The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

The UK’s First Official Positive Newspaper since 2010.

20 YEARS AS THE

Daily Online. Weekly Newsletter.

EYE OF ENTERT

AINMENT

Monthly Print.

Only

50p

AUGUST 2017 www.streetcredmag

azine.com

Where Sold

Monthly Positive News

Proudly Supporting

SMASHED IT FREDDIE LEADS

BY EXAMPLE AT SIMMER DO WN

Check out Street Cred Starting Page 15

AUGUST 2017

Official Media Partners of the Olojo Festival 2017 in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation Find us on

/ThePhoenixNewspaper,

Mandy Phoenix, and

All Good Things Come In Threes Local businesswoman and community champion receives three honours in as many weeks

/PhoenixNewsUK

Inside This Edition

Iconic Landmark Celebrated In Special Royal Mail Stamp Set - Page 5

B

everly Lindsay OBE OD VLL, Founder of Diamond Travel, a leading Birmingham-based Independent Travel Agency, has received 3 accolades within as many weeks, including two honorary doctorates, from two of the regions most prestigious universities.

The Chair of the Association of Jamaica Nationals and former Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands was also appointed to the position of Vice Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands.

Upon accepting the position, Beverly stated, “I am humbled and overwhelmed to be appointed as the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of this region.

“To even be considered for this role ranks as a milestone in my professional and community engagement life. It is an honour that I embrace on behalf of the community and my family.”

Continued on Page 13

My Story, Our Journey launched at BMAG - Pages 39

and much more...

CONTACT US

Page 2 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

NEWS

The First Amongst Equals

To advertise your business

0121 339 5885 0208 865 1922 advertising @thephoenixnewspaper.com Contact us with your details, as well as the details of the advertisement, and one of our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible to secure your place in the paper.

+44 (0) 800 009 6909 +44 (0) 121 339 5885

General Enquiries Advertising

newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com advertising@thephoenixniewspaper.com

/PhoenixNewsUK /ThePhoenixNewspaper Birmingham Office TPN Media, The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT

Nigeria Office (Abuja) Hse 46, Crescent 12, 1st Avenue, Efab Estate Life Camp Abuja, FCT +2349099466961 +2348035653973

Contact - Emeke Alex Akwaeze Africa Correspondent alex.akwaeze@thephoenixnewspaper.com

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com Published by TPN Media

Disclaimer

The views and promises of advertisers in The Phoenix Newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by The Phoenix Newspaper.

l Warwickshire, Birmingham Bears and England star Chris Woakes and artist Megan Evans with The Big Sleuth’s Woakesy Bear

Woakesy Bear joins The Big Sleuth at Home of The Bears

A

very special Bear will be giving cricket fans and visitors a warm welcome to Edgbaston over the coming weeks as part of ‘The Big Sleuth’ bear hunt across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and the Black Country.

Edgbaston is known as the home of the Bears, the nickname of Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Birmingham Bears and, right through to the end of August, will proudly display Woakesy Bear; one of The Big Sleuth bears themed on England, Warwickshire and Birmingham Bears cricket star

Chris Woakes.

Woakesy Bear incorporates the shirts and crests of Warwickshire CCC and Birmingham Bears, a picture of Edgbaston Stadium and Chris’ name and number 19 on the back.

It was designed by Warwickshire CCC First Team Coach Jim Troughton, and then brought to life as a Bear

by Solihull-based artist Megan Evans.

Warwickshire’s Head of Community Engagement, Ravi Masih, said: “As the home of the Bears, we were delighted to get behind ‘The Big Sleuth,’ a great community initiative promoting health and well-

Monthly views with

being to thousands of local people, who are making their way around the trail throughout the 10-week period.

Presented by Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, ‘The Big Sleuth’ sees 100 personally designed bear statues appearing throughout Birmingham.

It follows the ‘The Big Hoot’ which attracted more than 800,000 visitors and in total raised over £625,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity in 2015.

“We are so excited that the hundreds of stunning bears have now prowled into Birm-

ingham and nestled into their new dens - filling the streets, parks and open places in the region with colour,” commented Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

“The Big Sleuth offers families a free and fun day out, exploring areas of our city they may never have visited before, with the added bonus of helping them to stay active.

“The money raised during the campaign will provide vital funds needed to make a real difference to all the children treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

Tony Kelly

School’s out for Summer

T

he six weeks of school summer holidays will have started in earnest in Britain by the time this month’s edition is available for readers online or in print.

It is indeed a time for relaxation, frolicking and enjoying nature outdoors both home and abroad especially if the weather is warm.

I want to concentrate on the safety aspects amongst children and young people at this time of the year with the need for parents & guardians to allow them to enjoy the warmer weather during the school holidays but still be conscious and aware of hidden dangers.

As a child growing up in Ja-

maica my grandmother had a saying which resonates with me to this day and reinforces the message of being alert when she would say ‘there is always danger where no danger shows’ and one needs to be mindful of that fact.

As a general rule there is always safety in numbers instead of venturing out alone so adults must make sure that youngsters go out in a group.

Remember to instil in them road safety whilst walking or crossing roads even in an area with less traffic.

The same applies to those who want to have more fun riding their bicycles.

Being sensible, observant and constantly on the lookout are

key elements of this message.

Children tend to mimic what they see adults doing and setting the right example for others to follow suit is highly recommended.

The mobile phone and the earphones listening to music or having a telephone conversation is the scourge of modern day society and youngsters get distracted whilst on the roads from the safety advice by homing in to music or conversation.

There is no harm in re-visiting websites with the tried and tested Green Cross Code of which a scaled down version is below.

1. First find the safest place to cross 2. Stop just before you get to

the kerb 3. Look all around for traffic and listen 4. If traffic is coming let it pass 5. When it is safe, go straight across the road – do not run 6. Avoid crossing between parked cars if possible.

A sense of adventure and exploration can be filled with fun and excitement but staying away from streams, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, seas and for that matter any body of water which can be so tempting for a dip especially in hotter weather in an effort to keep cool must be avoided. Even the strongest of swimmers can get in difficulty and loss of life by drowning tends to increase during the summer months as children and young people let their guard down even though water can be inviting but tempting at the same time. Some lidos and swimming pools are clearly marked in terms of their depth at the shallow and deep end and

The Queen has chosen an African Household Cavalry officer to be her next personal aide, a role which will see him supporting the monarch at all of their official engagements.

Ghanaian-born Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah was chosen for the role to be the new personal assistant to HRH, selected by she herself, becomes the first Black equerry in British history.

An Afghanistan veteran, Maj Twumasi-Ankrah, who moved to the UK with his parents in 1982, studied at Queen Mary University of London before going onto the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. He then became the first Black British Army Officer to be commissioned into the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

“If I'm not a good example of that I really don't know what is," Maj Twumasi-Ankrah said.

Known as TA to his friends, the 38-year-old, whose family moved to the UK in 1982, is expected to become the most visible man by the Queen’s side – which is significant as the Duke of Edinburgh is to retire from his duties later this year.

“Just imagine that, as a young child, I used to watch the Trooping the Colour on TV,” he said.

"I never thought that one day I'd command the regiment itself.

Me being in this position shows that our culture is well respected here in the UK.” the rules surrounding these must be obeyed at all times.

Children and young people should stay away from railway lines as trains often travel at high speed and can cause mayhem if one is trespassing on the track. Bridges across roads of any description and the game of Chicken and Dare must be avoided. Abandoned and derelict properties and farmhouses where one can easily lose ones bearing and end up falling through broken roofs and floor boards have to be taken seriously and not entered at all.

Babies and small children are adept at gravitating towards any form of water without realising the clear and present danger, which means eagle eyed adults need to be aware of that threat to life at all times.

The summer holiday are meant to be enjoyed so stay safe, have fun and be careful.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 3

NEWS

Fans Meet Team JA at Special UoB Dinner

T

he Jamaican Track & Field Team marked their return to Birmingham when attending a very special dinner and charity auction event, in their honour, at their ‘home,’ while they were in the UK – the University of Birmingham.

Held in the Great Hall, the event, organised by the Birmingham Commonwealth Association (BCA), in partnership with the Jamaican Consulate, Birmingham, was an opportunity for guests to be up-frontand-personal with some of the stars who would be going for gold at the upcoming IAAF

World Championships in London.

Although short of some of who people, in general, might call ‘house-hold names,’ full appreciation was shown for those who took time away from their hectic training schedule to be present at the fund-raising dinner.

With special dignitaries including; Jamaican Deputy High Commissioner for the UK, Angela Rose, special guest, Beverley Lindsay OBE OD and recently appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, who is also Chair of the Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham), and Professor Myra Nimmo, who, at the University of Birmingham, is Life and Environmental Sciences Professor of Exercise Physiology Head of College of Life and Environmental Sciences Pro-Vice-Chancellor and The Phoenix Newspaper’s own Founder/Managing Editor Marcia McLaughlin.

BCA Chair, Keith StokesSmith, took the opportunity to highlight their growing relationship with Jamaica, saying: “Our first trade mission abroad was in Jamaica, so this event means a lot to us.

“The BCA recognises the unique contribution the world

economy. Even if you take away Usain’s (Bolt) medals Jamaica would still be ahead of the UK. You truly are world leaders in athletics.”

Manager Forbes said: “The hospitality Birmingham gave us in 2012 was unforgettable – second-to-none, which was translated so well at the London Olympics. That’s why we simply had to come back here – thanks to the University, the BCA and Birmingham City Council.

“And that’s why we’re backing the city’s bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games here…It’s a no-brainer.”

With a vote of thanks from the BCAs Chair of the Commonwealth Community Group, business leader and owner of Cleone Foods, Wade Lyn CBE, and Hon. Council for Jamaica in Birmingham, auctions and raffles concluded a memorable night before the stars prepared for gold in London.

Page 4 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Building Communities: Manjit Kang

T

here are some quiet dynamic women who are building communities and Manjit Kang is one

of them.

Manjit’s day job is lending money to small businesses, specialising in real estate. In addition, she is the Diversity Ambassador for NatWest Bank, supporting and encouraging women to set up and start their own businesses and she is Vice President of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, the gateway to Asian businesses in West Midlands.

Manjit was born Birmingham and is the eldest of four siblings, three sisters and a brother.

She grew up in an extended Punjabi Sikh family with grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins in Handsworth, Birmingham. A family of 16 family members all lived together.

She left school at the age of 17, with GCSEs and started working at the Bank. She has achieved Chartered Banker Accreditation through the Bank qualifications.

Her family were in business when she was growing up, during

that time the Bank Manager used to visit her home and recalls the respect and trust that her grandfather and father had for the bank manager.

This admiration and respect inspired Manjit to aspire to be a trusted and respected bank manager who would support small businesses to fulfil their full potential.

The values Manjit stands for are honesty, integrity, respect and equality for all humanity.

Manjit says, “I always think after every customer interaction, would my grandfather and father

y t i l a u High q e from car d s old l i r h a c e ey v i f o t birth

Day Nursery

Open

ing A ugus C Birm omin t 0 on17to BirmiinnghamgBso2 at gham uB sines usinses Park s !

Par

k

g Takin ns ssio i m d a now For more information or to enquire about admissions visit:

www.wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk Contact us: 4360 Waterside Centre, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull Parkway, B37 7YN 07825082937 contact@wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk

be proud?

“The values that are core to my decision-making are the core values given to Sikhs by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji through the names of the 5 beloved ones.”

They are the values that Manjit follow: compassion, faith, strength and steadfast followed by mastery.

When speaking with Manjit you get the feeling of a human being who only wants the best for the other, she is deeply centred and generous.

For Manjit, success is about adding value to others and making a small difference to their day, business or life by giving them an opportunity to develop themselves personally or professionally.

What people most admire about Manjit is that she is authentic and humble. Recently she appeared in the Harpers Bazaar, and hadn’t realised the scale of the brand until a few of my colleagues told her.

The three most important things in her life are “Firstly, Family.

Without my family, I couldn’t achieve any of the things I have, their encouragement and support is so important to me.

“They keep my feet on the ground. Secondly Faith, my faith helps me stay focused, grounded and grateful.

“Thirdly, Friends - the people I meet, I get the opportunity to learn something new from everyone I engage with.”

You would not be surprised to know that Manjit prioritises her Faith. The daily practices that keep her motivation high, she states, “Remembering my Lord each day gives me the motivation, drive and focus to be the best version of myself I can be.”

Manjit’s accomplishments that have given her the most personal and professional fulfilment are: Being recognised by RBS as a Global award winner of the Sapphire award and Outstanding Business woman of the Year 2014 by Institute of Asian Business.

“Personally, being a mum to my two amazing children is my most important and biggest investment and accomplishment.”

Manjit just wants to bring her children up to be good human beings and achieve to their fullest potential.

What more would Manjit do in this life if she knew that she could not fail?

She is very clear that she is not scared of failure because through failing; only after failing I have achieved my biggest success.

She wants to: be the best version of herself that she can be; inspire others to achieve a little more, dream a little more and to

be a little more.

“I reflect on my life, I think everything that has happened, happened for a reason, so therefore I wouldn’t change anything.

“I am the person I am today because of my life experiences and that is my journey, I wouldn’t change a thing!

“Life’s biggest lessons come through failure. We may think at the time, that it is the worse thing that’s happening, but there’s always a bigger and better opportunity around the corner. So be patient and trust in your destiny.”

“The next generation is very important to me. I do see a glass ceiling for BAME professionals and businesses in all sectors.

“We have a duty to clear the path for the next generation so they don’t face the same challenges and obstacles that we have.

“It is also very important that when we achieve positions of influence, that we send the lift back down to help others.”

“Build your networks within your organisation and externally.

You never know who will give you the next opportunity to develop yourself and never think, what’s in it for me, because ‘you have not lived the perfect day, until you have done something for someone, where they can never repay you.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 5

T

Library Celebrated in Special Set Of Royal Mail Stamps l Cllr Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council with the stamp at the Library of Birmingham.

Turn your spare room into their room Every child is different. But what they all need is a safe, loving home and a room to call their own. If you have a spare room, you could give a foster child the space they need to grow to their full potential.

Can you help? Please call 0800 9177937 or visit activecaresolutions.co.uk

he Library of Birmingham has been included in a set of new Special Stamps issued by Royal Mail that celebrate 10 iconic buildings in the UK. Designed by Francine Houben, of the Dutch architectural practice Mecanoo, the Library has been designed to be a “people’s palace” – a grand structure that celebrates the importance of learning but which also “promotes the informal” and “seduces people into coming in”.

Houben believes that libraries are “the cathedrals of nowadays” and “the most important public buildings.”

The exterior of the ten-storey building is wrapped in broad bands of gold and silver cladding, overlaid with a filigree pattern of interlocking circles in thin sections of aluminium.

Inside, a large cylindrical void rises through the centre, crisscrossed by blue-lit escalators and giving access to many different uses, including adult and children’s libraries, a musical collection, a studio theatre, an exhibition gallery and the Shakespeare Memorial Room, whose ornate timber interior was originally created in 1882 and reinstalled at the top of the new building.

Cllr Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The fact that the Library of Birmingham is included in this series of stamps seals the city’s national and

NEWS

international reputation – Birmingham is now officially first class!

The Library of Birmingham has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline and it attracts visitors from around the city, the UK and the world who come to see our Shakespeare collection, beautiful terraces and admire its architecture. I’m thrilled that that Royal Mail recognises it as a landmark building.”

Founding Architect of Mecanoo, Francine Houben, said: "Our dream was to create a People's Palace: inviting, welcoming, and inspiring for all ages and backgrounds.

“The repeating circles of the facade create a continuously changing world of light, shadows and reflections inside the building. To have a building on a UK stamp is a great honour for a Dutch architect."

The images on the stamps capture the distinctive lines and shapes of the structures that have become famous landmarks.

Also featured in the set are: the London Aquatics Centre; the SEC Armadillo, Glasgow; the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh; Giants’ Causeway Visitor Centre, Northern Ireland; the National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff; the Eden Project, St Austell; the Everyman Theatre, Liverpool; the IWM North, Manchester and the Blavatnik Building – formerly Switch House, Tate Modern, London.

Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

NEWS

Our Hub, Our C Thursday 13th July saw the Heath Town Senior Citizens Welfare Project Community Senior Awards in Wolverhampton take place.

The awards were held to recognise the contribution that many senior citizens had made over the duration of their lives to Wolverhampton and the surrounding area.

Gathered in building that has served as the focal point for many of those senior citizens who were present at the awards ceremony, brought more than a few smiles as people entered.

The Lord Mayor of Wolverhampton Cllr Elias Mattu was introduced by the organisers and gave a well-received speech.

During his speech, the Lord Mayor said. “The people gathered here today have all contributed to Wolverhampton over the years.

“They have served their community with pride and dignity. They continue to remind us of the importance of community, by providing their experience and support to the younger members of

the community in Wolverhampton.

“They are always willing to provide an ear for people who wish to talk. So, thank you all for doing what you do.”

Council member Sandra Samuels also gave a brief speech, where she said. “The people who are being given awards today have done

much for the community with which we live in. And for that I and everyone here is very grateful.”

There were nine awards presented, all with the title community hero. The winners were: Ms Eileen Mcken who had spent most of her working life teaching children in the local community

and volunteering to help the community.

Mr Cleeton Bigby, who had served as a bus driver during the course of his working life and had also volunteered and had been an avid fund raiser for the community.

Mr Euriel Stephen who had worked in a factory, had spent a lot of time helping the youth of Wolverhampton through various community programmes and had also served as the Treasurer and at times chairman of the Wolverhampton Caribbean Community Centre.

Mrs Daphne Crooks who had worked as a nurse and continued to be involved with healthcare in Wolverhampton in some for or the other.

Mr Leslie Heslop who had worked incredibly hard to ensure that there was a stable Caribbean community in Wolverhampton and continued to work with the wider community.

Mrs Alicia Spence

Beautifully prepared FRESH flowers especially for you

NEW this year 2017 Retro Handmade Glass Vases for ALL Occasions

Weddings Birthdays Funerals Thank You’s Retirements Memorials

0121 454 4455 WWW.MISSLILYSFLOWERS.CO.UK

Studio 15, Northside Business Centre, 2 Wellington Street, Birmingham, B18 4NR

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 7

NEWS

Community, Our Heroes who had been a manager of various community organisations that had provided a lot of help to the community.

Mrs Cynthia Keller who had served as a community worker.

Mr Eddie Grizzle who had done much with food during his working career, much of which involved travelling up and down the country in a van taking Caribbean food to the masses. In retirement he had helped set up various cricket functions for the community using his contacts in the wider cricketing world.

Mr Ephraim Thompson who had done much for the Caribbean community in Wolverhampton and continued do much for them. He was also credited with ensuring that the award ceremony ran smoothly.

The awards ceremony ended with a song that spoke to the community spirit present within the ceremony and Wolverhampton in general, which served as a reminder to us all that despite what might be happening in Westminster, community is important as it brings bonds and helps hold us all together in trying times.

This was a feeling shared by the gardeners of the building where the ceremony was held. The two gardeners named Darren and Richard both said. “There’s a real sense of family here. They’re always asking us how we are, and if there’s anything that they can do to help us. It’s really nice.

Doing the gardening for them isn’t like work, it’s more fun. We can have a laugh with them.”

Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER GALA DINNER AND AWARDS PRESENTATION

The Phoenix Newspaper Gala Dinner & Awards Presentation

T

he Phoenix Newspaper is proud to announce its Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation 2017, set to take place on Saturday 25th November 2017 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, supporting Birmingham Childrens Hospital and another charity still to be announced.

The Phoenix Newspaper Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation will be a Commonwealth Celebration, Connecting Communities and creating a cohesive atmosphere to promote Unity and Respect to Inspire a New Generation.

The Phoenix Newspaper has been championing unity and the connecting of communities since its inception 7 years ago, giving people a live and let live attitude with a non-biased approach to organisations, individuals and places. With its firm and steadfast commitment to promoting positive, objective and informative news, a true game changer in a system designed for overwhelmingly over-sensationalised negative news.

The founder of the publication believes strongly in the sentiment of the great Mahatma Ghandi – “Be The Change That You Wish To See In The World.”

The evening festivities will begin with the prestigious Traditional Dress Gala Dinner. A 4 course sit-down dinner, followed by our Awards Presentation and entertainment, featuring talent and key guest speakers from across the globe as well as a grand celebration of the Commonwealth with representation

African Chief Visits UK to Preach Love in Joint Crusade

T

here was a royal visit, to London, as His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ife, and former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, were at the Excel Arena to unite nationals from the Diaspora from both home and abroad.

Addressing a combined crusade of the Cherubim & Seraphim Worldwide and Celestial Church of Christ he marked his presence by preaching the undying love of God which brings communities

together and how people must show love to each other.

Quoting the passage 1st Corinthians 13: 13, he read: “And now these three remain; Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is love.”

Listing a number of attributes that he claimed God does not share with human beings, including: Omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience and eternity, he said: “These are great attributes of God which he keeps to himself.”

Chief Obasanjo added that there

were attributes of God that he shared with human beings.

These, according to him, include righteousness, kindness, compassion, love and “the greatest of these attributes is love,” which brought enormous cheers from the crowded ICC Hall.

“Faith is the foundation and content of God’s message,” he said.

“If you have no faith, you can’t believe in God, if you have no faith, you can’t even believe in yourself.

To believe is to have faith.

“Hope is the attitude and focus.

Love is the action from one to another. God himself is love, as we have in 1st John, Chapter 4 Verse 8. Love is the attribute of God that he shares with us.

“Love is the only attribute that can change human beings, community, society; love can change the world.

“No matter what is happening to you, or happening within our nation, our continent, our world, the only way to bring about change is through love.”

And in closing, he concluded:

“This joint revival has been brought about by love. If we must make progress in our life, we must love. Hatred kills.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi continued, addressing the ‘Comfort the Comforter Crusade, stating, “What you are doing today is very good.

Both Cherubim & Seraphim church and the Celestial Church that are having a joint revival were established in Africa by black men. I don’t believe in the saying that nothing good comes out of

of the Commonwealth Leaders and Flags.

This year, it is a right Royal occasion, with His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, 51st Ooni of Ife from Nigeria scheduled to be in attendance alongside High Commissioners, Presidents, Prime Ministers, State Governors and Senators from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Invited guests also include The Mayor of Birmingham, The West Midlands Mayor, The Lord Lieutenant of her Majesty the Queen and his Vice-Lord Lieutenant.

There will be live entertainment along with the unveiling of our sister publication, Phoenix Nigeria.

The Gala Awards are a chance for individuals, organisations and businesses to be honoured for the work they do to promote Unity and Respect, and a shortlist for the awards will be announced in the coming months.

This event will be a night to remember, connecting communities from all backgrounds, so book early to avoid disappointment. This a very special occasion to celebrate the richness and diversity of the Commonwealth and its contributions to the UK. Look out for updates of sponsors and VIP guests in The Phoenix Newspaper, and more information.

Sponsorship Packages are available, contact TPN Media on 0121 339 5885 or email galadinnerandawards@tpnmediauk.com for more information.

Africa.

If we don’t acknowledge our own, who will do it for us?

“The cloth that we wear was first worn by Oduduwa Ateworo. Oduduwa was the first to wear cloth in the entire world.

We blacks were the first to produce iron; that is why they call us blacksmith. Today, they use iron for every good thing – cars, aeroplane, houses, even this mighty hall, where we are, cannot stand without iron.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 9

in association with

The Phoenix Newspaper Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation 2017 with Special Royal Guest

His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ile-Ife

Saturday 25th November 2017 A Commonwealth Theme

Connecting Communities, Unity, Respect and Inspiring a New Generation at

Supported By

Dress Code African Traditional / Black Tie For More Information Call: 0121 339 5885 or email: galadinnerandawards@tpnmediauk.com

To Book Your Tickets Visit: http://tpngaladinner2017.

.com

Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

g n i t o Prom xcellence E As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.

l Ammo Talwar chair of CORE Education Trust & Adrian Packer, CEO OF CORE

Local Governing Body Shortlisted for National Award

A

Birmingham-based governing body has been shortlisted for an award by the National Governance Association with CORE Education Trust board being hailed as one of three finalists for the ‘Outstanding Governing Board in a Multi-Academy Trust’ award, with a ceremony to take place this year in London.

Serving to celebrate the achievements of school governance, it will also recognise the outstanding practices performed by the school governing community.

Ammo Talwar MBE, Chair

and one of its founding members, hailed the nomination as “an honour and a great credit to the whole team at CORE.” Set up in response to public concerns about the so-called ‘Trojan Horse’ school crisis in Birmingham, he spoke more about the Trust, its achievements and what lies next.

“The trust’s members and its CEO [Adrian Parker] have worked together since March 2015 to establish a new board of directors, local governors and effective leadership at its schools,” Talwar said.

“Each and every policy and procedure has been looked at, and, where necessary, over-

hauled to ensure robust financial and governance compliance is in place.

I feel we’ve been able to prioritise local solutions and really include the school community in what’s going on.

What I want to do is to look beyond one-off issues and take this opportunity to invest more in the local area over the long term.

Ensuring that the children remained at the centre of every decision taken and maintaining a local focus we’ve remained committed to maintaining our aspirational vision for the original schools and for the trust as a whole.”

With its four CORE values; Collaboration, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence for all, its commitment to their sponsored schools stands as a testament to their successful progression.

“As a Trust, we now have a breadth of expertise, knowledge and understanding about how to improve and support schools,” Ammo said. “And all earned through practical experience.

Birmingham has one of the youngest populations in Europe and we see many transformational cultural, commercial and transport developments on the horizon.

Our leaders must work harder to ensure that all the opportunities the city can offer as a global centre.”

As the CORE Education Trust proves that change is possible for the better, becoming shortlisted for the NGA Awards hails as indication that its ethos and aims are exemplary.

Massive Boost Needed for Children’s Safety Education Programme l Sir Graham Meldrum CBE, OStJ Chair West Midlands Ambulance and NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Lord Mayor Councillor Anne Underwood, Fay Goodman and Pertemps president, Tim Watts

F

ollowing news that a nineyear old boy survived plunging 30ft through the roof of a derelict building in Castle Vale, in the West Midlands, a safety campaigner said: “It’s a crying shame we don’t have national public safety campaigns in the UK anymore.”

Fay Goodman continued: “Accidents like this show how safety education for children needs a massive boost.

Children love to explore, finding great adventures and not always seeing the dangers around them.

Teaching them simple check points and tips will make all the difference to accident prevention.”

Fay is founder of The Conies, a new programme of safety heroes for kids in primary schools which was formally launched by the Lord

Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Anne Underwood.

The event was sponsored by Tim Watts, president of Pertemps and an ambassador for the Conies, and attended by leading representatives from the West Midlands regional business and public services communities.

A successful Conies ‘Walking to School Safely’ learning pilot in 27 schools within Birmingham accident hot spots earlier in 2017 highlighted a gap in safety education in schools.

The Conies series will develop programmes about areas statistically shown to pose greatest danger to children such as in the home, on construction sites or near road, rail and water.

Fay said: “Our pilot showed that children really engaged with The

Conies and remembered the safety messages.

“We are just at the beginning of what we can do to with the characters across many common hazardous and safety critical scenarios. We need to work together educate our children to be self-aware and prevent them from putting themselves in danger in the first place.”

The Conies is a family of animated traffic cones providing a cartoon worldscape and learning materials to teach primary school children about personal safety. The series is being developed to cover more major child accident scenarios such as safety in the home including fire, and in public spaces and facilities including construction and transport.

Graduation Success Congratulations to Uzo whose daughter graduated with an excellent grade at the University of Kent at Canterbury

Sir Lenny Hosts Inaugural Capital BCU Event

C l Sir Lenny Henry opening ‘BCU in London’

hancellor of Birmingham City University, Sir Lenny Henry, has launched a new networking group for the institution in London.

‘BCU in London’ is open to graduates of the University – from senior leaders and up and coming professionals – who are based or have business-interests in the capital.

Sir Lenny Henry addressed some 100 distinguished guests and alumni gathered at the launch, and said: “We want

this launch to form the basis of a strong and enduring network where graduates and friends of BCU can come together to forge professional links that recognise what you have in common and the expertise you have in your various disciplines.

Both online and in person, the aim of BCU in London is to bring our alumni together in a formidable network of professionals whose careers have been impacted by our University.”

Joining the Dudley-born actor, writer, comedian and

charitable campaigner at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall were notable figures including the Rt Hon Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, Lord Bruce Grocott, MP for Ladywood Shabana Mahmood and former MP for Edgbaston, Gisela Stuart.

Senior alumni representatives from organisations such as the BBC, EY, IBM, Sport England and Universal Music Group were also present at the event.

Praising the University’s positive impact on Birmingham, Sir Lenny said: “Birmingham

City University has transformed the Eastside region of the city; its new Conservatoire, about to open in September on the City Centre Campus – the first in a generation for the UK; and its City South campus in Edgbaston, with fantastic new sports and health science facilities, is also set to open before the end of the year.

Add to that the wider changes to that have literally transformed the city over the past decade and its small wonder we want to shout about it.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 11

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

Inspiring Others By Following His Dreams

I

n a time where the perception of the younger generation is one of laziness, gangs and trouble, it is always cause for recognition when someone of that age group stands up and follows his dreams.

Elijah Thompson, an 18-year-old student from Birmingham has one burning passion, photography, and since the age of 12 has been pursuing his dream of running his own media production company.

“When I was 12 I went to a retirement party of one of my mum’s friends, and I started talking to the photographer there about his camera, and he allowed me to run around the party taking some photos,” explained Elijah, smiling fondly at the memory.

“I was inspired to be a photographer from that point on, and my mum had always said to me ever since Barack Obama was elected as President of the United States, that I could do anything if I just put my mind to it.”

“My mum is a massive inspiration to me. She’s always worked hard for everything in her life and she’s instilled that work ethic in me.”

When Elijah was 16, he was invited to photograph a 21st birthday party, and on the back of that successful engagement, he decided to turn his passion into a business.

Since that time he has photographed noteworthy celebrities and public figures including Julien Marley, Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Jeremy Corbyn and the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, and with each one, he has managed to do what his company motto is, “Capturing The World Through A Lens”.

“I love capturing the pure raw emotion of the moment. Seeing people caught up in what they are doing is amazing.

“You can’t beat the look and feel of a candid photo, somehow posed photos lose that feeling.”

“I love taking photographs of Sports and Entertainment events, because you get to capture that emotion the most. From the determination and focus, through to overwhelming joy and sadness depending on the result, you get the whole spectrum of emotion.”

Elijah attended Corpus Christi Catholic School, and is currently a student at Solihull Blossomdfield studying Media.

“I could have just done a photography course,” mused Elijah, “But I want to be able to turn my business into a full media platform, encompassing videography, promotion, and content creation.”

Elijah enjoys taking photographs in Black and White, and if you look through his portfolio, these Black and White photographs are the ones that he feels are more powerful, and with more of a meaning, “like the photo of Maxi Priest on stage,” said Elijah, “it’s one of my proudest photographs.”

Working with Mykal Wassifa Brown and Wassifa Showcase, Elijah has been able to boost his portfolio, and even had his work exhibited at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery at an exhibition about Wassifa Showcase.

Elijah’s business, Elijah Thompson Photography, was set up in conjunction with The

Princes Trust, and it has been an invaluable help to him in the initial stages of the business.

“I’m only 18, and I know how to run a business, but I don’t know everything or enough yet, I’m still learning and I’m determined to continue to learn.”

“When I was at Secondary School, I wanted to go on a business course but I was made to feel

that I wasn’t smart enough to go on the course.

“I wasn’t chosen to go on that course, but now I’m the only one from my year group that has gone on to make his own business already.

Faith is massively important to Elijah growing up, “It gives me that motivation and push, and I believe that I can do all things with Christ strengthening me.”

Elijah recently returned from an

Erasmus funded project in Portugal, where photographers from Turkey, Germany, Romania, Italy and the UK all came together to share ideas and tips, all while learning about Photography.

On his bucket list of places to photograph are Iceland to capture the Northern Lights, New York for the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

“What I want to do is try to change the perception of a generation, one person at a time.

You see gangs, people in hoodies and going down the wrong paths, but I hope by running my own business I can inspire other people my age to come out and do something like this themselves, proving we’re not a generation obsessed with video games, films and violence.”

“I am being mentored by an organisation called Generation Hope, which helps to mentor other upcoming entrepreneurs with their business to help them to get to the next level.”

To those who have aspirations of running their own business, or getting into photography specifically, Elijah has this to say; “Stay faithful and never give up.”

“Don’t worry about the mistakes you’ve made, it’s human nature to make them. No matter how many times life pushes you to the ground, it’s all about getting back up and trying again.”

You can find Elijah on Facebook at Elijah Thompson Photography, on Instagram at etphotography98, Twitter @et_photography or by visiting his website at www.elijahthompson.co.uk.

Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

NEWS

Community in A Full Flow at Garden Fest

kaleidoscope of colour music and community of people gathered at the Community Flow Summer Garden Festival, for a weekend of great music, fantastic food and, above all, happy, smiley faeces for this its fifth year of its unique blend of cohesion.

Held at the Liberty House Care Home, in Erdington, in Birmingham, the two-day event proved ideal for visitors to find out all they could about care home, who work in partnership with adults with learning difficulties and multi-dis-

ciplinary teams to maximise the full potential and well-being of all of its residents.

It also was, as it always is, the perfect opportunity for the team at Liberty House to open its doors and make sure everybody – users and none-users alike – get a full heads-up on the high level of work carried out there.

“Our main focus is ‘inclusion’ at Liberty House,” Community Flow Care & Share Project Managing Director, Sonia Parnell beamed. “That in itself was the main narrative.

We launched Liberty House

Care Home in 2008, to work with West Midlands MENCAP so that service users can experience growing their own produces, like fruits and vegetables, whilst learning new skills.

“And this was a way of people showing appreciation of their work and the end results.

“I just hope the people who came here fully appreciate the fruits of their hard work.”

And there’s so much more as a result. “Our hands-on programme also opens doors for volunteers to develop new skills, or, even take part

in any of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programmes that might be available. The rewards, especially for my staff and I, is palpable,” the amiable Sonia added.

Music, food, fun and entertainment for all the family, plus fresh fruits and vegs, it really was a productive weekend - for all.

Liberty House Care Home will continue to working in partnership with adults with learning difficulties and multi-disciplinary teams to maximise the full potential and well-being of every resident that enters into its care.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 13

NEWS

A Triple Honour Continued from Front Page

Beverly was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Aston University for her community work and business successes, as well as an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in recognition of her longstanding work which has spanned nursing, midwifery and the travel industry, as well as her community involvement.

2013 saw Beverly appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, until earlier in July, when she was appointed as Vice Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands. The announcement of

her new position came as 9 new Deputy Lieutenants were appointed in the region, including Gurpreet Bhatia, from Smethwick; Sukhjinder Khera, from Walsall; Nick Venning, from Hagley, and Tom Westley, from Chaddesley Corbett.

The 20th of July saw Beverly take to the stage of Birmingham’s Town Hall to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Aston University.

“I am so grateful to this university for this award.” Beverly spoke humbly, “I did not do this by myself. I accept this award on behalf of my community.”

Turning to the students of the

University graduating that day, she said “I’d like to encourage you all to aim high, work hard, and anything is possible.”

Just a week later, at Birmingham City University’s graduation ceremonies, Beverly graciously received her Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University at the city’s Symphony Hall.

After receiving her honorary doctorate degree from the university’s Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Ms Lindsay told the congregation at Symphony Hall: “Today has been a very special day and I’m truly honoured to be the recipient of this honorary doctorate and to be able to share this occasion with my family and friends.”

She paid tribute to her 92-yearold mother Lurline Milligan, who was at the ceremony, adding that her mother made sure her children had a good foundation in life.

“Today you are graduating with skills for life – although I left nursing and midwifery many years ago, I have often said that the discipline developed in my nursing years has sustained me in business for 30 years.”

A champion, supporter and mentor of the African Caribbean community throughout the UK,

l Beverly with specially invited friends, family and colleagues at the Aston University

Beverly has already received the Order of Distinction, a national honour by the Jamaican Government in 2008, and was honoured by her Majesty The Queen with an OBE for services to business and to the community in Birmingham.

l Beverly at the BCU Graduation Ceremony. Picture Credit: Poppy Brady

Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

O

ne of the lasting bastions of tradition could be about to fall with the expressed requirement of men to wear neckties in the UKs House of Commons due to be lifted.

Parliament’s press office say that the wearing of jackets and ties in the House was a relatively modern convention and as such it was within the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, indicating that the convention requiring male MPs to wear jackets and ties may be abandoned.

Using his power to rule on the issue, it follows his guideline to MPs, making it clear that; tie-wearing is merely a custom: “There is no exact dress code.

Convention has been that for men, a jacket and tie is expected; for women the equivalent level of formality should be observed.”

Erskine May is Parliament's official rule book whose Treatise on the Law, Privileges, Proceedings and Usage of Parliament, regarded as the last word on parliamentary etiquette, makes it clear that wearing a tie and suit jacket is a custom, not a rule.

“It remains the custom for gentlemen members to wear jackets and ties, but the Speaker has not enforced the practice in all circumstances,” a statement said.

A similar debate is also happening in the French parliament, where many new MPs turned up for the new session without ties.

Plausible Blueprint Solution for the post-Brexit Economy

A MPs No Longer Tied Up in Knots in House Jean Luc Mélénchon, leader of the Insoumise party, compared his open-collared followers to the Sans Culottes, the working class of the French Revolution: “We’ve had the Sans Culottes, now we have the Sans Cravates,” he said.

In 2009 Bercow decided that the Speaker should no longer wear a wig or stockings. He declared: “The general expectation

is that members should dress in business-like attire. As long as a member arrives in the House in business-like attire the question of whether that member is wearing a tie is not absolutely front and centre stage.”

The move, in Britain, follows the Queen wearing a hat instead of her traditional crown to the state opening of Parliament.

s preparations for a new trade deal between Britain and the European Union (EU) begin to unfold, negotiators must respond decisively to major thorny questions.

How can and will Britain deal with any fall-out in the process?

What alternative, if any, is in place, to cushion blows to key industry sectors and the economies of overseas dependencies? If there is a viable alternative plan, what will Britain’s place in the postBrexit world be?

These questions are vital, to help allay fears of possible low investor or investment confidence that can lead to a climate of instability.

When business owners are operating in ‘unchartered waters’ [created by the impact of legislation], the likelihood of them being able to plan methodically and systemically, can be daunting.

This type of uncertainty also breeds mistrust, frustration and unease, even amongst officials that businesses once felt comfortable with, in broad economic terms.

As some commentators and analysts take advantage of the ‘downside’ of the 2016 EU Referendum, commercial, industrial and social enterprise ‘contributors’ along with Britain’s overall populace, who will bear the brunt of any trade fracas.

The movement of intellectual, social and technical capital, is a prerequisite for the success of any economic union or ‘Common Market’, as recent history evidences.

This contentious issue is in fact enshrined within EU Law, and therefore, British officials need to discuss this veritable principle in a very dispassionate manner, whilst trying to secure a relatively ‘good’ or ‘fair’ deal.

In attempting to obtain a satisfactory trade settlement, there are also other strategic factors that British negotiators need to consider; for example, a) The impact of the introduction or continued market entry of

certain types of goods and services [or essential commodities] within the current EU Customs Union. b) The necessity for adhering to impending regulations, procedures and allied trade protocols, to gain and sustain favourable market advantage. c) Possible scoping of emerging markets to accommodate a new trading regime. d) Evaluation of future legislation affecting trade and its corollaries. e) Varied distribution and supply chains capable of creating vertical and horizontal integration in small and large companies, alike.

The above considerations are by no means exhausted in this matrix of trade-negotiation do’s and don’ts.

However, they do reflect the importance of Britain preparing tactically, for unplanned and unexpected consequences that may arise from changes to the country’s post-Brexit trading status including concomitant relationships with other trading partners.

Another factor to bear in mind, is the nature of Britain’s relationship with overseas-dependent territories in the Eastern Caribbean sub-region especially.

At a recent House of Commons meeting, ministerial officials expressed concern regarding the implications of Britain’s eventual exit of the EU and its corresponding effect on small island countries (SICs) trading in Europe’s free market zone.

They referred to; • The state of trading relations between Britain and its protectorates in a post-Brexit age; • The type of representation required to give confidence to the economies of overseas dependencies; and • The need for a constant flow of communication between the British Government and its overseas protectorates.

Since some of these island-states are overseas dependencies of the Dutch, French, Spanish, other European powers as well as the

Shopkeeper Pays £250,000 in Crime Proceeds

A

Birmingham trader, who was found to be in possession of illegal cigarettes and tobacco, was ordered to pay £228,737 after proceeds of crime hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

Pritpal Singh Khurana, 38, who ran M&S News, in Washwood Heath, in the city, pleaded guilty to 10 offences under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Tobacco Products (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale (Safety)) Regulations 2002 and Trade Marks Act 1994, at an earlier hearing (16 October 2015).

In addition to the Confiscation Order for £228,737 under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Khurana was

also ordered to pay £21,263 costs.

The total amount – £250,000 – is payable within 3 months, and if it is not paid he faces two years’ imprisonment in default.

The City Council brought the case against Khurana following a raid of the premises in October 2014, as part of a national crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco – products which have either been smuggled into the country, illegally produced or for which no duty has been paid.

Trading Standards officers, working with local police teams, seized 6,328 packs of illegal cigarettes and 692 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, worth around £43,000 during the inspection.

Most of these were found by sniffer dogs hidden behind a false

A

w a r d - w i n n i n g journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.

USA, thought must be given to these territories’ economic position, in any trade accord that is being discussed between Britain and the EU. What if, these overseas territories become casualties or [dual] ‘collateral damage’ resulting from either an unfair, a poor and/or no deal, at all?

The fall-out of this situation could be worrisome in the longrun to both ‘leavers’ and ‘remainers’ to comprehend more so, to reconcile [with].

In light of such perplexity, it is feasible for Britain to consider favourably, a ‘pre-emptive deal’ with fellow Commonwealth nations.

This idea was barely mentioned by campaigners including lobbyists, during the 2016 EU Referendum and the General Elections (June 2017).

To date, minority ethnic MPs haven’t discussed the necessity for a ‘proactive’ complementary solution to add strength and vitality to the British-EU trade negotiations.

In an already ideologically-spewed atmosphere, there appears to be no real appetite for Britain also, to look beyond the confines of its allies in Canada, Europe and the USA, for a ‘trade reprieve’.

Undoubtedly, Britain needs to embrace a renaissance founded on the ‘pillars’ of cultural realism, economic pragmatism, ideological dexterity, political coalescence, social amelioration and technical par excellence, if she intends to become a ‘contemporary moral equivalent’ to the vast complexities of global commerce, finance and trade.

wall and ceiling and underneath a false floor in a toilet.

As a result of this seizure, a review of M&S News Convenience Store’s premises licence was heard by the Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee in December 2014, who decided to revoke it.

M&S New is now operated under new management and has been able to continue trading. Farooq Khan was granted a new premises licence for the business.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 15

20 YEARS AS THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT

AUGUST 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

SMASHED IT FREDDIE LEADS BY EXAMPLE AT SIMMER DOWN

Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

TV - Online - MAGAZINE /markdwaynemusic

/streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

#SWUG THE SINGLE DNA Productions

Editors note With all the tragedies that are happening all over the world you still have to live with positivity dream believe and achieve. “Show What U Got�

OUT NOW!

Lisa Maffia returns

We can only keep going and do the best while we are here. Streetcred always continues to be the platform for young people to express their talents and we simply help to push dreams.

What is your talent? We really want to know the next best thing. Send your stories to info@streetcredmagazine.com

T

he So Solid first lady is back with new music and UK Tour. Its been a long time away from our screens and now she is back to hit us again with her Garage and R&B flavours.

Catch our interview on Street Cred TV where we caught her backstage at Shardfest Birmingham.

MICHAEL JACKSONS SEARCHING FOR NEVERLAND

T

his was actually quite an interesting TV show about the biggest icon of all time in music and showed us the Michael Jackson we never knew.

This was quite accurate and told of his last days in the eyes of his body guards.

What we saw in public was tragic for the late star but this gives

an insight into how he lived behind the scenes and he really was not a happy man at all.

The star was in huge debt of millions, had family using him left right and centre and had no friends to turn too when he was accused of child molestation. If interested in the last few years of Jackson this is one to watch

MIST GETS ADDIDAS DEAL!

Birmingham Rapper Mist sealed a contract with Addidas and promoted Manchester United its definitely up for the Steel Bangles produced rapper that has seen sold out tours and had millions of views on his unique style of hiphop.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 17

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Rich Hall Comes Back To The UK

J A ‘Super’ Night Of Music

T

he People’s Orchestra, a Midlands’ based group, made their debut at the New Alexandra Theatre, with a brand new show.

Showcasing some of the iconic and memorable pieces from some of the hottest films of the last few decades, the Orchestra ably set to work.

From Batman, to Superman, Captain America, Thor, The Incredibles and many more, the night was alive with stunning music.

Alongside the soundtracks to these great superhero films, The People’s Orchestra also played a live accompaniment to an all-new X-Men fan-made film, Cable: Chronicles of Hope.

Lady Leshurr opens centre in London

C

hannel 4’s documentary of the UK Grime and Garage scene shows Lady Leshurr insight into how it was hard to be taken seriously as a female.

Her main quote that stood out was “When you’d do a video first thing people will say is how does she look? Is her hair real? Before they actually listen to what I have to say. Whereas with men they don’t get that problem.”

Quite True. It is obvious that youth centres help young underprivileged children to keep away from the streets and challenge their energy into their talent.

Lady Leshurr was always in youth clubs starting out and her opening the community centre for the youth is very much close to her heart.

Not only was the audience treated to a beautiful soundscape, but the performance perfectly accented the mesmerising short film.

With special effects straight out of Hollywood, spot on cinematography and a decent cast, this was a sight and sound to behold.

If you’ve never had the opportunity to watch a film with a live orchestra performing the soundtrack in real time, it is an experience like no other, and this little taster did everything to whet the appetite for a longer performance.

At only 5 years young, The People’s Orchestra is still a relatively new community orchestra, featuring talented musicians from both

the amateur and professional scenes.

In 2016 they were honoured to take part in the BBC’s All Together Now: The Orchestra Challenge, selected as one of the top five best and most inspirational amateur orchestras from across the UK. This performance was as a part of their ‘Legend’ series, and if this is the calibre of performances we are to expect from the group moving forward, then the future is bright for this West Midlands Orchestra.

Remember the name, and see them while you can, we have a feeling that tickets for future performances will be difficult to get your hands on once word spreads!

STREETCRED TV’S NEW UN DERGROUN D ARTIST CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE!

W

e realize there are a lot of artists out there who have hot songs and videos so we are now giving exposure to upcoming artists in all genres.

You may be the next Ed Sheeran, Mist, Tinie Tempah, Adele or Drake and we want the world to see you.

You can gain mass exposure with

us by sending in you MP4 Video files to upload to our channel and we will give the push you deserve.

Get into our top ten Street Cred chart for rotation and press interviews What are you waiting for? info@streetcredmagazine.com

SUBSCRIBE TO STREETCREDMAGAZINE ON YOUTUBE

oin Rich and his virtuoso musical mates for a frankly gratuitous mashup of the very best of comedy and music.

Performing will be Rich’s regular band of talented yet chronically unemployable urchins. The floor will reek of liquor and spent dreams.

Rich Hall is the star of the critically acclaimed BBC 4 documentaries “Rich Hall’s Californian Stars”, “Rich Hall’s You Can Go To Hell”, “I’m Going To Texas”, “Rich Hall’s Inventing The Indian”, “Rich Hall’s Presidential Grudge Match” and most recently “Rich Hall’s Countrier Than You”. He also wrote and starred in a four-part series for BBC Radio 4 in November 2016 called “Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown”.

Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit. He has also become well known for his television and radio work.

Rich will be at the Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton on Thursday 2 November 2017

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

SIMMER DOWN 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

! !

K C A B IT’S

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 19

www.streetcredmagazine.com

I

t was long awaited, but, after its year’s hiatus, Simmer Down was back – with an almighty ‘BANG!!!’

With headliner Freddie McGregor grabbing the attention of a crowd of some 20,000 plus, in Handsworth Park, it was plain to see that, with its year away, people were in no doubt hungry for what was on offer during Birmingham’s day of music, arts, food, drinks and carnival spirit.

Not even the inclination of inclement weather was ever going to dampen the spirit of the music lovers, fashionistas, fairground attendees and all who, well, just had to be there.

From the harmonic Black Voices, to the intricately blended Motown In Dub, the harmonically brilliant Christine Adelsi to the high energy of the legendary Myki Tuff, the spiritually uplifting Ras Tweed and conscious roots messenger Macka B, it was all systems go for what is the biggest free outdoor music event the city has on its yearly calendar.

Notwithstanding the presence of Leesha Mac, Joshua Richardson, Khaliq, I’am Malaki/ Ras King Bobo & Crew and Robbie Levi grabbing the ongoing, undying attention of one of the brightest and most diverse of crowds you are likely to see at any music festival.

Now in its seventh year, Simmer Down, sponsored by Birmingham-based food manufacturing com-

pany The Crucial Sauce Company, came back as it left off two years ago.

Internationally acclaimed Jamaica’s supreme reggae superstar, Freddie, brought his Big Ship Band sailing into harbour with his unique blend of classic tunes – and newer tunes – making everyone go wild with excitement and yearning for more.

“I have to ‘big-up’ Birmingham people for always making me feel at home when I come here,” he said after his relentlessly energetic stage set.

“This (Simmer Dow) has got to be one of my all-time favourite shows with some great people who just love good music.”

“We are delighted to be back in Handsworth Park,” said Simmer Down Festival CIC Director, Mukhtar Dar. Amongst the hordes of people taking in the great weather – and even greater atmosphere – were former England footballers Joleon Lescott and Matt Murray, plus EastEnders’ Rudolph Walker, who was there supporting Prostate Cancer UK, with was the chosen charity of this year’s Simmer Down.

“I remember my uncle dying of prostate cancer and I also know friends who have past because they didn’t get checked.

“That apart, though, I knew Simmer Down was back, so I couldn’t miss it…could I?” Well, 20,000 plus certainly couldn’t.

SIMMER DOWN 2017

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Magdalene Vick

We caught up with the rising US actress to find out what makes her tick

by Vivek Rajkhowa Tell us a bit about your background and what got you into acting.

“I come from Kansas City, Missouri and I first got into acting as a little girl when I’d have these really weird episodes with Barbie dolls that I had.

“I’d act out little scenes with them and everything. After high school, I went to North Carolina and graduated with a degree in performing arts, so I am an actual certified actor.

“But when our college dean asked us what inspired us to get to where we were then, I said “Barbie.” And they all sort of looked at me funnily!”

What’s it like working with Ray William Johnson and working on the videos that he produces?

“Well, myself and Ray and the others who work on the videos are really close, we were friends before we started doing these videos, so that is something I’m really grateful for.

“Ray’s the boss and he comes up with all these really subtly detailed and hilarious scripts and videos, it’s brilliant.

“He’s really encouraged me to get out there and be myself and play other roles as well. I was worried at first, because I thought his fans weren’t going to like me, but he said just give it a go and see what happens.

“And so far the response has been really good, so that’s been really nice. I’ve been able to really expand my acting abilities doing these videos.

Other than acting, what other interests do you have?

“I love writing and have a blog that update as often as I can.

Though I don’t see myself as a writer as such.

“I’ve done a bit of stand up and have done some production stuff as well, but mainly I love acting and running. I find running to be really relaxing and therapeutic it has helped with my anxiety in the past.”

Can you tell us about any new projects that you’ve got in the works?

“I’ve got a couple of things in the works at the moment. I’m appearing on an episode of a show that’s appearing on July 19th which was really fun to work on and a great experience.

“I’m also featuring in a Sci Fi movie about a dog developed by the army to protect the army that ends up protecting a little boy, that comes out in November.

“And I’ve got various other acting gigs coming up as well, so it’s a pretty busy time.”

How do you decide what characters you want to act as and how do you get in character?

“I’m drawn to odd characters; I think it gives me a chance to explore different emotions that might not necessarily be explored otherwise.

“I’m quite an empathetic person. I’ve also found that acting is a release for me, whatever emotion I’m feeling when I’m acting, I don’t need to bottle it up, I just

go for it and explore it to its full potential.

“That can be a lot of fun when playing slightly crazier characters, especially as a girl, where it’s not always seen as acceptable to do so.”

What was it like acting in two quite radically different roles in Shirley and Avaline?

“Wow, that was a while ago!

Yeah, it was a lot of fun, they were back to back plays and as they were really different roles, “I had a lot of freedom to express myself, and go against the grain of worrying about what others would think of my performance. I had a lot of fun!”

G

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 21

Proudly Promoting The Commonwealth Since 2010

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE FACT FILE Capital City St Johns

Population

91,295 2017 estimate

UK Based Population 3,891 as of 2001

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Exports

Petroleum products, bedding, handicrafts, electronic components.

Independence Day 1 November 1981

A

ntigua has a complex coastline of safe harbours, and protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world.

In 1784 Admiral Horatio Nelson established Britain's most important Caribbean base there.

Barbuda is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, in the Codrington Lagoon and the Indian Cave, which contains ancient Amerindian petroglyphs.

Famous figures from the islands include cricketers: Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, KNH, OBE Curtly Ambrose, Richie Richard-

son and Andy Roberts, boxer Maurice Hope, singer/songwriters Tian Winter, Shermain Jeremy and Claudette Peters, internationally-renowned soca band Burning Flames and authors Marie-Elena John and Jamaica Kincaid.

Australia operation, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Pacific Community, Pacific Islands Forum, United Nations and World Trade Organization.

Many indigenous animal species are unique to here like the marsupials, of which there are 120 species from the kangaroo to the tiny desert mouse, and the monotremes, the rare order of mammals which lay eggs, such as the duck-billed platypus and the echidna.

There are also several species of flightless birds – the emu, second only to the African ostrich in size, and the cassowary

W

ith a population of 23,343,000 Australia is the largest island in the world and a founder member of the Commonwealth and one of 28 island nations in the association.

A member of Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation, Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-

Capital City Nassau

Population

351,461: 2010 census Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis

Exports

Pharmaceuticals, crawfish, salt, cement, rum, argonite, residual fuel oils,

Independence Day 10 July 1973

C

omprising of 700 islands and over 2,000 rocks and cays, The Bahamas is sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean creating an ecological oasis, boasting the clearest water on the planet.

Known for their love of always meeting new people and making new friends, When their compli-

M

FACT FILE

Canberra

Capital City

Capital City

ost of the country is covered by the Bengal delta, the largest on Earth, with 700 rivers and 8,046 km (5,000 miles) of inland waterways and is home to the

Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world.

Famous for its fertile alluvial soil which supports extensive cultivation, the country is dominated by lush vegetation.

Some of its most well-known personalities include: writer Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, Jawed Karim, co-founder of video uploading site YouTube, Salman Khan, founder of a non-profit educational website, Khan Academy and Labour Party MP Tulip Siddiq.

Belmopan

Population

23,401,892 -2016 census

Population

UK Based Population

324,528 as of 2010 census

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

107,871 as of 2001 Queen Elizabeth II

Head of State

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

Prime Minister

Malcolm Turnbull

Exports

Coal, iron ore, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat

Independence Day 1 January 1901

mentary ‘People-2-People Experience,’ you’ll be able to see Bahamian culture and way of life in a memorable, one-of-a-kind vacation experience.

Based on the twin pillars of tourism and offshore finance, the Bahamian economy has prospered since the 1950s.

The University of The Bahamas (UB) is the national higher education/tertiary system. Offering baccalaureate, masters and associate degrees, UB has three campuses, and teaching and research centres throughout the Bahamas.

Bangladesh

B

arbados, the 53rd richest country in the world in terms of GDP, has a population of 280,000 and became an independent state in 1966.

A favourite Caribbean destination for millions of people the year round a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community

FACT FILE

The Bahamas

FACT FILE

Head of State

Barbados

Antigua & Barbuda

FACT FILE Capital City Dhaka

Exports

Petroleum, sugar, bananas and citrus

Independence Day 21 September 1957

S

FACT FILE Population

Head of State

Md. Abdul Hamid

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Exports

Readymade garments, raw jute, jute goods, tea, shrimp, fish, finished leather

Independence Day 26 March 1971

B

Head of State Exports

Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Garments

Independence Day 1 January 1984.

Population

277,821 as of 2010 census

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart

Exports

Sugar, molasses, rum, chemicals and electrical components

Independence Day 30 November 1966

guages that reflect its rich history.

English is the official language of Belize, with Belizean Kriol being the unofficial language. Over half the population is multilingual, with Spanish being the second most common spoken language.

FACT FILE Gaborone

Population 2,038,228

Prime Minister Ian Khama

the Kalahari desert.

Botswana is planning to use science and technology to diversify its economy and thereby reduce its dependence on diamond mining.

To this end, the government has set up six hubs in the agriculture, diamonds, and innovation, transport, health and education sectors.

Exports

Diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, beef and textiles

Independence Day 30 September 1966

Brunei Darussalam

418,000

Hassanal Bolkiah

Bridgetown

Capital City

Capital City

UK Based Population

Capital City

Belize

ased on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east Belize’s massive Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts a rich marine life with its jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai; and Altun Ha. Belize’s abundance of terrestrial and marine species and its diversity of ecosystems gives it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

Belize has a diverse society, composed of many cultures and lan-

ituated in southern Africa, the Republic of Botswana, a member of the Southern African Development Community, and a population of 2million people, boasts over 100,000 years since the first humans inhabited the region.

At 581,730 km2 (224,607 sq mi) it’s the world's 48th-largest country they are noted for their skill at crafting baskets from Mokola Palm and local dyes.

The oldest paintings from both Botswana and South Africa depict hunting, animal and human figures, and were made by the Khoisan over twenty thousand years ago within

Bandar Seri Begawan

451,529 as of 2011

(CARICOM), CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Organization of American States (OAS), Commonwealth of Nations, and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in 2005 its parliament voted on a measure replacing the UK's Judicial Committee of the Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2016, it was able to highlight some of the world’s greatest, in their fields, who hail from the islands.

Botswana

Population

156,595,000

FACT FILE

T

he monarchy of Brunei Darussalam, a small state in South-East Asia on the north-west coast of the island of Borneo, has 161 km coastline facing the South China Sea. On the land side, it is enclosed by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, which divides it in two.

The national air carrier, Royal

Brunei Airlines, is trying to develop Brunei as a modest hub for international travel between Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

Central to this strategy is the position that the airline maintains at London Heathrow Airport.

It holds a daily slot at the highly capacity-controlled airport, which it serves from Bandar Seri Begawan via Dubai.

The airline also has services to major Asian destinations including Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore and Manila.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 23

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE

Cameroon O

ften referred to as ‘Africa in Miniature’ for its geological and cultural diversity, boasts natural beauties including beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforest, and savannas.

FACT FILE

The territory was divided between France and the United Kingdom as League of Nations mandates after World War I. After years of external and internal wars, the country was renamed the United Republic of Cameroon in 1972 and the Republic of Cameroon in 1984.

Cameroons natural resources are very well suited to agriculture and arboriculture with an estimated 70% of the population farms, and agriculture comprised an estimated 19.8% of GDP in 2009.

FACT FILE

FACT FILE

Capital City

Capital City

Population

Population

Yaoundé

22,534,532

Head of State Paul Biya

Prime Minister Philémon Yang

Exports

Canada

35,151,728

UK Based Population 72,518 as of 2001

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister

Independence Day July 1, 1867

C

anada is a North American country stretching from the U.S. in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north.

Major cities include massive Toronto, west coast film centre Vancouver, French-speaking Montréal and Québec City, and capital city Ottawa.

Canada’s vast swaths of wilderness include lake-filled Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains.

It’s also home to Niagara Falls, a famous group of massive waterfalls.

A founder member of the Com-

The grasslands were once home to enormous herds of bison but extensive hunting means these are now only to be found in wildlife reserves.

Since the early 20th century, the growth of Canada’s manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy to an urbanized, industrial one.

Like many other developed countries, the Canadian economy is dominated by the service industry, which employs about three-quarters of the country’s workforce.

Canada’s population density, at 3.7 inhabitants per square kilometre (9.6/sq mi), is among the lowest in the world. In common with many other developed countries, Canada is experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with more retirees and fewer people of working age.

Cyprus B

ased in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is one of only three Commonwealth member countries located in Europe.

A member of the Council of Europe, European Union, Organisation Internationale de la Fran-

cophonie, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, United Nations and World Trade Organization.

Famous for its iconic Commandaria wine and Zivania - a strong spirit based alcoholic, intricate lacework, leather goods, jewellery and paintings.

Famous Cypriots include: entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Angie Bowie, ex-wife of the late David, singer Stavros Konstantinou, fashion designer Hussein Chalayan MBE and singer/actress Anna Vissi.

Exports

Independence Day

Population

Raw materials, including logs, minerals, food, oil and gas

Prime Minister

Roosevelt Skerrit

Independence Day 1 October 1961

monwealth in 1931, its countryman, Arnold Smith, was the first Commonwealth Secretary-General (1965–75).

With an area of 9,976,000 sq km Canada - a federation of ten provinces and three territories - is the second largest country in the world and is a member of; Asia– Pacific Economic Cooperation, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Organization of American States, United Nations and World Trade Organization Canada has 34 national parks, including the Rocky Mountains NP. In the tundra of the far north are found seals, polar bears, the gigantic musk-oxen and caribou.

In the extensive stretches of forest are moose, brown, black and grizzly bears, and beavers, one of Canada’s national symbols.

Head of State

Charles Savarin

Bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

Ottawa

Exports

72,324

Crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminium, coffee, cotton

Capital City

Justin Trudeau

Roseau

3 November 1978

T

he sovereign island country is part of the Windward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. Originally inhabited by the Island Caribs, as European explorers and settlers entered the region, indigenous refugees from surrounding islands settled Dominica and pushed out the Spanish settlers, who found other areas easier to control and with more resources.

After failed efforts by Spain in colonising Dominica, the French claimed it before Britain estab-

F

FACT FILE Capital City Accra

Population

27,043,093 - 2014 estimate

UK Based Population 95,666 as of 2011

Head of State

Nana Akufo-Addo

Exports

Crude Petroleum, Gold, Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Paste and Cocoa Butter

Independence Day 6 March 1957

F

Population 838,897

UK Based Population 82,295

Demetris Syllouris

Exports

Citrus, Pharmaceuticals, Potatoes, cement, clothing

Independence Day 1 October 1960

Suva

Population 909,389

UK Based Population 3,500 as of 2001

lead the way for Fijian superstars, with rugby union stars heavily following: Waisale Serevi is a World Rugby Hall of Famer, followed

by Joe Tuineau, Rupeni Caucaunibuca , Maritino Nemani, and Asaeli Tikoirotuma. The legend Vijay Singh, CF, is flying the golf flag for his country.

A

n island country in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea, Grenada consists of its main island (Grenada) and six smaller ones at the southern end of the chain and is located northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela

Head of State

George Konrote

Prime Minister

Frank Bainimarama

Exports

Sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, mineral water and coconut oil.

Independence Day 10 October 1970

Ghana

ormerly known as the Gold Coast, it gained independence from Britain in 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule with gold, cocoa and more recently oil forming the cornerstone of its economy.

A multicultural nation, Ghana has a population of approximately 27 million, spanning a variety of ethnic, linguistic and religious groups with present-day Ghana being inhabited for a millennium, with the first permanent state dating back to the 11th century.

Former Secretary-General of

Nicosia

President of Parliament

FACT FILE Capital City

the United Nations, Kofi Annan is probably Ghana’s most celebrated son.

Peter Mensah is a Ghanaian-British actor, so too is Holby City star Hugh Quarshi, Akosu Busia, Jackie Appiah, Yvonne Nelson, as is Scottish novelist and screenwriter William Boyd, CBE.

Grenada

Capital City

Nicos Anastasiades

lished itself on the island in 1805.

After the federation dissolved, Dominica became an associated state of the United Kingdom in 1967 and formally took responsibility for its internal affairs. In 1978, the Commonwealth of Dominica was granted independence becoming a republic.

Fiji

ormed through volcanic activity starting around 150 million years ago, Fiji, in the South Pacific, consists of over 300 islands is famed for rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons, with its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, containing most of the population.

With British colonial architecture, the Fiji Museum, in the Victorian-era Thurston Gardens, has ethnographic exhibits.

R&B and pop singer/songwriter and actress, Paulini, DJ Ritendra

FACT FILE

Head of State

Dominica

and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Also known as the ‘Island of Spice,’ due to its production, and one of the world's largest exporters, of nutmeg and mace crops, it was inhabited by the indigenous Arawaks.

Grenadian Tobias Buckell is an esteemed science fiction author; Jennifer Hosten was Miss World in 1970, and Kirani James was the country’s first to win Gold in the 400m at the World Championships in 2011 and the 2012 London Olympics

FACT FILE Capital City St George’s

Population 109,590

UK Based Population 9,783 as of 2001

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Keith Mitchell

Exports

Bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, and mace

Independence Day 7 February 1974

Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE

Jamaica

Guyana

FACT FILE Capital City Georgetown

Population

735,909 - 2016 estimate

Head of State David Granger

Prime Minister

Moses Nagamootoo

Exports

Sugar, gold, bauxite, aluminium, rice, shrimp and timber

Independence Day 26 May 1966

J

amaica, the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean sea, was originally inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Taíno peoples, before it came under Spanish rule in the 15th century and they imported African slaves as labourers.

Under colonial rule Jamaica became a leading sugar exporter, with its plantation economy highly dependent on slaves forcibly transported from Africa.

Following an uprising, led by Queen Nanny of the Maroons, at the beginning of the 18th century, though small and wiry in stature, her influence over the Maroons was so strong, that it seemed to

G

uyana, with 1,168 vertebrate species, 814 bird species, boasts one of the richest mammalian fauna assemblages of any comparably sized area in the world.

The Guiana Shield region is little known and extremely rich biolo-

FACT FILE

gically.

Unlike other areas of South America, over 70% of the natural habitat remains pristine.

Sir Shridath Ramphal the second Commonwealth Secretary-General leads a list of Guyana’s greatest exports, followed by C. C. H. Pounder who has appeared in numerous films, made-for-television films, television miniseries, and playsMarc Gomes, crickets Roy Fredericks, Rupert Roopnaraine Clive Lloyde Devendra Bishoo Carl Hooper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul to name just a few.

be supernatural and was said to be connected to her powers of obeah.

After the British fully emancipated all slaves in 1838, many freedmen chose to have subsistence farms rather than to work on plantations so Chinese and Indian were imported to do the plantation labour.

Developing its combined African ancestors, European, Chinese, Indian, and mixed-race, the island achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1962 and, this year is marking its 55th anniversary with celebrations throughout the Diaspora.

A country steeped in heritage and world famous figures, the likes of Usain Bolt and Bob Mar-

FACT FILE Capital City Nairobi

Population 46,661,552

UK Based Population 137,492 as of 2011

Head of State

Uhuru Kenyatta

Exports

Tea, Tobacco, Lime, cement, medicaments, soap, tobacco, paper and paper products.

Independence Day 12 December 1963

S

New Delhi

Population

1,326,801,576

UK Based Population

K

Head of State

iribati is an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean with a population of around 100,000, with more than half of whom living on Tarawa Atoll.

Comprising of 33 atolls and reef islands and one raised coral island,

Mr. Ram Nath Kovind

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Exports

Petroleum, textiles, jewellery, software, engineering goods

Independence Day 15th August 1947

I

n continuation with the double digit growth exhibited by exports during February 2017, exports during March 2017 have shown a significant growth of 27.59 per cent in dollar terms valued at US$ 29232.05 million as compared to US$ 22911.74 million during March, 2016.

In Rupee terms, during March 2017 exports were valued at Rs. 192571.13 crore as compared to Rs. 153558.85 crore during March, 2016, registering a positive growth of 25.41 per cent.

Today, it is the sixth largest economy in the world with a

GDP per capita of 1,709.39 USD and picking up pace.

Indians own over 700 small to large-sized businesses in the UK, including; Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel and Tetley Tea, whilst back the sub-continent, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative established its HQ in New Delhi.

It is also host to the Commonwealth Youth Programme Asia Centre in Chandigarh and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum’s Project Office, Asia, in Mumbai.

Scholarships for postgraduate study are awarded by India to citizens of other Commonwealth countries under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.

A host of well-known names

follows that of the aforementioned Gandhi, like Albanian-Indian nun and missionary Mother Teresa, known in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar and former England captains Graham Gooch and Nasser Hussain, , Indira Gandhi probably tops it worldwide with the country’s first female Prime Minister, Sir Cliff Richards, film/TV stars Vivien Leigh, Priyanka Chopra, Spike Milligan, Salman Khan, Joanna Lumley, Nitin Ganatra, Zahra Ahmadi, grand slam tennis stars Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna and authors George Orwell and Salman Rushdie tips the iceberg of an impressive list.

FACT FILE Capital City Maseru

Population 2,135,000

Head of State

Nana Akufo-Addo

Prime Minister Tom Thabane

Exports

Clothing, diamonds, road vehicles, water, wool and tobacco.

Independence Day 4 October 1966

Capital City Kingston

Population

2,970,340 - 2016 estimate

UK Based Population 160,776 as of 2011

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister

Andrew Holness

Exports

Alumina, bauxite, sugar, rum, coffee, yams and mineral fuels.

Independence Day

Kenya Kenya

ituated in East Africa, Kenya has a coastline which lies on the Indian Ocean, as it encompasses savannah, Lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands.

Home to wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos, from its capital, Nairobi, safaris visit the Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania's 5,895m Mount Kilimanjaro.

An important source of manpower and agriculture for the United Kingdom throughout World

Capital City

FACT FILE

6th August, 1962

War II Kenya itself was the site of fighting between Allied forces and Italian troops in 1940–41 when Italian forces invaded OSCAR-winner Lupita Nyongo reigns supreme as a famous Kenyan although many might say that former US President, Barack Obama might stake claim to that.

Kiribati

The Republic of India

1,825,000

ley, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Merlene Ottey, Marcus Garvey and Paul Bogle, Alexander Bustamante and Michael Manley, George Headley and Courtney Walsh, Grace Jones, Sean Paul, Samuel Sharpe, John Barnes, Raheem Sterling, Lady Colin Campbell, Patrick Ewing, Miss Lou and Oliver Samuels just barely touches the surface of what lies beneath the land of the humming bird.

The Jamaican animal life, typical of the Caribbean, includes highly diversified wildlife with many endemic species found nowhere else on earth. As with other oceanic islands, land mammals are mostly bats.

FACT FILE

Banaba, together they have a total land area of 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi) and are dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometres (1,351,000 square miles).

Becoming independent from the United Kingdom in 1979, it is also a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Said to have the richest range of corals and variety of sea birds, sprinter Kaingaue David represented Kiribati in the 2012 Olympics in London.

A

Capital City Tawara

Population 110,136

Head of State Taneti Mamau

Exports

Copra, coconuts, seaweed and fish

Independence Day 12 July 1979

Lesotho

monarchy, which is totally surrounded by South Africa, the Kingdom of Lesotho, with its population of 2,000,000, became a Commonwealth member in 1966.

Also a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, African Union, NonAligned Movement, Southern African Customs Union, Southern African Development Community, United Nations and World Trade Organization, the most significant issue is overgrazing, resulting in severe soil erosion and

desertification.

With the country’s lowest point of 1,400 metres above sea level is the highest lowest point of any country in the world.

It has relatively very little forest, covering only one per cent of the land area.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 25

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE

Malawi

A

young democracy, Malawi, is one of seven landlocked Commonwealth countries, all of which are in Africa, which is committed to improving the lives of its people through sustainable development.

Ascribing to the Commonwealth values and aspirations that include promotion and protection of human rights, democracy, international peace and security, sustainable development, and protecting the environment, it has a diverse and rich culture with kind and friendly people, it is a predecessor to the modern-day Republic of Malawi.

President

Arthur Peter Mutharika When British rule ended in 1964, by the Malawi Independence Act 1964, the Nyasaland Protectorate, formerly a constituent of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, becoming an independent Commonwealth realm.

31,590,000

Prime Minister Najib Razak

Exports

Electrical & electronic products, palm oil

Independence Day 31 August 1957

FACT FILE Capital City Valetta

Population 445,426

UK Based Population 30,178 - 2001 survey

Head of State

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat

Exports

Refined Petroleum, Integrated Circuits.

Independence Day 21 September 1964

A

Commonwealth member since 1957, Malaysia hosted the tenth biennial conference of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management and the fifth Forum of Commonwealth Public Service Ministers in Kuala Lumpur in 2014; and has offered to host

A

Commonwealth member since 1964, Malta GC, its official title, was awarded the George Cross by King George VI during the Second World War, due to the heroism and devotion of its people" during the great siege they underwent by Italian and German bombers, in the early years of the conflicts.

The George Cross is woven into its flag and can be seen wherever it is flown.

The Commonwealth Network of Information Technology for Development (COMNET-IT) has its

member of the Commonwealth since 1968, Mauritius is also a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, African Union, Southern African Development Community, United Nations and World Trade Organiz-

Capital City Population 24,692,144

Head of State Filipe Nyusi

Prime Minister

Carlos Agostinho do Rosário

Tobacco, coffee, tea, sugar, uranium, cotton, nuts, dried fish, rare earths

Prawns, cotton, cashew nuts, sugar, citrus, copra

Independence Day

Independence Day

6 July 1964

CHOGM 2019.

It has one of the largest and most varied bird populations in the world, including many species of parrots, hornbills and broadbills.

The Federation of Malaysia comprises three federal territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan) and 13 states (Sabah, Sarawak and the 11 states of Peninsular Malaysia). The peninsular states are the nine sultanates of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu, plus Melaka and Penang.

Malta

Mauritius A

Exports

Malaysia

Population

Muhammad V

Maputo

Population

Capital City

Head of State

Lilongwe

Capital City

Kuala Lumpur

59,000 as of 2013

FACT FILE

16,407,000 - 2016 estimate

FACT FILE

UK Based Population

FACT FILE

Exports

25 June 1975

N

amibia is home the San (Bushmen), among the world’s oldest surviving hunter-gatherers, who have lived in the territory for over 11,000 years.

During World War I, German South-West Africa was occupied

by South Africa; who extended its control to the northern Namibian communities- helped by the Portuguese rulers of Angola-after the conflict in 1945.

The Allied Powers refused to allow South Africa to annex the country, renamed South-West Africa (SWA). Instead, South Africa became the designated

Capital City Yaren

Population 10,084

UK Based Population

ation, it hosts the headquarters of the Indian Ocean Rim Association in the capital, Port Louis.

An island country in the Indian Ocean, it lies on the south-east African coast which constitutes the inclusion of Rodrigues, Agalega, Tromelin, Cargados Carajos and the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia and any other island comprised in the State of Mauritius.

It always maintained that it has sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago but has not been able so far to exercise it.

FACT FILE Capital City Port Louis

Population 1,348,242

UK Based Population 41,000 as of 2014

Head of State

Ammenah Gurib

Prime Minister

Pravind Jugnauth

Exports

Clothing, textiles, sugar, cut flowers, molasses and fish

Independence Day 12 March 1968

ccupying the eastern fringe of the great southern African escarpment, Mozambique joined the Commonwealth in 1995 and borders Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland and the Indian Ocean.

Mozambique-born Graça Machel DBE, the widow of both former South African president Nelson Mandela and Mozambican president Samora Machel, is a former Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation.

There are many forest and game reserves harbouring zebras, water

buffaloes, giraffes, lions, elephants and rhinos, and many varieties of tropical water birds such as flamingos, cranes, storks and pelicans.

Some 179 species of mammals have been recorded, 12 of which are endangered.

Namibia

FACT FILE

secretariat in the capital, Valletta, and has championed the development of the Commonwealth Action Programme for the Digital Divide.

It is one of only three Commonwealth member countries in Europe, all of which are island states and members of the European Union.

Mozambique O

95,666 as of 2011

Head of State Baron Waqa

Exports

Phosphate and coconut products

Independence Day 31 January 1968

FACT FILE Capital City Windhoek

Population 2,113,077

UK Based Population 3,500 as of 2001

power under a League of Nations mandate.

Hosts of the secretariat of the Southern African Customs Union; the SADC Tribunal; and the SADC Parliamentary Forum, it is one of the world’s major producers of uranium, and joined Commonwealth in 1990.

N

Hage Geingob

Prime Minister

Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

Exports

Diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium; cattle

Independence Day 21 March 1990

Nauru

amed Pleasant Island by its first European visitors, the former British colony of Nauru, a mere speck in the Pacific about 3,000 km (1,800 miles) northeast of Australia, is the world's smallest republic with very little economy since the depletion of its rich phosphate mines in the 1980s, although the mining of phosphate-discovered there by Brits in 1900, resumed there in 2005.

It was annexed by Germany, as part of the Marshall Islands Protectorate in 1888, before the

League of Nations grants joint mandate to Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand in 1912.

It joined the Commonwealth in1968 and together with Tuvalu are the smallest Commonwealth member countries. They are also two of the world’s smallest democracies.

New Zealand

C

omprising of two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island-and 600 smaller islands.

New Zealand, situated east of Australia across the Tasman Sea is said to be one of the last lands to be settled by humans, developing a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life.

A founding-member of the Commonwealth, in 1931, when its independence was recognised under the Statute of Westminster, it has also joined as members of the Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation, Organisation for Economic

Head of State

FACT FILE Capital City Wellington

Population

4,242,048 - 2013 census

UK Based Population 58.286 as of 2001

Co-operation and Development, Pacific Community, Pacific Islands Forum, United Nations and World Trade Organization.

The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions.

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Bill English

Exports

Dairy products, meat, wool, wood products, fish and machinery

Independence Day 25 November 1947

Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE

Nigeria

FACT FILE

Rwanda

Capital City Abuja

Population

188,462,640

UK Based Population 201,184 as of 2011

Head of State

Muhammdu Buhari

Exports

Petroleum, chemicals, vehicles, aircraft parts, vessels, vegetables, processed food,

Independence Day 1 October 1960

N

igeria, the most populous country in Africa, has a long history, with its roots in early civilisations of distinguished artistry.

The plateau area around Jos was a meeting point for cultural influences from the Upper Niger Valley (where agriculture developed independently as early as 5000 BCE) and from Egypt.

By 3000 BCE, the plateau people – probably the Bantu people who later dominated Sub-Saharan Africa – were developing more complex societies and beginning to advance to the south.

By 500 BCE, the Nok culture

was flourishing.

Nok society produced elegant and technically accomplished terracotta heads and figures; they were agriculturalists making tools and weapons of iron.

It joined the Commonwealth in 1960-although it was suspended between 1995 and 1999-with its independence government led by the Northern People’s Congress in alliance with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (a largely Igbo party), with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister.

In 1963, the country became a republic and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe its first (non-executive) President.

The country, with its two historically powerful empires – Hausa– Bokwoi (beginning as separate states from CE 100–1000) and Kanem–Bornu (from the 11th century) - converted to Islam, before trading in gold, slaves, leather, salt and cloth across the Sahara.

Pakistan P

akistan joined the Commonwealth in 1947 after its creation, as an Islamic state, out of the partition of the UK’s Indian Empire, in 1947.

It became a federal republic in 1956, with it being under military rule for long periods in its

FACT FILE Capital City

Port Moresby

Population 7,059,653

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill

Exports

Oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee

Independence Day 16 September 1975

In the 15th century, Benin, connected with Ife, began to trade with the Portuguese, selling slaves and acquiring spices, firearms, the art of writing and the Christian religion. By the 18th century, the British had displaced the Portuguese as leaders of the slave trade.

A century later, in 1807, the missionaries’ campaign against slavery had gained support, leading the British parliament to ban the slave trade.

The navy began to patrol the coast, arresting slavers and settling captured slaves (most of them Nigerians) in the resettlement colony of Sierra Leone.

Several missionaries in Nigeria were themselves freed Nigerian slaves who had converted to Christianity in Sierra Leone.

The missionaries introduced quinine to control malaria, a new trade in palm oil also began, and the economies of southern Nigeria became increasingly powerful.

FACT FILE

short history, with its constitution proclaims it to be Islamic and democratic, with fundamental rights guaranteed, including the freedoms of thought, speech, religion and worship, assembly, association, and the press, as well as equality of status.

The Commonwealth restored their membership in recognition of the democratic steps taken there since the country rescinded emergency rule.

In 2010 Dr Asma Jahangir of Pakistan was appointed to the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group.

Capital City Lahore

Population

201,995,540

UK Based Population 1.17 million as of 2011 Census

Head of State

Mamnoon Hussain

Prime Minister

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

Exports

Rice, kinnows, mangoes, furniture, cotton fibre, textiles.

Independence Day 14th August 1947

Papua New Guinea

A

n island state in the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea comprises of about 600 small islands more covering more than 800 indigenous languages - which is thought to be more than any other country in the world.

The Japanese army occupied parts of New Guinea and Papua in 1042; the Australian military administered the rest. Under the Papua and New Guinea Act of 1949, the two parts were united for administration as the Territory of Papua and New Guinea and

R

wanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009, becoming only the second country which was not formerly a British colony to be admitted to the group.

Rwanda is a landlocked East

FACT FILE Capital City Basseterre

Population 54,961

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Timothy Harris

Exports

Machinery, foodstuff, electronics, beverages, tobacco

Independence Day 19 September 1983

T

African country with a green, mountainous landscape.

Its renowned Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

The park encompasses 4,507m-tall Mt. Karisimbi and 4 other forested volcanoes. The small central African country, former Belgian and French colony, lobbied long and hard to be a member of a policy of moving towards the Anglophone world and away from the influence of France, as well as to seize economic, political, cultural and other opportunities offered by the Commonwealth network.

Capital City Population 103,000

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister

Ralph Gonsalves

Exports

Bananas, eddoes and dasheen, arrowroot, starch, tennis racquets

Independence Day 27 October 1979

Kigali

Population

11.2 million

Head of State Paul Kagme

Prime Minister

Anastase Murekezi

Exports

Coffee, Tea, Tin ore and Hides

Independence Day 1 July 1962

S

ince its independence in 1983, St Kitts and Nevis has played an active role in international affairs through the United Nations, the Organisation of American States and other various institutions, with the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis being a keen and active member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The duel nation has paid particular attention to human resource development as a key factor that drives our sustainable development strategies.

The duel-island state is a mem-

he much fought over island of Saint Lucia joined the Commonwealth in 1979 after centuries of unsuccessful early attempts by the Spanish to take control, which was often bloodily, by the French and British.

A prosperous plantation economy – sugar -developed; creating much prosperity.

In 1967, Saint Lucia received a new constitution, giving full internal self-government under universal franchise, as one of the states of the Federated States of the Antilles.

FACT FILE

Capital City

Saint Kitts and Nevis

ber of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Association of Caribbean States, Caribbean Community, Non-Aligned Movement, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Organization of American States, United Nations and World Trade Organization.

Saint Lucia

Kingstown

put under United Nations International Trusteeship.

With only 13 per cent of people living in urban areas, it’s the lowest proportion in the Commonwealth.

FACT FILE

FACT FILE Capital City Castries

Population 184,999

Head of State

In February 1979, it became independent, as a constitutional monarchy and member of the Commonwealth, with John Compton of the United Workers Party (UWP) as its first Prime Minister.

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

Exports

Refined Petroleum, Broadcasting Accessories, bananas, beer, telephones

Independence Day 22 February 1979

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

A

ctive as Commonwealth members since 1979, the country compresses of the island of St Vincent and the northern Grenadines, a series of 32 islands and cays, stretching south-west towards Grenada.

The southern Grenadine islands are part of Grenada, with the larger northern Grenadines are Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Isle D’Quatre and Union Island.

Elections held two months after independence in 1979 gave over-

whelming victory to Milton Cato’s St Vincent Labour Party (SVLP), the party which had campaigned most vigorously for independence.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 27

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE

Samoa

I

n 1889, Britain, the USA and Germany, all seeking influence in Samoa, held a conference in Berlin and signed a treaty giving the Samoan islands an independent government, with British, American and German supervision, before Britain soon relinquished its interest in the country, and the other two agreed that Germany should annex Western Samoa and the US Eastern Samoa.

The natives resisted New Zealand’s rule, with non-violent action (1926–36), culminating in the Mau uprisings. After World War II, the

Population 192,342

Head of State

country was made a UN trust territory, with New Zealand’s role now being to guide Western Samoa to independence.

The country achieved independence in 1962, the first South Pacific island country to do so, and, in 1970 Western Samoa joined the Commonwealth as a full member.

Victoria

Population 94,205

Exports

Tourism, main exports: fish, non-fillet frozen fish, sweet potatoes, vanilla, coconuts, petroleum products

Independence Day 29 June 1976

T

he Seychelles boasts two UNESCO world heritage sites: Vallée de Mai and Aldabra Atoll. The latter has one of the largest population of giant tortoises in the world.

Main industry is tourism with over 300,000 tourists in 2016. National carrier: Air Seychelles.

No visa requirements for travel-

Sierra Leone A

current member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, Non-Aligned Movement, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, United Nations and World Trade Organization, Sierra Leone, in

FACT FILE Capital City Singapore

Population 5,607,300

UK Based Population 40,474 as of 2001

Head of State Tony Tan

Prime Minister

Lee Hsien Loong

Exports

Machinery, electronics and communications, pharmaceuticals

Independence Day 9 August 1965

Va’aletoa Sualauvi II

President

Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi

Exports

Copra; coconut oil, beef; timber; cocoa and kava

Independence Day 1 June 1962

Seychelles

Capital City

Mr Danny Rollen Faure

Capital City Apia

FACT FILE

Head of State

FACT FILE

A

T

he Solomon Islands, a nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific, has many WWII-era sites. Guadalcanal, a province and one of the archipelago’s largest islands, honors fallen Allied soldiers at its U.S. War Memorial.

Guadalcanal is also home to the nation’s capital, Honiara, whose bustling Central Market showcases the islands’ produce and traditional handicrafts.

Solomon Islands’ per-capita GDP of $600 ranks it as a lesser developed nation, and more than 75% of its labour force is engaged

FACT FILE

ling to Seychelles. Malaria and yellow fever free.

The coco-de-mer, the heaviest nut in the world grows only in Seychelles. It also hosts one of the largest tuna canning factory in the world and tuna exports rank high.

Spearheading the Blue Economy concept.

Offers a vibrant financial services sector in a politically stable environment and with strict compliance with local and international regulatory norms and best practices.

Comparatively large diaspora in the U.K., mainly in London but spread throughout the Kingdom.

Capital City

Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)

Population 54,956,900

UK Based Population 216,000

Head of State Jacob Zuma

Exports

Gold, diamonds, platinum, machinery and equipment

Independence Day 27 April 1994

S

Capital City Population 7,075,641

UK Based Population 17,048

Head of State

Ernest Bai Koroma

Exports

Diamond, rutile, coca, coffee, fish

Independence Day 27 April 1961

Singapore

S

ri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is an island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean.

Its diverse landscapes range from rainforest and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches.

It’s famed for its ancient Buddhist

FACT FILE Capital City Mbabane

Population 1,119,000

Head of State Mswati III

Prime Minister

1983 when it was launched; no other country has won more than three times. Singapore is by far the most densely populated country in the Commonwealth.

Sibusiso Dlamini

Exports

Soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn

Independence Day 6 September 1968

Capital City Population 642,000

Head of State

in subsistence and fishing. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported.

Until 1998, when world prices for tropical timber fell steeply, timber was Solomon Islands’ main export product, and, in recent years, Solomon Islands forests were dangerously overexploited.

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister

Manasseh Sogavare

Exports

Rough Wood, Processed Fish, Palm Oil, Aluminium Ore

Independence Day 7 July 1978

South Africa

outh Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems.

Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game.

The Western Cape offers beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town, beneath flat-topped Table Mountain.

Numerous mammals are found in the bushveld including Trans-

Freetown

FACT FILE Honiara

Sri Lanka

FACT FILE

West Africa, has been a Commonwealth member since 1961.

Freetown-the capital-was a British colony in 1808 and the coastal and inland area a protectorate in 1896.

The colonial rulers forged administrative links with The Gambia, the Gold Coast (now Ghana) and Lagos in Nigeria. A new constitution came into force in 1961, establishing formally a unicameral parliament and Queen Elizabeth II as sovereign.

On that basis Sierra Leone became independent.

Commonwealth country state since 1965, Singapore is also a member of Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation, Non-Aligned Movement, United Nations and World Trade Organization.

Singapore hosts the headquarters of Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Under the banner, it has won the annual Commonwealth Essay Competition nine times since

Solomon Islands

vaal lions, African leopards, South African cheetahs, southern white rhinos, blue wildebeest, kudus, impalas, hyenas, hippopotamuses and South African giraffes.

FACT FILE

ruins, including the 5th-century citadel Sigiriya, with its palace and frescoes.

The city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient capital, has many ruins dating back more than 2,000 years.

Flowering acacias flourish on the arid Jaffna Peninsula. Among the trees of the dry-land forests are valuable species such as satinwood, ebony, ironwood, mahogany and teak.

The wet zone is a tropical evergreen forest with tall trees, broad foliage, and a dense undergrowth of vines and creepers.

Capital City

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo

Population 20.277,597

UK Based Population 170,000 as of 2007

Head of State

Maithripala Sirisena

Prime Minister

Ranil Wickremesinghe

Exports

Tourism, tea, apparel, textiles, rice production

Independence Day 4 February 1948

Swaziland

S

waziland, a small, landlocked monarchy in southern Africa, is known for its wilderness reserves and festivals showcasing traditional Swazi culture.

Marking its northeastern border with Mozambique and stretching down to South Africa, the Lebombo Mountains are a backdrop for Mlawula Nature Reserve’s many hiking trails.

Nearby Hlane Royal National Park is home to diverse wildlife including lions, hippos and elephants.

Swaziland’s economy is diver-

sified, with agriculture, forestry and mining accounting for about 13% of GDP, manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) representing 37% of GDP and services – with government services in the lead – constituting 50% of GDP.

Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

SPECIAL COMMONWEALTH REPORT AND FACT FILE

Tonga

T

onga is a Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 South Pacific islands, many uninhabited, most lined in white beaches and coral reefs and covered with tropical rainforest.

The main island, Tongatapu, is protected by lagoons and limestone cliffs.

It’s home to the rural capital of Nuku'alofa, as well as beach resorts, plantations and the Ha'amonga ʻa Maui, a monumental coral gate from the 1200s.

Contemporary Tongans of-

FACT FILE Capital City

Port of Spain

Population 1,349, 667

Head of State

Anthony Carmona

Prime Minister Keith Rowley

Exports

Liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia, urea, beverages

Independence Day

FACT FILE Nukuʻalofa

Population ten have strong ties to overseas lands. Many Tongans have emigrated to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States to seek employment and a higher standard of living.

The United States is the preferred destination for Tongan emigrants, and as of 2000 there were 36,840 Tongans living in the US.

Capital City Kampala

Population

41.49 million (2016)

UK Based Population 51,000

Head of State

Yoweri Museveni

Prime Minister

Ruhakana Rugunda

Exports

Coffee, fish, tea, cotton, flowers, gold

Independence Day 9 October 1962

Head of State Tupou VI

Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva

Exports

Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans

Independence Day 4 June 1970

mingbirds.

Trinidad and Tobago is known for its Carnival and is the birthplace of steelpan, limbo, and the music styles of calypso, soca, parang, chutney, chutney soca, chut-kai-pang, cariso, extempo, kaiso, parang soca, pichakaree, and rapso.

Tuvalu

FACT FILE

103,036

T

rinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines.

Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, hosts a boisterous carnival featuring calypso and soca music.

Numerous bird species inhabit sanctuaries such as the Asa Wright Nature Centre.

The smaller island of Tobago is known for its beaches and the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which shelters hum-

31 August 1962

T

site of Neolithic Stonehenge, Bath’s Roman spa and centuries-old universities at Oxford and Cambridge.

The automotive industry is a significant part of the UK manufacturing sector and employs around 800,000 people, with a turnover in 2015 of some £70 billion, generating £34.6 billion of exports.

Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state of the UK as well as monarch of fifteen other independent Commonwealth countries.

Capital City

Trinidad and Tobago

uvalu, in the South Pacific, is an independent island nation within the British Commonwealth.

Its 9 islands comprise small, thinly populated atolls and reef islands with palm-fringed beaches and WWII sites.

Off Funafuti, the capital, the Funafuti Conservation Area offers calm waters for diving and snorkelling among sea turtles and tropical fish, plus several uninhabited islets sheltering sea birds.

The material culture of Tuvalu uses traditional design elements in artefacts used in everyday life

United Kingdom

areas.

Capital City

Capital City

Population

Population

10,640

U

T

anzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness

FACT FILE

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga

Exports

Port Vila 286,429

Head of State

Tallid Obed Moses

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai

Exports

Copra, Fish, stamps, machinery, transport equipment and textiles

Copra, cocoa, kava and beef

Independence Day

Independence Day

1 October 1978

Uganda

ganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria.

Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds.

Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary.

Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos.

Uganda is a pioneer in the

United Republic of Tanzania

FACT FILE Funafuti

such as the design of canoes and fish hooks made from traditional materials.

The design of women’s skirts (titi), tops (teuga saka), headbands, armbands, and wristbands, which continue to be used in performances of the traditional dance songs of Tuvalu, represents contemporary Tuvaluan art and design.

T

he United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is an island nation in northwestern Europe.

England – birthplace of Shakespeare and The Beatles – is home to the capital, London, a globally influential centre of finance and culture. England is also

liberalisation of the media in Africa.

It boasts a vibrant media sector, with nearly 200 private radio stations and dozens of television stations and print outlets, although circulation numbers have declined in recent years.

30 July 1980

Z

They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain.

Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.

V

Capital City London

Population 65,648,000

Head of State

Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Theresa May

Exports

Automotive and Aerospace, coal, petroleum, natural gas, tin, limestone

Independence Day 9 December 1961

FACT FILE Capital City Dodoma

Population 51,820,000

UK Based Population 36,000

Head of State

John Pombe Magufuli

Prime Minister

Kassim Majaliwa

Exports

Gold, Manufactured goods, diamonds, tobacco, coffee

Independence Day 9 December 1961

Vanuatu

anuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch 1,300 kilometers.

The islands offer scuba diving at coral reefs, underwater caverns and wrecks such as the WWII-era troopship SS President Coolidge.

Harborside Port Vila, the nation’s capital and economic center, is on the island of Efate.

The city is home to the Vanuatu National Museum, which explores the nation’s Melanesian culture.

In July 2008, Chief Roi Mata’s Domain was formally registered as a World Heritage site – the first in Vanuatu.

At just half an hour’s drive north of Port Vila, the site features a string of perfect beaches, a breathtaking harbour, spectacular views of the hat-shaped island of Artok and so much more.

Zambia

ambia is one of the most beautiful, friendly, diverse and unspoilt countries in African. Zambia is home to one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls.

Zambia has more natural water resources than any other southern African country, including a myriad of other falls dotted across the country, not to mention the famous Zambezi River and has with 20 National Parks.

Zambia is a good place to live and work and has access to Regional, Wider Africa, EU and USA Markets.

FACT FILE

FACT FILE Capital City Lusaka

Population

15.9 million as of 2016 estimates

UK Based Population The country has a stable Political System, a Positive and Investor Friendly Environment and Investment Guarantees and Security with attractive Investment Incentives.

In the United Kingdom, Zambia is represented by His Excellency Mr. Muyeba Chikonde over seeing over 30, 000 Zambians.

30,000

Head of State

His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu

Exports

Copper, Nickel, Iron, Uranium and agriculture: beef, eggs and dairy

Independence Day 24 October 1964

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 29

www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Restaurant Stunning authentic Italian food, from a Casino? Times have changed, and the Good Food Future is now!

T

he Restaurant situated in Broadway Casino is in the heart of Birmingham’s Broadway Plaza and launched this year to fill a niche that had opened in the market.

Whilst the Restaurant serves Italian food, and could be seen as entering into an already quite full market, it delivers a quality of food and service that its competitors are sorely lacking. The Phoenix ventured in to sample their menu and see what The Restaurant itself was like.

The Restaurant is, as previously mentioned, located within Broadway Casino in Broadway Plaza, and though that might give the impression that the restaurant itself would be quite cramped for space, this is not the case. Indeed, the restaurant has an entire part of the building to itself, thus giving it enough room to have appropriate lighting and tables for such a high calibre restaurant. Music plays at an audible level in the background, when we were there Coldplay and the hits of the early 2000s was the soundtrack to our dining experience, and it added a certain quality to the entire experience that is not present in other restaurants.

We were well looked after by Roberto Santolamazza, the manager of The Restaurant, who provided recommendations and a brief description of the food on the menu, as well as the appropriate wine or other drinks that would go well with the food. His

enthusiasm, rapport passion and knowledge were evident, and really made you feel like you were in a small restaurant just outside Rome.

He was also very forthcoming about the way the food was cooked and why it was cooked in that manner. This is something that other restaurants lack, and would do well to improve upon. The waiters and waitresses who served us were also very happy to provide little tidbits of information about the food and which dish they themselves preferred, making the atmosphere at The Restaurant seem very friendly and welcoming.

The food itself was simply amazing. For starters, we were served bread, olives and Parma ham with Buratta, all of which was delicious and enough to get you salivating at the thought of what was to come.

The creamiest type of mozzarella you have ever tasted matched perfectly with the thinly sliced Parma ham and salad, it was a classic starter, but one that was definitely welcomed. The simplicity of the dish, allowing the fresh ingredients to sing was in line with the ethos of The Restaurant – “to give diners the classic taste of a country renowned for its fresh ingredients

and tasty, rustic meals.”

Alongside this was a portion of deep fried calamari, which was perfectly cooked and an Italian version of fried fish, again beautifully prepared and presented, and tasted as good as it looked.

Next came the main courses.

Lamb Agnello and Chicken Calabrese. Both dishes were divine, and they went very well with the Sicilian wine that was recommended. Even beside the stunning sides of roasted peppers and potatoes, the main dishes were the stars of the show with their delicately cooked meat, and just the right amounts of spice, seasoning and intense flavour, once again letting the ingredients themselves do the talking.

Then finally came dessert, a mixture of ice cream and cakes, that really sealed the deal. It was a whirlwind of flavours that really excited the senses. Paired with a stunning Giane Amarone grappa, followed by a rich espresso, this ensured that I would definitely be coming back to The Restaurant for a second time and indeed many more times to come.

If you love high quality authentic food, a lovely atmosphere and being served by passionate staff who know exactly what they’re talking about, you will love The Restaurant, and should go there as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed!

l The stunning main courses, Chicken Calabrese and Lamb Agnello

THE RESTAURANT

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

SHARD FEST 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Groundbrea Fest Boun

I

t was by far the festival of the year in Birmingham for multiple genres.

This years Shard Fest saw the legends of UK Grime, Garage, and Drum and Bass grace the stage to over 10,000 people.

Mark Dwayne from Street Cred was the official host of the show featuring chart toppers So Solid Crew, DJ Luck and Neat, General Levy, Bassman, Nutcracker, Mason Noize, Lucy Spraggan, Bars And Melody, Boyzlife, Trigga and a host of

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 31

www.streetcredmagazine.com

aking Shard nces Back

ground breaking DJ’s spread over two days.

This is the 3rd Shard Fest running and for sure was the biggest one to date attracting lovers of music from all over the country!

Founder and manager Paul Smith was overwhelmed at the attendance of the two day festival which he and his team have worked over and above to attract.

We can only see this getting even bigger next year, it looks

like Birmingam now has the festival that you have to be at every year for sure.

Nowhere will you see this kind of line up in the park. A massive shout out to Leon Group Security for excellent service to the entire festival and all involved in making this the most amazing experience for Shard Enders and the wider community - what a success, and roll on the next one.

SHARD FEST 2017

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

TEEN FLAIR

www.streetcredmagazine.com

WHAT CAN I LOOK FORwARD TO? KEEP IN

T

his page is intended to be a platform to let teenagers know of important events which will benefit them, whether they are Asian, Black, White or Blue, there will be something of significance to you, your child, niece or nephew.

It’ll be something to get excited about, and something to look forward to.

My name is Rhea Dehaney, and I am born and bred here in Birmingham.

From watching my mum sing in church I was constantly surrounded by music, also growing up listening to my dad play various instruments, which looking back helped me to gain a musical ear.

From singing, to landing the lead role in plays such as Grease and Sister Act 2, performing in the Symphony Hall, and my first TV show, landing a part in the main cast.

I guess you can say this rubbed off on me, and ever

since I’ve just wanted to use my skills to help people.

I was never really the academic one in my family, but I always had something to offer.

I designed my first website at the age of 11 and promoted it on Youtube, as I had always been good at writing and loved to read.

As I grew up I started using my talents a lot in church, such as singing and designing leaflets for various events, I also use my social media platform to minister, in hope to bless others.

From all the experiences I’ve had, I was able to create in-

TOUCH

come and just by writing my own page, I know can inspire and motivate others, because it is possible.

Thank you for the opportunity to curate this page, and I look forward to bringing you all interesting and useful events, information and more in the coming months! ~Rhea

B

eat Freeks is ‘An art activism platform empowering young people to tell stories about themselves, the world and how they fit together (or not).’

I will be promoting free events for young people

As we are all aware there is power in social media, I will be using these networking sites, to promote this newspaper page, and #TEAMFLAIR which will not only advertise, but will promote what to look forward to in the newspaper.

I’m not only hoping to create just another column, but a movement, for young people of all races.

Young people will also have the opportunity to see what jobs are hiring; jobs create independence and not only jobs but free online educational courses, that young people could access.

from ages 13 - 18, and Beatfreeks is the perfect example of the type of events I will be promoting as it’s cultural, and for everyone from different races, religions, shapes and sizes.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 33

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Karliene What inspired you to start singing?

Well, I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, ever since my Mum bought me ‘The Little Mermaid” on VHS and I became madly obsessed with Ariel and her voice.

I wanted to be her, everything about her and that included being able to sing like her so I would sing every single day.

My poor parents were probably sick to death of me but I loved it. I’ve never actually had any lessons with singing, it’s all just come from a deep love and passion for music.

Singing was always a beautiful escape for me and wonderful way to express myself.

I never imagined I’d be living off it one day though and for that I feel incredibly lucky.

Who are your musical influences?

Oh so, so many. I’ve been

Why did the tupac movie fail?

C

ould it be the bad press that the movie received as it was coming up to the re-

lease?

All of a sudden there was bad vibes on the long awaited All Eyes On Me movie by Benny Boom that we have been wanting to see for the last twenty years.

It was first predicted as the best biopic for hip hop ever and even had the potential of knocking out the sales of Straight Outta Compton.

Well this did not happen as didn’t even make the money back from what was put in. Admittedly watching the movie it was like a documentary more so than an epic movie to go and see in theatre and it didn’t show us anything we didn’t know.

Scenes were too short and it didn’t really go indepth into how Tupac became the thug he was before his untimely death in 1996.

Questions are still unanswered and what we thought from Street Cred is why didn’t Tupacs closest friends have the input into the making of the movie like Treach of Naughty By Nature.

Jada Pinkett his closest friend,

Janet Jackson who even went out as far to say on her interviews that alot of the scenes were outright lies.

All the bad vibes surrounding the movie definitely had an influence on our thoughts naturally.

But was it a good movie and well directed?

Have to say absolutely not. This movie could have been shot by anyone who knew how to use a camera the only credit we give is to Demetris who played the role of 2pac and did a very good job but this icon of Hiphop Culture is hard one too play.

A bit like Will Smiths poor role

of Mohammed Ali it just wasn’t believable. So still Straight Out of Compton remains to be the best selling hiphop biopic and word has it that 50 Cent wants to do one on Snoop Doggy Dogg.

Is there really that much interest in Snoops life though? Maybe not but could be a good movie if 50 Cent is behind it.

We have seen the Get Rich Or Die Tryin epic and his latest TV show Power so we know what he is capable of.

Truth is the fans want accuracy in these biopics and so far we haven’t got that and doing them is becoming a little corny.

finding musical inspiration throughout my life from a very wide net of artists.

I love all kinds of artists from Kate Bush to David Bowie to Dolly Parton and Loreena McKennitt.

It’s a very strange mix but I guess I’m attracted to the storytellers in music. I love artists who can transport me somewhere.

I have such a long list of artists who I love that I could never begin to list them all.

When you write original compositions, what provides inspiration?

Many things. It could be a book, a movie or a tv show I’m binge-watching on Netflix. Sometimes it can be as simple as a quote I’ve read that conjures an image.

Sometimes I even wake up from my sleep with a riff in my head and I have to hurry over to my piano to roughly record it before I lose it.

Tell us about the new album and what inspired you to write and record it?

I’m currently working on an album based around Alfred Noye’s ‘The Highwayman”, a very famous poem written in the 1900’s.

I’ve always loved the piece from when I was young and we studied it in our English Lit class.

I always fancied doing something with it one day.

After I rediscovered Loreena McKennitt’s musical version a month or so ago, I was reinspired to work out my own version of the poem.

I decided that rather than do a cover of the poem as a whole song, I’d do a whole album and expand on the poem into a kind of mini movie soundtrack.

The material is so perfect for me and my style with lots of romance and tragedy. It’s the kind of music I love to make the most.

What’s your favourite original song and why?

My favourite song that I’ve ever created is probably ‘Become the Beast” which I wrote after watching all 3 seasons of Hannibal.

It was such a hard song to write lyrically as the relationship between the two characters is such a beautifully complex one.

I spent a long time with this song in the writing process before I even began laying down music.

It was really tough and I struggled but in the end, it became a real success.

It recently hit the million mark on You Tube which is an amazing feeling for me.

Do you have any plans to tour?

If I can get myself a good little Celtic band together, I’d love to do some live stuff one day.

It’s been difficult though as I’m such a studio artist with the way I make music.

I would definitely need some help to create those sounds on stage. It’s something I’d love to do though.

Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Agony Aunt

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen

review

wORDS by antony brown

Dunkirk

A Rose Between Thorns

l Dr Saroj ‘Rose’ Duggal

I

have been cheating on my boyfriend now for the last 3 months, and the guy I am seeing has asked me to break it off with my boyfriend and move in with him instead.

I think I have stopped loving my boyfriend, but I’m not sure if this new guy is the person that I want to move forward together with.

I know once my boyfriend finds out he will be devastated, but I need to do what is right for me.

This new guy is amazing in bed, especially compared to my boyfriend, but he doesn’t have much going for him besides that.

Should I stay with my boyfriend or go with my new man?

Thanks, Selina, Cannock Thanks for getting in contact with me Selina, although I must say that the situation you have got yourself into is not a good one to be in!

There is an old saying, that if you start to fall in love with someone else, then you can’t love the person you were with.

What confuses me about your situation is that it seems that the person you are cheating with, you’re not even that bothered about, which makes me wonder why you did it in the first place?

Were you trying to get a bit of excitement in your life?

Why did you choose this man? What did you hope to gain from it?

I cannot and will not tell you what you should do in this situation, because either way, one or both of the other people involved is going to get hurt.

As you said, you need to do what is right for you, so you need to figure out what exactly you want from a relationship, or indeed if you even want one at all?

I hope you find what you are looking for, whatever the end result may be.

Don’t forget you can contact me by emailing your queries in to rose@thephoenixnewspaper. com. I look forward to hearing from you!

T

he film depicts the dramatic and true story of the Dunkirk evacuations from a war torn beach in France, following the seemingly doomed plight of allied soldiers in World War II. Over the years, Christopher Nolan has worked hard at proving himself one of the most consistent and versatile filmmakers of his generation.

He has delivered time after time again and, in doing so, he has reached a very rare status as a filmmaker.

A status very few filmmakers working today can claim to have, in which his name alone is enough to almost guarantee the success of a film, because audiences trust him.

When we see "Directed By Christopher Nolan" we know we are in for something special, no matter what genre it may be.

It's the same feeling you get when you see the names Spielberg, Scorsese or Tarantino attached to a movie. You just... know.

Dunkirk is Nolan at his most confident. He has ditched the sprawling, complicated plots

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

August 04 Catapult Club feat.

Dead on Arrival 04 Propaganda 05 YES LAD 05 Don Carlos 11 Propaganda 12 Kick The Clown 17 Propaganda - A-Level Results UV Party 18 Catapult Club feat. State 18 Propaganda 24 The Script 25 Furnace And the Fundamentals @ Propaganda 26 Devilfire

O2 INSTITUTE

August 05 So Called Studios – Battle of the Bands THE FINAL

of Inception and Interstellar for something more personal.

Dunkirk is virtually plotless.

Nolan makes the choice to simply focus on a rag-tag group of soldiers who are involved in the war in a variety of different ways and follow their journey, showing us how the war is affecting them along the way.

We have a group of young soldiers, trying desperately to get home. We have a high-ranking Captain trying everything he can to ensure the safety of a beach full of 400,000 soldiers.

We have an RAF pilot doing everything in his power to keep the people below safe and we have a family on their way to Dunkirk in their fishing boat to embark on a rescue mission.

This is not a movie with a complex plot with all manner of twists and turns. It's a relatively straight-forward exploration of war and the impact it has on the lives of those fighting and Nolan makes sure we are right there with them.

His directing style here is very tight, almost claustrophobic. He wants his audience to feel like they are right there with the sol-

diers, so he doesn’t give us room to breathe.

One scene in particular involves countless soldiers below-deck on a ship, clamouring for food and water, and it is so crowded that I began to feel uncomfortable.

Another example is when several soldiers are hiding below deck on a small boat as an enemy opens fire. Not once does Nolan bring us out from underneath that boat.

He forces us to stay with the soldiers, being fired upon. He forces us to become soldiers.

The intensity Nolan manages to maintain throughout the entire runtime of Dunkirk is almost unbearable and despite its surprising 12A/PG-13 rating, Dunkirk manages to reach terrifying levels of realism.

And, in order to help him capture such realism, Nolan has enlisted the help of Cinematographer Hoyte Von Hoytema, whom he previously worked with on his epic Sci-Fi Adventure, Interstellar.

Now, for those of you who have seen Interstellar, you'll know how excruciatingly beautiful it is to look at, well Dunkirk is no

05 The Clause 12 Queen’s School 30th Anniversary Reunion 14 Too Many Zooz 18 Dexta Daps 19 See The World Of Fifty Shades Of Bass: Anew Through Te Eyes Of MC Bassman 31 Parquet Courts

NEC

August 01-23 Dinosaurs In The Wild 10-13 The Festival of Quilts 11-13 Magic Grand Prix Birmingham 2017 20 Toy Collectors Fair 25-28 Insomnia61 – UK’s Biggest Gaming Festival 26 Open Mic UK Birmingham Music Competition

l Celine Dion visits the Barclaycard Arena on the 27th!

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

August 03 Céline Dion 12-13 PAW Patrol Live!

18 Miranda Lambert

different, only the vibrant beauty of Interstellar is replaced with the grim, washed out reality of war.

A dull world without hope or any real semblance of happiness. As you may have assumed based on the age-rating, Dunkirk is virtually bloodless, unlike the vast majority of modern day war epics, but the picture is so ferociously intense that you don't even notice the fact you aren’t actually seeing any violence, because you can feel it.

Remember how difficult the opening twenty minutes of Saving Private Ryan were to watch?

Well, take those opening twenty minutes and imagine they went on for an hour and forty-six minutes and you'll get a pretty accurate idea of what to expect when you sit down to watch Dunkirk.

Dunkirk has some of the best Sound Design I have ever experienced in a movie and I wouldn't be surprised if it wins many, many awards for it.

Every explosion, every gunshot, every bullet-hit, every lump of dirty falling from the sky, every body hitting the ground and every wave is so crisp and vivid it'll feel like you're right there with them.

It's a wonderful feat in the world of Sound Design. Speaking of sound, Hans Zimmer’s score is breathtaking and acts as a perfect companion to the images on screen.

There’s a rhythmic, pulsating heart to it that escalates in moments of pure dread (so, essentially the entire movie) and it flawlessly emulates the way the audience feels at any given moment.

Hans Zimmer deserves a whole dump-truck full of awards for his work on Dunkirk.

As you’d expect from a Christopher Nolan film, the cast are all terrific and, in keeping with his approach to make this experience feel as real as possible, the cast is mostly comprised of little known actors you wouldn’t have seen much of before.

Of course, this serves in helping the audience believe they are watching real soldiers as opposed to a bunch of actors we’ve seen countless times before playing these characters.

In fact, I’d hesitate to even use the word “character” because Nolan opts not to focus too much on characterisation.

Dunkirk is not a movie full of expository dialogue about who these people are -- in fact, we don’t even find out most of their names.

Instead, Nolan makes us care about these people by making us one of them. The biggest name in Dunkirk is Tom Hardy, who plays an RAF pilot, but seeing such a well known face never feels like a distraction, because it’s covered up for the majority of the film by his flight mask.

While we’re on the subject, I’d just like to say that I truly believe Tom Hardy is one of the only actors in the world who can have every part of their face covered and still emote his ass off.

His eyes are the only things we see and we know exactly what he's feeling every second he's in that cockpit.

The frustration, the panic, the desperation - we feel everything he feels. It’s quite remarkable.

With Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan continues one of the greatest streaks in the history of cinema by adding yet another extraordinary piece of filmmaking to his repertoire.

Dunkirk is perhaps his most grounded and personal work to date and sits comfortably as one of the best of the year.

GENTING ARENA

August 18-20 Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention 2017 (IBSA)

Beethoven’s Fifth (SH) 27 Ever-After Vintage Tea Dance (SH) 27 Revolutions: Gospel Train (TH)

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

August 02-03 The Wiggles (TH) 04 Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring (SH) 05 SoundLounge Festival 2017 (TH) 05 Regina Spektor plus support (SH) 06 National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain - Under 12 Orchestra (TH) 09 Town Hall Tour (TH) 20 Symphony Hall Tour (SH) 20 CBSO Mirga conducts

August 08 Death Angel (The Slade Rooms) 11 William Shakespeare’s - The Comedy of Errors (Bantock Park) 19 V Festival 2017 (Weston Park) 25 Leeds Festival 2017 (Bramham Park)

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 35

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Uncertain Future for British GP The future of the British Grand Prix is left uncertain following Silverstone's owner confirmed it has activated a break clause to cease hosting the race beyond 2019.

The Northamptonshire circuit has been home to the race since 1987 but its owners, British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), are saying that they cannot afford to host the race unless a new deal is agreed.

BRDC chair, John Grant, said in a statement: "We have reached the tipping point and can no longer let our passion for the sport rule our heads.

After making losses of £2.8m in 2015 and £4.8m in 2016 we are expecting to lose a similarly this year.

We hope that an agreement can be reached, so that we can sustain a financially viable future for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone."

Former world champion Nigel Mansell, won three of his four British Grand Prix’s at Silverstone and believes if the circuit loses its GP status; “It would be a very sad day if the circuit no longer hosted grand prix racing.

Hopefully the new F1 owners will review their thoughts and not throw it away."

Formula 1 owner Liberty Media said: "We deeply regret Silverstone’s choice to invoke a break clause that will take effect in three years' time.

Our focus is on preserving the British Grand Prix and we will carry on negotiating with the promoter in good faith to reach a fair and equitable solution."

Silverstone hosted the first Formula 1 race in 1950, before then sharing it with Brands Hatch, in Kent, and Aintree, on Merseyside, before becoming its permanent home 30 years ago. It’s then only circuit on the F1 calendar to receive no government backing.

Modular Fuel Cell Power for Rapid Field Deployment

Volvo All-Electric by 2019

C

hinese-owned carmaker, Volvo, has confirmed that, from 2019, all of its new models will have an electric motor, with plans to launch five models by 2021 – followed by a range of hybrid models. It then plans to sell over 1million by 2025.

Best known for its emphasis on driver safety, they will become the first traditional car manufactures to signal the end of the internal combustion engine following their announcement which they see as reflecting the direction much of the auto industry is travelling in.

Volvo Chief Executive, Hakan Samuelsson, declared: "This marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered

car.

Demand electrified cars are increasingly and we want to respond to our customers' current and future needs."

Other carmakers have reacted by developing their own fully-electric models although performance-levels are proving to be research-intensive and very expensive.

Volvo's Chinese owner, Geely, has been pushing ahead with electric car development for more than a decade and is making headlines in the mass market.

From 2021, car manufactures in the EU will have to ensure that across their fleets, average CO2 output is no higher than 95g of CO2 per kilometre.

German Manufacturers Prioritizing Europe Over Post-Brexit UK?

A

finance expert has said that carmakers must be prepared to prioritise trade deals with European partners over the UK after Brexit Alexander Radwan, a member of the Christian Socialist Union, in Germany, car manufacturers, like BMW, are saying that while the U.K. market will remain important for them they have a preference for the working relationship with the European market. He said: “The UK’s exit from the EU must not become a ‘blueprint’ for other European countries to follow suit.

BMW, along with other German-based European arms of GM and Ford, all of which have U.K. based plants, have suggested that trade barriers would bring significant and currently incalculable

MOTORING

l Alexander Radwan, Christian Socialist Union costs.”

With British Prime Minister Theresa May's government starting formal talks with the EU German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, warned the UK that while the EU would respect the interests of the British people who voted against Brexit, Britain would have to "pay its price" should its government

end the free movement of people.

Arguing that Europe, under any circumstance, must remain unified, Radwan says that any potential deal for the UK exit must not become a "blueprint" for other countries to do the same. He argued that the principal aim of the discussions is to unite Europe.

A readily available supply of energy is taken for granted in the modern world. When faced with grid failure, the need to supply reliable distributed and backup power is imperative to reduce loss of revenue and to keep critical systems operating.

Existing grid-replacement and back-up power technologies use batteries and generators operating on diesel, propane or gasoline.

There are increasing concerns with these methods of power provision, leading to our partners seeking out alternatives that provide better reliability and are more cost effective when considering total cost of operation and ownership.

Fuel cell systems provide an opportunity to both reduce operating costs and increase environmental performance relative to what is possible with traditional diesel generators.

Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

www.streetcredmagazine.com book of Coaching this year.

What are some of the struggles you have faced over the years?

There have been many struggles I’ve faced over the years. The Two that stick out the most have been dealing with the deaths of my mother and my daughter. These were both very painful things and the people around me at the time were an amazing support.

Grace Graham MSc

Welcome to my column where I feature some of the most Welcome to my column where Iand feature some of the most special Charities, Organisations People I have come across. special Charities, Organisations andbeing People I have come across.

Be a part of my journey and enjoy inspired...

Be a part of my journey and enjoy being inspired...

I

n this months’ Spotlight, I would like to introduce you to someone I met when I was just 9 years old.

I remember being mesmerized by this woman, her glowing skin and her wrapped hair up in a beautiful African style head tie.

12 years later I had the opportunity to meet her again at an inspirational evening, an International Women’s Day celebration held at City Hall and hosted by Jennette Arnold OBE AM - I met with a woman full of life, energy and beauty - meet award winning business woman and Director, Grace Graham MSc. This courageous woman has over 30 years’ experience in leadership and management including working in education departments in both the UK and US. Working many years within the public, private and charity sector, many of those years spent leading children’s centre services in North East London.

She has a Master of Science degree in Coaching, is a member of the Institute of Leadership & Management, and the Special Group for Coaching Psychology at the BPS (British Psychological Society).

She is a featured writer in The Association of Integrative Coach-Therapist Professionals magazine and has had her work referenced in The Sage Handbook of Coaching.

Grace founded Impact Coaching & Consultancy Ltd in 2010 and has relaunched this year - as a training company!

“It is our business to empower emerging female leaders, who have less than 3 years of experience of leading others, by getting them to raise their emotional intelligence (EQ).

“We are an ILM recognised provider that hosts events, facilitates one day workshops, runs certificated programmes, and provides executive coaching. ILM is the UK’s leading provider of leadership and management qualifications. We are also a UK Registered Learning Provider.

up over half of the UK population and more than half of the workforce and I have this constant question as to why there are less women in top leadership than men.

Something is stopping women’s progression and I have come to the conclusion that the biggest thing is our mind. I want to help women get over that hurdle!

“Impact Coaching & Consultancy combines high quality training and affordability that helps women to become the best leaders they can be.

“We offer great value, choice and support, that emerging female leaders with ambition need, in order to make that first step toward longevity.”

It is safe to say she has great experience when it comes to education, leadership and empowerment.

What projects are you currently involved with/running?

Did you enjoy your own school experience?

My current project is hosting events for Emerging Female Leaders, where they get to hear a panel of speakers, network and take part in a mini-workshop.

In October I will kick off my certified leadership training for women, which will take place at the University of East London.

This training has been designed by me in partnership with the ILM, who are the largest providers of leadership accredited training in the UK.

My primary school was turbulent because we moved around quite a lot when I was young. I went to 3 different primary schools and never felt settled.

It was hard being the new girl, especially as I was really shy and often had my head in the clouds.

In secondary school I was much more settled because I stayed at the one school up until 6th form. I did struggle, academically, at secondary school.

What are some of your hobbies?

How did you do academically at School?

I left school with no qualifications because I wasn’t very academic and didn’t value my education.

I struggled in maths and didn’t really feel encouraged by teachers to do more or be more. I wasn’t very confident either and messed about a ton.

I got to the age of 18 and realised that I need to improve my life because I was falling in with people who were not good for me.

My mum sent me to the Caribbean for a month and a massive change happened there. I became ambitious.

How hard did you have to work in order to get your degree?

I was a mature student and worked really hard to get my first degree.

The biggest thing I needed to practice was paying attention.

In my first year I did Communications Studies with Business and failed the first year. I was devastated.

Well, I am a black belt in taekwondo, I am a runner and I am currently writing a book.

Most memorable projects/ experiences to date?

I have two most memorable experiences. The first has got to be winning a Business Award for the work I did with aspiring female leaders last year. The second was having my work being referenced in the HandI took a year out of full-time study then went part-time and did a couple of catch-up modules and passed.

I also did some agency work to bring money in because I was broke and couldn’t get a student loan as a part-time student.

When I went back full-time I swapped the Business part of my degree for music, especially as I was performing at the time. I passed, eventually!

Music! I had no idea… Did you sing or play?

When I was 13 years old, I atten-

What are the things most important to you?

Things most important to me are great family and friends who accept me for who I am. Peace, Love and Happiness are what make my world go around!

Is there anybody who you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my son Anwar, for putting up with me working all hours. It will all pay off very soon. I’d like to thank my sister Julia for being my biggest cheerleader.

Are you recruiting? How can people get involved /volunteer?

I would love people to help-out at our events and we are now recruiting for women who want effective training in leadership development.

How can people get in contact and find out more about Impact Coaching & Consultancy Ltd?

www.impactcandc.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ImpactCoachingandConsultancy Twitter: @Grace_Impact Instagram: @GraceInLeadership LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ gracegraham/ Google+: Grace Graham MSc You can also book yourself in for Impact’s upcoming event on Wednesday 13th September if you search online: Eventbrite The Imposter Syndrome – are you getting in your own way?

A special thank you to Grace for taking time to speak with me. I hope you all are just as inspired as I am!

Book yourself in for Impact’s upcoming event on Wednesday 13th September in London by searching online: Eventbrite The Imposter Syndrome – are you getting in your own way?

ded a music workshop, I picked up drumsticks and never looked back.

Soon after I took up singing, playing the keyboard and performing.

I continued and had the opportunity to tour many places. We also performed in the Middle East around the same time as headliners Tom Jones and Kenny Thomas.

Sting was also a headliner and we actually pulled a bigger crowd than him! Yes we had a great time. I’ve performed for many years, I love it.

I was in my 40s when I decided I wanted to do a Masters and studied Coaching Psychology. This was part-time.

That was really tough because I was a wife, mum and working fulltime in a leadership position. The hard thing was juggling all of my different roles and managing my time.

Most of my challenges were mental, such as “Can I really do this?” and “What have I let myself in for?”, right up to “I want to quit!”

Why did you choose teaching?

As a Trainer I can get my message out and share my experiences with people. I love helping people and bringing them together to learn new things.

When I share the good, the bad, and the ugly, it helps others, as well as myself to grow.

Why Female Empowerment?

I am really passionate about helping women to grow by getting them to think and be strong. Women make

Get in Touch with Camara camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com www.camaraofficial.com www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 37

OBITUARIES AND COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Obituaries

George A Romero Night of the Living Dead Director

T

he writer and director was at the vanguard of zombie horror movies since his micro-budget classic ‘Night of the Living Dead,’ which combining horror and social satire, hit the big screens.

It spawned a series: Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), Land of the Dead (2005),

T

Diary of the Dead (2007) and Survival of the Dead.

Using terrifying effects, makeup and cuts to satirise consumerism, racism and other social horrors; “All I did was I took them out of ‘exotica’ and I made them the neighbors,” he once said.

He died after battling lung cancer. He was 77.

Bhai Jagraj Singh

T

he Basics of Sikhi founder was well respected and renowned for his ‘street parchar’ that he started in London, but has now spread worldwide.

He started several initiatives in 2012 to raise awareness of the Sikh faith, training dozens of parchariks (preachers) as he spoke at camps and events across the world.

A

film critic, journalist and television presenter, he was best known for presenting ‘Film..’ on BBC One from 1972 to 1998 and was the programme's longest-running host as well as writing for the Daily Mail and the Guardian.

press conference for his new club, Bournemouth.

He has also appeared as a mascot for both Everton and England, at Wembley, and was also a special guest at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event in Birmingham. Bradley was named ‘Child of Courage’ at the Pride of North East Awards. He was six-years-old

Notice Board If you’ve got an event, notice or information that you’d like to advertise on our community notice board, get in touch with us on:

0121 339 5885

Thousands of revellers are expected from the UK and beyond for the 50th Anniversary of the Leeds West , music lebration of food Indian Carnival ce day on M ay id Bank Hol and culture - on and es up tro t es gg the bi August 28 - with s et re st n ever on the largest processio to on en th d Harehills of Chapeltown an ewton Park rn tte Po

To Advertise

he Linkin Park lead singe committed suicide after he hanged himself at a private residence in Palos Verdes Estates in L.A. County.

Married with 6 children from 2 wives, he struggled with drugs and alcohol for years and said in the

Barry Norman CBE

Bradley Lowery

he Sunderland fan’s plight touched the lives of many people, when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma - a rare type of cancer - when he was 18 months old.

He formed a special relationship with England striker Jermain Defoe who broke down in tears during a

He also launched the Amritsar Visitor Center, Sikh Press Association and the ‘Mighty Khalsa’ project.

Diagnosed with cancer, December 2016, which left the Sikh sangat worldwide in shock, he firmly insisted that whatever is happening is already pre-ordained and that he remained in chardi kala (high spirits) and attached to Gurbani.

T

Described as ‘the defining voice’ of film criticism and insightful interviewing of screen legends from both sides of the camera, he was well respected worldwide – from both sides of the camera.

He died after suffering for some time with lung cancer aged 83.

Chester Bennington

T

past that he had considered committing suicide because he had been abused as a child by an older male.

The band's album, "Meteora," was one of the biggest alternative albums in music history.

Bennington was 41.

'Queen of Cashmere' Laura Biagiotti

he Italian fashion designer was one of the first to conquered global markets with her soft, loose women’s clothes and luxurious knitwear that won her the nickname ‘Queen of Cashmere.’ She also produced sunglasses and perfumes,

including the popular ‘Roma’ fragrance.

She suffered a heart attack at her estate outside of Rome where doctors managed to resuscitate her but not before serious brain damage had occurred.

She was 73.

Discover th Worceste e tasty treats that r can offe r you with live music , st competiti reet entertainment, ons, free fa ce paintin and fun ac g ti family: Aug vities FREE for the ust 4 – 6, throughou the pedest t rianised c ity centre .

t ce Trus Birthpla brating e r a e p s le ce ake The Sh an exhibition s of the Bard n s present interpretatio usicians in sian rn m e A d h o t een u m o S g how nd Asia have b im a h explorin in y b d e ir ita insp ance both Br angra d with bh ps learning o worksh modern about aditional n tr takes o ance from d n ia ay, Ind jab. Frid the Pun ber 1, at Septem peare’s Shakes ce, in Birthpla -uponrd Stratfo n Avo

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

THEY ALSO SERVED

‘They Also Served’

Highlighting the Major Contribution of the Colonies during the14-17 War

I

t’s a project spotlighting First World War’s Black African and Caribbean involvement as radio presenter Bishop Dr Joe Aldred and historian Dr Angelina Osborne presented ‘They Also Served,’ which highlighted and commemorated the major contributions made by men and women from the former British Empire.

In the presence of dignitaries, including newly appointed Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anne Underwood, esteemed business leaders local project organisers and a general public who were keen to know more, the Birmingham-based programme was able to enlighten and celebrate what, form some time, was known as the ‘forgotten story.’

Held at the New Testament Church of God, in Lozells, in the city, ‘They Also Served’ brought these unsung heroes and heroines

into view, shining a light on this ‘hidden history.’

“Many from Africa and the Caribbean came to Britain in the centuries before, and contributed to the First and Second World Wars, including those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for liberty with their lives,” said Dr Aldred.

“This is an exciting project.”

Bishop Deverton Douglas, Senior Pastor and District Bishop at Lozells’ NTCG, said: “The service is designed to honour the commitment made by so many.

God, you made them victorious.

The undocumented is now written.”

Dr Osborne went on: “These men and women were forgotten when the world couldn’t do without them. Today we stand on the plinth which they created for us.

“We carry the genes of our ancestors,” said keynote speaker, Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

“The history of Black soldiers has been silenced by British history for far too long. Up to 2million people from the colonies served in the First World War, with many survivors deciding to make Britain their home after the War’s end in 1917.

“But, it wasn’t until very recently that the government recognized their contribution by including them in the annual ‘Remembrance Sunday’ celebrations in London.

What’s so shocking about that is that the very first shots fired then was by a Black soldier, which was never highlighted before.

Not enough people are aware of the contributions made by Black

men and women in the ‘theatre of was.’ Now is the time to rewrite history and let people know the truth.”

“We value the contributions made by Black people during the War,” say Cllr Underwood. “It’s up to us to learn more so that we can pass on our knowledge to the next generation.”

Caribbean soldiers first joined the Allied troops in 1915 and, although there was an initial reluctance by British Army commanders, massive losses among white troops, and the intervention of King George V, saw this attitude change.

‘They Also Served’ collates information on how the involvement of Black African and Caribbean troops, especially in the ’Great War,’ altered perceptions in their home countries and in the diaspora.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 39

My Story, Our Journey: The Sikh Migration Project

F

ollowing months of work by countless people, ‘My Story, Our Journey: The Sikh Migration Project’ was launched at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on the 24th July.

The exhibition traces the journey of the Sikhs from rural Punjab, to modern day Britain. Developed by the Nishkam Civic Association in Handsworth, it explores how and why Sikhs have travelled to, and settled in Birmingham and the Black Country.

Using personal stories and research, the exhibition uncovers

the challenges Sikh migrants have faced and the supportive communities they have developed, as well as examining cultural and religious identities and how these have adapted over the decades, as part of integration.

The project serves as a reminder of how Sikhs have flourished and contributed to the UK. Speaking to the elders of the community, the project aimed to document and record the memories and artefacts of an era nearly out of living memory.

“If we don’t learn from our history we are doomed to forget

it completely!” Nishkam Centre Director Amrick Singh Ubhi explained.

“With so much vibrancy and history here, it is a beautiful exhibition.”

With local dignitaries including the Chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Keith Stokes-Smith, West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street and Guru Nanak Nishkam Sevak Jatha (GNNSJ) Chairman Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh also in attendance, the specially invited group was shown to the gallery where an impressive and interactive exhibition has been created.

Funded by the HeritageLottery Fund and generously supported by Birmingham City Council, Birmingham Museum Trust, Council of Sikh Gurdwara Birmingham, and many more oganisations,the project was completed a success.

“We also acknowledge the extensive contributions of our volunteers, without whom we could not have achieved so much in such little time.”

“We are grateful for all the support during this endeavour, without which we could not have captured and shared our heritage.”

The exhibition is open now until 22 Oct 2017 when it will be taken to other museums around the region, as well as into schools.

Prayer & Catholicism Rising Benefit in Africa and Asia Concert Following the fatal stabbing of Troy Paul, in Birmingham, in July, a special prayer concert has been organized in his honour and to pray for the city, and support the families whose sons, brothers, nephews and other family members who are victims of knife crimes -100% of the funds raised there going direct to the families.

This comes after the visit of Pastor Samuel Jonathan, who attended a vigil held in memory of Paul – an experience which he found especially moving, which was compounded by the fact that his death was the fourth knife-related killing in Birmingham within one week.

The ‘Birmingham Prayer & Benefit Concert,’ is a free event featuring an inspiring fusion of live music, poetry, sculpting, fine-art painting, choreography and prayer, to be held at the Sparkbrook Community Centre, on Grantham Road, on Saturday August 5.

Donations are welcomed and will go towards the support of the families.

T

he statistical yearbook of the Vatican has registered an overall increase of baptized Catholics - and for the first time since 2000, a decline of priests.

Catholics in Asia, and especially in Africa, have grown from 15.5 per cent to 17.3 per cent of the world's total, with European Catholicism declining both in relative terms (from 23.8% in 2010 to 22.2% in 2015) and, from year to year, in absolute terms (in 2015 Catholics were almost 286 million, they are just over 800 thousand compared to 2010 and 1.3 million less than in 2014).

The American continent is still the most Catholic, with 49% of the Catholic population on the planet.

The relative number of Catholics in Africa is 19.4, in Oceania 26.4 and in Europe 39.9. In comparative terms, the weight of the African continent is confirmed, whose baptized faithful have increased from 15.5% to 17.3% of the total number of Catholics in the world.

Because of demographics, the way that major global issues play out there, and the emergence of a

new generation of Catholic leaders, Africa is destined to be where the Catholic future is forged in the early 21st century, meaning that an 'African moment' is upon the Church.

“The number of Catholics worldwide is rising fastest in Africa while the church continues to suffer from a shortage of priests in some parts of the world,” the Vatican said.

Despite an increase in the number of Catholics, there was, however, a fall in the number of priests called to ministry in some parts of the world.

The number of priests rose by more than 1,100 in Africa and 1,100 in Asia but fell by 2,502 (6 percent) in Europe between 2014 and 2015. There were a total of 47 new priests in the Americas in 2015.

“After reaching its highest in 2011, the number of seminarians has been undergoing a gradual contraction,” the Vatican said.

“The only exception is Africa, which does not seem affected by the vocation crisis for the moment and will remain the region with the greatest potential.”

AZUZA STREET

Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

W

by Steve Williams

Support Column

Libido! Vagina! Sex! Menopause! Women!

Y

es, you can say those words out loud and nothing bad will happen! So why the big commotion over these words?

Well read on..

Recently, Facebook blocked an advert for a Menopause Support Workshop.

Why? Because they took issue with the word “Libido” and categorised the workshop as an “adult product” – strangely the word wasn’t used in the ad itself.

The workshop was a bid to help women with their hormones changes and provide them with an understanding of what is happening to their bodies during this time.

Menopause affects over 50% of the popular and their family members. The word libido itself is a medical term.

Facebooks move to ban this advert doesn’t come as a surprise they also ban pictures of women breast feeding, interestingly; you are still able to view breasts in different contexts on the social media site.

This is turn confirms the ideology that women’s health and body shaming is still rife. The refusal and lack of usage of the correct names of medical conditions and basic anatomy only address to the gender inequalities, women all face today.

It perpetuates body shaming, by diminishing the seriousness of the issue. These words is not obscene and should be used openly.

The rules on sex, relationships and intimate health have changed, and so have the rules for talking about it.

We need to become more open, less guilty and take advantage of strong friends to open up these channels of communication.

How about instead of remain-

ing quiet and allowing intimate health to continue to be “locker room talk” – let’s open the doors to have an open discussion.

The National Institution for Clinical excellence state 1 in 2 women will suffer with a reproductive health issue in their lifetime.

Clearly, women will have to discuss this issue with someone at some point. Why stigmatise the subject area?

Genuine intimate / reproductive health rights and knowledge will only be achieved when society ensures that young girls and women have access to all information and basic services.

It will only be achieved when there is true understanding of its link to mental heath.

It will only be achieved when women can make decision about reproductive health with this knowledge and support.

It will only be achieved when the double stands of giants like Facebook accept that the condition as normal and openly declare their support of the same.

These are all areas of legitimate discussion.

So, do you want to be part of #ReproductiveRevolution and join our #Cysterhood !

Join us as we plan to bring the changes needed to bring gender equality and reproductive health to the forefront Drop us a message or connect with us!

Twitter: @cystersbham Facebook: Cysters – Women’s Support and Awareness Group Website and Email: www.cysters.co.uk and info@cysters.co.uk Don’t forget what ever health issue you are going through you are beautiful and still a woman <3 Love your Cyster, Neelam xx

hilst being derided by his own fans – as his team languished at the bottom of the English Premier League - apparently being pictured smoking from a shisha pipe during a trip to Dubai and being suspended and threatens with being booted out of his hometown club, if only fans knew, they would cut Gabriel Agbonlahor some slack and really appreciate the personal trauma he and his family is going through.

His family is going through the mill with his niece, Jayla Loren, fighting for her life after she was struck by a mystery brain disease which left doctors baffled.

The bed-ridden youngster cannot walk, talk, eat or drink and has suffered thousands of seizures in her short life.

As his brother, Charisma and sister-in-law, Louise Bostock, were battling to save the life of the little five-year-old, the Aston Villa striker’s form, for what was a doomed relegation fight, became the main focus for the team’s supporters, who, with no – or very little – knowledge of the personal lives of their heroes, as their only interest is that much-

l Jayla Loren

It’s Time to Cut Gabby Some Slack l Carl Ikeme

Wolves’ Super Eagle, Ikeme, Facing Biggest Battle

by Steve Williams needed 3-points for their club.

At one point Jayla Loren stopped breathing and was resuscitated before spending five days in intensive care on a ventilator at Birmingham Children’s Hospital with the couple not know how long their daughter had left, as there was no medication that worked for her.

With her requiring complex care, it cost a lot of money so I launched a fundraising campaign to pay for life-saving treatment.

“We are doing everything we can to help her and make her life a bit more enjoyable. She requires constant, complex care.”

Now Jayla’s full-time carer mother, Louise has been trying to raise money on: www.gofundme.com/ryy5mgte, to take her daughter to France, in the hope it will improve her condition.

The Silent White killer of Black People

A

By Dr Tony Talburt

t a time when there has been increased attention being given to the issue of the deaths by shooting of Black people by White police officers, (notwithstanding the fact that there is a high percentage of Black on Black on killings in America and the UK), there is another, more deadlier silent white killer, that is contributing greatly to the death of Black people.

This killer goes by the chemical name Sodium Chloride (NaCl), or quite simply, salt.

The simple fact is, that for many people of African and Caribbean descent, our killer is not waiting suspiciously outside, but sitting

in full view, unashamedly visible, throughout our kitchens.

The excessive consumption of our favourite white stuff, coupled with inadequate physical activity, is proving to be one of the causes for a great deal of ill health and ultimate death, especially within the African and Caribbean ethnic communities.

This issue has come to personally resonate with me over the last couple of years.

In fairly recent times, two of my close relatives and two good friends have passed away from illnesses which were related to their condition of high blood pressure.

Even though we all know that too much salt is not good for us, sometimes when it happens to a

England striker, Gabby, set-up a star-studded ‘Game For Jayla’ football match, in Dagenham, in Essex, to raise money for his niece – with the man himself featuring in the fundraiser, which had such celebs as Bianca Gascoigne, Big Fat Gypsy Wedding star Danielle Mason, rugby league’s Nathan Massey, Danny Wisker from Big Brother, and X Factor’s Christian Burrows and Lydia Lucy.

Over the past three years Louise has had help from Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall and wants to donate any excess money raised to the organisation.

She said: "Seeing her like this is driving me to do everything I can to help her.”

Louise is raising the funds, determined not to have to ‘lean on’ her celebrity brother-in-law.

close friend or relative, it seems to hit you more directly in the face.

The British Heart Foundation has warned that If you are of African Caribbean background, you are at higher risk of having high blood pressure or a stroke than other ethnic groups in the UK. Similarly, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, speaking with reference to the situation in the USA, made the same argument that high blood pressure is more common in African American adults than in Caucasian or Hispanic American adults.

The excessive use of salt in the diet of many African and Caribbean people, can be linked to the history and pattern of preparation and consumption of meals, hundreds of years ago which are still practiced today.

The use of salted meats and fish in many slaves’ meals was a very common practice throughout the British Caribbean during the eighteenth century.

Thus, even as late as the early nineteenth century, for example, the slaves in Jamaica were legally required to be provided with weekly food items such as salted herring, codfish and pickled herrings, amongst other foods.

The use of very salted fish and meat became a feature of Caribbean soup, or what the European observes at the time, referred to, as this thick stew or pepper pot,

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme is to begin chemotherapy after being diagnosed with acute leukemia after "abnormal blood tests" during pre-season testing and further checks confirmed the diagnosis.

Since the club released the news, the 31-year-old, who has been with Wolves for his entire career - making more than 200 appearances – has been inundated with support from the ‘football fraternity,’ with clubs, players and team-mates - past and present - offering their support to the goalkeeper on social media.

Wolves striker, Nouha Dicko posted: "No words can express how I feel right now. I love you Carl. We are all with you, you are a strong man, a strong wolf. Stay strong bro."

Winger Jordan Graham also posted: "Kemes - you're like a second father to me. The love I have for you I can't even put into words.

Stay strong we are ALL with you bro!" which remains a critical part of the English-speaking Caribbean culture (Talburt, 2004, Food of the Plantation Slaves of Jamaica).

According the group called Blood Pressure UK, and also another organisation called Consensus Action on Salt and Health was established in 1966, to help put pressure on the governments to reduce the level of salt intake, we should be consuming no more than 6 grams of salt per day, we actually consume about 8 grams per day.

Most of the salt intake is ‘hidden’ within processed foods like bread. Children actually need less than 6 grams per day, but if they are anything like the children I see and know, they might be taking in more salt than even us as adults.

So, whilst Jamaica’s national dish is Ackee and Saltfish, both of which were imported foods during the period of slavery, which were not indigenous to the Caribbean, we might need to consider how we prepare some aspects of Caribbean food with less salt.

Caribbean meats and fish are usually ‘seasoned’ or marinated and left for some time before actual cooking.

By adding more healthier herbs and spices like chillies and lime as well as making more use of foods like okra and green bananas, these could help ‘boost’ the taste of meals, as well as protecting from the effects of the white silent killer.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 41

L

ocus F on Social Care

C

l Cllr Paulette Hamilton

llr Paulette Hamilton is the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care for Birmingham City Council.

As part of our ongoing commitment to our readers, she will be bringing a monthly Focus On Social Care. This month, we find out a bit more about Cllr Hamilton.

A

s the first black woman Cabinet Member in Birmingham City Council I wanted to reflect on the past two and a half years that I have held this position.

By way of a bit of background I started my career in nursing and qualified as a nurse in 1987.

I progressed to become a District Nurse; and then a practice nurse teacher.

In 2002, I became a Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Nurse Counsellor; working in the UK and across Europe.

I then moved onto become a professional Development Advisor for the Royal College of Nursing working across the West Midlands region.

I have been active in the local community for a long time helping to support others including mentoring a large number of women, and supporting young people where possible.

I have always been passionate about making a difference and standing up for what I feel is unfair and unjust; it was through this that I became involved in politics and was first persuaded to stand as a councillor.

I first became a Councillor in June 2004 in the Handsworth Wood ward in Birmingham; a ward that I love and grew up in. I am passionate about championing mental health issues across the Birmingham area at both a strategic and grass roots level.

I was delighted when I was selected to become the City’s first mental health champion in 2012.

As the Cabinet Member in times of austerity it has been a

real challenge driving forward improvements in services; whilst having to balance the budget and make significant savings.

However, efficiencies have been made and allowed us to a certain extent protect our most vulnerable citizens in terms of social care.

What makes me get up every morning with drive and determination is the need to make a difference and improve the outcomes to our most vulnerable citizens.

I am keen to focus in the forthcoming year on working with our citizens, and our health partners to create a more joined up health and social care service.

My key priorities that I am keen to take forward over the course of the year include: • Shifting focus on improving outcomes and preventing demand; maximising the impact of prevention and early intervention; • Working with our partners on the integration of Health and Social to secure the planned extra NHS older adults' contributions planned through HWB and BCF work towards new models of front line integration with the NHS, and extending true personalisation; • Ensuring we continue to have the Citizen Voice embedded through the changes process and that we are able to ensure that our citizens understand and buy into changes with the desire to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable through co-production; • Working towards ensuring our mental health service are recovery focused; • Increasing personal control and independence through increasing the take up of direct payments and personal budgets; • Continue to improve the health inequalities that are prevalent in some of our communities and targeting services at those most in need; • Looking at what the community offer is and how we can build on this.

earning from Excellence (LfE), an initiative aimed at capturing and studying peer reporting excellence in healthcare, has been officially recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

In a joint effort with the Learning from Excellence team - a project led by Adrian Plunkett, Consultant Paediatric Intensivist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Emma Plunkett, Locum Consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and Appreciating People the West Midlands Patient Safety Collaborative’s entry was awarded the Education and Training award at this year’s Patient Safety Awards, in Manchester.

The judges felt that the entry “was a truly innovative approach that has the ability to transform the way we improve patient safety. This should be considered for national rollout both from patient safety and staff morale.”

More than 550 submissions were put forward for the coveted Patient Safety Awards, of which only 170 made it to the final cut.

There were 21 winners, with an additional 12 projects also receiving a high commendation in their category.

Reflecting on the award win, Emma Plunkett said: “It was brilliant to hear that the judges felt this was an initiative that should

People Urged to Cook Safe This Summer As the barbecues and picnic season reaches fever pitch, one Council's Environmental Health chiefs are urging people to think more about food safety as new research shows that people could be putting themselves and their families at risk of food poisoning through their lack of knowledge of the four ‘Cs’ of food hygiene: Chilling, Cooking, Cleaning and avoiding Cross-contamination.

At Sandwell Borough Council, in the West Midlands, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection, Councillor Elaine Costigan said: "There's more that people can do to keep safe this summer.”

The 'Safe Summer Food' campaign was launched as part of Food Safety Week (19-25 June) but it is an on-going awareness campaign targeting people through the summer months.

People are being urged to be especially careful when cooking minced meat products such as beef burgers, sausages and kebabs along with pork, turkey and chicken.

For tips on how to avoid the possibility of food poisoning this summer visit: www.good.gov.uk/ safe-summer-food

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

National Award Triumph for LfE Initiative at PSA

l LfE Award Winning Team be shared and spread nationally.

Learning from Excellence is a novel concept pioneered by a clinician on the front line.

We hope that recognition of the value of the project through this award will help us to share the idea more widely.”

The West Midlands Patient Safety Collaborative is one of 15 across England and is hosted

by the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network. It aims to improve safety and continually reduce avoidable harm by supporting organisations in working together to develop, implement, share and spread proven safety interventions.

Patient Safety Programme Manager at the West Midlands Patient Safety Collaborative, Pete Jeffries,

added: “I’m absolutely delighted with the award win and am proud that the West Midlands Patient Safety Collaborative is now part of an award-winning initiative.

There is a real movement and a community of practice building around LfE and the Collaborative are proud to be part of it.”

Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

W

ith a national shortage of Foster carers across the UK, there are more children than ever who need a caring and loving environment, which every child has the right to experience.

Whether a crisis in the family, illness or relationship difficulties could be some of the reasons why a child is placed in care.

There are already so many fantastic individuals who foster and adopt children into their families- but we need more!

At the Phoenix, all of our team are committed to raising awareness of fostering and adoption through our campaign not just for the month of May, but for an entire 12 months!

T Adoption & Fostering Our ongoing campaign to help the children in need in our communities

New Children and Families Minister Confirmed

T

hirty-six million pounds is to be awarded to projects across the country that helps improve the lives of vulnerable children, the Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families Edward Timpson has announced.

The 11 ambitious plans will help children who have been exposed to domestic abuse, support young disabled people living in care, and back care leavers as they get ready to start their adult lives.

The projects are part of the Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme, which is backed by £200 million of government funding.

This programme has supported 59 projects to date, providing evidence of best practice that is helping to improve children’s services across the country.

It is a key part of the government’s work to explore and develop the best possible services for vulnerable children and their families.

Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families Edward Timpson said: “Childhood should be a happy and safe time in all our lives. We must do all we can to make sure this is the reality for every child.

By harnessing the passion and expertise of those who care for children, we can provide them with life-changing support. By giving professionals the freedom to develop new and innovative ways of working, these fantastic projects will help make a real difference to children’s lives. I look forward to seeing them deliver great results in the future.”

The 11 projects that have been

We will be highlighting the inspiring work of current carers, the extensive support and training that is available and the difference that you could be making in a young persons’ life.

If you feel that you can offer this, or even if you would like to find out a little bit more – don’t hesitate! It could make the greatest difference to a child’s life.

Innovative Projects to get £36 Million Funding Boost awarded funding are: • The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and NHS England’s Child House • Newham’s NewDay project • Northamptonshire county council’s alternative delivery model • Shared Lives Plus • The Fostering Network’s Mockingbird project • Family Rights Group’s Lifelong Links • Hertfordshire’s Family Safeguarding model • Catch22 and Southwark council’s Care Leavers’ Partnership

• Havering council’s project for children in, and leaving, cares • Slough’s Transformation Programme • Hackney’s project on contextual safeguarding theory One of the grants will go to Lifelong Links - run by the Family Rights Group. This project brings together as many people as possible who care about a child in a meeting called a family group conference.

The aim of this is to help build a lasting support plan with the child, from helping them with their homework to taking them to

a regular after-school club.

Everyone will be able to offer something slightly different, and evidence suggests that this structured approach results in better placement stability and wellbeing for children in care.

Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, said: “We are thrilled that the Innovation Programme has funded the trial a transformative approach to creating life-long support networks for children and young people in care.”

l Robert Goodwill MP, Children and Families Minister he appointment of a new Children and Families Minister was confirmed following speculation, since the General Election, about who would take on the portfolio.

He will serve under Justine Greening MP, the Secretary of State for Education.

Robert Goodwill MP follows predecessor, Edward Timpson, who is someone who was considered to have had considerable personal insight into adoption and was who responsible for far reaching achievements for adoptive families in England, including the establishment of the Adoption Support Fund.

A Conservative MP for Scarborough and Whitby since 2005, with previous posts included Minister for Immigration and Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport; he has also served as government whip with responsibility for HM

Treasury and the Department for Food & Rural Affairs.

Pre-School Alliance chief executive, Neil Leitch, welcomed the confirmation saying: “We welcome the opportunity to work closely with Mr Goodwill and his team at the DfE and will continue to ensure the concerns of the sector are represented.”

In a statement Goodwill said: “As a constituency MP, I've already spent a lot of time working with families and schools and I understand some of the problems, particularly in some of the more deprived areas.

“Certainly my experiences in Scarborough and Whitby will be very useful for me, particularly as Scarborough's going to be one of the ‘Opportunity Areas,’ with more money going in to help with some of the social problems.’

Goodwill will also serve as minister for vulnerable children and families.

Charity Launches Drive to Recruit Muslim Adopters

A

humanitarian charity has launched the UK’s first programme dedicated to tackling the shortage of Muslim applicants to adopt children.

The Penny Appeal, based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has won £200,000 funding from the Department for Education to sup-

port the 12-month project.

Some 2,000 of the 70,000 children in care are of Muslim heritage, a Freedom of Information request by the charity revealed with the current figure expecting to be higher as a number of recently arrived unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the UK are of Muslim heritage.

Very few Muslims apply to foster or adopt and since 2015 the Penny Appeal has been running a unique referral service offering information and support to would-be foster carers of all backgrounds.

The Penny Appeal has invited a group of prominent Islamic scholars to write a guidance document to clarify the religious stance on

adoption and fostering.

The initiative will focus on the Midlands, which has a high proportion of Muslim residents, a large number of children being taken into care and the highest percentage of Muslim children being placed in non-Muslim foster homes.

Over the course of the project, the Penny Appeal’s adoption and fostering team will attend dozens of events in community centres and mosques to raise awareness of adoption.

Alongside the recruitment drive, the charity will be training social workers to help them provide better support to Muslim applicants and adopters.

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 43

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Empire State in Qatar Airways Colours for 10-Years of US Operations Qatar Airways celebrated 10 years of unparalleled service to the United States by illuminating the Empire State Building in its signature burgundy and white colours and will continue its celebrations with a series of activities including, special offers from the U.S. to more than 100 destinations worldwide, as well as bonus Qmiles for Privilege Club frequent flyer members.

Group Chief Executive His Excellency, Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We were honoured to display our colours on one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, and the headquarters of our USA and Americas Regional offices. We believe this is a true testament to our positive presence and fantastic support in the US. Qatar Airways is proud to have provided a decade of quality international service for our valued travellers in the United States, and we are looking forward to serving the Americas for many more years to come as we continue to expand and grow.”

Qatar Airways’ first flight to the U.S. was to New York in 2007.

2016 was a particularly busy year as it launched flights to Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta taking the total number of gateways into North America to 10, including Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Miami and Philadelphia.

As part of its continuing expansion efforts within the country, Qatar Airways is planning to launch services to San Francisco and Las Vegas in 2018.

The American expansion is just part of the overall airline growth plans, which include new routes to Canberra (Australia), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Douala (Cameroon), Libreville (Gabon), Rio de Janeiro, (Brazil), Santiago (Chile), as well as many other exciting destinations.

To further strengthen its position as an industry leader, Qatar Airways has just launched the ground-breaking Qsuite to London and will bring the patented product to New York City in September, featuring the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room.

Explore I the Beauty of Nigeria

f you are thinking of taking an African break this year, why not book a holiday to Abuja?

Whether you're off for a romantic holiday, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday, Abuja holiday packages make planning your trip simple and affordable.

Built in the 1980s Abuja is Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory and, a planned city, is the locus of the country’s federal government. And as such, there

Year of Culture Marking 70 Years of Indian Independence

F

ollowing its launch at Buckingham Palace, the UK-India Year of Culture program of year-long events marking the close ties between the two nations, since the South Asian country’s independence 70 years ago, continues across the UK, as well as in India.

A wide array of concerts, exhibitions and talks include, from September, an exhibitions at the Science Museum focusses on the people, culture and skills including; photographs from the 19th century to modern times, to scientific and mathematical advances and practices in the country.

At Cartwright Hall in Bradford there is everything from children’s workshops to create Indian miniatures throughout the summer, a talk on ancient

Indian coins, and a Discover Arts Award challenge day at the Fitzwilliam Museum.

The selection of treasures from the Royal Collection tell the story of the then Prince of Wales’ tour of the subcontinent in 1875, Mercury Prize-nominated electronic producer DJ Swami is teaming up with Punjabi folk musicians for a tour taking in London, Bristol, Norwich, Cambridge, Birmingham and Nottingham - which will feature modern Punjabi sounds and digital animations.

A collaboration between the British Council, the Indian High Commission and the UK government, it’s a chance to experience innovative and exciting creative work from some of the best UK and Indian companies, artists and institutions.

are some 782 hotels to book into for that uniquely first-class experience.

Understandably Nigeria’s most beautiful city, it officially became its capital in 1991.

You can enjoy breathtaking natural features including a secluded cave, warm springs and acres of parkland where you can immerse yourself in Nigeria’s religious heritage; it is widely regarded as the abode of the goddess of fertility, Osun. The landscape is divided

by a trickling river, its banks rich with little sanctuaries, old shrines and sculptures.

The impressive and imposing Zuma Rock is a recognised symbol of Nigeria and is even depicted on the country’s 100 naira note.

It is hard to miss at 725 metres tall and approximately 3.1 kilometres in circumference! If you look closely, you may be able to see a human face depicted in the rock.

Page 44 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

OVERSEAS NEWS Qatar Goes Viral In New Campaign

An Entrepreneur Running Her Own Food Truck – At 7

K

Qatar Airways received global support for its recently-launched ‘No Borders, Only Horizons’ television and social media commercial which has been viewed by more than 54 million viewers worldwide, making it the top viral video during the last week of June.

The commercial was viewed more than 50 million times on the airline’s Facebook page, with nearly 800,000 views on Twitter, more than three million views on Instagram and more than one million views on Youtube.

The success of the commercial comes from its expression of the airline’s firm belief in the idea that travel goes beyond borders and prejudice, and that it is a necessity and right for all to explore this world that we live in.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Despite ongoing prejudice and illegal actions, Qatar Airways continues to soar high in the sky where borders and boundaries do not exist, only horizons.

“It is because of our diverse and global network of supporters that we continue to fly the skies together.

“We firmly believe travel is a right for all, and this world is all of ours to explore.”

yleigh McGee is 7-year old – and is running and operating her very own food truck.

The very young girl, from Little Rock, Arkansas, in the US, is said to have started out with a lemonade stand, before deciding that she needed to expand her business to be more mobile and serve more refreshments such as fresh pineapple juice and snow cones.

Her mother, who is helping her run the business, says that Kyleigh is very mature and dedicated, and that the business is teaching her daughter valuable lessons such as how to save and count money. Kyleigh says her favourite part of running her own business, is "being the boss and serving people food."

"Everyone is so excited, I have had so many phone calls, so many messages," her mom said. "It happened so fast... the response we’ve got, I don’t think I was expecting that."

Initially, Kyleigh and her mother planned to run the business during the summer months while Kyleigh was out of school, but their food truck has become

Strong Overseas Growth from China

so popular that they are actually booked to serve treats and refreshment at various events until December.

So, when school starts up

again, Kyleigh plans to balance out going to school and continuing to run the business simultaneously.

Naturally, people were amazed

and very impressed at what the young entrepreneur has been able to accomplish at such a young age.

Her lemonade is a top seller, and according to her mom, "Everybody has been going crazy about the pineapple snow cones with pineapple juice at the bottom." In addition, she is also serving hot dogs, nachos, frito chili pies, and more.

For now, Kyleigh says she wants to leave her options open about what her future career will be, but she is very open to the idea of owning her own restaurant one day.

"I just tell her whatever you decide to do you have my support, 100 percent," her mom says.

Figures released by VisitBritain show strong growth in the number of overseas visits to the UK from markets including China, Australia, France and the US in the first three months of 2017 - a record first quarter for overall inbound visits and spend, with 8.3 million visits, up 10%, and spending up by 16% to £4.4 million compared to January to March last year.

The UK saw a record 54,000 visits from China from January to March this year, up 27% on the same period last year, with visitors spending a record £91 million, up 27%.

The statistics also show that in first three months of 2017, visits from the US, the UK’s most valuable visitor market, grew by 16%, to 641,000, compared to the same period last year, with visitors spending a record £604 million, up 29%.

Visits from Australia set a record for quarter one, up 10% on last year to 174,000, and spend up to £180 million.

Tourism is worth £127 billion annually to the UK economy, creating jobs and boosting economic growth across its nations and regions.

Jamaica 55 Diaspora Conference Highlights

L

ive from the Jamaica 55 Diaspora 2017 conference Paul and Jamaican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta President Ms Sylvia McClure, Andre Nelson MD of Zierlich International Dialysis Centre and Dr.

Jacent Gayle PhD. At the Jamaica 55 Diaspora 2017 conference PK Media Director Paul Harrison told the Jamaican listeners on Power 106 Dervan Malcolm show about the support from Phoenix Newspaper UK, the number one paper.

Andre Nelson Director of Zierlich also spoke about his support from Marcia the MD of the Phoenix by sponsoring Zierlich International with their monthly advert .

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 45

discover The Source

OLOJO FESTIVAL 2017 Ile-Ife, Nigeria FOR HISTORY, TOUR INFORMATION AND TICKEt BOOKING Visit

www.theolojofestival.com Or CoNTACT US ON

+44 208 865 1922 or EMAIL info@theolojofestival.com

/theolojofestival

@ olojofestival

Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE The Perfect Eco-Home for LOTR Fans

House Prices Continue to Rise in UK Major cities in the UK are experiencing a boom in house price during the summer, with new statistics showing property values in key conurbations have risen by 3.5 per cent in the last three months.

Figures from Hometrack show the significant rate of growth across 20 large cities has taken the average price to £210,200.

It comes as Zoopla statistics show the UK as a whole has enjoyed a 1.01 per cent increase in house prices in the last quarter, adding more than £3,000 to the value of an average home.

Kevin Shaw, national sales director at property specialist Leaders, says: “Despite the uncertainty of Brexit and the recent general election, these figures show the property market remains incredibly strong and continues to grow at a fast pace.

Half of the major cities included in Hometrack’s reports are seeing house prices grow at a higher rate than they were this time last year, with property values up by 3.9 per cent in Nottingham, 3.8 per cent in Birmingham, 3.5 per cent in Newcastle and Liverpool and 3.5 per cent in Manchester in the last three months alone.

Interestingly, it is larger regional cities that are driving the market with the largest gains, whereas in London growth actually slowed.

This pours cold water on the idea of the capital being responsible for the majority of growth and proves the entire country is performing well.

First-Time Buyer Figure Nears All-Time High

M

ore than 160,000 people bought their first property in the first half of 2017, a figure that is just 15 per cent lower than during the peak of the first-time buyer market in 2006, according to new statistics.

The latest Halifax First Time Buyer Review reveals the exact number of first-time buyers between January and June was 162,704, only slightly lower than the all-time high of 190,900.

In addition, these transactions made up 47 per cent of all property purchases financed by a

mortgage during the period.

In April 2013, upon the launch of the Help to Buy scheme, this figure was 44 per cent, indicating the extent of growth in the firsttime buyer sector in recent years.

Kevin Shaw, National Sales Director at property specialist Leaders, says: “The firsttime buyer market is extremely strong, both in terms of the number of purchases and buying prices, which are now higher than ever before.

A number of factors – including low mortgage rates, high employment levels and schemes

such as Help to Buy have allowed more people to get on the property ladder.

First-time buyers now form a major part of the UK housing market and are responsible for almost half of all mortgaged purchases.

Owning a property remains an ambition for millions of Brits and the good news is that it is becoming more achievable yearon-year.

“I would advise prospective first-time buyers to speak to a local property expert to begin their search for a home they can

afford in a suitable location.”

It is the third time in four years that the number of first-time buyers in the UK has exceeded 150,000 in the first six months of the year, figures that have not been seen at any time since the financial crisis in 2008.

The statistics showed the average price paid by first-time buyers rose by four per cent in the last year, up from £199,414 in 2016 to a current rate of £207,693. First-time buyers have an average deposit of £32,899, typically making up 16 per cent of the purchase price.

Chinese Invest Millions into Nevis Condo Resort

A

US$40 million condominium resort project funded by a Chinese national is beginning following a public consultation held in Fountain, in Nevis, as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the project.

The resort, targeting high-income residential tourists from China and North America, will be located on an eight-and-a-half acre plot, in Spring Hill, on the Westbury main road.

It will see a project consisting of 150 unit, 39 one-bedroom units, 75 two-bedrooms units and three-bedroom units, a swimming

pool, a restaurant, lobby, tennis court and gym.

The project, to be installed in two phases, is expected to be competed in 2020.

The government of St. Kitts & Nevis, in the West Indies, has a long-running program attracting foreign investors making substantial contributions to its development - directly qualifying them for citizenship by making a donation or investment in a real estate.

EIA Consultant, Leith Richards, said: “A number of people are expected to be employed during the construction phases, as well as during the opening. It is expected that 130 workers will be employed

For ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans looking for that perfect feel to their existence, there’s a cottage in Wales that is the ideal place to acquire.

The property - nicknamed 'The Hobbit House' by local estate agents - with its turf roof and stone exterior, blends perfectly into its surroundings, while being reminiscent of the home of Lord of the Rings hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

With its uniquely-shaped windows and doors, exposed beams and white-washed walls, the four-bedroom property is offgrid with no internet connection, and the only power at the property supplied by two solar panels that provide enough electricity to switch on some LED lights, making it a perfect retreat for urban dwellers who was looking to escape the present day rat-race.

It has no central heating, with the warmth being generated by a Rayburn stove and an open fireplace.

Overlooking the Gwaun Valley in Pembrokeshire, the lack of modern facilities was a deliberate move by the property's architect Mr Day who specialises in environmentally-friendly designs that fit in with their surroundings.

For the buyer looking for some peace and quiet, while the beach is just three miles away, it recently went via public auction, in Llanelli, with a guide price of £160,000. during construction and a further 50 or so during operations.

This project is a part of Siengen Investment and Development Corporation Ltd.,” she said, “which is located in Nevis - but owned by a Chinese national.”

“The person who owns Siengen has citizenship of the federation,” EIA Project Manager, Richard Lee, said.

“He owns a major share in the Jeshing Group, in China who is funding similar housing project across Asia and Australia.”

Part of the St. Kitts & Nevis governments’ Citizenship By Investment Program, Richards said: “The CBI program is dependent on the approval being granted locally.

“The contractors are expected to be local; however, the construction process will be intensive.

“Six buildings are to be constructed during an 18-month period, not including the facilities, the pools, the roads or the bridges.

“As long as there is a workforce here, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2017 - Page 47

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

This Girl Who Can, Still Does

From UEFA Star to ATP Flop He’s won it all in the world of football, but that didn’t necessarily carry any sway if he thought it might give him any credits in any other sport.

With World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Scudetto, Copa Italias and a host of other winning medals under his belt, Paulo Maldini stepped into the world of Tennis.

However the 49-year-old, capped 126 times by his country, knocked the whole ’tennis thing’ on the head after getting thrashed in his first ever professional match, in Milan.

Maldin decided to put his racket away after he, and doubles partner, Stefano Landonio, lost 6-1, 6-1 in the first round of the Aspria Tennis Cup – a Challenger Tour event – to Poland's Tomasz Bednarek and Dutchman David Pel. The ATP Challenger Tour is the tier below the top-level ATP World Tour, which features the best players in the world. So, as good an idea it might have appeared to be, for the former ‘pin-up boy’ of Italian football, Paulo, really?

With ‘young guns’ Asha Philip, Laura Muir, Eilish McColgan, Ashleigh Nelson and Dina Asher-Smith were going for gold at the World Athletics Championships at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, the feats of a ‘sprint queen’ - at the other end of the age spectrum – has pocketed a World Championship Gold medal of her own already this season.

Veteran runner and moth of 2, Michelle Thomas, won a gold medal at the World Masters Championship in South Korea in the W45 category before focusing her attention on the outdoor season and compete in the European Championship in Aarhus, in The

Netherlands.

The Birchfield Harrier, 45, a former international 400m runner, clocked 8.19 in her race, exceeding any expectations she had before she stepped up on the top podium in Daegu.

“Following what I’ve been through throughout my career, I was so ready for this,” the amiable Michelle said. “Having breezed the heats and the semis I just knew I was going to win.”

She also competed in the 200m where she finished third in 26.86 seconds before assisting the W35 relay team to win gold in the 4 x 200m relay at the World Masters A former graduate of UWIC

for MSC Sports Coaching Science with a second class BSC in Sports Coaching from Wolverhampton University, Michelle won bronze at the World Student Games in 1997, a 4 x 400m Relay silver medal in the Commonwealth Games in 1998, as well as a bronze in the European Championships that year. She was then a AAA Seniors 400m Indoor Champion in 2000.

Thomas missed the Sydney 2000 Olympics, after tearing a disk in her back, but was never going to let that setback keep her down: “I competed for England in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, in Kuala Lumpur, and after a good showing there, and a silver medal in the 4x400m relay, was looking forward to Sydney. But my back injury got the better of me and, unfortunately, I missed out.

That, though, didn’t hold me back. My age was such, then, that I was able to compete on the Masters circuit and I haven’t looked back since.”

So, with the World Championship in full swing, in London, Thomas was still at it, busy winning bronze at the European Masters Championships in Aarhus,

in Denmark, in both the 100 and 200metres.

“Athletics always has, and the Masters always will, keep me going,” she said. “Am I nearing the end of my athletics career? Hey… it’s only just begun.”

Her next stop is the European Veterans Athletics Championships, in Verona, Italy next month.

With European and World medals in the bag, just who, or what, can stop this girl now?

This Girl Who Can, Still Does!

- Inside Back

UEFA Star to ATP Flop - Page 43

l Athlete Meghan Beesley

British Athletics Fend Off Trials Criticism While many high-profile athletes missed the British trials, an angry former Olympic champion, Darren Campbell MBE, said that British Athletics is "killing the sport," which caused a stir in the hierarchy, moving the sport’s UK governing body to vehemently defend the meeting saying the call was "irresponsible."

"It felt like an Under-20s British Championships rather than World Championships trials," said the 2004 Athens Olympics 4x100m relay gold medallist.

"The people running the sport in Britain are killing the sport. You're not thinking about the volunteers, the people that give their time to the sport, the fans, or the athletes.”

British Athletics responded, saying attendance was up on the previous year, and they wouldn’t force athletes to compete when they were recovering from injury.

Campbell, now a broadcaster on TV and radio, was backed in his criticism

by Britain’s former javelin thrower Goldie Sayers, now a board member of UK Athletics' athletes' commission. She said that the attendance was "possibly the worst I've seen in the last 10 years."

"A big factor for athletes is crowd,” the 11-time British javelin champion said. "We need our big names present to draw the crowd,” said the three-time Olympian. “The presence of a Mo Farah, say, would have pulled in more people.”

The team trials, at the Alexander Stadium, in Birmingham, gave athletes the chance to be crowned British Champion and secure a place at the coming IAAF World Championships in London.

British Olympic Association (BOA), which runs Team GB, is planning to introduce US-style ‘first three past the post’ Olympic trials system here soon.

Culture Change Called For in Windies Cricket

O

nce the leading force in international cricket, the West Indies is embarking on a Test Series against England which has barely warranted a murmur amongst the game’s fraternity.

Some leading lights in the game in the Caribbean and worldwide - are even calling its death-knell, saying West Indies cricket is becoming a relic - and

is almost beyond redemption.

As the Maroons set to the field, for the First Test at Edgbaston, the glairing absence of the likes of world’s no.1 opening batsman, Chris Gayle and Darren and Dwayne Bravo, say, is testament to the ever-increasing chasm that has been engrained in its cricket for years now.

Gayle, who made his Test debut in 2000, has scored two triple centuries

but otherwise done little to arrest a collective decline as rapid and melancholy as any witnessed in sport.

From 1976 to 1995, the West Indies won 71 Tests and lost 20.

What would the greats; Richie Richardson, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh make of it all?

Legendary Windies cricket captain, Sir Vivian Richards KNH, OBE, has called for culture change from top to bottom.

Weekly Shipping Jamaica SHIPPING & LOGISTICS LTD

We Make Shipping Simple!

“Every time there are grounds gained, we move yards back,” he bemoaned.

“Whenever there were positive strides made, there were always being undermined by controversy and this was a culture which needed to change” the former master batsman said.

“You cannot get a more miserable, self-dividing people anywhere in the Caribbean than West Indian cricketers,” said

cricket historian Hillary Beckles.

“It’s a community that cannot rise and take responsibility for its own craft.”

Not rated as a top 8 cricketing country – they failed to qualify for the recent ICC Champions Trophy – whilst talent in the region is forever verdant, a sea-change between Board and players has to be addressed, ‘rootand-branch,’ to try and

Sea or Air

USA & Canada

We Ship To All Caribbean Islands Door-to-door

get back on an even keel - with the likes of, all due respect, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, for starters!

West Indies Men and Women both won their respective World Twenty20 final in 2016, so there’s no questioning the ability there – the question is whether there would be ‘peace in our time,’ between the WICB and the player who want to make a living out of the game.

We sell Sim Cards

Ship Now, Pay Later

www.jlbshipping.com

0121 525 5881 | 0121 270 7389 | 0208 888 0344 | 07936447764 | 07947993950 | JA: 876 9371623/7 | MBJ: 876 979 8877/9