromising safety,” Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Dame Chris Beasley, said.

“Enabling appropriately qualified nurses and pharmacists to prescribe and mix those controlled drugs they are competent to use, for example in palliative care, completes the changes made over recent years to ensure we make the best use of

these highly trained professionals’ skills, for the benefit of patients.”

Only nurses, pharmacists and midwives who have the right experience and who have successfully completed additional post-registration training will be able to prescribe controlled drugs.

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Dr Keith Ridge, said: “Patients are increasingly being treated by a broader range of health professionals. Whilst it remains important that all healthcare professionals work as a team to support patients, pharmacists, like nurses and midwives are increasingly taking on new roles to deliver more flexible, improved care, and better outcomes.

“These changes support our aim of making the best possible use of pharmacists’ knowledge and capability to deliver faster, more personalised and optimised patient care.”

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