ASKaND Sentinel January 2023 - Vol 2 #005

ASKaND Prepares For 2023!

Happy New Year

ASKaND members! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful festive season and you will have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.

Welcome to our first newsletter of the year. We have quite a bumper issue for you with lots to let you all about.

From our very first members’ meeting in September 2022; we have had a series of ‘firsts! So, let’s recap on our progress since September.

At our September meeting we identified our St Kitts-Nevis Heritage Day to be our very first event to be delivered in October. Our members embraced our first challenge and came out in force to deliver an event we can all feel proud of; and we did!

In November, we had our first Fireside Chat event with guest speakers: Minister Counsellor Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister from the St Kitts & Nevis High Commission; Cllr Sharon Thompson JP from Birmingham, City Council; and Cllr Ashley Lewis from Sandwell Borough Council.

In this issue

It was a well-attended event, which discussed the support available to the St Kitts-Nevis community in Birmingham via the St Kitts & Nevis High Commission; along with how we can organise ourselves to have a much more effective voice in Birmingham.

Our final event for the year, was our first children’s Christmas party; complete with Santa’s Grotto! It was truly a fun event, in which all the attendees: children, parents and our fantastic volunteers, thoroughly enjoyed.

As you can see, we have all been working non-stop, to be proactive and deliver initiatives and

activities that would appeal to all sections of our community. So, it was a welcome break, during this festive season, for everyone to just sit, rest and reflect. Not only on what we have achieved to date, but also on what is to come.

Therefore, we at ASKaND have continued to work. Trying hard to prepare for an interesting 2023 from the get-go. We’ve had discussions with the St Kitts & Nevis High Commission and met with members to discuss programme events. All to ensure we shared a calendar of activities that will kick -off in January; with plenty of room left in the timetable for any new initiatives our members would like us to consider.

So, thank you all for working so diligently to build ASKaND into a vibrant community group. We still have a lot to do and learn, but by God’s grace, I really do believe we are on the right track.

Jacqui Daniels ASKaND Chair

ASKaND

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Christmas season kicked off with our ASKaND Children's Christmas Party on the 3rd December, and everything about that day was so much fun!

We began by arriving early at the venue to start prepping the food for the children and decorating the hall. Then we fought with the frame of Santa's Grotto to get it into position and decorated. As always, our volunteers came out in force to support the activities on the day. Whether it was filling the children’s Christmas gift bags, or holding marquee bars aloft, over our heads, as we tried to fit pins into holes that wouldn't fit; we had fun doing it.

On the day, we had twenty children with us and each and every one of them were a delight to be with. It was a new experience for the children, and the adults because it was the first children's Christmas party that had been arranged for our children, in our community, by our community. Therefore, both adults and children were finding their feet a little. But we are pleased to say the children threw

themselves into the games with the adults having just as much fun.

So, after several games of musical chairs, scavenger hunting, the stand-up/sit down game, and more; the children settled down for their Christmas meal. Their plates were loaded with many favourites such as pizza and chicken wings with dessert for ‘afters’. Once they had finished their meals, the children lined up to see Father Christmas. The excitement was palpable with many comments that ran from “I can't wait to see Father Christmas,” to “… I don't think he's real!” to “…I don't think he's really real; but I’m not going to say anything because I still want him to bring my Christmas presents on Christmas Day!”

The happiness that the children expressed on meeting Father Christmas in his grotto and receiving their Christmas gifts from him, made the whole event worthwhile. We will definitely be hosting another Christmas party for our children in 2023. So do look out for the information on that nearer the time.

“JUMBIE CORNER”

Chant of the Coconut Tree

You made a poor choice, Little Ground Dove, You should have chosen me. Genus Cocos, Instead of Cedrus: Should have chosen the coconut tree.

You bet Mountain Dove, Who could live longer, You began to feel hungry. Chose a tree out of fruit, Mountain Dove more astute: Should have chosen the coconut tree.

You lost the wager, Death took you away, You chose Cedrus libani. Mislaid common sense, Thinking became dense: Should have chosen the coconut tree.

A tale from the Nevis oral tradition, abridged and re-written as chant. Reminding us of the need for common sense when making decisions.

Part of Rootical Folklore is celebrating African and Caribbean folklore through flora. Each plant is classified under the binomial system (the genus and the species) which was founded in the 18th century by Carl Linneaus. So, for the above:

Coconut tree; Cocos nucifera; (Coco = the genu; Nucifera = the species)

Cedar tree: Cedrus libani

Lemon: Citrus limon

Grapefruit: Citrus paradisi

We have a new section to our newsletter called “Jumbie Corner”, written by one of our newest members, Natty Mark Samuels. Based out of Oxford, Natty is a Keeper of African and Caribbean folklore and has studied the folkloric traditions and stories of St Kitts & Nevis. Natty’s journey began in 2009, when due to the dearth of provision in Oxford, Natty set up African School, offering African Studies to the general public. Teaching has taken place in a wide range of settings, such as schools, community projects, museums, colleges, youth clubs, universities, libraries, carnivals and botanical gardens. The school has a specialization in African and Caribbean Folklore. He is the author of 'The Birago Diop Trilogy’' and ‘The Papine Tales’. He is also the founder of Rootical Folkore and Birago Day: African and Caribbean Folklore Day’.

“Jumbie Corner” Author: Natty Mark Samuels

ASKaND “MOVERS & SHAKERS”!

the better, but saw nothing meaningful on the horizon.

From a difficult early life, Sharon has been exposed to the consequences of poverty, homelessness, and health issues. However, she made a conscious decision not let these matters prevent her from moving forward. With the support of all those who believed in her, she has become an important advocate for change supporting those who have similarly, experienced hardship.

Sharon Thompson has been a mover and shaker in Birmingham City Council from the moment she won her first election in 2014. She currently holds the position of Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods with delegated responsibilities and decisionmaking powers in the are as of Housing, Homelessness, Bereavement Services, Registrars Services and Localism from the Leader of the Council. Highly influential and steeped in a background of community activism and development, politics was not an immediate career goal for Sharon; rather, an understandable transition where she wanted to see a change for

When asked about her political start, Sharon has often said that she didn’t ‘do politics’. The reality

faced by these groups. Through WAITS she has contributed to a national policy toolkit aimed at assisting policymakers in decisions that affected lone parents in the workplace; and has been a panellist on ‘The Barriers For Women Entering Politics’ debate alongside, John Bercow MP (a former Speaker of the House).

of the matter is that she genuinely didn’t realise just how involved she already was with the wider political process. St Basils and Women Acting in Today’s Society (WAITS) are two organisations which she considers to be instrumental in her advancement. From 2005, Sharon attended consultations and roundtable discussions about barriers for women and disadvantaged communities. She met with Ministers at the Home Office alongside WAITS where her presence was not politically driven, but fuelled by anger at the clear injustices

After attending the ‘Operation Black Vote’ programme in 2007, she joined the Labour Party a year later, but not as an active member. It was not until she attended an educational programme for women called ‘Changes’ that she learnt more about politics, visited the EU Parliament and the EU Commission; and was lucky enough to shadow a ‘good’ politician. Initially sceptical about what politicians actually do, it was at that point, she realised just how hard some worked.

Taking the opportunity to become the Campaign Manager for a friend, standing to become a Councillor, Sharon saw the politi-

cal process at close quarters. Not long after taking this role, she became the Constituency Labour Party’s (CLP) Women’s Officer, then Branch Chair and in 2014, she stood to represent Soho Ward.

Serving as a full-time politician since that time, Sharon’s days are full and varied. Presently, her role includes reading and scrutinising a variety of reports, high level policy decision making, representing the city on various platforms i.e., West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Every day, Sharon will have meetings to attend, casework to oversee and numerous visits with individuals, groups, and organisations from the community. All this, along with being a Magistrate - no two days are ever the same.

Black, Asian, and minority ethnic politicians have additional responsibilities to be a good and sometimes vocal, advocates for their diaspora. Representation matters. However, as a woman, it is incredibly difficult to break into politics and the struggle never stops. If one looks at the trolling and abuse many women face in politics, in comparison to men;

then add ethnicity into the mix, the struggles can quite clearly be seen. It is tough being a black woman in politics, but Sharon will still encourages more women to step forward to become councillors, having championed all the women shortlisted in her CLP. In Birmingham there are 6 black councillors out of a chamber of 101. But voices have grown stronger particularly throughout the pandemic and in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder.

Sharon has taken up a role that few black people, and even fewer women, do. She has blazed a path for others to follow; and what’s more… she is prepared to help those that would like to do so! But what of her life beyond politics? Sharon is family orientated and cherishes her ‘down’ time. She says “I am very intentional with my personal time – self-care, time with the inner circle and hanging out with my son. You rarely see me at dinners and out networking in the evenings – I treat my personal time and private life as a treasured commodity.”

So thank you Sharon, for taking that step into the political arena

ASKaND Discussion Group

to represent the people of your constituency and Birmingham, in general. You are a St Kitts-Nevis descendant, and we are all incredibly proud of your achievements. Congratulations Sharon Thompson JP, on being an ASKaND Mover ‘ n’ Shaker!

“When this generation passes on the baton, we should be aiming to pass it on to you (younger generation) from a stronger position than when we picked it up. When you take the baton from us you need continue to trailblaze; progress and achieve what was unachievable in my era. Don’t repeat the mistakes of previous generations; we made them for you to learn from, not to repeat.” Sharon Thompson JP.

In following up on points discussed at our November Fireside Chat event, Sharon Thompson JP, has very kindly offered to host three, 1-hour discussions on “Why We Should Participate in The Political Process at All Levels”. The sessions will begin on Wednesday 18th January at 7pm. The meeting will be online, via MS Teams. The ‘MS Teams’ app can be downloaded from your preferred app store on your mobile phones or tablets, or access the app via a webpage on your laptop. Clicking on the link will take you to the page. The link will be emailed to all members and put in all ASKaND Members WhatsApp Groups.

Diary Markers– ASKaND Events

e, at ASKaND, are delighted to announce several dates for dates for the diary from January to April. A full diary for the year is also available for members on request.

W

Date Time Event Where

January 2023

18/01/2023 1900-2000 Discussion group –“Why We Need to Take Part In The Political Process At All Levels”

25/01/2023 1900-2000 Discussion group –“Why We Need to Take Part In The Political Process At All Levels”

27/01/2023 1300-1500 St Kitts & Nevis Citizenship Clinic – appointments only with MC Wilkin-Armbrister online.

February 2023

Online via MS Teams (link sent via email & WhatsApp)

Online via MS Teams (link sent via email & WhatsApp)

87 Grange Road, Small Heath

Online via MS Teams (link sent via email & WhatsApp) 03/02/2023 1900-2030 ASKaND Members Meeting

01/02/2023 1900-2000 Discussion group –“Why We Need to Take Part in The Political Process at All Levels”

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ

March 2023

03/03/2023 1900-2030 ASKaND Members Meeting

April 2023

04/04/2023 1300-1700 Easter Bonnet & Fashion Workshop for Children

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ 06/04/2023 1300-1700 Easter Bonnet & Fashion Workshop for Children

05/04/2023 1300-1700 Easter Bonnet & Fashion Workshop for Children

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ 08/04/2023 1500-2000 Easter Bonnet & Fashion Parade for Children and Family Event

09/04/2023 1030-1130 Easter Bonnet Parade at Church

14/04/2023 1900-2030 ASKaND Members Meeting

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ

Hall Green United Community Church, 609 Reddings Ln, Birmingham

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ

ASKaND Overseas Members

Neville Mitcham — Location: Washington DC, USA

When we first decided to look into the feasibility of developing a new association, we researched many community groups and organisations. We wanted to understand the motivation for their interest group, their aims and objectives, their ethics and their deliverables. Understandably we tried to find as many St Kitts and Nevis groups as we could, both at home and abroad and we did locate a few. One of the St Kitts and Nevis groups that we found, proved to be quite instrumental in helping us to build a picture on what we would like to aim for. The St. Kitts Nevis Nationals Association of Washington, DC (SKNNA-DC) had an online presence that clearly outlined their aims and objectives, their purpose and their history. We were very impressed with their format and as a result, we now share several of their objectives; tailored to our needs. Therefore, imagine our surprise when we were asked to speak to an interested person, in Washington DC, we find that Neville Mitcham is only the Vice-Chair of SKNNA-DC!

Neville has since joined ASKaND, as a member and regularly joins us, via a weblink, for members meetings. More information on SKNNA-DC can be found at: http://sknnadc.org/.

Thank you Neville for joining ASKaND, and we look forward to the time when we can collaborate on a project with SKNNA-DC.

Jestina Phipps-Lescott

— Location: Nevis, West Indies

We are delighted to welcome Jestina Phipps-Lescott as our very first ASKaND member in Nevis; and with that she has also agreed to be our Nevis Representative on the island.

What that means for ASKaND, is that Jestina will be our Point-of-Contact in Nevis. Therefore, when we are sending anything to the island, it will be sent to Jestina to receive and administer. We will also be able to get proper updates on how the resources we send overseas are being used.

Thank you, Jestina, for joining ASKaND and agreeing to be our Representative on our beautiful island of Nevis.

SAXOPHONIST ALVIN DAVIS PLAYING LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM - 24th MARCH 2023

For those who enjoyed the wonderful sound of saxophonist Alvin Davis play live at the ASKaND launch, here is another chance to listen to him play in Birmingham. This time Alvin joins with his live band for an evening of soulful, smooth, R&B, Reggae, and pop infused jazz. Alvin’s career started as a young man working on the session musician circuit, performing with the likes of Maxi Priest, The Foundations, and Neville Staples (The Specials & Fun Boy Three).

Alvin has developed his own sound, absorbing influences from across the city, as well as from leading R&B and Soul artists. His 2019 album ‘Make a Stance’ delivered soulful sax that draw from his experiences touring the world. Join Alvin and his band for a special evening together in the Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham. £15, £10 conc, £7 Barber Association, £5 students/U18. To book: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/lcahm/departments/music/events/2023/spring-23/alvin-davis-and-his-band.aspx

SKN CITIZENSHIP CLINIC

Once again, in following up on outcomes from our November Fireside Chat, Minister Counsellor Wilkin-Armbrister has very kindly agreed to hold individual clinic appointments for those who would like to secure their St Kitts-Nevis citizenship.

The clinic will be held at 87 Grange Road, Small Heath on Friday 27th January from 1pm-3pm. To ensure those who attend get the most out of their private meeting, please ensure you bring the following with you to the meeting:

• SKN Citizenship Form

• Birth Certificate of SKN parent or grandparent

Please note: The meeting will be online and the link will not be given out under any circumstance.

Appointments will be issued on a first come first serve basis. There will be 8 slots available on the day.

BIRMINGHAM SKN AUTHOR RELEASE NEW BOOK

women are far happier discussing virtually anything else but bank balances; and this lack of confidence in openly discussing money matters is crippling the female population financially. Women negotiate less in salary discussions, are excessively cautious and risk averse when it comes to investing and lack the general awareness around how to optimise retirement savings to guarantee a comfortable retirement.

Members Meetings

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 14th April 2023

Friday 5th May 2023

Birmingham’s very own St KittsNevis descendant, Davinia Tomlinson has just had her very first book, “Cash is Queen: A Girl’s Guide to Securing, Spending and Stashing Cash!” published on Amazon UK.

Cash is Queen breaks down the basics of how young women of today can learn to understand and manage money - an empowering skill that will last them a lifetime.

Study after study shows that

Davinia, as an experienced financial expert, gives clear explanations and uses empowering text to aid everyone in understanding that to establish a positive relationships with money in adulthood; learning must be cultivated in childhood.

The book is not patronising or preachy, and proves to be essential reading for young girls everywhere as they enter adulthood.

Support our homegrown talent and get your copy of Cash is Queen from Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/1BJKaY2

Friday 2nd June 2023

Friday 7th July 2023

Friday 4th August 2023