ASKaND Sentinel January 2023 - Vol 2 #005

ASKaND Prepares For 2023!

Happy New Year

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.

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.

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

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

In this issue

SKN Citizenship Clinic

SKN Movers ‘n’ Shakers

“Jumbie Corner”

NEWSPAPER

January 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #005

ASKaND CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Christmas season kicked off with our ASKaND rd

Children's Christmas Party on the 3 December, and everything about that day was so much fun!

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

So, after several games of musical chairs, We began by arriving early at the venue to start scavenger hunting, the stand-up/sit down game, and more; the children settled down for their prepping the food for the children and Christmas meal. Their plates were loaded with decorating the hall. Then we fought with the many favourites such as pizza and chicken wings frame of Santa's Grotto to get it into position with dessert for ‘afters’. Once they had finished and decorated. As always, our volunteers came out in force to support the activities on the day. their meals, the children lined up to see Father Christmas. The excitement was palpable with Whether it was filling the children’s Christmas gift bags, or holding marquee bars aloft, over our many comments that ran from “I can't wait to see Father Christmas,” to “… I don't think he's real!” to heads, as we tried to fit pins into holes that “…I don't think he's really real; but I’m not going wouldn't fit; we had fun doing it. to say anything because I still want him to bring On the day, we had twenty children with us and my Christmas presents on Christmas Day!” each and every one of them were a delight to be The happiness that the children expressed on with. It was a new experience for the children, and the adults because it was the first children's meeting Father Christmas in his grotto and Christmas party that had been arranged for our receiving their Christmas gifts from him, made the whole event worthwhile. We will definitely be children, in our community, by our community.

Therefore, both adults and children were finding hosting another Christmas party for our children in 2023. So do look out for the information on their feet a little. But we are pleased to say the that nearer the time. children threw

Page 2

NEWSPAPER

January 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #005

“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

“Jumbie Corner” Author: Natty Mark Samuels

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’.

Page 3

NEWSPAPER

January 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #005

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).

After attending the ‘Operation Black Vote’ programme in 2007, she joined the Labour Party a of the matter is that she year later, but not as an active genuinely didn’t realise just how member. It was not until she involved she already was with the attended an educational wider political process. St Basils programme for women called and Women Acting in Today’s ‘Changes’ that she learnt more Society (WAITS) are two about politics, visited the EU organisations which she Parliament and the EU considers to be instrumental in Commission; and was lucky her advancement. From 2005, enough to shadow a ‘good’ Sharon attended consultations politician. Initially sceptical about and roundtable discussions what politicians actually do, it was about barriers for women and at that point, she realised just disadvantaged communities. how hard some worked.

She met with Ministers at the Home Office alongside WAITS Taking the opportunity to where her presence was not become the Campaign Manager politically driven, but fuelled by for a friend, standing to become a anger at the clear injustices Councillor, Sharon saw the politi-

Page 4

NEWSPAPER

January 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #005

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.

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 Serving as a full-time politician CLP. In Birmingham there are 6 since that time, Sharon’s days are black councillors out of a full and varied. Presently, her role chamber of 101. But voices have includes reading and scrutinising grown stronger particularly a variety of reports, high level throughout the pandemic and in policy decision making, the aftermath of the George representing the city on various Floyd murder. platforms i.e., West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Sharon has taken up a role that Every day, Sharon will have few black people, and even fewer meetings to attend, casework to women, do. She has blazed a oversee and numerous visits with path for others to follow; and individuals, groups, and what’s more… she is prepared to organisations from the help those that would like to do community. All this, along with so! But what of her life beyond being a Magistrate - no two days politics? Sharon is family are ever the same. orientated and cherishes her 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;

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.

‘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 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.

Page 5

NEWSPAPER

January 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #005

Diary Markers– ASKaND Events We, 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.

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.

Online via MS Teams (link sent via email & WhatsApp) Online via MS Teams (link sent via email & WhatsApp) 87 Grange Road, Small Heath

February 2023 01/02/2023

1900-2000

Discussion group – “Why We Need to Take Part in The Political Process at All Levels”

03/02/2023

1900-2030

ASKaND Members Meeting

Online via MS Teams (link sent via email & WhatsApp) The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ

March 2023 03/03/2023

1900-2030

ASKaND Members Meeting

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ

April 2023 04/04/2023 05/04/2023 06/04/2023

1300-1700

1300-1700 1300-1700

Easter Bonnet & Fashion Workshop for Children Easter Bonnet & Fashion Workshop for Children 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 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

Hall Green United Community Church, 609 Reddings Ln, Birmingham

14/04/2023

1900-2030

ASKaND Members Meeting

The BCA, Jenkins St, Birmingham B10 0PQ Page 6

January 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #005

NEWSPAPER

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 Page 7

NEWSPAPER

January 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #005

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.

Birmingham’s very own St Kitts-

Nevis 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.

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.

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 Friday—2nd June 2023 Friday—7th July 2023 Friday—4th August 2023

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

Cash is Queen breaks down the basics of how young women of Support our homegrown talent today can learn to understand and and get your copy of Cash is manage money - an empowering Queen from Amazon: skill that will last them a lifetime. https://amzn.eu/d/1BJKaY2 Study after study shows that

Page 8