TAKE THE WALK OF A LIFETIME!
Hello Members!
Since we received notification of our National Lottery Community Fund award, we have been making strides in progressing our activities by booking venues and meeting to discuss our preliminary planning strategy. To that end, we concluded that it was the right time to start bringing our event committees together. So we are looking forward to welcoming members onto these committees as we plan the rest of our activities for the year.
One of the things we said we would not do is rest on our laurels. With the Community Fund award, we have received an opportunity to engage in dedicated fundraising activities, to enable us to generate our own funds to deliver our 2024 activity programme.
To that end, we would like to invite members to take part in our sponsored walk. It is called the "Brum to SKN Challenge". Our aim is to walk the distance from Birmingham to St Kitts and Nevis in 12 weeks; which is a grand total of 4,054 miles!
It is a very tall order, which is why
we would like as many members as possible to sign up to take part in our fundraising drive. Over a 12 week period until 29th July, we will be counting our steps to make up the miles.
Consensus of opinion deems that 10,000 steps equates to about five miles. Therefore we need as many people as possible to get ‘counting’! It is something anyone can do over the course of their day. In addition, if you wanted to make more of a conscious effort to get some extra ‘steps’ in, this can be done by specifically adding some additional walking or running to your day.
Either way, every step really does count and we only have 12 weeks in which to do it.
The sponsored walk will begin on the 6th May. So please do start walking with a view to securing sponsors, and generate some much
-needed funds for ASKaND, so we can deliver on our 2024 activities.
The total amount we are trying to raise is £10,000. Yes, we know it is an ambitious target; but we feel that if we stretch ourselves to try and meet that goal we might just even surprise ourselves. In addition, the amount matches what we were awarded by the Community Fund, and that suggests that we can reasonably expect our yearly budget to be circa £10,000; what we would need to carry out a similar programme of events in years to come. So please grab a form, or let one of our Team help you set up a ‘JustGiving’ page, and then get walking.
We will be organising some walking groups, during the 12week period. They won't necessarily be large groups, but it would be lovely if members would like to come out and support; and maybe get a few ‘steps’ in themselves!
Jacqui Daniels ASKaND Chair
In this issue
ASKaND
“Jumbie Corner”
On The Radio!
ST KITTS TOURISM
Giving the ‘big boys’ a run for their money!
The Travel Online Newsletter (April edition), has ranked St Kitts at number 1 in its listing of the “10 Most Scenic Destinations You Can Visit in The Caribbean in 2023’’.
The author, Deblina Biswas, wrote in glowing terms about St Kitts describing it as an island of ‘peerless beauty’. It has been a hidden treasure which is now increasing in popularity.
She stated ‘…there is a gorgeous view from atop the Mt. Liamuiga mountains that give a bird's eye view of the entire island. A zipline adventure is one of the more exciting ways to explore the lush forest from above. While there are so many things to explore at St. Kitts, nothing comes close to limin' or the art of relaxing”. For her, the following were key selling points in SKN tourism strategy:
Things to do - enjoy a journey through St. Kitts via the Sugar Train, explore the rainforest, learning about the history of St. Kitts at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, take in views at Timothy Views, and visit Nevis by Catamaran
A luxurious place to stay in St. Kitts - Paradise Beach
Nevis
An affordable place to stay in St. Kitts - Seaview Inn
Writer, Lisa Wright, offered similar praise for St Kitts’ charms, maintains that ” …compared to its larger Caribbean cousins, this relaxing spot (St Kitts), perfectly located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea is a dream come true for vacationers looking to escape the more touristy island locales and opt instead for an equally tropical, yet less crowded, alternative.”
And while the island of Nevis is known as the more relaxing of the two, St. Kitts is slightly larger and is a one-two punch of both relaxation and recreation the perfect spot for travellers looking for an action-packed beach getaway with a side of fun. Though little more than a dot on the map, St. Kitts is big on an adventure ideal for those who want to up the ante with a tropical vacation that’s one nonstop adventure after another under the bright Caribbean sun.”
St Kitts is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, from the sedate to adrenaline-fuelled adventures. ‘The Travel’ lists the following, all making for an epic getaway:
Climb Mt. Liamuiga, one of St. Kitts’ four volcanoes and one of the tallest peaks in the Caribbean; afterward, visit nearby Black Rocks to scope out some cool rock formations created over time by the volcano’s lava flow
Hike the Dos d’Anse Pond and explore its rugged terrain and waterfalls. An elevation gain akin to Mt. Liamuiga, this hike is considered challenging, so prepared!
There are a number of opportunities for water sports in St. Kitts. You name it, they’ve got it: from jet skiing to
paddle boarding; glass-bottomed kayaking to parasailing, there’s something for everyone looking for a chance to explore the island’s clear blue waters. Love to snorkel? Then be sure to check out Shitten Bay and its underwater reef.
On St. Kitts, even the historical tours are packed with adventure and an *ATV excursion is by far the best way to see some of the island’s coolest spots while learning about its heritage and ecology.
Take a dive and explore the River Taw, a shipwreck off Frigate Bay known as one of the best wreck dives in the entire Caribbean. Looking for more of a challenge? Then head to deeper waters at Sandy Point Marine Park. There’s also plenty of marine life to see here, too!
Soar over St. Kitts’ rainforest canopy with an exhilarating zip line tour.
When it comes to food and drink
Frigate Bay is highlighted for its string of fun beach bars known collectively as ‘The Strip’, there are plenty of places to simply kick back and enjoy.
Famous for their signature rum punch known as the “Jefferson,” the Rainforest Bar at Romney Manor is all tropical vibes, island ambiance, and volcano views. Be sure to explore the lush gardens, too! Wingfield Estate, Old Road Town, St. Kitts.
Oceanfront dining at its finest, the white dining room of Arthur’ s is the perfect contrast to the dramatic black sand beach of Dieppe Bay and the food is island fresh and delish, too Belle Mont Farm, Dieppe Bay Beach.
With a name that would do the B-52s proud, Rock Lobster is the place to be to score lobster any way you like it a truly casual (yet elevated) Frigate Bay fave. St. Christopher Club, Kittian Village.
Global cuisine meets locally-sourced seafood and produce at the Spice Mill Restaurant, where guests can dip their toes in the sand and enjoy views of St. Kitts’ sister island Nevis across the water. Cockleshell Beach, St. Kitts
St Kitts has been called ‘an island of a thousand treasures’ with pristine shores and azure waters. For the American tourist who will read this review, they will find that there is much to commend the island. The article closes with “this tropical island paradise has it all complete with the stellar scenery and sunny skies the Caribbean is known for.
St Kitts is clearly making a mark on the tourism map. https://www.thetravel.com/most-scenic-islands-to-visit-in-thecaribbean/
* - All Terrain Vehicle
Page 2 May 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #008 NEWSPAPER
ASKaND ON THE RADIO
On Saturday 20th May, ASKaND has been invited to appear on the radio with ASKaND member, the Crucial Miss P and President Kennedy. We will be appearing on their VYBZ SHOW which normally runs every Saturday.
It is truly an honour to have the opportunity to talk about ASKaND on a larger scale. Therefore, Edlynn Zakers will be representing ASKaND on the day. So please do log on (link below) and listen in on the day. It would be great to know we have members listening in and offering their support!
https://tellstream.org/ways-to-listen/#page-content
NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY!
Neighbourhood Development & Support
Unit
Birmingham City Council has offered organisations across the city, the opportunity to apply for funding to celebrate and recognise the contributions the Windrush generation (and their descendants), has made to Birmingham via their Windrush 75 Small Grants Programme. The funding would allow local groups to highlight and celebrate the impact the Windrush generation from a grassroots level. To that end, we are delighted to announce that through one of our members, we have submitted a bid for funding to deliver a theatre/film project that will highlight the experiences of several of our elders. The project will be led by one of our members Elishah St Juste, and through her own contacts, we now have the opportunities to work on the project, with support from Birmingham Hippodrome, along with The Hub, The BCA and the National Lottery Community fund. We will be notified on whether our bid has been successful or not later on in May.
Page 3 May 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #008 NEWSPAPER
SKN PM TAKING CENTRE STAGE!
the diaspora nationals of St Kitts and Nevis.
The Prime Minister's trip also included hosting a diaspora meeting, which gave St Kitts and Nevis nationals living in the US the opportunity to meet and interact with him. The initiative was well received by the people, who appreciated the chance to connect with him during the trip.
Overall, the Prime Minister's participation in the 5K walk event and the diaspora meeting showed a commitment to engaging with the St Kitts and Nevis community living abroad. It also highlighted the importance of building strong ties between St
Heads of Government.
The symposium promoted dialogue and regional action aimed at violence reduction and crime prevention, under the theme “Violence as a Public Health Issue – The Crime Challenge”. Dr. Drew, the federation’s Minister of Health and Minister of National Security, delivered remarks as CARICOM’s Lead Head on Health on 17th April.
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, recently attended the World Bank and IMF spring meetings in Washington DC. During his trip, on 15th April, he took the opportunity to participate in a 5K walk event hosted by the St Kitts and Nevis National Association in Washington DC. The event brought together St Kitts and Nevis nationals living in the area; and they had the chance to meet with the Prime Minister and his team.
Accompanied by several highranking officials from St Kitts and Nevis, including the Permanent Secretary (AG) in the Prime Minister’s Office, Naeemah Hazelle, and the Chargé D’Affaires Ad Interim at St Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Washington DC, Shanelle Simmonds, the Prime Minister's attendance at the 5K walk event was seen as a positive initiative by
Kitts and Nevis and its diaspora community.
Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew travel itinerary then took him to Trinidad to attend a Regional Symposium on “Violence as a Public Health Issue – The Crime Challenge”. The two-day meeting on April 17 and 18 took place at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain and was be hosted by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, and was attended by other CARICOM
The conventional approach to addressing crime and violence from a social prevention and criminal justice perspective, has been the traditional method for a number of years. However, this approach had resulted in escalating levels of crime and violence which have been an ongoing concern of CARICOM Heads of Government for several years.
Given CARICOM’s deep concern about the unprecedented levels of crime, Heads of Government resolved to increase focus on the determinants of crime by taking a public health approach, which would first identify the causal factors and preventions where possible, followed by interventions.
This Regional Symposium emphasised a holistic system approach, particularly a whole-ofGovernment and whole-ofsociety approach, involving and collaborating with all relevant agencies, organisations, and sectors at different levels, including civil society, business, community, families, and individuals. The topics discussed
May 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #008 NEWSPAPER Page 4
over the two days included: Violence and Health in the Region; Crime and Violence: A
Public Health Approach; Mental Health; Transnational Organised Crime; Using Litigation to Protect Gun Violence – Global Action on Gun Violence; Trans-Border Crime; Education and Youth, Domestic Violence; Economic Inequalities as the Driver of Crime and Violence; Community approaches- Restorative Justice; Sports and Mediation; and the Judicial Perspective- Legislation and Juvenile Justice Reform.
Once the CARICOM Regional Symposium on “Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue”
had concluded it was hailed as a success by the Prime Minister Dr. Drew. The symposium, resulted in a Declaration by Heads of Government on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue which included: a comprehensive overhaul of the criminal justice system, the strengthening of regional forensic capabilities and collaboration, and the immediate and effective implementation of the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of taking an evidence-based approach to tackle crime and violence, citing the need for research and data analysis to effectively address the issue. The Declaration also included: an agreement to ban assault weapons in the region, except for security forces and sporting competitions, and an agreement to stand with Mexico on its legal action against US gun manufacturers and retailers. The Declaration emphasised the need to empower and engage young people as positive content
developers to offset the negative impact of social media and promote public awareness and education campaigns in communities that challenge harmful beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that contribute to crime and violence.
Sources:
https://www.ieyenews.com/prime -minister-drew-joins-caricomheads-regional-symposium-intrinidad-tobago/
http://thelabourspokesman.com/ prime-minister-dr-drewconfident-that-outcomes-of-theregional-symposium-on-crimeand-violence-in-the-caribbeanwill-bear-fruit/
https://sknnews.com/saint-kittsnevis/pm-terrance-drew-attends5k-walk-at-washington-dc323812935/
May 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #008 NEWSPAPER Page 5
GET ON OUR SOCIALS!
Our Socials are up and running now, so please look for us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askandbrum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askandbrum/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/askandbrum
Also on our Linktree link, you will notice a few ’extras’! Find us at: https://linktr.ee/askandbrum
In addition, our ASKaND JustGiving page is up and running, so please share; and don’t forget, you can now scan our QR Code too! https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/askandbrum2skn
NOTICES
Upcoming Members Meetings
ASKaND Members meetings will be held at the BCA, Jenkins Street, Birmingham, B10 0PQ at 1900hrs
Friday 2nd June 2023
Friday 7th July 2023
Friday 4th August 2023
May 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #008 NEWSPAPER Page 6
“JUMBIE CORNER”
Peanut Rebellion
As there are certain times, For the milking of the cow. Said you'd remove us in October, So you can't take us now: You better stick to the harvest plan.
The hoe's in solidarity, Refusing to dig. Imagine oil saying ''I won't go through your rig:'' You better stick to the harvest plan.
Your dog's laughing at you, Knowing time and season. Nothing happens before it's time, So sit back and reason: You better stick to the harvest plan.
A part of Rootical Folklore - celebrating African and Caribbean Folklore through flora – this is from a tale from Nevis, reminding us that nothing happens before its time.
©Natty Mark Samuels, 2023. African School. Rootical Folklore
PEOPLE! ASKaND NEED YOU!
Members,
Please let your family and friends know that we hoping to get a troupe together to take part in the 2023 Leeds West Indian Carnival! We are looking for young people, male and female who would like to take part in the Road March and dance up a storm! We are also looking for any adults who have always wanted to give it a go, but has never really had the opportunity!
If you are interested, please let us know by 20 May 2023 via: email
our WhatsApp groups, or ‘DM’ us on any of our Socials!
May 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #008 NEWSPAPER Page 7
askand2022@gmail.com,
May 2023 //Volume 2, Issue #008 NEWSPAPER Page 8
