Looking Forward to 2024 with ASKaND! Dear Members, In 2023, the Association of St
Kitts & Nevis Descendants (ASKaND) has made significant strides in building a strong sense of cultural pride and unity within the St Kitts and Nevis community. It has proven itself to be a vibrant, proactive, and community-focused organisation and has left an indelible mark on both its members and the wider Birmingham community, with a year of impactful and engaging activities. From hosting their very first members’ meeting in September 2022 to celebrating their first anniversary in October 2023, ASKaND has achieved remarkable milestones and contributed significantly to the St Kitts and Nevis community in Birmingham and has demonstrated relentless dedication and unwavering commitment to nurturing a vibrant and cohesive community in Birmingham. It is evident that ASKaND has been relentless in its efforts to uplift and unite the St Kitts and Nevis community, as well as strengthen its bond with the city of Birmingham. The organisation's dedication to preserving and celebrating their heritage was evident through their various events and initiatives. ASKaND successfully organised
In this issue 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
their St Kitts-Nevis Heritage Day, a Fireside Chat event, and a heartwarming children’s Easter Playscheme and Christmas party; each catering to different sections of the community and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Islands In addition to cultural events, ASKaND made strides in securing funding and grants, such as the National Lottery Community Fund award and a Birmingham City Council grant. These financial achievements will not only facilitate the delivery of planned activities but also pave the way for a sustainable future for ASKaND, indicative of its growth and dedication. ASKaND’s commitment to developing financial independence continued with their fundraising initiative, of the "Brum to SKN Challenge." A sponsored walk which not only sought to build a real sense of unity and community spirit among its members; but, also demonstrated its determination to use innovative means to include the wider community in its endeavours.
The culmination of a year of achievements was the ASKaND Gala event, which marked the Association’s first anniversary. A testament to the dedication and resilience of ASKaND and its members. This celebration exemplified the vibrant spirit within the St. Kitts and Nevis community, not only showcased exceptional talent, but also highlighted the generosity of sponsors, the selfless efforts of volunteers, and the collaborative spirit of the St Kitts and Nevis community. It fostered a true sense of cultural pride and collective progress. As ASKaND moves into its second year, we will reflect on the strategic approach we have taken to community building, cultural celebration, and sustainable growth. We will continue to affirm our dedication to upholding our rich cultural heritage, promoting dialogue, and forging meaningful connections between the community in Birmingham and the islands. With the solid foundation of our 2023 achievements, ASKaND is poised to lead our descendant community into a future of continued growth and empowerment.
Jacqui Daniels ASKaND Chair
“JUMBIE CORNER”
NEWSPAPER
January 2024 //Volume 3, Issue #05
ASKaND Calendar of Events 2024 February Health & Wellbeing Day
24 February 2024
March Talent Showcase
23 March 2024
Easter Playscheme
March/early April 2024 (Date To Be Confirmed)
April Caribbean Takeover (Trip)
early April 2024 (Date To Be Confirmed)
May “Brum to SKN Challenge” Sponsored Walk
May to July 2024
August St Kitts-Nevis Heritage Day 3
18 August 2024
September/October ASKaND’s Anniversary Gala Dinner
28 September or 5 October 2024
November Fireside Chat
Date To Be Confirmed
December ASKaND Children’s Christmas Party
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Date To Be Confirmed
January 2024 //Volume 3, Issue #05
NEWSPAPER
ASKaND’s Health & Wellbeing Day We are delighted to bring to you ASKaND’s first event for 2024. Our Health and Wellbeing Day will offer all attendees an opportunity to look at their overall health in an exciting and enlightening way. There will be talks and fun activities aimed to get you thinking about how you can potentially improve your current lifestyle. Save the date and we will look forward to seeing your there!
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NEWSPAPER
January 2024 //Volume 3, Issue #05
“Jumbie Corner” The Panorama Man Given another year, Watch over us,
You are the Lookout Man. Far below your knee, So I beg you Moko Jumbie, Be our sentinel. Scan the landscape, Warn us of danger,
You're the Horizon Man. Dwarfing everybody, So I beg you Moko Jumbie, Please watch over us. Hear my plea, New January, You're the Panorama Man.
©Natty Mark Samuels, 2023. African School. Rootical Folklore
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NEWSPAPER
January 2024 //Volume 3, Issue #05
GET ON OUR SOCIALS! Don’t forget to access our Linktree links on our website. Peter, our Communications Officer, is always keen to hear your suggestions, so please let him know your thoughts on how we can improve our contents. Also, if you have a website you would like us to add, just let Peter know.
But in the meantime, please don’t forget our Socials which are having more and more people wanting to connect to us every week. So please find us at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askandbrum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askandbrum/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/askandbrum
Find us at: www.askand.org
Peter Nwabuokei ASKaND Communications Officer
Upcoming Members Meetings ASKaND Members meetings will be held at the BCA, Jenkins Street, Birmingham, B10 0PQ at 1900hrs.
However, please always check our location. We are always working to try and offer our members different experiences; and that might mean we change our venue! But don’t worry; we will always give you plenty of notice of any changes!
Friday — 2nd February
Friday — 1st March Friday — 5th April Friday — 3rd May Friday — 7th June Friday — 5th July Friday — 2nd August Friday — 6th September Friday — 4th October Friday — 1st November Friday — 6th December
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January 2024 //Volume 3, Issue #05
NEWSPAPER
ASKaND Chair’s SKN Experience When ASKaND Chair
surprised when one delivery was made in person at the prison doors on Christmas Day** and two deliveries on New Years Day**. The food was stored and eaten over two days, as they had more than enough to suffice.
Jacqui Daniels went to St Kitts for Christmas; those in the know, have no doubt, that the last place you would find her is sunning herself by the pool drinking Mai Tais! “That to me, was the reason for the season. I can only imagine the Of course we were right! Almost as soon thoughts of Prisoner X wondering Salad accompaniment as she landed she had who could have made their day this memorable. Someone outside, who cared her sleeves rolled up and was in the kitchen; enough about how they could be feeling on days ASKaND Chair - Jacqui Daniels determined to make sure that as many people as like Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. possible had an enjoyable Christmas. Our Chair “ASKaND are happy to support nationals and has shared one of her experiences below. descendants in need at home and abroad where we can.” “Christmas would not be Christmas, without the reason for the season. The reason for many (I believe), is to spread happiness and joy to all men; to give more and receive less and give to others less fortunate than ourselves. With that in view, at Christmas and over the New Year, I found myself with the financial support of two ASKaND members, cooking and delivering a 2-course meal for “Prisoner X” who is currently serving time at His Majesty’s Prison in Basseterre, St. Kitts. “This came about after a request was made by Prisoner X’s mother, who could not visit the island at Christmas, to provide for her adult child. “As a special treat, on Christmas Day the inmates are allowed to receive home cooked meals from their families to enjoy and experience a taste “of home”. The menu provided on the day was a: traditional Sunday dinner with all the trimmings, and lemon sponge cake. “Another privilege and treat that was granted on New Years Day, was food that included meals from KFC and Domino’s Pizza. Of course, Prisoner X was over the moon and
Taking the food to the recipient. Yes, there is food that bag… honest!
Christmas Dinner, traditional Sunday roast
* Names omitted to protect privacy and preserve dignity. ** 25th December 2023 & 1st January 2024.
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January 2024 //Volume 3, Issue #05
NEWSPAPER
ASKaND Children’s Christmas Party The season of Advent is a
throughout, fully engaging with every activity. Every child won at least one prize and all had a time of preparation, all gearing up for the main event. balloon construction made for them (animals/ crowns/swords etc). Honourable mention must So, on Sunday 10 December, also go to Will E Droppit’s ‘lovely assistant’, (his all our preparations focused missus!) who painted the faces of excited children on making that afternoon super-special for the children over the course of the afternoon and rounded up with a few excited adults at the end of the day of our members and friends. also. We made an early arrival at Finally, the big moment came when the children our venue and immediately got the music on whilst we put heard jolly “Ho-Ho-Ho’s” coming from the Santa’s Grotto together. From corridor. Children were excited, and were the outside, you saw only a substantial marquee; privileged to see him just before he entered the Grotto. They were each led into see ASKaND’s but inside, it was turned into an enchanting snowy scene with lots of lights and a big red chair very own “Farda Rastmus”, who presented them each with a gift, once they had assured him, that for Father Christmas. Our wonderful volunteerthey had been good all year; (**but then, he knew force took enormous pleasure in making it look that already right!**) as if it was lifted ‘Straight Outta da North Pole.’
Table and chairs were in place with brilliant Christmas tree centrepieces, everything laid out in readiness for plenty of food and drink. This year, although we were initially expected a bigger number than last year, we had fewer children, due to the illhealth of various parents and children alike. That aside, we catered for and entertained an appreciative group of children who had lots to eat and got involved with the entertainment provided.
The afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by all and the feedback we received regarding the event and the gifts given, has shown us how grateful the children were that we had thought of them, whether they were able to attend or not. So, we will again, look forward to bringing another ASKaND Children’s Christmas Party to our members and friends in 2024. Look out for the notification as the ‘season’ approaches.
“Will E Droppit” – magician extraordinaire, managed to get the majority of the children up on their feet at various points. There were several games and lots of laughs all around. As always, there were a few ‘stars of the show’ amongst the children, who simply brimmed over with energy Page 7
January 2024 //Volume 3, Issue #05
NEWSPAPER
ASKaND Talent Showcase Come along to ASKaND’s Dance with live performances. We take great pleasure in introducing you to our gifted young people with a dedicated section of the evening. Save the date everyone, and we look forward to seeing you on 16 March 2024. Look out for details on the venue; and Performers!... Contact us at: askand2022@gmail.com if you would like to perform on the night!
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