The Phoenix Africa - February 2023

DON'T MISS OUT ON COLUMNS FROM NANA

KWAKU AGYEMANG & KHORI HYDE

REV. CYRIL STEPS UP

PAGES 6 & 7

EDITORS NOTE

Welcome to “The Phoenix Africa” an exclusive FREE quality Newspaper for the people and business community of Africa.

The Phoenix Africa is a fresh and vibrant publication bringing quality content to the masses. The first free newspaper to be published in Africa by Africans. Leading the way and setting trends.

This is a sister publication to the successful “The Phoenix Newspaper UK” which has stayed true to its focus in providing a regular mix of Positive and Informative articles with an honest and unbiased viewpoint that have a direct connection to its growing readership of 8million worldwide.

The Phoenix Newspaper is renowned as the “voice of the people” truthful and professional journalism, in depth reports and interviews, facts and not fiction, presented in a bright and refreshing

publication that attracts and captivates its audience.

Now these exciting developments are coming to the people of Africa in this Exclusive Free Newspaper & Online Publication.

Working with the people and communities of Africa, starting in Ghana, which is seen as the Gateway, The Phoenix Africa will be connecting with senior government departments and embracing the leaders of major business enterprises, we will be bringing something for everyone, in this new and exclusive publication providing a platform for the Role Models that the next generation will aspire to be.

Building upon our success “Phoenix Africa” will contain exclusive news and developments from across the continent of Africa and the world, bringing detailed and authoritative reports and reviews of matters that reflect and affect both the lifestyle and prosperity of the African people.

This is a platform that will create employment for many young people who aspire to be within this type of industry.

It will invariably give them the chance to write their own narrative to reflect a more inclusive attitude when representing themselves, their culture and their people.

It is important to note that we do NOT report sensationalised news, only uplifting and nonbiased apolitical journalism.

Welcome to The Phoenix Africa, your one stop shop of

WRAP Appoint New CEO

CLIMATE ACTION NGO

WRAP recently announced the appointment of Harriet Lamb as its new CEO.

everything positive. We have a need to be accountable to the next generation.

The Phoenix Africa has big plans for the new year with our annual awards taking place again.

The team is ready and waiting to connect with you, so please do get in touch and find out what The Phoenix can do for you and your business.

Ms Lamb is an experienced CEO including having built the global movement Fairtrade which fights for better conditions and fair prices for smallholder farmers and workers across the developing world.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining the ace-team at WRAP given their impressive track record of finding solutions, bringing partners together and dialling up the impact.

“I look forward to scaling WRAP’s respected programmes tackling the issues of waste, carbon and water while promoting the circular economy. We can be at the forefront of making the good life, everyone’s life. It’s an enormous opportunity to unite the public, businesses and governments behind tackling climate change headon.”

WRAP’s Chair Sebastian Munden said: “Appointing a CEO is one of the most important things a Chair and Trustee board do, and we are incredibly excited that Harriet is joining us. She brings a wealth of experience at CEO level and has demonstrated across her career so far that she can bring people together to scale positive change.

“Our purpose at WRAP is to tackle climate change and protect our planet by changing the way things are produced, consumed and disposed of. To bring this about

we need to increase our reach and the practical support we can give stakeholders like governments and businesses, internationally and in the UK, to achieve their sustainability goals. I have every confidence that Harriet’s appointment will accelerate our impact.”

Interim CEO Richard Swannell said: “I very much welcome this appointment and look forward to working with Harriet. Her experience of working in the food system at Fairtrade, and working in both the UK and internationally on climate issues will be invaluable to WRAP going forward.”

Ms Lamb has always worked for social and environmental issues, including 15 years with Fairtrade, as CEO of the UK Fairtrade Foundation and then of Fairtrade International. Fairtrade is a certification scheme that sets standards to make trade fairer, working with producers in the developing world as well as thousands of companies and retailers and creating a vibrant grassroots movement.

She is currently CEO of Ashden, which promotes just climate solutions including sustainable energy in the UK and globally. Prior to that she led International Alert, a peacebuilding organisation.

She has won a number of awards including a CBE, Orange Businesswoman of the Year and Cosmopolitan EcoQueen. She was also the first woman Honorary Fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

Single-Use Cutlery And Plates To Be Banned In England

SINGLE-USE ITEMS like plastic cutlery, plates and trays is now banned in England, the government confirmed.

It wasn’t originally clear when the ban will come into effect, but it followed similar moves already made by Scotland and Wales. Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said the move would help protect the environment for future generations.

Campaigners welcomed the

ban but called for a wider-ranging plastic reduction strategy. Government figures suggest that 1.1 billion single-use plates and more than four billion pieces of plastic cutlery are used in England every year. Plastic waste often does not decompose and can last in landfill for many years. Although it might be useful in terms of food hygiene, it can also end up as litter, in turn polluting soil and water.

l Steve Williams, Editor, The Phoenix Africa

l Nana Agyeman Amlak, Ambassador, The Phoenix Africa

l Dr Alex Akwaeze, Operations Manager, The Phoenix Africa

l Julian Agyeman, Marketing PR and Events Executive. The Phoenix Africa

l Roland Joseph Tetteh, Assistant Editor, The Phoenix Africa

l Gideon Osei Kankam, Sales & Marketing, The Phoenix Africa

l Ayo Akinfe, Contributor

l Bernard Kwakye, Webmaster, The Phoenix Africa

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin, Editor In Chief, The Phoenix Africa

The Hindu festival of lights — Diwali - is one of the most important dates in the religious calendar in India, which is celebrated by more than a billion people across different faiths around the world.

Seeing families and friends get together to share conversations

INDIA NOW CELEBRATING ECO-FRIENDLY DIWALI TO IMPROVE AIR POLLUTION

reported higher values on Diwali Day and pre-Diwali day.”

and meals, conduct rituals, light traditional lamps and burst fireworks, this latter element of the festivities has, especially in the plains of northern India, meant that Diwali comes with the inevitable drawback of an alarming dip in air quality. In 2020, the Central Pollution Control Board of India said that “almost all pollutants

It has now become its own sort of tradition that each year the air quality in Delhi and the surrounding regions plunges into the “severe” category, with firework smoke adding on top of the already toxic soup of winter smog caused by factors including crop burning in neighbouring states, traffic pollution, major industries and a boom in construction work after the monsoons.

Report Proves Olive Oil Goes The “Extra ml” For A Healthy Heart

A NEW REPORT has scientifically proven the benefits of raw olive oil for improving heart health compared with other oils such rapeseed and sunflower.

The report builds on an initial study by Glasgow University, funded in the final stages by Filippo Berio, which found it does not matter whether it is extra virgin or “regular” olive oil, as long as people consume 20ml in its raw form each day - all olive oils produce a beneficial effect in coronary artery disease (CAD).

The distinctive methodology used in the study measured tiny levels of protein in urine which are indicators (biomarkers) of heart health – long before any symptoms are detected.

By measuring these biomarkers there is now data to show that only extra virgin and “normal” olive oil have a positive impact on heart health. The latest study shows no other edible oils achieve this.

Dr Bill Mullen, University of Glasgow, carried out both the olive oil study and the follow-up study to test sunflower and rapeseed oils. He explained: “The initial olive oil

study was carried out in Glasgow because the Glasgow population had such a low intake of olive oil that it was like painting on a blank canvas. Glasgow was also the heart attack capital of the UK, if not Europe.

“We tried to recreate the olive oil study using the two other oils. We recruited volunteers within Glasgow once again as we assumed that this would match as close as possible to the olive oil study. It was a surprise to us to find that neither oil provided any beneficial effect for heart health.”

“Olive oil has long been viewed as a healthy oil because of its association with the Mediterranean diet”, says UK managing director, Filippo Berio. Walter Zanré, went on: “However, this theory has previously only been based on correlation - for example, those who live in the Mediterranean have a lower incidence of heart disease (CAD) than in the UK.

“But this research by the University of Glasgow not only proves correlation between olive oil, in any form, and improving heart health - it also shows it's the only oil that delivers these benefits.”

The air pollution crisis has led some Indian states including Delhi to ban fireworks altogether in recent years, or mandate that only “green” crackers with reduced emissions are used. With gift-giving, feasts and decorations a key part of any family’s Diwali, businesses that benefit from this expenditure are adapting to the demand from customers for eco-friendly options.

Instead of sending out plastic-wrapped Diwali gifts, there

is a clear trend among business owners to opt for sustainable packaging. People hold placards to raise awareness on air pollution caused by firecrackers used during the celebrations for the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali.

“As much as we love to put on extra lights during this festival, our family has decided to take the traditional route this year by putting up multiple sustainable diyas (a small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay) and save electrici-

ty,” says Raagini Mehta, who hails from New Delhi. “Our community has also strictly banned the use of fireworks as the last few years has caused our city a lot of harm.”

This year the residents of Siliguri in West Bengal protested to raise awareness of the air pollution spike caused by Diwali fireworks. They held placards with slogans like “say no to crackers”, and “fireworks can be scary” while walking down the street.

Search Begins

For First West Midlands Tech Commissioner

APPLICATIONS have opened in the search for the West Midlands’ first-ever Tech Commissioner to help maintain the region’s place as a leading UK tech hub, with the aim of supporting the creation of thousands more jobs and growing the local economy by almost £3billion by 2025.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is creating the part-time, voluntary role in a partnership with Birmingham Tech, a not-for-profit community initiative (CIC) which aims to raise the profile of the region’s tech scene.

Once in post, the Tech Commissioner will have a high-profile role spearheading an international network of West Midlands Global Tech Ambassadors. They will be tasked with ensuring the region’s tech sector retains its position as the UK’s fastest growing, as it has proudly been for the past two years, valued at £15.3 billion, up from £11.5 billion in 2021.

The successful candidate will be expected to advocate for the region as a place that national and international ‘big tech’ firms should relocate to or have a presence in, engage with key influencers in the sector to understand their barriers to growth, and champion new investment in startups and those looking to scale up.

BRAVERY AWARD GIVEN TO NINE-YEAR-OLD WITH CANCER

Ayoung footballer who had to put his sporting ambitions on hold when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour has received a bravery award.

Aston Barnett, nine, from Wolverhampton was due a visit from Aston Villa talent scouts but instead had to undergo treatment

after collapsing in August. The ardent Villa fan said: "Having cancer has changed a lot of things but there's no point in negativity."

Cancer Research UK chose him for its Star Award to reward his courage. Aston's parents, Jess Huckerby and Andy Barnett, had been told their son's constant headaches, vomiting and extreme

tiredness were due to long Covid.

When he collapsed on 13 August, he was taken to Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital for an MRI scan and a tumour was discovered. He had surgery three days later, a course of chemotherapy and underwent radiotherapy in December.

It meant he was undergoing

treatment through his ninth birthday and Christmas, but he said:

"I'm hoping the treatment I'm having is going to make those tumours explode and go away. Negativity drags you down, but positivity picks you up."

Aston said he loves school and missed his friends and teachers, but most of all he misses playing

in goal for his club Paget Rangers. His mum said: "It would be easy to dwell on feeling angry at the delays to Aston's diagnosis but feeling like that doesn't really help anyone.

"Instead, we prefer to draw on Aston's own positivity and feel hopeful about the future."

REV. CYRIL STEPS UP TO BE A VOICE FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS

funds for them, people who are vulnerable and in a lot of cases don’t have any family to come and support them during their stay in hospital.”

He started the National All Drivers Prayer and Road Safety Summit in 2009, with the help of the National Road Safety Authorities. “This was to explain the road safety regulations to them, there are too many drivers running red lights, not driving with a seatbelt, speeding, and driving

“We prayed with them that they would be prevented from road accidents, and to once again raise funds for any victim that comes in without money. I was recognised

by the National Road Safety Authority and was given an honorary certificate as an Advocate of Road Safety in 2012.”

“I also tried to start a mainstream church at my Mothers land, I built a small church there in my old room, trying to raise funds to help these

victims. From that time until now I’ve taken care of 260 accident victims without any mainstream funding. I don’t have any regular funding from any people, not even the Government.”

“However in 2020 the Government delegated me to a team to go to Sweden and to learn in a Road Safety Ministerial Conference, where all the major players came together to learn.”

Cyril was also nominated for the best Youth Road Safety Advocate in the same year, unfortunately though as he was about to be inducted and showcased, COVID hit, but this didn’t stop him, he continued trying to mobilise people, talking with them, talking to companies to get them to help these people lying there in desperate need.

“In Ghana, most people don’t

have national health, and are very vulnerable when it comes to our finances. On 22nd March 2019 we had over 100 people dying in a day from Road Traffic accidents, and I was called upon to support these people.

“I’ve been speaking a lot on Ghanaian TV and Radio that Ghana should look at crash victims as each year it is increasing. Over 15,000 people were injured in 2022 alone.”

Cyril started Accident Victims Awareness Month in November.

“In that month I would join the UN for Remembrance Sunday, where I would go in TV, or Radio, churches or the roadside to create awareness.

“I’ve had the passion to help these victims, to support advocacy and in the near future I want to build an ultra modern physio, trauma, and accident victims home for crash victims where they can live until they are fully recovered and rehabilitated into society.”

He also wants to work with outsiders to find jobs for these victims, to find a skilled trade for them so they can provide for themselves.

Cyril went to the north this year with crutches, wheelchairs, and zimmer frames. He saw a nursing student that had been knocked down by a vehicle a year ago, and is now paralysed from the waist down. “You could see how excited she was when we presented her with a wheelchair, she was so happy and grateful.

“For a lot of these people, if they don’t get the support, their lifechanging injuries forces them to go to the roadside and beg, so we want to make sure that they can be encouraged to learn or hone a skill and continue with their lives off the street. We just need the support financially from other sources.”

Their greatest challenges have included getting an office, which they’ve now managed to pay for 3 years, office equipment, and mainly mobility. “We don’t have what we need to be able to get around the country to help these people. We’d love a sponsor to gift us a vehicle to allow us to do this work up and down the country.”

“A considerable number of these victims, sadly, are children. Every year we have had to bury so

many children, and so many from deprived backgrounds. We don’t want to lose these future leaders with their unimaginable potential.

To this end, he is looking to build lollipop stands across the country where there are schools with the help of a financial partner, “We’re poised and ready, positioned perfectly to make these things happen and make a difference.

This year is Cyril’s 15th year supporting these victims, and he is one of the most ardent Road Safety Communicators in the country, which he says is why he’s on radio and TV so often.

“We started Accident Victims Support to raise funds for these victims, I decided we should start a yearly event, “I Support Accident Victims” as a fundraiser. Physio is incredibly expensive for crash victims to access, not to mention difficult, so in the next five years, we are going into companies, to the streets and to government even to turn their attention to us to help raise funds to get the land the build that ultra modern Physio, Trauma, and Accident Victims home for crash victims to ensure that they are fit, healthy and fully recovered

before we return them back to their communities.

“We are not stopping now, we will always continue, and hope that we get the support, funding, partners, job opportunities and more that we need to ensure that we can help as many people who are victims of Road Traffic Accidents as we

can. Hopefully one day everyone will be able to get care for free, or highly subsidised.”

Everyone at The Phoenix Africa wishes you all the best for the future, keep up the amazing work!

SHORTLIST REVEALED FOR CHAMBERS’ AWARDS

Twenty-seven businesses and individuals are vying for awards success at Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce annual dinner and awards.

The eight category winners will be announced at the awards dinner, taking place at the Drayton Manor Hotel on Friday 3 February 2023.

Amazon is supporting the event as headline sponsor.

Judges whittled down a record number of entries, with three businesses or individuals being shortlisted in each category, apart from Large Business of the Year where there are six firms in the running.

The judging panel was chaired by head of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Samantha Frampton (pictured), who said: “The judges were very impressed by a tremendous cross-section of entries from across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth and Cannock Chase, which naturally made the shortlisting process a very difficult one.

“We congratulate the businesses and individuals who have made the shortlist and look forward to celebrating their achievements on the night.” The judging panel also featured Michelle Spaul of Delta Swan, Visit Knowle’s Kim Hulse,

Business & Finance

‘The Lighting Rod’ of Business Environmental Sustainability

Amy Jacklin from Virgin Money and Omar Rashid, HR expert and co-president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce.

The awards shortlist is as follows:

Sutton Coldfield Micro Business of the Year

Meta4 Business Coaching Ltd

The Community Games by Inspire Activity

X2 Workspaces

Lichfield & Tamworth Micro

Business of the YearSponsored by Lichfield District Council

Enlighten

JPF First Aid

Softext Ltd

Sutton Coldfield Small Business of the Year

3D Facilities Support

Ark Media

The ReUsers and The Wood Shack

Lichfield Small Business of the Year - Sponsored by Crown Highways

Hyde Engineering Ltd inLIFE

The Listening Centre

Tamworth Small Business of the Year

Cloud Accounting Support Ser-

Readout Of The Chancellor’s Discussion With Business Leaders

WHEN THE CHANCELLOR

Jeremy Hunt met with business leaders at the Treasury, he confirmed that the Treasury will announce the conclusion of the review of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme in the House of Commons, which outlined support for businesses when the current six-month scheme ends in March 2023.

The Chancellor praised the

resilience of the business community in the face of an unprecedented increase in energy prices, caused by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Government has protected businesses this winter from these high energy costs through the £18 billion Energy Bill Relief Scheme - one of the most generous support packages in Europe. However, no Government can

vices (CASS)

EBY

Fleet Evolution

Cannock Chase Business of the Year

Chocolate Treasures

Wentworth James Group Wordy Bird Limited

Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase

Large Business of the Year

- Sponsored by GMK House Business and Events Centre

Arthur Terry Learning Partnership

Crown Highways

Legionella and Fire Safe Services

Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Moor Hall Hotel & Spa

United Carpets

Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase

Young Professional of the Year

Danielle Bayliss - Legionella and Fire Safe Services

Graham Allsopp - Ark Media

Madeleine Williams - Adcocks

Solicitors Limited

In addition to the eight awards categories, three President’s Awards will be handed out by the presidents of the Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers.

permanently shield businesses from this energy price shock.

The Chancellor was clear that this level of support is unsustainably expensive and that the current scheme was always time limited to six months. Extending the scheme at current levels could cost tens of billions of pounds, with costs potentially doubling or tripling if international energy prices increase further than expected. It is vital that taxpayer’s exposure to volatile international energy prices is reduced.

Over the past decade, Libyanborn, Dr. Mustafa Megrahi, has led the Wales-headquartered Atlantis Consultancy & Training Limited (ACTL) in the ‘environmental engineering and education services’ field.

The firm’s speciality covers water and wastewater management, radiological assessment and international development. Its education services provide capacity building through tailored solutions to clients -nationally and internationally.

Atlantis typifies a modern approach towards environmental education strategies that are conducive to the sustainability of firms in the UK and the Middle East and North African (MENA) Region combined.

As an independent consultant in waste management also, Dr. Megrahi believes in sound environmental policies as the basis for sustainability.

“We need quality human resources and infrastructure to counter the formidable challenges that impede progress in finding practical solutions to sustain the operations of private and public sector establishments.

"We must therefore imbed state-of-the-art systems that are certifiable in meeting environmental regulatory standards that can be implemented by local regulatory authorities”.

Much emphasis is placed on improvements in the food hygiene and tourism hospitality sectors in North Africa where the ‘handling’ of consumer products impacts on the environment. Behavioural issues around safety, control,

by Dr. Christopher A. Johnson

monitoring and generally quality assurance, are vital to the way in which businesses are managed.

Atlantis’ interventionist role in business environmental processes are also reinforced by its allied provision that includes:-

• Environmental Impact Assessment.

• Water and Waste Management.

• Environmental Management.

• Radiological Assessment.

• Quality Assurance.

• Education and Training.

• Research and Development.

The firm is comprised of professionals and experts in research, education, translation, project management, environmental protection, environmental engineering and related disciplines such as auditing and management systems.

In 2023 and beyond, Dr. Megrahi insists that postCOVID 19 economic policies will have to deal with ongoing challenges to the human, financial, technical and natural habitat, overall.

“There is no doubt, that, nationally and internationally, all governments and other public sector bodies, will have to identify policies that reflect proper ethical standards in the way we utilise our resources –human, financial, technical and other.

"In this way, we will be able to tackle resource waste/ wastage and to deal with the complexity of cultural and social issues that also impede human progress”.

Atlantis’ role in contributing

to improvements in business environmental standards are best reflected in its scope of projects in Wales, Europe and other parts of the world.

These initiatives constitute material recycling facility implementation, waste audit and resource efficiency enhancements, impact assessment of waste management facilities, integrated waste management strategy and the provision of natural occurrence radioactive material services for the petroleum industry.

As the effects of the pandemic continue to affect large swathes of the world population, state and local officials will have to integrate ethical, solutions-based and viable environmental policies to reinvigorate business, the professions, sciences, civic/ civil and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) sectors respectively.

It is in this natural vein, that Dr. Megrahi and members of his Atlantis team, are working assiduously to realise this illusory, but ultimately, attainable mission.

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

l Founder & Director of ACTL Dr Mustafa Megrahi

...with Nana Kwaku Agyemang

GHANA: BEGGARS IN CHIEF!

Since the passing of the Narcotics Control Act (1019) on the 20th of March 2020 and the subsequent Presidential assent on the 11th of May 2020 we have been sitting and watching other countries around the world capitalise in the cultivation of industrial hemp for industrial and medicinal use to marijuana for recreational and medicinal use raking in the dollars on a daily basis to assist their economies growth.

Hundreds if not thousands of stakeholders have put their lives on hold as they wait for the green light to mass produce industrial hemp and to also add value to it so that we do not end up like the Cocoa farmers who are being paid a pittance for raw cocoa and many have not even had the privilege of tasting chocolate before.

Meanwhile in New York, the Governor of New York has signed a Bill that will expand the states hemp market through the promotion of partnerships which will identify a lot more opportunities in the hemp industry with particular focus on the construction industry.

The sponsor of the Bill Senator Michelle Hinchey (D) announce last Tuesday that the Governor Kathy Hochul had approved the legislation.

The Bill would amend a section of the Agricultural law that covers hemp economic development, which simply dictates that the Agricultural Commissioner would consult with additional partners and stakeholders to come up with innovative ways of incorporating hemp products into the mainstream of business operations throughout New York.

At the US-African Leaders Summit held in Washington DC this week the most extraordinary speech was delivered by the President of Ghana Nana Dankwa Akuffo Addo Dankwa to his peers. I really could not believe it when I saw and read the reports.

Our President advised his peers to “stop begging for aid and loans from developed countries” he said, and I quote “Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have what it takes to make the continent great.”

“We must work together to change Africa’s narrative which is characterized by disease, hunger, poverty and illegal migration.”

“No matter where you come from, as long as you are black, you are African.” “We must make Africa conducive for progress and prosperity.”

Akufo-Addo also called on African leaders to change their ways, noting that they have run out of excuses.

“We have the manpower, we should have political will, it is time to make Africa work,” he added.”

“If we stop begging and spend Africa’s money inside the continent, Africa will not need to ask for respect from

anyone, we will get the respect we deserve.

If I had not seen the clip of his speech myself perhaps, I would never have believed the report. It is ironical that this speech was made within the same week that Ghana was at the door of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) seeking a $3 billion bailout!

A move which in principle it appears has been agreed subject to one or two outstanding matters but has already brought relief to the country in strengthening the Cedi to the dollar which had previously crashed to an all-time low and was described at one point as the worst performing currency in the world!

We all know and acknowledge that he is right with the assertions he has made Africa must stop begging, but when is government going to stop begging?

We have been begging as a country for far too long. Despite the eloquent rhetoric of the President, I dare say this economic bailout will not be the last loan Ghana will secure under his tenure.

I cannot understand why Ghana should be begging for a financial bailout when we have a multi-million-dollar industrial hemp business on our doorstep!

Meanwhile we have sat idly by literally on our knees wringing our hands and begging for aid!

It is so nauseating and such a disturbing turn of events considering we have changed the law required in order for Ghana to throw its hat in the ring and start competing in the global market.

We have all the other natural resources required to add value when combined with hemp to produce so many Ghana branded products. Yet we do not seem to have the political will to make Ghana work!

The Commissioner must consult with the New York State Hemp Workgroup Industry Stakeholders because of the expertise in the use and promotion of industrial hemp generally and within their products

Senator Hinchey was swift to remark that “Hemp is the material of the future, and positioning New York as a leading producer of the world’s industrial hemp supply is a winning strategy for fighting the Climate Crisis, bringing large-scale economic development to New York’s rural communities,

and unlocking new revenue sources to put our farmers in a better financial position,”

Senator Hinchey also went onto say that “The market for New York industrial hemp is still developing and the state needs to take an active role in researching, identifying, and promoting hemp to industries that may incorporate it into their products,” it says.

“This legislation will encourage renewed focus by the State to work with growers, processors and businesses that are end users to expand market opportunities.”

These are positive steps that are being taken by the House of the New York Senate, they want to create an enabling environment empowering the stakeholder to do their best in the industry in making it viable, competitive whilst automatically addressing eco challenges too.

Over two million people have had their conviction expunged and have received assistance to establish their own marijuana business in the last five years.

All of this and there are or have been any reports of cannabis abuse or anything of that nature instead businesses are growing and expanding. Nothing but progress and it cost no one anything yet everyone benefits! It is as simple as that really!

Nothing too hard for us to replicate here in Ghana all we need is genuine unconditional political will and the rest will become child’s play.

We are confident that once this industry has been established in Ghana that there will be no need to seek the goodwill of the IMF anymore. I mean let’s face it the $3 billion dollars we are gasping for life over is no money.

The hemp industry can generate $3 billion dollars once a year every year when it gets started!

Another year has been entirely wasted while other countries continue to make strides for the farmers, investors and for their country. Make no mistake there can be no excuse for not ensuring that we move forward within the next quarter of 2023. It is not possible to render the 2020 Narcotics & Control Commission Act (1019) null and void or useless just stuck on the bookshelf of the Attorney General.

In 2023 we mut make it work and establish an industry that will ensure that Ghana won’t retain the title of Beggars in Chief!

The Potent Pen l lll

l Senator Michelle Hinchey

Mimi’s highly anticipated debut album, Amelia, will feature 12 tracks including her smash hit “House On Fire,” and latest single “Ghost of You.”

The album is titled after her full first name, Amelia, which will give fans insight into both sides of the budding star- Amelia, the girl from the UK countryside who loves to be at home with her family, friends, and dogs; and Mimi, the pop artist who loves to be up on stage traveling the world. Amelia is available for pre-order now.

Mimi’s powerful vocals and

lyrics are brought to life in the music video for Red Flags, directed by Drew Kirsch, as she takes viewers on a journey of hindsight, revenge, and reclaiming power that every scorned lover dreams about.

The song was written by Mimi Webb, Connor McDonough, Toby McDonough, Ryan Daly, Castle, Cirkut, and produced by Connor McDonough, Ryan Daly, and Cirkut.

Mimi continues her ascent as one of the biggest artists to watch as she garnered a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2023 BRIT Awards.

Following the album’s release,

she will hit the road for her 2023 headline tour, The Amelia Tour. The 31-date tour will make stops across Europe and the UK, kicking off on March 11 in Madrid, Spain at Shoko continuing with stops in Berlin, Oslo, Paris, Manchester and more before concluding on April 24 in London, UK at O2 Academy Brixton. Multiple shows have already sold-out including Dublin and all UK dates. Full tour routing below. Tickets are available now at mimiwebb.com.

In just two years the breakout artist has racked up over 852 million global streams to date, and multiple hit tracks includ-

ing “House on Fire” and “Good Without.” Mimi’s performed at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in London, opened for Children In Need, has played numerous festivals such as Capital FM’s Summertime Ball, Isle of Wight Festival, and Montreux Jazz Festival, and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and ELLEN. She has garnered praise from the likes of British Vogue, Rolling Stone, Harper’s BAZAAR, GRAMMY.com, and Billboard.

Mimi shows no signs of slowing down as she gears up for the release of her debut album.

Unleashing THE DBS 770 Ultimate

Long associated with cars of exquisite style and intoxicating performance, the DBS nameplate has been attached to some of Aston Martin’s finest flagships.

Since 2018 the DBS has stood at the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s series production range; a Twin-Turbo V12 powerhouse blessed with ferocious perfor-

mance and unmatched style. With production of this current generation DBS nearing its end, Aston Martin is proud to introduce a DBS to surpass all others; the DBS 770 Ultimate.

As its name suggests, the DBS 770 Ultimate is an emphatic last word. The most powerful production Aston Martin ever, and the fastest and most powerful DBS to date, extensive design and en-

gineering enhancements ensure the DBS 770 Ultimate is an unforgettable and highly-collectible celebration of Aston Martin’s flagship Super GT. Available in both Coupe and Volante form, DBS770 Ultimate will be built in strictly limited numbers – 300 Coupes and 199 Volantes – with all examples sold ahead of release.

DBS 770 Ultimate features a

ferocious iteration of Aston Martin’s quad-cam 60-deg 5.2-litre V12 engine. Now developing 770PS at 6500rpm and a colossal 900Nm of torque from just 1800rpm to 5000rpm, propelling DBS 770 Ultimate to a top speed of 211mph, this magnificent engine benefits from modified air and ignition pathways together with a 7% increase in maximum turbo boost pressure. Pre-

cise tuning of power and torque curves gives the driver a sense of boundless performance, with an intoxicating blend of exceptional response, outstanding in-gear acceleration and the authentic V12 soundtrack.

Power is fed through a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) mounted at the rear of the car. In addition,

DBS 770 Ultimate receives a unique transmission calibration to enhance shift speeds and driver interaction, contributing to a truly connected driving experience. Such is the inherent capability of Aston Martin’s Carbon Ceramic Braking (CCB) system that the DBS 770 Ultimate uses the same 410mm x 38mm front discs and 360mm x 32mm rear as fitted to the DBS.

Ferrari celebrates its 30th anniversary in China

Ferrari is celebrating its 30th anniversary in mainland China by unveiling a one-of-a-kind Tailor Made Ferrari Roma.

The new Roma draws inspiration from traditional Chinese aesthetics and craftsmanship through the many personalisation options offered by the Ferrari Tailor Made programme, and is a tribute to the brand’s milestones over the last thirty years.

The launch of the new Tailor Made Ferrari Roma marks not only three decades since the first Ferrari order was placed in Beijing in 1992, but also the start of the marque’s fourth decade in China.

The one-of-a–kind Tailor Made Roma was designed by Ferrari in collaboration with the prominent Chinese designer Jiang Qiong’er through the Ferrari Tailor Made programme, which provides a unique customised experience featuring a diverse array of specification options and bespoke design solutions.

Clients are assisted by a team of

Ferrari designers to create a model that reflects their individuality and taste, while upholding the aesthetic standards of the Ferrari brand.

Jiang Qiong’er, who has developed an international reputation, is much sought after for her work with its roots in the subtlety, beauty and heritage of Chinese culture. Her design vision and distinctive insights, together with her deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture, mirror the aspiration of Ferrari to craft a special Roma for commemorating the special occasion. Together, Ferrari and Qiong’er took inspiration from classic Chinese aesthetics and fused concepts and expertise to achieve a synthesis of Italian design philosophy and Chinoiserie Chic.

This Tailor Made Roma embodies the fundamental art and design principles shared by both sides: a devotion to detail, a respect for heritage and tradition, and above all a commitment to exquisite craftsmanship that creates a design language of timeless elegance and simplicity.

Consumer rights champion Justin Gutmann’s unprecedented lawsuit against Apple is moving forward.

The hearing has now been set by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) to commence from Tuesday 2 May 2023 until Thursday 4 May 2023 to determine whether the case should be certified as a collective action and proceed to a full trial.

Following a case management conference which took place on 22 November 2022, the CAT has confirmed that the CPO Hearing will take place to consider:

• If Mr Gutmann is suitable to act on behalf of the proposed class and if he should be certified to bring the claim.

• If the claim itself is eligible to be brought as a collective action and should proceed to a full trial.

If Mr Gutmann is successful, around 25 million UK customers who bought an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus and X models would be entitled to approximately £768 million collectively in compensation for each model owned. As an optout claim, members of the class will not need to actively join the case to seek damages. Instead, they will be part of the claim unless they decide to opt out.

Members of the proposed class have until 20th January 2023 to object to Mr Gutmann as a class representative or object to the

Hearing Date Set For Legal Claim Against Apple

claim itself. Anyone with an interest in the claim going ahead can make oral and/or written submissions to the Tribunal.

Justin Gutmann says: “I am pleased to announce that the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT) has listed a hearing for my application for a Collective Proceedings Order (CPO) for 2nd - 4th May 2023. This is the first important stage in the case affecting millions of iPhone users in the UK who have had poor phone performance as a result of Apple’s abusive conduct. I will now be working with my legal team to prepare for the hearing to ensure our claim is certified so that we can move this claim forward.”

The CPO Hearing is in respect of a claim launched on 17 June 2022 by Justin Gutmann, formerly of Citizens Advice, on behalf of millions of iPhone users who have allegedly suffered loss due to being misled by iOS updates - claiming they would improve their iPhone’s performance when in fact it reduced it by up

to 58% in some cases.

Apple sold iPhones with batteries that were unable to cope with new iOS processing demands, which caused sudden shutdowns. Rather than undertaking a product recall and repair process to replace the batteries, Apple instead encouraged users to install iOS updates which had a pow-

er management tool concealed within them.

Affected iPhone users can receive more information on the legal proceedings by visiting The iPhone Claim - The iPhone Throttling Claim. The hearing can be attended or viewed via livestream at https:// www.catribunal.org.uk.

Catherine Cohen set for UK tour

FRESH FROM HER critically acclaimed Netflix special The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous, New York sensation and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Catherine Cohen is set to embark on a tour of the UK for the first time with her eagerly anticipated second show, Come For Me.

Catherine Cohen’s charismatic persona shines through once more in Come For Me, an openly glamorous, decidedly horny musical exploration of what it means to enter your thirties as a woman online, in love, and inspired to romanticize the prospect of freezing your eggs. Emotionally prepare yourself for sexy stand-up & songs about finding your purpose, filling the void and sending nothing but love and light to anyone who isn’t addicted to your personality.

Catherine Cohen is best known for her hit Netflix comedy special The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous, which aired on the streaming giant globally earlier this year. The same live show won her the cov-

eted Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer at the festival in 2019. Soon she can be seen in the Paramount+ feature film, At Midnight, and in the upcoming Hulu series What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding. She featured in Comedy Central's Awkwafina is Nora From Queens, and she joined the cast for Season 3 of FX’s critically acclaimed series What We Do In The Shadows. She can also be seen leading the indie comedy Dating & New York, opposite fellow comedian Jaboukie Young-White which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was acquired by IFC Films. Her other on-screen credits include Netflix’s series Special, and Michael Showalter’s feature The Lovebirds, Disney+ reboot of Home Alone, HBO’s High Maintenance, Comedy Central’s Broad City and TBS’s Search Party.

In 2021, she published her first book entitled God I Feel Modern Tonight, which is her collection of comedic poetry.

Holiday and Travel

“This was my father’s philosophy and what would become the mantra for the standard of hospitality excellence,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, remembering Gordon “Butch” Stewart’s guiding vision.

Sandals Resorts was founded by his late father, and Adam is only the second Chairman in the company’s 40-year history. He assumed the role after working alongside his father for more than 2 decades, serving as Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International and, most recently, Deputy Chairman, leading the brand’s transition to its now Luxury Included® signature and overseeing a period of great expansion that also introduced the region’s first over-the-water accommodations and adding resorts in the new destinations of Curaçao and Saint Vincent.

“More than that, we have demonstrated that some of the industry’s most exciting and lasting hospitality innovations are created in the Caribbean.”

“Butch” Stewart blazed trails in the hospitality industry, and it all began with one resort and a big dream. Forty years later, he turned that dream into the World’s Only 5-Star Luxury Included Vacation. Today, there are 20 Sandals and Beaches Resorts on 10 islands across the Caribbean — in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao, Turks & Caicos, and Saint Vincent.

Adam concluded: “We wrap up Sandals40 – a multi-layered celebration of 4 decades of in-

SANDALS RESORTS INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

novation, trust, and love that all stemmed from this philosophy –while also reflecting on our milestones within the past 12 months – from the multimillion-dollar refurbishment of Sandals Royal Bahamian; the opening of Sandals Royal Curacao, a stunning new resort in a new destination; Caribbean-inspired uniforms for our team by the legendary Stan Herman; our Sandals Foundation’s 40 for 40 initiatives for our communities; and our launch of Future Goals in partnership with AFC Ajax – demonstrating our commitment to out-performing ourselves, with my dad’s DNA on everything we touch.”

FIFA World Cup Put Morocco Tourism Back On The Map

Morocco tourism had sustained a significant shock in the wake of the COVID-19 economic crisis. But the country’s rising popularity in the FIFA World Cup 2022 turned the tables and now the tourism sector is reaping its benefits.

Hailed as the tournament “underdog”, Morocco’s World Cup performance in Qatar served as a massive marketing campaign for the country’s tourism sector and attracted the attention of fans all over the world.

Morocco made history this year by becoming the first African or Arab country to reach the semi-final of the world’s biggest football competition. The rise in tourism activities was especially noted by booking agencies, as they reported a spike in hotel reservations

Dubai Scraps Alcohol Tax To Boost Tourism

SKY-HIGH BOOZE prices often prompt Dubai residents to travel to neighbouring emirates, where alcoholic beverages cost less Any resident of Dubai, who wants to consume, transport or stock alcohol is legally required to possess a liquor license. The liquor licenses may only be issued to persons aged 21 or older, and cost 270 dirham ($73) a year, each.

There’s also a 30% tax on alcoholic beverages collected by Dubai government. In Dubai, known as the Gulf’s “party capital,” the price of one bottle of beer often tops $10, while a bottle of wine may easily cost over $100. The skyhigh booze prices often prompt Dubai residents to travel to neighbouring emirates, where alcoholic beverages cost less.

According to an announcement from two major UAE retailers, as of this Sunday, Dubai government has eliminated a 30% tax on alcohol and 270-dirham fee

for liquor licenses, making them free to obtain. In a series of posts on Instagram, Maritime and Mercantile International (MMI), one of the largest alcohol stores in Dubai, praised the move as “BIG BIG NEWS,” celebrating that people “no longer need to make trips across the country to stock up on favourite drinks.”

following the end of the World Cup.

Some of the tourists who visited Morocco after the World Cup had never even heard of the country while some of them had heard of the country but were never encouraged to visit it.

Tourism is of vital importance to Morocco’s national economy, contributing 18.9% to the county’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019. The sector is a prime source of foreign currency in the country.

At the end of October 2022, tourism earned MAD 71.1 billion or $6.77 billion, a significant 148.9% year-on-year increase in activities. The country recorded 7.7 million tourist arrivals and 13.3 million overnight stays in registered accommodation facilities over the first nine months of 2022.

“With the removal of [the] 30% municipality tax and free alcohol license, buying your favourite drinks is now easier and cheaper than ever!” MMI declared. Another major Emirati booze vendor, African + Eastern, confirmed the new. However, a 5% VAT rate still applies to alcoholic beverage purchases, the retailer added.

New regulations came into force yesterday, but it is not clear whether they are here to stay on a permanent basis. According to local media reports, new changes in alcohol trade laws are in their trial phase and will remain in effect for a year for now.

The decision to cut taxes on alcoholic drinks comes after Dubai approved a new tourism strategy in November in a bid to boost its competitiveness and attract 100 billion dirham ($27 billion) in additional investment by 2031. According to a chief economist of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai government’s decision “should further support the tourism and hospitality sectors.”

SHOCK AT SUDDEN END OF GHANA AFROCHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL

After five years, Ghanaian music and cultural festival Afrochella will not return, its organisers have said. The shock announcement was made at the very end of the two-day festival.

"This is the last Afrochella," said co-founder Abdul Abdullah to the thousands of people still in the ElWak stadium in the capital, Accra. He did not give any reason. However, in October California-based music festival Coachel-

la sued the organisers for trademark infringement. Mr Abdullah made the announcement just after headline act Burna Boy had closed his set, wowing the crowd with hits such as Last Last, Angelina and Dangote.

Although the stadium was still packed with thousands of people, the news that it was the final Afrochella escaped the attention of some, especially given that it was almost 03:00. One African American woman I spoke to had missed

the announcement as she was trying to beat the rush to get home. Those who did notice were very upset. "I couldn't believe it when they said Afrochella is over," said one woman. Afrochella is heavily promoted to African Americans and many of those in the crowd had. And this year's festival was certainly a huge success.

Stonebwoy, Asake and Gyakie thrilled fans with amazing performances. Although it wasn't

smooth for everyone.

Nigerian artiste Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, also known as Ayra Starr, fell on stage while performing her hit song. She blamed the organisers for the incident, posting: "Afrochella next time y'all should clean your stage after every artist's performance, that fall was very unnecessary and painful."

The event also saw performances from other talented musicians.

British-Ghanaian musician, Juls, said: "It was amazing, so good to play for my people, making sure that everyone is getting a good time. Everyone has fun."

Singer Aerostar was excited about her performance: "The energy was amazing, the crowd was amazing too and the band did so well," she said. While the end of Afrochella will certainly leave a gap in the jam-packed calendar of events in Ghana, known as "Detty December", tourists and visitors alike will still be able to enjoy a wide range of programmes.

For example, the Afro Nation festival wraps up on Friday night with performances by British-Nigerian artist, Skepta, Franco-Congolese singer Dadju and Ghana's rising star Black Sherif, to name just a few. And the BHIM concert, Tropical Fiesta, Mozama Disco, Lamajo fest will all be back next year.

But Afrochella will be sorely missed. It was among events that authorities in Ghana hoped would continue attracting tourists, especially from the African diaspora, to the country as part of its "Beyond Return" initiative.

Google Alleges CCI Of 'Copied' EU Order: Report

GOOGLE HAS alleged that India's competition watchdog "copied" parts of an EU ruling in its order to fine the firm, Reuters has reported.

The tech giant said this in a filing to an Indian appeals tribunal, the report said. The tribunal will hear Google's appeal against the penalty on Wednesday.

In October, the Indian regulator fined Google 13bn rupees ($157m; £131m) for using its Android platform to dominate the market. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had accused Google of entering into "one-sided agreements" with smartphone makers to ensure the dominance of its apps.

Reuters reported that according to the filing made to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Google said that the CCI's investigations unit deployed "evidence from Europe that was not examined in India". It has also said that there were "more than 50 instances of copy-pasting" from the European Commission's ruling.

Reuters said it had reviewed the filing, which has not been made public. The CCI did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The BBC has also contacted CCI representatives for a response.

While announcing the fine on 20 October, the CCI had said that Google was "abusing" the licensing of its Android operat-

ing system for a range of smartphones, web searches, browsing and video hosting services. It said that Google was entering into forced agreements with players in the space to ensure that its bouquet of apps - such as Google Chrome, YouTube, Google Maps and others - were used.

This, the CCI said, was stifling competition and gave Google continuous access to consumer data and lucrative advertising opportunities. Google is facing a series of anti-trust cases in India and authorities are also probing its conduct in the smart TV market and its in-app payments system.

The Android-related inquiry was started in 2019, following complaints by consumers of Android smartphones. The case is similar to the one Google faced in Europe, where regulators in 2018 imposed a record fine on the company for using the Android platform to cement its search engine's dominance.

Scentscational Valentines gifts

JUST AS WE’RE getting over the festive period, Valentine's Day arrives with everyone’s finances feeling the pinch. People, thought, might be interested in some luxury for less for any gift guides you’re pulling together.

Fragrance company

Noted.Aromas specialises in designer dupes, so think scents inspired by Le Labo, Chanel and

some of Tom Ford's finest but without the designer price tag. Just in case you're wondering it was Monte Carlo - a dupe of Molly Mae's fave Baccarat Rouge which is cheaper than the original. When you're thinking; 'just another PR and their too good to be true perfumes...' these are pretty epic!

Celebrate Valentines

AS THE UK emerged from recurring lockdowns, research from Barclaycard in 2022 revealed that seven in 10 Brits living with a partner (70%) and nearly twothirds (62%) of people in a relationship, but living separately, intended to celebrate Valentine's Day with their other half. And, in 2022, Brits spent approximately £1.37 billion celebrating the calendar

occasion, popularly associated with love and romance, according to figures from Wunderkind. Whilst 'Valentine's Day' and 'date night' remain popular DesignMyNight searches in London for this year's celebrations, it appears that people are looking for something different, with 'quirky date ideas' currently topping the list of Valentine's Day queries.

Top TikTok recipes ideas to surprise your Valentine

WITH THIS YEAR’S Valentine's Day being free from lockdown, we are expecting to see around 90% of the UK celebrating with gifts, dates, and much more. Resulting in £1.3 billion+ being spent on this holiday of love!

NEXT home has scoured the internet searching out the most romantic TikTok recipes to recreate at home, for your significant other, kids, or even yourself. With tasty breakfast recipes such as Pesto Eggs and Japanese Soufflé Pancakes right through to the taste Delgona coffee and desserts

like Hot chocolate bombs- there really is something for everyone! Using some of the most viral TikTok recipes, you could treat your valentine to breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks - all from the comfort of your own home! Next Home has created a TikTok recipe index containing the most popular recipes on TikTok alongside their nutritional values, the ingredients and a stepby-step guide to recreate at home. Recipe trends such as Feta Pasta and Dalgona Coffee have taken the internet by storm, with some TikTok recipe videos see-

ing as many as 3.2 billion views (and counting). But what are the world’s favourite TikTok recipes and how can they be recreated in your home kitchen? Next Home has looked at the number of TikTok views, Google search volume for the recipe, Instagram hashtags, the number of ingredients and the prep and cooking time to uncover the easiest and most popular TikTok recipes to recreate at home.

The top 10 easiest and most popular TikTok recipes to make for your Valentine are:

1. Dalgona Coffee (583M views)

2. Cloud bread (3.2 billion views)

3. Hot chocolate bombs (308.7M views)

4. Angel Milk (24.8M views)

5. Shakshuka (37.4M views)

6. Oreo Mug Cake (144.8M views)

7. Nature's Cereal (924.7M views)

8. Breakfast Sandwich (192M views)

9. Twisted Bacon (14.4M views)

10. Frozen Corn Syrup (59.1M views)

Say It With Chocolate

This Valentine's Day

FOR THE chocolate lover this Valentine's Day, it has to be Darts Farm's Cow & Cacao Chocolate Lover's Hamper.

Darts Farm is one of the few UK producers to craft chocolate from bean-to-bar at their in-house chocolatier, Cow & Cacao. This hamper contains an incredible selection

of hand-crafted treats; including a box of truffles, Milk Chocolate Dipped Oranges, a Milk Chocolate & Raspberry Heart Lolly and expert chocolatier Louise's favourite Single Origin Bar!

It is available to collect at Darts Farm or order online for nationwide delivery.

It's never too late to create the perfect date night

RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Arecord breaking 46,000 people welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit at Lunar New Year celebrations across the city this weekend.

Over Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January, Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome produced a weekend packed with free performances, craft activities and much more to celebrate the new year.

In partnership with Bullring & Grand Central, the festival kicked off on Saturday with the much loved lion procession from the iconic Bull, leading into the centre to treat shoppers to an afternoon of performances, including traditional singing, dancing and music, high energy drum performances and Shaolin Kung Fu demonstrations. Visitors were also able to take a break from their shopping to enjoy calligraphy and painting workshops.

The festivities continued at Hippodrome Square in Southside

on Sunday to mark the official New Year’s Day. Starting with Dim Jing - the traditional waking of the lion – visitors to Southside enjoyed a variety of performances on the main stage, including classical fan dances, lion dances, and face changer performances alongside dance and music from the local community. A spectacular fireworks finale closed the day’s celebrations.

James Wong, Chair of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee said: “Kung Hei Fat Choy! What a fantastic weekend of lively, colourful celebrations across the city. We are all delighted that our Lunar New Year festival brought so many different people together as well as shining a spotlight on the incredible talent within our local communities. A huge thanks to our partners and sponsors who worked with us to deliver such a special weekend for Birmingham.”

Dan Murphy, General Manager at Bullring & Grand Central,

added: “What a great way to celebrate the Lunar New Year! We work with Birmingham Hippodrome, throughout the year to deliver a curated programme of cultural events celebrating the different cultures and communities within our wonderful city, so it was brilliant to see so many people join us for these festivities. It will definitely be a weekend to remember.”

Lunar New Year was produced by Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome. The Saturday programme was produced in partnership with Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham. The Sunday programme was sponsored by Uber Eats, in association with Southside District and supported by The Arcadian. The fireworks finale was sponsored by Ming Moon and the signage sponsor was Hollywood Monster.

l Dancers on main stage at Southside

Photos by Simon Hadley

l Welcome from James Wong, Anna Yip and Toto Guo at Bullring & Grand Central.

l Lion dancers on mains stage at Southside

NEW TREATMENT AVAILABLE IN THE CARIBBEAN FOR ACID REFLUX SUFFERERS

Alzheimer’s

Society Launch Crucial Programme To Support Football Fans, Players And Coaches

ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY has partnered with the Birmingham County FA to offer help and hope to anyone who has been diagnosed with dementia or caring for a loved one in the county.

The new referral pathways into Alzheimer’s Society services make it easier and quicker for players, coaches, referees and support staff across the West Midlands to access support or guidance needed when concerns arise about themselves or a loved one.

Participants will benefit from practical and emotional support from Alzheimer’s Society frontline specialists, helping them live well with dementia while preparing better for the future. Alzheimer’s Society services have been used more than 4.2 million times in the past year across the UK, proving to be a lifeline for thousands. Birmingham County FA are responsible for the governance of football in Birmingham and work with 5190 teams.

Birmingham County FA Facility & Investment Lead, Joe Robinson said “The partnership with Alzheimer’s Society will enable us to better support our employees, referees and those who coach or play when concerns are raised. Anyone involved with football

across the county can be referred towards Alzheimer’s Society for memory assessments, further support and guidance.

“Having first-hand support is vital when navigating through the dementia journey, and Birmingham County FA are happy to be that first comforting and supportive contact for anyone within our football community. Professional Football Clubs across the West Midlands are doing a lot to support those living with Dementia. If you’d like to find out more about these services, then you can do so by contacting joe.robinson@birminghamfa.com.”

Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, Kate Lee, added: “Sport should be unforgettable. We want to make sure those who are part of the beautiful game are not sidelined due to their diagnosis and can continue to live fulfilled and meaningful lives by receiving the right support from day one. Noone should face a dementia diagnosis alone, nor suffer in silence, which is why we are proud to be working closely with Birmingham County FA to embed our services and make sure thousands more have somewhere to turn to during one of the most frightening and toughest times in their lives.”

There is good news from the medical community for longtime sufferers of acid reflux disease, which is the most common gastrointestinal disease in the Caribbean and across the globe.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Sunil K. Mathai of Health City Cayman Islands says the Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is now available to treat acid reflux and other symptoms associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in patients who do not respond to lifestyle modi-

fications and medication.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, GERD is a chronic medical condition caused by the flow of contents from the stomach upwards into the esophagus resulting in both symptoms and complications.

The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and regurgitation. Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest behind the breastbone whereas regurgitation is a feeling of fluid or food coming up into the chest. Some patients may experience

both symptoms. Complications of GERD include esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and precancerous changes to the esophagus.

The Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, with more than 25 years of experience treating gastrointestinal disease, confirms that during the procedure, the interventional gastroenterologist reconstructs the valve between the stomach and esophagus by using a special TIF device along with an endoscope.

Dr. Mathai explained that “folding the fundus (around the opening between the stomach

and esophagus) with stitches prevents stomach acid from coming up into the esophagus and this creates a new barrier to reflux from the stomach.”

Apart from offering endoscopic tightening of the gastroesophageal junction, the Health City Cayman Islands gastrointestinal department also provides 24hour wireless esophageal pH capsule monitoring (BRAVO) for determining the frequency and duration of reflux events and esophageal manometry for the diagnosis of motility disorders of the esophagus.

l Simon Ruscoe (on right) and son Alex at a match

The Solution Is...

“Know Your Change Agents”

PAKISTANI MAN WITH 3 WIVES WELCOMES HIS 60TH CHILD

APakistani man, who has three wives, has reportedly become a father for the 60th time and has no plans to stop.

In a tweet, 50-year-old Sardar Jan Mohammad Khan Khilji welcomed a son and named him Haji Khushhal Khan. Jan is a doctor who lives near the Eastern Bypass of Quetta City. He is married to three women and is known in the community for his massive family.

Despite having 60 children

with his three wives, Jan hopes to marry again and is now looking for a fourth wife. He stated that five of his children had passed away. Meanwhile, all of his other children are well.

Jan said: “I have asked all my friends to help me find a girl for my fourth marriage.” He went on to say that he looks forward to having more children, with a preference for more daughters than sons.

Despite his search for a new wife, his three other spouses said that they are happy to have more children with Jan. A tweet read:

“According to him, his three wives are still willing to give birth to more children.

“The new father added he wants to have more children, so he is looking for a fourth marriage.” The Pakistani man reportedly has a clinic at his home. In addition to expanding his family even more, Jan wants to have a house that can accommodate his entire family.

However, the rise in inflation levels in Pakistan has taken a financial toll on Jan. He said:

“Business has come to a standstill. The prices of all basic

by Khori Hyde

What if those who you place all confidence in to change a crucial situation for the better, end up making it worst?

In the first instance of problem solving, the voice of caution once again speaks to the pursuit of knowledge enhanced by understanding and the ability to analyse this problem for an informed intervention.

things including flour, ghee and sugar have tripled.

“For the last three years, all Pakistanis, including the whole world, are facing difficulties, including me.” But he is determined to meet the expenses of his children and wives.

With dreams of taking all of his children around Pakistan, Jan said: “If the government gives me a bus, I can easily take all my children to Pakistan.”

When asked how he remembers so many children’s names, he joked: “Why not?”

The comfort of solving the problem resides in conscientiously placing oneself in a position to be understood. After an understanding of your problem has been gained through informed knowledge, a decision on how to solve it made. Is this what Covey (2006) really wanted to say?

The preparation for change is noted in Weiss (1995) Theory of Change. This theory sets out why there needs to be a change in the first place, what it will take to bring about that change, and how to sustain that hard earned change.

In adopting this theory, the impact of the change must be instant. Consequently, one must be able to instantly identify the change being desperately sought, and embrace it, once it comes to consciousness.

The old adage: Change does not happen overnight, points to the work that must be undertaken in order to effect the change one craves.

The words of one of my favourite poems from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, strengthens the point and reminds us that: “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”

Change requires consistent work. There is no place for passivity in the process of change –even if one is being assisted by an “expert”. These experts or change agents that are entrusted to deliver your Theory of Change are your employees, not the other way around.

Be purposeful in sticking to your end-goal by clearly defining what impact this change should make. Keep in focus your mission of predicting and crafting a better future for yourself and possibly for others through the theory!

In the context of a spate of misdeeds which have brought a spate of no confidence in both the financial and health sectors in the past couple of years, individuals who are struggling to make ends meet feel a sense of vulnerability.

Though faith is dwindling, one can take heart in the reality that, you can disrupt that sense of unease through a made-up mind.

Such a mind-set should only be reached based on facts and figures of your own research and findings. Get involved with the heavy lifting. Know how much money is sitting in your account. Have some knowledge of the cost to maintain a healthy lifestyle and relationship.

When engaging a change agent to fight your battle hinged on a quantitative approach, the “who feels it knows it” approach may appear redundant, as that individual’s life experiences, and socialisation can be completely different from yours.

Unnecessary empirical data and flawed interpretation will lead to poor or undesirable results. You must have the right information –never argue without having your facts. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches must be used to consider and effect the necessary change envisioned.

As you ascribe definitions to the issues causing the problem, it is important to understand why people do what they do, and how what they did caused you the problem in the first place.

You should also understand how what they did has affected you and your view of a particular issue. Once these preliminaries are established, those pillars now become a reference point for the change. It is your blame if you allow yourself to be swept into a realm of risk-taking discomfort.

Whether financial (investments or loans) or health (relating to an operation that has more negative probabilities) or even in your relationship relating to quality time and shared responsibilities, your facts and your comfort level are your beacons.

Be reminded, change is inevitable. Therefore, be conscious that Systemic changes which includes: Governance restructure or even Compliance and Data protection policy changes can reduce the level of familiarity or frontend banter you and your trusted entity both once shared. This may lead you to assume that a relationship which has been built over the years now has failed you.

With all that said, without a thorough Theory of Change and competent change agents onboard, taking on misunderstood problems can be daunting and unwise which will leave you ill-informed of any instant change.

Sixes Social Cricket lands in Leicester

LEICESTER HAS become only the fourth city in the UK to welcome the popular Sixes Social Cricket brand. The sports-themed concept combines the game of cricket with top-notch hospitality for a great night out.

Re-imagining cricket for the modern socialite, guests can look forward to precision sports technology alongside burgers, sharing plates and wood-fired pizzas. Quality food and drink is at the heart of what Sixes offers, making it a great night out with or without the sports!

When it comes to the cricket, guests can prepare for adrenaline fuelled batting as you take to the nets placed throughout the venue.

From cricketing novices through to the professionals, guests can simply grab a bat, select their level and swing for the boundaries. Sixes’ cutting-edge technology bowls out soft cricket balls, with points scored depending on which targets you hit.

Sure to bring out everyone’s competitive side, it’s the perfect activity for groups and corporate events as well as an evening out with friends.

PIONEERING NEW QUALITY GOLF COURSE SET FOR AFRICA

The ambitious plan for a pioneer top quality golf course built near the world-renowned Africa’s premier national park of Serengeti was unveiled, with an 18-hole golf course being constructed within 400 acres at Fort Ikoma, an area that serves as a buffer zone for Serengeti District and the Serengeti National Park. It will be among the world’s few golf courses within or near a national park.

Billed to be one of the world’s exclusive and longest golf courses with an array of challenging features, new golf course promises the ultimate African golfing experience, where golfers share fairways with giraffe, zebra, impala and monkeys, while viewing a bigger game behind the park. During a round of 18 holes, golfers are likely to encounter aquatic life at various watering holes, while majestic, yet inquisitive giraffe, zebra, cheetah nonchalantly observe their swing from their unique vantage points.

William Mwakilema, the Deputy Conservation Commissioner in-charge of Conservation and Business Development at TANAPA, said: “At the Serengeti National Park’s golf course, they will enjoy fresh air, birds singing,

awe-inspiring wildlife migration, breath-taking landscapes, peace and tranquillity that we all crave for.”

The golf course project bankrolled by the TANAPA Investment Ltd, a commercial wing of the conservation agency, to the tune of Sh7.5 billion ($3.2 million), is expected to be completed in June 2023. Environmental Impact Consideration, feasibility

study and business plan have concluded that the Serengeti National Park’s golf course ticks all the boxes as a viable project.

Mr. Mwakilema said the golf course would attract around 3,000 global golfers annually, who, in turn, will leave behind an average of $857,632.93, equivalent to Sh2 billion and leapfrog other economic sectors with substantial multiplier effects to a critical mass

of poor people around. Laying the foundation stone, the TANAPA Board Chair, retired General George Marwa Waitara, said the proposed ultra-modern Serengeti National Park’s golf course is part of the nation’s comprehensive strategy for diversify its mainstream tourism products as it seeks to boost tourist numbers, extend length of stay and revenue.

Chair of Tanzania Golf Union,

Mr. Gilman Kasiga, welcomed the project, appreciating TANAPA Investment Ltd, for the great innovation, saying the recreational facility would go a long way in spurring sports tourism in the country. The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) says tourism and sports are interrelated and complement each other.

NEW FRANCHISES ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL £465M BACKED

WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE

The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) have announced that five new franchises are set to compete in the inaugural season of the 2023 Women's Premier League (WPL).

Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Lucknow and Mumbai are the successful host cities, with a combined £465m input from new team owners - five of which currently oversee the IPL's Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore franchises.

Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, said: "This is a historic day for cricket as the bidding for teams of inaugural WPL broke the records of the inaugural men's IPL in 2008. This marks the beginning of a revolution in women's cricket and paves the way for a transformative journey ahead not only

for our women cricketers but for the entire sports fraternity."

The tournament's introduction meets calls for a women's competition having seen a three-team Women's T20 Challenge coincide with the men's IPL since 2018.

President of the BCCI, Roger Binny, said: "I congratulate the winners for making successful bids to own teams.

“The WPL will pave the way for development at the grassroots level with the inclusion of more women cricketers. I'm confident that the league will help our women cricketers shine on the global stage." The BCCI has already sold the tournament's media rights for the next five years to Viacom 18 for $117m which translates into per-match-value of $870,393.

World Champion Holloway to take on 60m Hurdles at Birmingham World Indoor Tour Final

REIGNING WORLD Indoor

60m Hurdles champion Grant Holloway (USA) has been confirmed to race in the short sprint hurdles at the Birmingham World Tour Final on Saturday 25 February 2023.

The 2022 indoor season was a huge success for Holloway as he broke Colin Jackson’s long-standing world record when he clocked 7.29s in Madrid. It sliced 0.01s off the Briton’s time from 1994 to re-write the record books. Following his record-breaking exploits, the American went on to win his maiden world indoor title in Belgrade.

The time set in Spain came just a few days after the American had won at the World Indoor Tour meeting at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, so Holloway has form when it comes to success in the West Midlands. He will be looking to produce another special display in the second city in 2023.

Further to his indoor successes, the 25-year-old has an impressive CV with two World Championship 110m Hurdles gold medals to his name from Doha and Oregon, and he is also an Olympic silver medallist from the Tokyo Games.

Holloway will also face 2018 World Indoor champion Andrew Pozzi in Birmingham. The Stratford-upon-Avon athlete finished second to the American at last year’s event and he has a very strong history on this track as he sealed the world title at this Arena five years ago.

WBBL Announces New Board Structure

THE WOMEN’S BRITISH Basketball League (WBBL) has announced a new board structure as the league enters its most exciting phase in its history. Current WBBL Chair, Jim Saker, will continue in his role, with two other Independent Directors and two representatives from the league’s clubs making up the remainder of the new structure.

Siobhàn Prior (Nottingham Wildcats) and Mark Clark (London Lions) have been elected by the WBBL clubs as the League's two representatives to join the newly formed board. Both carry exceptional knowledge of the landscape

of the women’s game and British Basketball, leaving no doubt they are the perfect representatives for the league to achieve its long-term goals.

The WBBL will aim to fill the remaining two Independent Director positions in the early part of 2023.

The new board structure comes off the back of a hugely successful 12 months for women’s basketball in the UK, which saw record attendances at WBBL fixtures, including an incredible 10,928 fans at last season’s play-off finals. The move to restructure the existing makeup of the WBBL board will be crucial to the league’s growth as it enters its most exciting pe-

riod of development to date.

Speaking on the formation of the new board, Chair, Saker, said: “I’m delighted with the progress being made with the restructuring of the Governance of the WBBL. I look forward to working with Siobhàn and Mark in taking the league forward in its next stage of development.” Prior added: “I’m excited and grateful to have been elected to the new WBBL Board and will work hard to represent the clubs and move the league forward. As a league, we have to take these opportunities and build so we are ready to optimise on further chances in the future.”