ASKaND Sentinel December 2022 - Vol 2 #004

ASKaND Gets Cosy with SKN Elite!

Minister Counsellor, Elsa WilkinArmbrister, Birmingham City Council’s Sharon Thompson and Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s Ashley Lewis, who made up our panel of guest speakers.

and ‘we’ (as a community), should do likewise.

A highlight of the evening was our musical performances. The first half culminated in a performance from Birmingham’s own ‘CreeZon’; a young rapper and lyricist. He proudly highlighted his St Kitts and Nevis heritage; and coupled with his ‘conscious lyrics’ he went down a storm and had the audience on their feet. He was an absolute pleasure to listen to!

Our first ASKaND Fireside Chat was an immensely enjoyable experience, in a format that few community groups have attempted before.

From those who were at the event, to those who saw it on YouTube across the country and internationally, we have received nothing but positive reviews. We thank all of you for your kind comments and words of encouragement.

The evening was an effort dedicated to engaging with our community in a meaningful way. We were graced with the attendance of the St Kitts and Nevis High Commission’s

For the first time in a long time, our community had the opportunity to learn more about St Kitts and Nevis and its place in the world; the St Kitts and Nevis Government’s strategies for income generation; and the exciting educational opportunities available to our young people, right here in the UK.

At a local level, our Councillors encouraged us to become more ‘politically astute’. As a community, we need to be aware that if we are disengaged from local politics, there are opportunities which will be lost to us. Other groups have made a point of ensuring they have access to the ‘decision-makers’;

So much so, we can’t wait to hear more from him again.

‘CreeZon’ - Lyricist & Rapper

L-R: Cllr. Ashley Lewis; Cllr. Sharon Thompson, JP; Minister Counsellor Elsa WilkinArmbrister; Steven Richards

ASKaND Fireside Chat

ASKaND FIRESIDE CHAT

We are all looking forward to seeing what he does next.

The evening concluded with a short address from our ASKaND Chair, Ms Jacqui Daniels, who issued her grateful thanks to the guest speakers, the artists and all those involved in the planning and execution of this first Fireside Chat. The incredible efforts of the Logistics Teams, without a doubt, made the evening of 19 November 2022, a success. Our delivery and professionalism has been highlighted as having set new standards for community groups to emulate in the future. Furthermore, our esteemed guests commented on just how much they enjoyed the event

and are looking forward to working with us again.

The second half opened with the wellestablished ‘Melika the Violinist’, who gave us a clear sample of her range and versatility – from Classical, to Soca, to Pop. She ended her set with a rendition of the St Kitts Nevis national anthem.

An extra special touch to our evening came in the shape of young artist, Rere Demarae; who painted our panellists’ portraits, during the event. At the end of the evening, her work was presented to Minister Counsellor WilkinArmbrister as a ‘thank you’ from ASKaND for joining us, and being a part of the Fireside Chat. Rere will also be recreating the portraits in order for our local Councillors to receive their own original artwork pieces as well.

ASKaND was delighted that it was able to give these young people an opportunity to showcase their talents. Staying true to our commitment to keep our young people at the heart of the organisation.

The musical introduction to the second half was followed by a question-and-answer session. The direct questions from the floor ranged from climate change and gaining citizenship on St Kitts & Nevis; to more local concerns, relating to housing matters in Birmingham. Throughout it all, our host and ASKaND member, Steven Richards, did an excellent job presiding over the evening. Giving it pace and flow, without making it feel hurried.

Finally, we want to say “thank you” to all our members for your support

• in volunteering;

• in coming to the event;

• in promoting the Fireside Chat amongst your own social networks; and,

• for being online with us.

We could not have achieved any of this without you. THANK YOU.

JacquiDaniels ASKaNDChair

‘Melika The Violinist’ with Guest Speakers and Host

Rere Demarae presenting her portraits to the guest speakers

Diary Markers – ASKaND Events

We, at ASKaND, are please to announce two dates for the diary:

• Saturday 3rd December from 4pm @ The BCA, Jenkins Street, Birmingham. “ASKaND Children’s Christmas Party”. Volunteers are needed on the day. Therefore if you do have any capacity to support the Logistics Team, please let a Member of the ASKaND Execs Team know.

• Friday 13th January 2023 from 6pm @ B12 Urban Village Church Hall, Mary Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9RJ. “ASKaND Members Meeting & New Year’s Social Event”. After a short members meeting, ASKaND would like to invite members to stay behind for a New Year’s ‘get together’ and plenty of opportunity to leisurely discuss our 2023 calendar!

Members Meetings

Friday 13th January 2023

(Venue: B12 Urban Village Hall; Time: 1800hrs)

ASKaND Members meetings will be held at the BCA, Jenkins Street, Birmingham, B10 0PQ at 1900hrs

Friday 3rd February 2023

Friday 3rd March 2023

Friday 7th April 2023

Friday 5th May 2023

Friday 2nd June 2023

Friday 7th July 2023

Friday 4th August 2023

St Kitts & Nevis Earrings For Sale!

ASKaND has the pleasure, just in time for Christmas, to offer these lovely island-shaped earrings of St Kitts & Nevis, with a heart in it.

These earrings were designed by none other than our Chair, Jacqui Daniels! We are pretty sure that the manufacturers will ultimately have these items on sale soon; but for now, these earrings are exclusive to us.

We currently have 20 pairs available and are £25 per pair.

HOWEVER...

With your ASKaND 20% Members discount, they will be available to members for £20!

Please contact any of the ASKaND Execs if you would like to purchase a pair and we will do our very best to ensure you receive your earrings before Christmas.

(PLEASE NOTE: Earrings are gold plated.)

ASKaND “MOVERS & SHAKERS”!

work has garnered much attention, so-much-so, that he was given an MBE in 2009 for using sport as a gateway to new pathways for young people.

“Increasingly, I saw myself not just as a manager but as an advocate. Experience had taught me that behind the bravado; many of the young people I came into contact with, needed me to be a surrogate parent, bank manager, personal adviser, community worker, and social worker. Hence, being awarded an MBE, for my work with the inner-city community of Birmingham, UK..”

For over 36 years, Lincoln Moses has been working with young people who has been marginalised by life circumstances. His

Lincoln was the lead person who was responsible for the creation of England first Community Asset Transfer multi-sports venue called the Holford Drive Community Sports Hub. The HUB was formed when the City Council decided to advertise for local clubs and community organisations to form a collective that would take on board full responsibility under a lease for the Holford Drive Playing Fields site, and manage it to promote sports participation. Holford Drive Community Sports Hub was opened in 2014 by HRH Prince William and the Hub now engages with 600 young people each week through the mediums of: football, boxing, tennis, cricket and table tennis.

Lincoln’s history is steeped in football and as such he has several fingers in many footballing pies!

Lincoln is the General Manager of Continental Star FC. Continental Star FC, formed in 1975, is one of England’s longest running innercity sports organisation; working with disaffected young people and using sport as a medium to support, guide and counsel those who find themselves on the edge of mainstream society.

Lincoln is also the St Kitts and Nevis/UK heritage Head Football Scout. In this role, Lincoln identifies new talent with a St Kitts-Nevis heritage coupled with a current professional non-league football history. over the years Lincoln has identified17 players who have played for the St Kitts-Nevis national team.

Other accolades bestowed on Lincoln include:

• Being voted, on 3 occasions, grassroots most influential person in the Football Black List, published annually in The Voice newspaper

• Being a ‘Kick It Out’ Ambassador

• Being a Youth Offending Service Trustee

• Being a Sport Birmingham Trustee

• Being a Birmingham Association of Youth Clubs trustee.

• Being a County FA Council member

• Offering support to young people accessing sport courses, housing advice and

guidance; and personal and social skills development.

Lincoln Moses has spent a lifetime working with young people who are very talented; but equally have

some very real-world issues to cope with. Issues that have placed them at a disadvantage and more oftenthan-not, on the margins of society. Lincoln has used his personal and professional connections, to give something more to these young people; and they have thrived! Thank you, Lincoln, for all that you do, and… Congratulation Mr Lincoln Moses, MBE on being an ASKaND ‘Mover and Shaker’!

GET ANSAR 2023 READY!

It’s time to celebrate! The 20th Biennial Anguilla, Nevis and St Kitts Association Reunion is just around the corner!

For over 20 years, the Anguilla Nevis St. Kitts Association has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the Caribbean people. And what better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than by bringing the people of the Caribbean together for a reunion?

We are excited to announce the Anguilla Nevis St. Kitts Associations Reunion to be held in Anguilla, BWI, July 14 through 16, 2023. This grand reunion is a chance for all members of these three Caribbean islands to come together and celebrate our shared culture and heritage. Attendees can expect a weekend of celebrations, including a gala dinner, live music, dancing, and DETAILS

Start: July 14, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

End: July 16, 2023 @ 6:00 pm Website: ansar2023anguilla.com

admin@ansar2023anguilla.com

A Christmas Message From ASKaND Chair

On behalf of ASKaND, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and those who have shown an interest in ASKaND, for their support. Whatever we have done to date; we could not have done it without your unwavering support.

We are looking forward to 2023 and what it may have in store for us. For we know, we are ready, willing and up for the challenge of growing and progressing our Association.

Thank you for being on this journey with us.

With that final word, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Festive Season and a happy, prosperous and healthy New Year, See you all in 2023, God willing!

JacquiDaniels ASKaNDChair