The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

PROMOTING DIVERSITY FOR BIRMINGHAM COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022

FEBRUARY 2021

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation

NEW DAWN FOR THE UNITED STATES A

s President Joe Biden stamped his own mark on the Oval Office, Kamala Harris smashed through one of America’s highest glass ceilings becoming the first woman, first Black and person of South Asian heritage to be appointed vice president, as she blazes a trail in the most diverse White House ever.

The 46th US president, Mr Biden – America’s second Catholic president - entered his new office immediately signing a series of executive orders.

Continued On Page 9

Page 2 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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hen most people speak about inequality the usual themes which are discussed tend to focus on such themes as gender inequality, race or ethnic inequalities or wealth disparities between individuals, businesses or nation states.

During this era of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been suggestions that the poor in urbanised centres all over the world, are the ones who have experienced the worst effects.

Should it come as a surprise, that now a few vaccines are being rolled out, it appears the issue of inequality has once again surfaced.

As of the middle of January 2021, the wealthiest countries seem to have all or most of the current available vaccines, while the poorer one have none.

Is the current hoarding of vaccines by the richest countries justified?

Despite numerous debates about the need for a global approach to combat the pandemic, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), recently declared that the world is on the brink of ‘catastrophic moral failure’ over COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

He was actually sending a powerful message to global leaders and manufacturers of the need to share doses more fairly across countries.

The director General of the WHO, speaking in the middle of January 2021, called this a ‘me first approach’ which was leaving the poorest countries at risk.

He further claimed that whereas 39 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in 49 of the richest countries, only an astonishing 25 doses had been administered in one poor country.

The one poor country in Africa they were referring to which had received any vaccines, was Guinea.

The country was able to administer the Russian manufactured Sputnik vaccine.

According to a report in theGuardian.com, by the middle of January 2021, Israel, Bahrain and the UAE had delivered the most vaccines per capita, with just over 25% of the population of Israel having had at least

ARE WE WITNESSING POLITICAL INEQUALITY OVER COVID-19 VACCINATIONS?

the first dosage of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine while just 6% of the people in the UK, and 4% in the USA have received the vaccine.

The argument seems to be that while the rich countries are hoarding the vaccines, the poorer ones cannot get access.

In fact, one report by Oxfam internationals’ press release, claims Canada has enough doses to vaccinate each of its citizens five times.

That such practices are not accidents, can be seen with reference to former President Trump, who said in early December 2020, that as part of the country’s programme to accelerate its roll out of the

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vaccine under its Operation Warp Speed, Americans should receive the vaccine first before any distributions to other nations.

While it might seem unfair for the richest countries to have such a large proportion of the vaccines, one has to ask, shouldn’t the countries with the highest death rates and infection rates receive more of the vaccines first?

In other words, perhaps this whole debate should really focus on a case of demand and supply.

If we look at the countries with the highest cases of infection rates and covid-19 deaths, according to theguardian.com the major countries are; the USA, Brazil, India, Mexico, UK,

and Italy.

As harsh as it might seem, it makes sense to provide more of the vaccines to the countries with the highest cases and infection and death rates.

However, what makes this whole debate morally questionable, is where a handful of primarily industrially developed countries, because of their fears over the global panic, end up hoarding more vaccines than they can realistically use or need, while other poorer countries do without.

If the world simply turns a blind eye, we might one day look back at this period and wonder how such inequalities were allowed to happen.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 3

NEWS

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE OX T

his year’s Chinese New Year (CNY), which marks the start of a new lunar year, when there is the start of a new moon, celebrates the Year of the Ox – the first one since 2009.

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Friday 12th February, where the rat and ox, plus other animals including the dragon, snake, horse, tiger, rabbit, sheep, rooster, monkey, dog and pig are celebrated with gifts, fireworks, plus dragon and lion dances, which usually culminates on the 15th day with a lantern festival.

Marked by communities all over the world usually would eat lots of food, enjoy fireworks, wear special clothes and hang red lanterns to mark the occasion.

Thought to be largest annual human migration that sees Chinese people returning home to spend time with their families, it is commonly referred to as the Spring Festival.

It begins on the new moon that appears between late January

and February.

This year Covid-19 measures are expected to have a major impact on CNY21 as authorities mull over new restrictions ahead of any celebrations.

New safe distancing measures are to take note of when ushering in the Year of the Ox. As this is the first time that the Chinese New Year has happened in a national lockdown any festivities may be more muted than what is usually expected this year— and understandably so — but it doesn’t mean things have to be any less oxtraordinary this Lunar New Year.

As a large part of its population returns home to reunite with their family, China faces one of the largest movement of humans on Earth.

But, with food playing a big part, the wide community worldwide can still celebrate together by eating typical Chinese dumplings fish – representing surplus (extra or remaining) and fortune and to mark wealth, and Glutinous rice balls – to mark family reunion Famous people born in a Year of the Ox include Princess Diana, Barack Obama, Walt Disney, Malcolm X, George Clooney, Bruno Mars, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Paul Newman, Morgan Freeman, Jane Fonda, Jim Carrey, Maisie Williams, Eddie Murphy and Angela Lansbury.

Bruce Castle Museum awarded £40K grant to boost digital offerings

BRUCE CASTLE Museum & Archive has received a grant of £40,000 from the Art Fund’s Respond and Reimagine programme to deliver a new project; #Unlocking the Castle: The Key to a Digital Future.

The project will use innovative approaches to bring the museum and the heritage it holds about Haringey, in London, to new audiences online.

Providing a new digital

platform, for the first time the museum will be able to take digitally-curated collections to be explored not only locally, but beyond Haringey and around the world.

It will provide additional online resources to complement this and offer ‘tasters’ for visits to Bruce Castle itself, but would also support remote access to those local communities which have been especially vulnerable and isolated due to Covid-19.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 4 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

NEWS

Chamber Launches Search For New CEO THE PROCESS to replace Paul Faulkner as chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has been launched.

SF Recruitment is handling the search following Mr Faulkner’s decision to take up a position with the Richardson family.

The closing date for applications is February 12 with first interviews expected to take place in the week beginning February 22 and second interviews in the week of March 1.

The GBCC said a recruitment committee had been appointed and that it would be seeking an “outstanding CEO to take the Chamber forward”. Interested people should in the first instance send their CVs to SF’s Matt Burling at: mburling@ sfexecutive.com Chair David Waller (pictured) said: “Over the past few years, the GBCC have, under Paul, focussed on building up a

l Chair David Waller balanced portfolio of activity.

The Chamber’s financial position is strong and was augmented in 2020 with the sale of its leasehold building.

“There is an experienced and settled leadership team in place and the Chamber is now the premier business representative organisation in the region. With the departure of Paul the board is now looking for an outstanding CEO to take the Chamber forward. This is a great opportunity for the right person to join the Chamber team and lead it in the period ahead.”

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DEDICATED MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY VOLUNTEER RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS

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ongstanding volunteer of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, Geoff Woodford, has now retired from his daily support of the rapid response, pre-hospital emergency service after 30 dedicated years.

Octogenarian Geoff, from Rowley Regis in the West Midlands, started volunteering just three months after the charity was founded in May 1991, after

a friend asked him to support the new service. Geoff’s initial response was: “I know nothing about the air ambulance, but I’ll find out.” On visiting the charity’s first portacabin office in Dudley, Geoff bumped into another friend, one of the service’s first employees, who asked a favour – to empty the first collection tin in Smethwick, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Geoff Woodford, dedicated volunteer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity looked back over his time with the service and recalls: “From emptying fundraising collection tins, attending talks and cheque presentations, and manning the demonstration

B CANEY GROCERS FRESH CARIBBEAN FRUIT AND VEG

helicopter pod at events, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I’ve spent with everyone at the air ambulance. As a park ranger in my professional life, I always had to tell people off. Get off the grass, dismount your bicycle, or pick up your litter! Volunteering for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity meant I could always say yes as children could clamber into the helicopter pod and play happily; it was great to see.”

In recognition of his service, Geoff was presented the Volunteer Award at the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Recognition Awards and Charity Ball in 2013 and was also the winner of a Dudley Volunteer Award in 2015.

Volunteer manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, Alison Hill, adds: “Geoff made it his

mission to do all he could for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and did something every day to assist us. He always has time for everyone and is an incredible ambassador for the charity. He is admired by everyone, including staff, clinicians and his fellow volunteers and Geoff will always remain one of the team. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough, and we wish him, and his wife, May, all the best in their well-deserved retirement!”

Having the last word, Geoff says: “It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity family.

May, who has supported me throughout my entire life, and I, will still attend charity events and fundraisers as soon as we can.”

Businesses Plan To Boost Market Research Budgets

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74 PER CENT of businesses are boosting their marketing and consumer research budgets this year, to better reach potential customers, according to new research from Stravito, a leading provider of knowledge management software for insights.

The research, which was conducted by independent polling company Censuswide, surveyed 200 business decision makers in large and medium sized UK companies in the last week of December 2020.

It revealed that 76 per cent of business are set to overhaul their customer engagement strategy in response to the disruption and dispersal caused by the Covid-19

pandemic, suggesting that many companies are already anticipating 2021 to be the year that they ‘bounce-back’ from the difficult period caused by the crisis.

Interestingly, 82 per cent of surveyed decision makers agreed that data-driven insights are a top priority for them in 2021, and a whopping 83 per cent agreed that improving communication and relationships with customers will be critical to l CThor Olof Philogène their business growing this CEO and co-founder of Stravito, commented: “In this year.

Similarly, 72 per cent of pandemic era, connecting business decision makers to consumers on a ‘human agreed that their company level’ is more important needs to improve its than ever, and demonstrating knowledge and research empathy and understanding sharing capabilities in order with customer concerns and needs is imperative.” to improve sales in 2021.

Thor Olof Philogène,

0208 865 1922 (London)

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 5

Wishing you health & happiness this Chinese New Year

Happy Year of the Ox from the little bottles with billions of unique bacteria scientifically proven to reach the gut alive!

Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

BUSINESSES CAN APPLY FOR NEW LOCKDOWN GRANTS

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ligible City of Wo l v e r h a m p t o n businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors can now apply for an additional one-off national lockdown grant of up to £9,000.

The application process is now also open to the latest Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed), which cover the period Wolverhampton was under Tier 4 restrictions (December 31 to January 4) and the current national lockdown.

It relates to businesses that are ratepayers and are required to close under national or local Covid-19 restrictions.

For anyone who has already made a recent application for a business grant then you can use this information and evidence as the basis for any subsequent application.

A further discretionary Additional Restrictions Grant to support other businesses impacted

by the national lockdown is expected to be confirmed once government funding arrives.

These grants are in addition to previous Local

Restrictions Support Grants and the Additional Restrictions Grant established during the pandemic, which continue to receive applications.

Councillor

Brexit Negotiator Calls Trade Deal A Moment Of National Renewal

l Chief Brexit negotiator, Lord Frost

FOLLOWING the agreement announcement, after months of fraught talks on issues such as fishing rights and business rules, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief Brexit negotiator, Lord Frost, has said the new trade deal between the UK and the EU marks the beginning of a moment of national renewal.

He described the agreement as "one of the biggest and broadest" ever, with MPs voting on the deal in Parliament, as the UK prepared to exit existing trading rules on December 31.

A 1,246-page document, which has been published on the UK government's website, sets out the post-Brexit relationship with the EU and includes about 800

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Stephen Simkins, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “I am urging Wolverhampton businesses to check what they are eligible for by visiting the website and apply for these critical grants.

As a council, we have ensured thousands of eligible businesses have had quick access to vital funding to help them.

“We appreciate this is an extremely difficult time for businesses and assure you that these payments are our priority.

“We will ensure these new grants get allocated swiftly and that no business is left behind as our city looks to recover from the financial impact of Covid-19.”

With extremely high levels of demands experienced, businesses are urged to remain patient. All of the grants are subject to State Aid rules and are treated as taxable income.

pages of annexes and footnotes.

Lord Frost said: "There's no more role for the European Court of Justice, there's no direct effects of EU law, there's no alignment of any kind, and we're out of the single market and out of the customs union just as the manifesto said we would.

All choices are in our hands as a country and it's now up to us to decide how we use them and how we go forward in the future."

Senior members of the UK negotiating team added that the deal allowed for a "managed divergence" from EU rules and standards. A free trade agreement usually rules out tariffs being applied to imported goods.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer - who campaigned against Brexit - said the deal did not provide adequate protections for jobs, manufacturing, financial services or workplace rights and was "not the deal the government promised."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described it as "fair and balanced," adding: “It’s now time to turn the page and look to the future".

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Economic Wellness Strategies In The Face Of A Global Pandemic with Dr Christopher Johnson

S

ince the global health pandemic began over a year ago, media outlets have been focusing on casualties.

Little data on ethnic groups’ economic and social challenges seemingly exist, more so, their determination to find effective and lasting counter-measures to manage the pandemic.

Coronavirus studies have leant towards clinical science including its adverse effects on mental health.

‘Economic wellness has been partly excluded from pandemic studies done by China, Europe, Britain and elsewhere.

There is increasing evidence of minorities - African, Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and other ancestry – finding inventive ways to cope.

An informal study highlighted that 60% of owners operated firms consisting of six (6) leading industry sectors across the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) model.

They include creative industries, education and training, food and hospitality, health and social care, information technology as well as light manufacturing.

A few of these enterprises were founded in early 2020 during the first COVID-19 ‘Emergency Lockdown’.

Financial distress is common amongst the selfemployed who are affected by restrictions to business opening hours.

The latter do have a further negative impact on reduced customer patronage, a situation that is overwhelming businesses, the professions, enterprises and civic organisations altogether.

Some of these ‘distressed voices’ represent owners of different firms who are trying effectively, to cope personally and family-wise, whilst

A

ward-wInnIng journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.

keeping their respective establishments alive.

• “I did end up doing a lot of aromatherapeutic work for men and women who were suffering anguish”.

• “I was busy facilitating a business regulation training programme for residents who had just set up micro firms and who needed help and support to improve their new brands”.

• “I developed a candlemaking business by attending several classes to learn this new trade”.

• “Our health food shop was kept partly opened because people wanted alternative products to help with anxiety, depression and lack of advice on proper diet and nutrition”.

• “Our restaurant had a bad period and we are still trying to recover; it is all about making sure we put systems in to protect and keep customers healthy and safe” As of June 2020, the West Midlands was benefitting from Central Government’s roll-out of £4.2 billion; this is on top of the previous £3.2 billion as part of the Region’s recovery plan.

Entitled ‘Recharge the West Midlands’, this relief package covered themes; namely job creation (£306 million) and supporting regional businesses (£532 million) to name a few.

COVID-19 national interventions included ‘self-employment support’ (£221.2 million claims), ‘Furlough support’ (£1.3 billion) in payments and ‘business grant payments

by Local Authorities’ (£561 million) amongst others (West Midlands Combined Authority, June 2020) Is there actual public information and data on ethnic firms by industry sectors, that are benefitting from national recovery initiatives?

Indeed, the subject of economic wellness should not be perceived as a mere act of ‘scientific modelling’, but rather as an integrative and essential part of post-COVID 19 rehabilitative and recovery policy measures.

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YOU CAN GET TESTED FOR COVID19 WITH COV19 CARE S

teadfast in doing the “right test at the right price” one test station, COV19 Care, is proving itself to be a leading practitioner for the most comfortable, painless ways to satisfy peace of mind as the UK in particular, and the world at large, gets to grips with the life-assuming coronavirus pandemic.

People now have the great opportunity to make an appointment at this, one of the specificallyselected centres, to have the much needed, and equally in demand Covid-19 test for, above all, peace-of-mind during these unprecedented trying times.

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the start of vaccinations for the virus offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week - COV19 Care is proving to be the go-to stations to get the right results.

Providing the approved Gold Standard PCR Swab Test (with results in 24/48 Hours) for travel to destinations including many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, plus laboratory-based Antibody and Antigen Tests (both in 15 minutes), used to detect

antibodies to the COVID-19 virus, it’s the quick and easy way to make sure whether you are safe enough to be in the company of family, friends and colleagues – of course, at the appropriate distance.

Their workplace COVID-19 (Coronavirus) PCR Swab Test also allows safely testing for workforces for the presence of COVID-19.

All are the most accurate testing methods available for an active infection, with close to 100% accuracy.

Administered by healthcare professionals – including COV19

Care directors Omar Nedaldeen, Phil Watson, Fran Woolmer and Jogmohan Purewal – the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) practice gives a quick, easy, painless, and must-do service that is being made available to everyone.

Started by Phil, Jogmohan and Omar Nedaldeen the Public Health and Social Care England and NHSapproved testing station is an ‘easy in easy out’ roll out as all relevant avenues are ventured down as the world tackles this once-in-alifetime pandemic.

“We do specific testing for each individual” says former Health Care paramedic Phil, “which is approved by PHE MHRA “As I’m a fully trained NHS paramedic, we serve the same people. At COV19 Care we take away the fear of trust that people have.

“And with us, in using the approved Healthcare products, which are widely used in the NHS, our success rate is 100%.

“We do specific tests for specific reasons. And, with 30 years of experience we pick the best in the business. We do what people want and we remain transparent throughout.”

With all staff tested daily COV19 Care has already proved to be at the head as the world continues to fight a hidden enemy the likes of which has never been seen before.

The government’s vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said that staff across the NHS had “pulled out all the stops to help ramp up vaccinations” work is continuing day and night to keep people safe.

COV19 Care is more than doing their bit to diagnose the health condition known as coronavirus shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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APACHE INDIAN AMONG HONOURS RECIPIENTS

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4 people from across the West Midlands have been named in The Queen’s New Year Honours List and include 1 x Dame, 1 x CBE, 4 x OBE’s, 13 x MBE’s and 15 people who are awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal).

Each year The Queen recognises the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life and all ages, within our communities. In addition to these people who really make a difference to the lives of those around them, this year’s list also includes special mention of those who went above and beyond in supporting each other during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s recipients, who have made a significant contribution, made a positive impact and delivered significant outcomes, come from all across the West Midlands.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree OBE said; “Making up the fabric of the West Midlands are some amazing people whose stamina, ambitions and work quietly deliver a better, brighter and kinder place.

“These people with big hearts are often known within their neighbourhoods but fail to gain the wider credit they deserve and never has this been more prevalent than during the Covid crisis.

“This year’s recipients showcase a range of outstanding achievements and provide an insight into the region and the people that make it so great.

“We are all very grateful for what they do each and every day and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the New Year Honours.

“Through the activities of the

West Midlands Lieutenancy, I come across many people providing support and giving their time to help others.

“Now more than ever, there are so many unsung heroes who deserve to be honoured but they need someone to nominate them.

“I would encourage people from across the region to get involved and think about who is making a difference in your local area so that we can continue to recognise these individuals for the great work they are doing.”

The individual honours are announced twice a year to mark The Queen’s official birthday in June (but were delayed this year due to the Covid pandemic) and at the end of December - the New Year Honours. Some 1,200 people are recognised in each list.

The list of recipients include

Professor Karin Judith Barber, DBE for the study of African Culture, Professor Shearer Carroll West, CBE for Higher Education, Ms Donna Fraser, OBE for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace and Mrs Karen Stephanie Williams, OBE for services to victims of domestic abuse.

Also awarded were Dr Anand John Chitnis, MBE for services to the mental health sector,

Ms Rachel Jaqueline Davis, MBE for Education, Mr Lee Alexander Fletcher, MBE for Education in Birmingham and Mrs Sunita Ben Singal, MBE for Diversity and Inclusion.

Dr Peter Jayson Taylor, MBE for the Jewellery and Silversmithing Industies, especially during Covid, Mrs Stella Winifred Thebridge, MBE for services in public libraries during Covid, Mrs Salma Bi, BEM for Women’s Cricket in the BAME community, Mr Steven Kapur, BEM for services to music and youth, and Mrs Adassa Cormeta Reid, BEM for helping vulnerable people in Handsworth.

Kinaxia Strengthens Midlands Team To Spearhead Further Growth

KINAXIA Logistics has recruited a business development manager for the Midlands region to help drive further expansion for the group.

Stuart Arms has joined Kinaxia to bring new opportunities for the group’s operations across the region which comprise Panic Transport in Clifton upon Dunsmore, AKW Global Logistics Birmingham and Maidens in Telford.

His role at Kinaxia involves helping to win new business for the group’s key product l Stuart Arms portfolio which includes co- comprising 13 freight and packing, general haulage, logistics businesses across the warehousing, line haul and UK with over 1,600 staff and e-fulfilment, and to help more than 800 vehicles. identify growth opportunities The group, which has with existing clients. remained operational Kinaxia is a national group throughout the Covid-19

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pandemic, has two million sq ft of warehouse facilities nationwide, offering contract packing, e-fulfilment, returns management and storage services.

It has seen significant and continued growth over recent years, with annual revenues now approaching £200m.

Stuart said: “I’m thrilled to join Kinaxia at a time when the company is making real strides. I look forward to playing my part as we continue to grow and evolve, and hope to make a real difference.”

Kinaxia was recently recognised as one of Britain’s leading mid-market private companies with its inclusion in the 16th annual Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250 league table, based on sales.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

THE DREAM TEAM

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 9

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Continued From Front Page

This included signing 10 executive orders to tackle Covid-19 which has ravaged the country - vaccinations were accelerated and testing increased.

Emergency legislation was used to increase production of essentials like masks.

Biden said it would take months to defeat the pandemic but America would “get through this” if people stood together.

The moves came only a day after he was sworn in. he also said that his administration will tackle systemic racism, which he described as ‘destructive and costly.’

As running mate to the President Joe Biden, Harris, 56, enters the post having forged a unique path, as California’s first Black attorney general and the first woman of South Asian heritage elected to the US Senate.

Following the inauguration, she tweeted; “A new chapter begins.

Let’s get to work” as she now becomes a heartbeat away from leading the United States.

With the president, 78, expected to serve only one term, VP Harris would be favoured to win the Democratic nomination in 2024,

giving her a shot at more historymaking - as America’s first female president.

“While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last,” she said in a speech after US networks projected Biden and Harris as the winners over Trump and former vice president Mike Pence.

With no time to waste after his inauguration, the new president’s international restoration project began, with the US immediately re-joining the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organization on day one by ended his predecessor’s travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries, which the new administration called “discriminatory.” Biden signed the executive order in the Oval Office after taking the oath to become the country’s 46th president.

In the proclamation, he said the US “was built on a foundation of religious freedom and tolerance, a principle enshrined” in the country’s constitution.

“Believe in what we can do together” Vice President Kamala Harris said as the country turns over a new page in their history.

l President Biden and Vice President Harris. (Photos here and on front from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

NEWS

GORMAN CALLS FOR A UNITED AMERICA

Police Cuts Will Weaken Service says UNISON WARWICKSHIRE Police’s plan to replace more than 80 police staff with officers will undermine the service provided to the public and isn’t value for money, says UNISON. The union’s West Midlands regional organiser Charlie Sarell and branch secretary Paul Edwards recently met with Chief Constable Martin Jelley to discuss alternatives to the redundancies.

However, few of the union's suggestions have been adopted, says UNISON, which is continuing working with the force to avoid the job losses.

The police staff the force plans to replace have more than 50 years’ combined experience in dealing with sensitive cases, such as those involving domestic violence.

Many are qualified to degree level in relevant subjects such as criminology and youth justice, according to UNISON. The union says Warwickshire Police’s plan will not mean more police out patrolling the streets. Instead, these additional officers will be doing the same jobs previously carried out by police staff.

UNISON is urging local MPs and Warwickshire police and crime commissioner Philip Seccombe to back its call for the force to receive extra funding.

UNISON West Midlands regional organiser Charlie Sarell said: “These proposed redundancies will damage the service provided to the public.

The wealth of experience these police staff bring to their jobs will be lost. The move also won’t result in more officers out on the streets of Warwickshire.

“UNISON will continue to campaign on behalf of police staff and the public to stop these redundancies going ahead.”

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l Amanda Gorman recites her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington (Photo from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)

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merica's first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman became the youngest poet ever to perform at a presidential inauguration.

Calling for "unity and togetherness" in her self-penned poem the 22-year-old delivered her work ‘The Hill We Climb’ to both the dignitaries present in Washington DC and a watching global audience as she skilfully found the right words at the right time.

Her beautifully paced, welljudged poem will live long beyond the time and space of the moment as she delivered her piece with grace, with the words it contained to resonate with people the world over: today, tomorrow, and far into the future.

Her spellbinding oratory, with

compelling lines which was led by; “When day comes, we ask ourselves where can we find light in this never-ending shade?” it was clear to see that the writer and performer, who became the country's first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, would be following in the footsteps of her ‘Sheroe’ Maya Angelou – and her likes.

“America” she said “can be the ‘light’ it needs. We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover, for there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.”

The Harvard University graduate went on to reference the recent storming of the Capitol, declaring: "We've seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.

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"And this effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated."

In her poem, young Miss Gorman described herself as "a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother who can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one".

Named the National Youth Poet Laureate when she was 18, Amanda, now 22, is looking for a new united America saying: "I really wanted to use my words to be a point of unity and collaboration and togetherness.

I think it's about a new chapter in the United States, about the future, and doing that through the elegance and beauty of words."

Widely praised by broadcaster and actress Oprah Winfrey who

tweeted that she had "never been prouder to see another young woman rise," former head of aid agency Médecins Sans Frontières Joanne Liu who described the poem as "the most inspiring 5:43 minutes for the longest time" and former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton (who is also a former presidential candidate) who tweeted that Miss Gorman had promised to run for president in 2036.

Los Angeles’ youngest ever Youth Poet Laureate has already published her first book, ‘The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough’ in 2015.

She is now looking to publish her second, a picture book, called ‘Change Sings,’ later this year.

Following Mrs Obama’s words of wisdom, Amanda Gorman intends to "Keep shining!"

World Needs To Declare A 'Climate Emergency' THE UN secretary general has called on all countries to declare a climate emergency.

António Guterres criticised rich countries for spending 50% more of their pandemic recovery cash on fossil fuels compared to lowcarbon energy.

He said that 38 countries had already declared a climate emergency and he called on leaders worldwide to now do the same. He said the emergency would only end when carbon neutrality was reached.

On the Covid recovery spending, he said that this is money being borrowed from future generations.

"We cannot use these resources to lock in policies that burden future generations with a mountain of debt on a broken planet," he said.

Mr Guterres praised those countries who took part in the virtual meeting with new targets and plans. A number of big emitters, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Mexico, did not take part, as their climate actions were not deemed ambitious enough.

The UK announced an end to support for overseas fossil fuel projects, and has deposited a new climate plan with the UN. It's the first time that Britain has had to do this, as it was previously covered by the European Union's climate commitments.

The virtual gathering is taking place after the pandemic caused the postponement of the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting, which had been due to take place in Glasgow this year.

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15 Million School Dinners Heading For The Bin SCHOOLS are in turmoil as they prepare to throw away 15 million school dinners.

As the nation prepared for a third national lockdown, schools were in distress as they prepared to throw away a week's worth of school dinners.

National waste collections company BusinessWaste.co.uk is tasked with collecting the mountains of perfectly good although ultimately perishable food.

Mark Hall spokesperson for BusinessWaste.co.uk said: “This is a national disaster, the government have well and truly let the schools down, they have allowed them to open and prepare for the weeks ahead, which of course means stocking the fridges high for this week’s school dinners and now those dinners are going in the bin.

The schools simply don’t have the freezers required to store all the perishable food and that unfortunately will mean the vast majority is to be thrown away.”

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 11

COUNCIL TRIBUTE TO TIPTON TWIN DORIS S

andwell’s Deputy Council Leader paid a heartfelt tribute to Tipton Twin, Doris Hobday, following an announcement by her family that she has passed away after losing her battle with Covid-19.

Doris, aged 96, along with her twin and soul mate Lil, gained a huge national

l Lil with twin sister Doris, and inset, Doris as a younger woman

NEWS

following on radio, television and social media.

Her family posted a tribute on Facebook stating Doris had passed away on January 5, after a short stay in hospital. Sister Lil, who was also admitted to hospital, with Covid-19, has been discharged and is now recovering at home.

Known as the Tipton Twins, the pair gained national recognition with their cheeky and humour, as well as starring on the front of the Sandwell Herald.

The family thanked staff at Sandwell Hospital and urged people to take the Covid-19 vaccine when it was offered to them.

Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “Our hearts go out to Lil and all the family. Doris has been such a huge part of their lives and a much-loved iconic character in Sandwell, alongside Lil. “We will be remembering her and sending all our love to the family. How wonderful – and how typical of this family - that even at this time of loss, they find time to think of other people and take this opportunity to encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they get the chance.

“Please do take the advice.”

Donations can be made to the Beacon Centre for the Blind, who helped Doris’s husband, Ray, and people are also invited to post their own tributes.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

WEST MIDLANDS F CHARITIES SCOOP SHARE OF £120K FESTIVE BOOST

our charities based in the West Midlands have won a £1,000 Christmas gift thanks to nominations from the public.

The charities were nominated to win a share of £120,000 as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical's annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, which provides anything that is ‘over and above’ what the NHS offers; whether that be equipment, facilities, research or welfare for staff and patients, and the Birmingham Dogs Home, which focuses on animal welfare in the Midlands, are among the local charities set to benefit from the money following overwhelming public support in the area.

10,005 West Midlands residents nominated a cause close to their hearts, with 102 charitable causes in the area receiving votes. The 120 winning charities across the UK were picked at random from those nominated. The full list of the 120 charity winners is available to view online at: www. movementforgood.com/12day.

Thanking supporters in the West Midlands, Mark Hews, Group CEO at Ecclesiastical, said: “Owned by a charity, here at Ecclesiastical our core purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, so charitable giving is at the heart of our business. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do, and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.

“We hope these donations can bring a positive end to a difficult year and a promising start to 2021.”

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Everybody Needs Good Neighbours…

But They Don’t Always Get Them WITH HOUSES flying off the market, online mortgage comparison and financial informational site Bankrate UK, a group of developers, financial journalists, UX designers and engineers with a really big idea – to make home-buying easy, has delved into official council data to find out where the country’s worst neighbours live based on noise complaints.

Armed with FOI (Freedom of Information) requests from 75 councils across the UK,

Bankrate has revealed some of the biggest neighbour grievances and where in the UK these noisy neighbours live.

Looking at the music, DIY and dog noise complaints each council received over the last three years, and working out how many complaints this equates to per 50,000 residents, the mortgage comparison experts have been able to find the top 10 most raucous neighbourhoods in the country, and of course the most harmonious. And the results might surprise you.

l Grateful University Hospitals Birmingham Charity Staff

Home Secretary Patel Criticises Anti-Deportation Campaign PRITI PATEL has criticised Labour MPs and celebrities for invoking the Windrush scandal in their efforts to stop a flight deporting convicted criminals to Jamaica.

The plane containing 13 prisoners took off on Wednesday - 23 were left off it following legal challenges.

Campaigners said there was a risk people were being wrongly removed as had happened in the Windrush scandal.

The home secretary said their reference to Windrush was "deeply offensive".

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She said that it was "misjudged and upsetting" for "ill-informed Labour politicians and do-gooding celebrities" to invoke it in their campaign.

The Windrush scandal, which emerged in 2018, saw people who came to the UK from Commonwealth countries wrongly told they were in the country illegally.

It was cited in an open letter last month, signed by 90 public figures, including model Naomi Campbell and actress Thandie Newton.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 13

NEWS

What Can We Do About WhatsApp?

WILLMOTT DIXON UK’S LEADING CONTRACTOR FOR DIVERSITY

C

ontractor Willmott Dixon was the UK’s highest placed construction company in the Financial Time’s annual European leaders for workplace diversity and inclusion list – ranking at number 43 out of 850 organisations listed for their approach to inclusivity.

This is the West Midlands-based construction firm’s second time on the Diversity Leaders list, and saw it once again score higher ratings than any other peer company for its approach to diversity following online responses from over 100,000 employees at 15,000 companies across 16 European countries.

The 15,000 companies were rated on employee feedback which, along with the opinions of human resources and recruitment experts to refine the analysis, enabled the number to be whittled down to the top 850 companies. Willmott Dixon was also one of only 13 UK companies that appeared in the Diversity Leaders 2021 top 50.

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Rick Willmott, group chief executive, said: "Our inclusion in the latest Financial Times Diversity Leaders list again puts construction on the corporate map as an industry that is making huge strides in its approach to diversity and inclusion.

“This is important, as the industry is facing a skills shortage so broadening the talent pool available is fundamental to ensure a sustainable flow of future skills.”

The Financial Times list is the third major national accolade, last year, that recognises Willmott Dixon’s people-first approach – after the contractor was ranked 5th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work for list and was also named in The Times Top 50 Employers for Women list.

WHATSAPP is a brilliant application.

Connecting people around the world regardless of platform, operating system or location.

However for all the great points that WhatsApp brings to the table, there are also negative points too.

The rampant spread of misinformation shown easily by the “forwarded many times” tag on so many of the “news” stories people share is borderline unstoppable, fuelling conspiracy theories and paranoia left right and centre.

Be very very careful what you believe. Do not take any headline, any article as truth or gospel. Make sure you do your own research.

There are a number of websites out there that fact check stories, and common chain-messages are often a quick google of the headline away from discovering the truth behind the situation.

However, it’s not easy for many individuals to acess or understand the use of these websites. For information that depends on life or death especially during these testing times maybe another source of reference would be less confusing.

Because of the circulation of these articles, real, true stories are getting lost in the sea of misinformation.

It is increasingly difficult for any reputable company to get their message through to the masses via WhatsApp, due to these other stories, and this in turn creates confusion.

So please, take a look at what you’re sending before you forward it. Ensure that it is a message that you are content is factually correct and not sensationalised or made up.

Only together we can help stop this spread of misinformation.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

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.

FUN LEARNING IN LOCKDOWN WITH HOME DELIVERY BOXES AND LIVE CLASSES

Moving into the latest lockdown, ClassBento has launched a series of at-home artisan online classes and craft boxes in the UK connecting anyone looking to try new experiences with top Australian and UK based artisans, creators and foodies.

Some of the top classes available include: • Paint, Sip and Chill at Home • Make Cocktails James Bond Style • Kids Cooking at Home Minis (2-5 Years) • Make a Wire Bracelet at Home

ality u q h Hig rom f e r ld ca child e years o iv f o t irth

b

• Master Gin Tea Cocktails at Home • Learn how to play the ukulele with 1:1 live online classes or with a loved one/friend • Learn How to Play Guitar at Home • Advanced Beginner's Crochet from Home

Day Nursery

O

en N Copm Birm ingoswoaot i n g Birmin ham B n to gha us Parkm Biunseisnses s Pa!rk

g Takin ns io s s i m ad 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

Designed to promote wellbeing, there are hundreds of classes to choose from which includes a craft box with all the materials needed, delivered to your door in time for the live streaming class.

ClassBento’s live online classes make it as easy as possible to try new activities or have a fun virtual social activity together.

Supporting UK artists and makers, who have had to limit their usual physical classes due to social distancing restrictions all live stream classes, with kits delivered to homes, can be booked online.

Founded in 2016 to help strengthen the brain’s resilience to depression and decrease stress levels, CEO and Co-Founder John Tabari said: “This pandemic means it is more important than ever to stay socially and mentally active and support our local community of artists and makers.

Our incredible live-stream teachers’ workshops have been instrumental in helping to keep friends and families connected during lockdown in Australia and the time felt right to now bring these to the UK too.

l Learning in Lockdown

Degree Students Soak Up Bathroom Design Knowledge With Live Project

l HiB Marketing Director, Steve Kaye, with Product Design students, Morgan Jinks and Adam Heath LEADING bathroom supplier HiB has partnered with the University of Wolverhampton for a project aimed at inspiring the next generation of product designers.

As part of the collaboration, HiB has sponsored the university’s Interior Design, Furniture Design and Product Design degree courses which are delivered by the University’s Wolverhampton School of Art.

Steve Kaye, Marketing Director for HiB and in-house Product Designers Dan Cook and Rob Stiff visited the University to host a presentation which offered an insight into the bathroom industry, HiB’s position as a manufacturer and current trends.

Students were also given a brief to produce a product concept that pushes the boundaries of innovation and goes beyond conventional design.

The brief offers the students the opportunity to explore ideas that could complement any of HiB’s mirror, cabinet, accessories and HiB Novum furniture ranges.

Steve said: “At HiB, we feel that it is important to support the next generation of product designers and offer opportunities which spark innovation and creativity. The partnership with the University has been a chance for us to contribute to their learning and offer an insight into the industry today.”

The partnership is set to continue for the remainder of the year, with students asked to present their findings at the end of the semester.

Senior Lecturer 3D Design at the University, Rhys Thomas, said: “Projects such as the one with HiB provide students with valuable insight into the challenges of working to deadlines while meeting the requirements of the design brief.

“Live projects are vital to build creative confidence in students while equipping them with real life skills in preparation for the careers ahead of them.”

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 15

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Schools Spread Misinformation About Hinduism A REPORT published by INSIGHT UK reveals that pupils leave school with an incorrect and sparse understanding of Hinduism. INSIGHT UK is an organisation that aims to address the concerns of the British Hindu and British Indian communities.

The document titled "A report on the state of Hinduism in Religious Education in UK Schools”, includes claims of bullying and inferiority complex issues experienced by British Hindus because of the inaccurate teaching of Hinduism in RE. INSIGHT UK carried out consultations and research with SACRE members, academics, teachers, and parents followed by a national survey, which is being described as one of the most successful Hindu surveys in the UK in terms of responses and coverage.

The report mentions that as a result, students in the UK schools are being deprived of the correct knowledge of Hinduism and hence of a true world view. Recent research has claimed many schools were breaking the law when it comes to RE. This comes at a time when Hindus have faced attacks for practising their faith. The project of INSIGHT UK was supported and guided by major Hindu organisations in the country.

BUILDING THE FUTURE DURING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

B

usy Bees Education and Training will mark this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (8 – 14 February) by supporting businesses across the UK with free advice on how they can train, retain and achieve with apprenticeships.

The week will aim to highlight how apprentices can help to ‘Build the Future’ for UK businesses, many of whom are facing significant disruption and challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The award-winning training provider, rated as ‘Outstanding’

by Ofsted, delivers a range of apprenticeships and training courses in sectors ranging from childcare, health and social care to hospitality, management and more.

l Training through apprenticeships for on-the-job experience During the week, their support will be can be found on their website, via a special podcast on their channel.

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They will also have an #AskAnApprentice Twitter takeover, where an apprentice will be on hand to answer

any questions tweeted to @ bbtraining.

Busy Bees Education and Training also want other local

businesses to get involved on Valentine’s Day, with an ‘I <3 Apprenticeships’ special, where learners, trainers or anyone who’s benefitted from an apprenticeship can show their support across their social media channels.

Clare Phizacklea, Managing Director at Busy Bees Education and Training, said: “This National Apprenticeship Week, we want to bang the drum about the merits of apprenticeships and the value they bring to all organisations.

“Many of the most successful businesses rely on strong, sustainable apprenticeship programmes, and it’s just as important for SMEs too.

Apprentices are often incredibly keen to learn and succeed, bringing with them fresh new ideas and thinking which can invigorate and help to grow an organisation.”

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Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

YOUNG COUNCILLOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR COUNCILLOR BEVERLEY A City of Wo l v e r h a m p t o n councillor has been crowned ‘young councillor of the year’ at a national awards ceremony. Councillor Beverley Momenabadi scooped the prize at the virtual Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Councillor Awards.

The 29-year-old is a Labour councillor for Ettinghsall Ward and is also the council’s digital innovation champion. She was declared young councillor of the year after judges concluded she had “achieved more in her two years as a councillor than most people do in a lifetime.”

They praised projects she’s

been involved in including Howell Road Allotments, as well as her volunteering and all-round support of the Excel Church Food Bank during the pandemic.

Her work as digital innovation champion for the council, as well as taking in homeless people to come and live with her, were also highlighted as reasons for winning the award.

The young councillor of year category aims to recognise local politicians under the age of 30 making a big difference in their local communities.

The average age of a councillor across the country is 59 which can make it challenging for younger people to have the opportunity to make their mark.

Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Cllr Ian Brookfield, said: "I'm delighted that Cllr Momenabadi's work in her ward and the wider city has been recognised nationally by the LGIU. “It's richly deserved and is a tribute to the 'above and beyond' work Beverley has done in Ettingshall to support her local community - especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

“She's also our digital champion and is working hard to make Wolverhampton one of the most digitally inclusive cities in the UK.” Cllr Momenabadi said: “It's a privilege and an honour to serve the community of Ettingshall and

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the city of Wolverhampton, one which I never take for granted.

“I’d like to thank everyone that nominated me; I was up against some tough competition across the country so it’s truly an honour to have won.”

Two other Wolverhampton councillors were shortlisted in the LGIU awards - Cllr Zee Russell who was in the running for a lifetime achievement award and Cllr Jas Dehar in the community champion category.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 17

MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

FEBRUARY 2021

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Jason Derulo Teams Up With Maroon 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adam Levine For Hot New Hit

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Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

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Indian ballet prodigy, Kamal, finds feet in UK F our years ago Kamal Singh left school and took his first ballet class. Now 21, the son of a rickshaw driver has become the first Indian dancer to win a place on the English National Ballet School's professional trainee programme.

Living in London - a world away

from his family and home in Delhi - he spends his days with 12 other students sharing their dreams of joining a major international ballet company and making it as a principal dancer. For Kamal, none of it would have been possible without the support of his teacher, Argentine dancer Fernando Aguilera - and some Bollywood

star power.

He says: "When I heard I had got a place at the English National Ballet School I was so happy, but at the same time, I was a little sad because I knew my father could not pay the fees. But my teacher told me not to worry about the money, to just focus on the ballet - and dance."

From the moment Kamal walked into one of his free trial classes at the Imperial Fernando Ballet Company in Delhi, Aguilera knew he had discovered an exceptional talent. He convinced Kamal's parents that he would find a way forward. Over three intense years of training, he provided Kamal with free tuition, a room in his

home in Delhi and helped raise the fees that would allow him to take up a place at the prestigious English National Ballet School.

Fees for the year-long course cost ÂŁ8,000, and then there are living expenses. It was out of Kamal's reach - until the pair turned to crowdfunding with his

platform, Ketto - co-founded by Bollywood stars Kunal Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan where over ÂŁ21,000 was donated "I received lots of support from the Indian community," says Kamal. "Now lots of new students want to study ballet in India. They really got inspired."

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 19

ENTERTAINMENT

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Tony Iommi Talks Black Sabbath As Band’s ‘Heavy Metal’ Bench Is Reinstalled

Glastonbury Festival axed for SECOND YEAR RUNNING

A NEW video containing a live interview with Black Sabbath star Tony Iommi has been made to commemorate the reinstallation of the band’s ‘heavy metal’ bench on Broad Street in Birmingham.

The mini documentary is presented by Christian Martin, the former Argentinian rugby player who is himself a huge Black Sabbath fan, and features rare footage of the band performing in its early days.

The video was commissioned and released by Westside BID to commemorate the rededication of the bench which first appeared in 2018 but had been temporarily removed during the Midland Metro tram extension works.

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G

lastonbury Festival 2021 has been cancelled for a second year running due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The news was announced on the Worthy Farm event's Twitter page.

Festival organisers Michael and Emily Eavis said: "With great regret, we must announce that this year's Glastonbury Festival will not take place. And this will be another enforced fallow year for us.” They went on to say: “Tickets for this year will roll over to next year."

It came in the same week that the future of UK music was up for debate at a DCMS inquiry into streaming, and in Parliament regarding postBrexit music touring visas.

The full statement on the festival website read: "In spite of our efforts to move heaven and earth, it has become clear that we simply

will not be able to make the Festival happen this year.

We are so sorry to let you all down."

It confirmed that as with last year, anyone with a ticket will now be offered the opportunity to roll their £50 deposit over to next year, when the festival will hopefully resume. It had been due to take place in June 2021.

The Eavis said: "We are very appreciative of the faith and trust placed in us by those of you with deposits, and we are very confident we can deliver something really special for us all in 2022!"

On January 5 the government responded to a report by UK Music called ‘Let the Music Play: Save Our Summer 2021,’ which outlined a range of measures that could help the industry get back up and running.

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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Midge Ure announces NEW Voice & Visions tour

F

ollowing the overwhelming response to 2019’s ‘The 1980 Tour’, Midge Ure & Band Electronica are returning to the road in 2022 with the ‘Voice & Visions’ tour, celebrating 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In Eden and Quartet albums.

At the start of 1981, Ultravox were laying their claim to be one of the defining acts of the 80s following the global success of hit ‘Vienna’.

Heading back into the studio the same year invigorated, they recorded their second album with Ure as frontman, Rage in Eden, which hit the Top 5 in the UK album charts.

Quartet, their third album with Ure, came in quick succession in 1982 with production from legendary Beatles producer George Martin. Continuing the band’s impressive chart run, it became their third Top 10 album, featuring four Top 20 singles including the anthem ‘Hymn’.

The ‘Voice & Visions’ tour will begin at York’s historic Grand Opera House on February 22, visiting an astounding 26 cities across the UK before culminating at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on April 2.

Transporting fans back to the decade of electronics, experimentation, synthesizers and great songwriting, the albums highlights will be showcased alongside landmark hits from Ure’s incredible back catalogue.

Midge Ure said of the tour: “I can’t begin to tell you how great it feels to be back out touring after the uncertainty of the past two years and it is especially exciting to delve back in time and revitalise two standout albums from my career, Rage in Eden and Quartet. This is the logical and emotional follow up to the 1980 tour.”

l The Nutcracker photo by Bella Kotak

BRB Announce Second Film Of The Nutcracker At The REP AFTER A hugely successful live stream and on demand broadcast of The Nutcracker at The REP in December which saw nearly 9,000 households across the globe enjoy the magic of the classic Christmas ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet are pleased to announce that a second film of The Nutcracker at The REP, featuring a different cast of Company dancers, will go on sale today.

Captured at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in December, the film will be available on demand from Monday 15 February (tickets are on sale until 11:59pm on Sunday 21 February) - a perfect opportunity to cheer up a miserable February and recapture some of the magic of Christmas.

Each Nutcracker season the Company is usually joined by graduate students from the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School, offering them the opportunity to dance with a professional company, which is a key part of all training for ballet students.

With no live performances at the moment, the opportunities for student dancers were sadly limited, but working within the two covid-safe dancer ‘bubbles’ created for our The Nutcracker at The REP production, we were delighted to be able to welcome two students from The Royal Ballet School (taking on roles in the Arabian and Russian Dances) and students from Birminghambased Elmhurst Ballet School, who performed the Snowflake scene.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 21

ENTERTAINMENT

Tributes still being paid to much-loved producer Major the ‘Godfather of Birmingham music'

T

ributes are still being paid to producer Major, the Birmingham music maestro who has been behind the careers of many of the city’s leading grime artists.

The brother of reggae legend Pato Banton, the musical ‘guru’ - real name Winston Mendez was well known and respected for his lifetime’s work and he received endless tributes from family, friends and his peers in the industry.

One of his close friends and fellow music-mogul, Swish Media founder and singer/songwriter/ producer Mark Dwayne Gillespie, who met him, at 14, in his Muzart music studio, recalls: “I always looked up to Major and will always be thankful for him being a great musical mentor to me for many years.

“We had great times producing music in his home studio and Gem Building. He was the first producer who believed in me and my voice.

“As a person he was funny, charismatic and had the best ‘one liners’. Never have I seen someone so dedicated to producing youth, he really gave his life to Birmingham artists.

“He made you believe in your abilities. My friend Major will be greatly missed!”

Another friend, Grantley Haynes, CEO of Grantley Records, called him a "loyal and dedicated inspiration”, whilst many others took to social media, with DJ Dougie Fresh posting: “Ahhh man #RIPMAJOR, a real pillar and legend of the Birmingham music scene! Rest Easy.”

Musical superstar and TV personality Lady Leshurr led many on social media, writing: “We have lost a very important person in Birmingham. The glue & superhero to most mcs in brum.

A good hearted man that always helped everyone 1st.

“When I was younger he let me record in his studio & taught me so much without even knowing it.This loss has burnt me #RIPMAJOR.” JR2 Media tweeted: “Heaven gained a Birmingham legend.

Thank you for the inspiration over the years. Rest up there with your friend big man and make some bangers” Fateh Singh posted: “Major kept me off the streets & gave us a space to create, he wouldn’t even charge a fee He taught me about Babylon & encouraged me to connect to my roots.

“Believe it or not he had a massive role in me getting closer to Sikhi. “Love Major, I’ll never forget our reasonings King.”

Mayhem Nodb said: “RIP MAJOR ....

REAL BIRMINGHAM LEGEND. YOU WILL BE MISSED.” Also a well-respected mentor, Oaklands Birmingham Youth Service wrote: “Major touched the lives of countless young people across Birmingham. His legacy will live on in those he loved and supported. RISE IN ETERNAL GLORY Major”, whilst Concord

Youth Centre said: “Saddened to hear the loss of Bham Youth Service’s finest music educator & youth worker.

He was connected with many youth centres across the city including @ConcordCentre Nurtured & Inspired many young people. May you Rest in Eternal Peace.

"Thoughts are with you & your family.” He died following illness.

l Winston “Major” Mendez

Music legend Dr Dre returns home after brain aneurysm MUSIC LEGEND Dr Dre returned home after he was discharged from hospital following treated for a brain aneurysm.

A lawyer for the hip-hop star, 55, said on Saturday that he was now back at home, without giving further details. A day earlier, actor and rapper Ice-T said he had spoken to Dr Dre, describing him as "safe and looking good".

Dr Dre had been taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, California after which his team issued a statement saying the rapper - whose real name is Andre Romelle Young -

was in a stable condition.

A post on his Instagram read; ‘Thanks to my family, friends and fans for their interest and well wishes. I'm doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team. I will be out of the hospital and back home soon. Shout out to all the great medical professionals at Cedars.

One Love!!’

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Jemma Continues On Her Mystikle Journey

M

any of you may know her as DJ Mystikle Blue, but now Birminghamborn Jemma Yoloye is making more waves, this time in the Ms Great Britain Classic Pageant.

Jemma has always wanted to be part of the entertainment industry from a very young age, in any capacity.

Even when she moved with her mother back to St Kitts for 3 years, singing and entertaining were at the forefront of what she wanted to do.

After returning to the UK at 16, while studying Computer Programming, Jemma found a Sound Engineering Course run

by Studio 5 which also promised to help with performance skills, especially for shy people, like she was.

“It wasn’t what I was into, but I fell in love with it,” explained Jemma, I love sound engineering, building your music, making sure that whoever is performing

on stage sounds good, and even building my own tracks!”

Fast forward a few years, and her daughters father was a DJ, and after buying him decks, she asked him to teach her, so that she could spend time with him.

“I didn’t realise I’d fall in love with it, and that is how I came into DJ’ing.”

It was during this time that she met Street Cred Magazine Founder, Mark Dwayne. “In terms of DJ'ing in the club it was Mark Dwayne that gave me the chance as other promoters didn't believe in me, whereas he did,” reminisced Jemma.

“That I am grateful for. I ventured out and entered competitions that were dominated by men and became the only female to win King of the Decks in the West Midlands Region twice.”

“Anything that is involved in entertainment, even though I’m a shy and nervous person, when it comes to music, entertainment, fashion, modelling, skincare, the

whole thing I’m really into all of it,” she beamed.

Her mother used to be a model, someone that Jemma looked up to thinking “I wish I could do that!”

“People think that modelling is just getting dressed up, putting some makeup on and you’re done, but it involves much more than that, including acting when you’re portraying a character or style.”

Last year, Jemma came across

the Miss Great Britain page on Instagram, which was celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary by opening the Ms Great Britain pageant for the over-28 age bracket.

“I had done pageantry when I was 15 in St Kitts, and I had really enjoyed it, apart from the stigma of pageantry with the talking behind your back etc.

“There is also the perception that if you’re a pageant girl, then you’re not educated, you’re dumb or a ditzy blonde, which is so far from the truth, there are Doctors, Lawyers, and people from all walks of life” Jemma felt that she was older and wiser now, and decided to enter herself. “I’ve met so many amazing women, who have been through so many struggles, but will still walk out on stage with a smile on their face and help other people, just like me.”

Also last year, Jemma saw an Grazia advert saying “do you want to be on our front page”.

Naturally it piqued her interest, so she entered.

The topic they wanted to hear from was “What is beauty to you in 2020?” So after I didn’t expect to hear anything back, but it was fun to do.

About a week later I get a message from Grazia saying “you’re through to the judging stage” and in the end I was one of the six picked, and even now it’s still mindblowing.

Miss Great Britain had such a response from this, that this year they have created the Ms Great

l Photo by @photographydzen. Inset Photo @billiescheepersphotography, Photographer Assistant: @susiebrady Britain Classic for those aged 40 and over.

“Theres a lot of Fundraising involved, and they’re supporting Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish. We can also promote our own platform, which for me last time around was Pinks N Blues.

This time I’m searching for my own cause, as it has to be personal to you.”

On the day of the competition, there are 3 categories, as Jemma continued “Fashionwear, Swimwear which always terrifies me, and Eveningwear.”

Jemma is also a loud advocate

Villa launch 'Teamwork' to support local community THE ASTON VILLA Foundation has launched a new project called ‘TeamWork’ which aims to support mental health and wellbeing amongst local people in Birmingham and beyond.

The project has been funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers

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Association (PFA) and will offer an extensive support network to the local community.

TeamWork will help Villa fans and the wider community stay safely connected by providing online and in-person activities.

This includes virtual meet-ups and working alongside fan-led initiatives such as the ‘Villa

for afro-textured hair, even inspiring other pageant contestants to embrace their natural hair. “It is a brilliant group, when Ms Great Britain made the announcement, I had all my previous pageant sisters messaging me saying how great it was that I was back in it again.

“I’m very much a tomboy, and for me to step into this very ‘girlygirly’ environment, and still feel comfortable speaks volumes.”

You can follow Jemma’s journey on her Instagram page, dj_mystikle_blue, and we wish her the best of luck!

Running Club’ to encourage physical wellbeing.

The programme also shares resources to inform individuals on topics which may have a negative impact on wellbeing during these challenging times. Ryan Hollings, Health and Wellbeing Manager at the Premier League cluc, said: “The past 12 months have been a difficult period for everyone, the mental health of the nation has been greatly affected as a result of the pandemic.

“Over the next three years, TeamWork will support as many people as we can - local people and the wider Villa family, through supporting and connecting with others, encouraging physical activity and other ways that can support our mental wellbeing.”

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Don’t worry, It’s Just The M

ulti-platinum global superstar Jason Derulo has released his eagerly awaited new single “Lifestyle (Feat. Adam Levine)” which is available now. The track is accompanied by an official dance video.

With more than 42 million followers and over 954 million likes thus far, Jason Derulo is currently among TikTok‘s top 10 superstars and the most popular active platinum-selling musician across the entire platform.

“Lifestyle (Feat.

Adam

Levine)” sees Derulo joining forces for the first time ever with the one and only Adam Levine, frontman for the threetime Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum band Maroon 5, who are one of pop music’s most enduring artists and also one of the 21st century’s biggest acts.

This new song marks the latest in a seemingly endless run of blockbuster releases from D e r u l o , including Jawsh 685 & Jason

Derulo’s 2x RIAA platinum certified chart-topper, “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat).”

Savage Love and its official BTS remix – proved an unstoppable international sensation upon its arrival last summer, peaking at #1 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” as well as atop charts in 16 additional countries around the world.

What’s more, “Savage Love” now boasts o v e r 6 2 5

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million worldwide streams and has been featured in more than 10 million user-created TikTok videos thus far.

As if all that weren’t enough, “Savage Love” is joined by an official studio music video now with over 114 million views via Derulo’s official YouTube channel.

A true multi-platform powerhouse, Derulo undoubtedly ranks among the top pop and urban artists of this or any era, with 13 RIAA platinum certified singles, over 7 billion YouTube views, and worldwide singles sales well in excess of 200 million.

The wildly talented singer, songwriter, dancer, and

entertainer first drew acclaim through songwriting collaborations with such like-minded icons as Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Diddy, and Sean Kingston.

Derulo kicked off his remarkable solo career with 2009’s chart-topping, 5x platinum certified “Whatcha Say” and never looked back, rolling out five acclaimed albums and an epic string o f

hugely successful hit singles including “In My Head,” “Ridin’ Solo,” “Talk Dirty (Feat.

2 Chainz),” and “Want You To Want Me.” Moreover, Derulo has been an in-demand featured artist, creating international hits with such diverse stars as Pitbull, Florida Georgia Line, Little Mix, Flo Rida, Gucci Mane, and Sofía Reyes.

Among his countless career accomplishments, Derulo is among social media’s biggest stars of any genre. In addition to his prolific musical output, Derulo has made countless TV appearances, including live performances and guest roles on such popular competition series as Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.

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Heart Shaped Cheeses Better Than Being Cheesey!

SHARPHAM CHEESE has pulled on our heart-strings and launched two heart-shaped cheeses in time for Valentine's Day.

An essential part of the cheese board or delicious when baked.

Buttercup yellow with milk from Sharpham's own Jersey herd, Sharpham Brie is a mould ripened cheese.

Firm, rich and creamy when young the cheese softens and develops mushroomy notes when aged. It has been handmade for 40 years.

This semi-hard cheese has a refreshing light tang that delicately balances the richness of the milk. Crumbly texture, golden colour and a delicate citrus flavour, Sharpham Rustic is irresistible when served with oatcakes and a sweet chutney.

Sharpham Brie - £6

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Sharpham Rustic - £7

Valentine It’s All About

Valentine's Giant Pasty Gift Box (£25 with 4 Chunk pies) THESE LIMITED edition gift boxes include a Valentine's pasty filled with either steak or 'chunki roast veg', which is suitable for vegans. It also contains four wrapped Chunk pies, which can also be suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Pre-orders are essential and can be made at chunkofdevon.co.uk from 22nd January until 8th February, whilst stocks last. The gift boxes will be delivered on Friday 12th February.

Stuck for inspiration for Valentines Gifts this year? Worry not! We’ve pulled together gift ideas from near and far to help you find the perfect present for your loved one!

Lockdown Special Hamper + Tutored Tasting - £50 SALFORD BREWERY and distillery will be hosting a virtual lovefest for two, kicking off at 7pm lovers can enjoy a tutored tasting of three beers and three gins.

For £50 guests will receive a hamper of limited edition 'lockdown special' SEVEN BRO7HERS beers and the house favourite IPA 'Honeycomb'.

And three flavoured SIS4ERS gins

– including the Signature, Strawberry and Lime and Thyme – will be accompanied by bespoke garnishes and paired tonics.

The tasting pack will also include some scrumptious, luxury handmade truffles to share.

All the beers and gins are vegan, and vegan truffles are available upon request.

The session will be hosted via video link and is the perfect opportunity to escape lockdown life for the evening. Places are limited, so get your tickets while stocks last.

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es

Get Your Geek On! A CUTE Valentine's card for any Pokemon fan!

Choose which Pokemon character you would like your card personalised with, matched with their own quirky Pokemon pun!

Perfect for Valentine's Day! Available on Etsy for £3.90 from MadeWithLoveByJem

Make Some Noise!

SONOS ONE gives you rich, room-filling sound and has the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built in for simple voice control of your music, and more. Ask for songs while you cook, easily turn the volume up while you’re in the shower, or even request a lullaby when you’re putting the kids to bed.

Anyone in your home can take charge of the music. Kids can call out their favorite singalongs, friends can skip or replay tracks and adjust audio settings, and guests can request their favorite songs in real time.

Valentines Cocktails INDULGE the senses this February 14th with the 'Rosé Negroni', a delicate balance between Salcombe Distilling Co.'s dry rosé gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie', and the aromatic bittersweetness from rosé vermouth, making for a delicious serve that is sweet, fruity and nutty in equal measure.

Inspired by the flavours, aromas and lifestyle of the South of France, 'Rosé Sainte Marie' pays homage to the 'Sainte Marie' lighthouse, in the Old Port of Marseille.

Ingredients:

25ml Salcombe Gin ‘Rosé Sainte Marie’ 25ml Londinio Rosé Vermouth 25ml Londinio Aperitivo

Lemon Peel Ice

Method:

Combine the gin, vermouth, aperitivo in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass Garnish with a twist of lemon peel on the side of the glass

Longer Lasting Flowers MAKE THEIR day rosey with this simply stunning 24 Carat Gold Rose! This real rose has been handpicked, gently dipped in 24 carat gold and crafted exquisitely by skilled designers.

For Your Favourite Lazy Layabout!

Presented in a luxury black gift box, this shimmering rose is the ultimate token of long-lasting love and is sure to take pride of place in their homes, and their hearts, for years to come. The perfect gift for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and engagements!

Available through www.prezzybox.com for £59.95

DO YOU know someone who likes sitting around and doing nothing? Then this Man Cave wooden door sign is the perfect gift idea! Ideal for hanging on the door of an office, shed, bedroom or on the wall, you can personalise the name that appears at the top.

The text reads “Name’s Man Cave, Where he’s busy doing nothing”.

The sign itself is made of wood and comes with string meaning it’s ready for hanging straight away and is personalised through www.funkypigeon.com from £12.99

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Available for £179 from John Lewis

Keep The Spark Alive...

AVA MAY AROMAS has pulled together its top favourite scents which will help create the perfect atmosphere while at home this Valentine’s Day. The firm, which was founded by 25-yearold Hannah Chapman two years ago and has now sold almost half a billion wax melts, has also just released its first-ever Valentine’s Day gift box - and it’s beautiful!

Priced at £30, the limited-edition ‘I Love You’ box contains a gorgeous heart wax melt burner, a room spray, one tea light pack and three wax melts - all in a scent of your choice - From AvaMayAromas.com

For The Sweetie In Your Life DO GIFTS get anymore nostalgic than the Slush Puppie Machine?

Perfect for parties, gatherings and any kind of celebration. Your friends will never want to leave once they catch sight of this dreamy blue slushy machine, based closely on the original design.

This new and improved Slush Puppie Machine still features the iconic, authentic branding, blue colours and the unforgettable pooch at the front, still reeling us in. It looks, feels and most importantly tastes like those ones back in the day – slushy maker goals.

This can be yours for only £44.99 from iwantoneofthose.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Tune Raider Music Production highlighting why Black Lives Matter IN MEMORY of George Floyd and in honour of the Black Lives Matter Movement Tune Raiders wrote ‘Black Lives Matter’, an anthem for protesters as a rally cry for the injustices facing people who took part in the protests.

Recorded at Addaline Studios, in Walsall, in the West Midlands, the musical structure took shape when rapping talent Demen Nus/ Jason Thomas, came into the frame.

Supported harmoniously by Paulette Marshall and Shauna Black, the Tune Raiders Music Production song was quickly completed the end product was finally mastered in Telford at, PS Mastering Studios.

The video for the track was also done inhouse by David E. Williams’ video production company COMMUNI-TV, and legendary musician and producer, Paul Beckford, which gave a visual insight into the here and now.

With a compilation of powerful lyrics and harmonious melodies on the album that transcend its theme, the Tune Raiders Music Production’s Black Lives Matter is release on Spotify, Apple, Itunes and Amazon.

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BOND FILM NO TIME TO DIE DELAYED AGAIN

T

he release of the next James Bond film has been delayed for a third time because of the coronavirus pandemic.

No Time To Die had already been pushed back twice, and will now debut globally on October 8, an announcement on the film's website said.

It had originally been due to hit screens in April 2020.

The film is the 25th instalment in the Bond franchise, and marks Daniel Craig's final appearance as British secret service agent 007.

It also features Lea Seydoux and Rami Malek.

The delay comes as a further blow to cinemas that have been forced to shut for months at a time because of lockdowns. A significant part of Bond film earnings come from the UK and European market, and studio MGM may be concerned that Covid restrictions could limit No Time To Die's box office earnings.

It comes after Warner Bros this month announced it was delaying the release of Sopranos prequel The Many Saints Of Newark.

Other blockbusters affected by the pandemic include Jared Leto superhero film Morbius, sci-fi epic Dune and action sequel Top Gun: Maverick.

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A the

King of sea shanty

fter kick-starting the sea shanty phenomenon that has swept the globe in recent weeks, one of the most exciting breakout stars of 2021, Nathan Evans has released his debut track ‘Wellerman’ and ‘Wellerman 220Kid & Killen Ted Remix’ via Universal.

The genre is everywhere right now and it’s all down to Nathan that

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 27

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a new generation are discovering the thrills of fisherman-themed, multi-harmonised folk music.

It all began when Nathan, from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire in Scotland, decided to start uploading songs to TikTok after completing his morning duties as a postman.

The first track he shared was a cover of Leave Her, Johnny, the traditional Irish shanty that dates back to the early part of the last century.

But what happened next was off the scale, with the video racking up eye-popping numbers.

Something about this music and Nathan’s charismatic delivery connected in a big, big way.

By the time he uploaded a rendition of the New Zealand whaling ballad The Wellerman just a few months later, he was at the centre of a new cultural movement whirling around sea shanties.

To date, he has over 500,000 TikTok followers and The Wellerman has amassed an astonishing seven million views and more.

Now, taking his music career full time, he follows in the chart dominating footsteps of those he has always admired including Dermot Kennedy and Lewis Capaldi as well as finding unlikely fans in Andrew Lloyd Webber,

Gary Barlow and Ronan Keating who have also uploaded their own renditions of the song alongside the current 1.6 billion videos using the hashtag #seashanty on TikTok. He has begun an international love of sea shanties that have seen the craze sweep the globe, popping up in a variety of platforms from football posts to prime-time TV shows.

UK producer 220 Kid’s remix of Wellerman became a viral sensation of its own, exploding out of Instagram and receiving radio plays from Radio 1’s Scott Mills, Nick Grimshaw and Capital Dance’s Mistajam. Ahead of its release, it was already Top 20 in the Shazam chart.

Sea shanties have rocketed from cult tradition to a fevered mainstream concern. Everyone is doing it: Manchester City created their own sea shanty meme ahead of a league game against Crystal Palace and Jimmy Fallon and The Roots performed a sea shanty rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song Drivers License on Fallon Tonight.

Nathan himself performed a special version of The Wellerman as part of the BBC’s coverage of the resent Manchester United v Liverpool’s FA Cup tie.

Nicki Minaj Paying Tracy Chapman $450,000 Following Copyright Case

RAPPER Nicki Minaj will pay singer Tracy Chapman $450,000 (£332,000) to settle a copyright dispute after sampling one of her songs.

Chapman sued Minaj in 2018, saying she had used portions of Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight in her song Sorry.

Although the song was never released, a leaked version made its way to radio DJ Funkmaster Flex and went viral online.

Chapman accused Minaj of sharing the song with Flex, although both have denied that version of events.

Minaj wrote Sorry with fellow rapper Nas while she was recording her fourth album Queen in 2018. It was based on a sample of the dancehall track Sorry by Jamaican artist Shelly Thunder.

Unbeknownst to Minaj, that song was based on Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight, from Chapman's Grammy-winning 1988 debut album.

After discovering the connection, Minaj and her record label sought permission to use Chapman's composition, but the singer-songwriter

repeatedly refused.

The singer's lawyer said she has a blanket policy against granting such permission. One of the clearance specialists working for Minaj was also said to have known Chapman was on an unofficial "do not sample" list.

In an earlier judgement, a US District Judge ruled that Minaj's experimentation with Chapman's song in the studio constituted "fair use".

In doing so, she sided with the rapper's lawyers, who argued that artists need to be free to sample music while writing and recording, without worrying about being sued once they approach the rights-holder for a licence.

"Such free-flowing creativity is important to all recording artists, but particularly in hiphop," Minaj's team argued.

Tracy Chapman accepted Minaj's offer with a settlement including her costs and legal fees to date, according to documents made public by the California Central District Court.

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

Ecclestone Buys Unique Ferrari In Art Collection FERRARI IN ART – The Sporting Legacy, a collection of 25 unique original artworks celebrating everything Ferrari, has been purchased by former Formula One Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone.

The series of works by international artist Mark Dickens, in collaboration with renowned F1 photographer Keith Sutton, encompasses all the features that make Ferrari so special.

“There has never been a collaboration like this before and I could not resist the opportunity to acquire it for my private collection. I know both Mark and Keith well and have always been impressed by their professionalism,” said Ecclestone.

“I first became aware of Mark back in 2009 and in 2011 I commissioned him to create 19 paintings, showcasing each of that year’s races. The following year we presented each painting to the respective promoter.”

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Go Carz offering G free taxi rides to the elderly and vulnerable for vaccinations

o Carz, the biggest private hire taxi operator across Shropshire and the West Midlands, is offering free taxi rides to help roll out the COVID-19 vaccine to the first wave of elderly and vulnerable patients of Telford.

Formed in 2017, Teldoc is Shropshire’s first super practice, with a patient population of over 48,000.

In accordance with national guidance, Teldoc have commenced vaccination of the elderly and vulnerable in the local community.

Go Carz are working with participating Teldoc practices to offer transport only to those eligible persons who have been invited to make a vaccination appointment if they have no other

means of transport.

These free rides provide a COVID-safe taxi journey to the vaccination centre only, and the patient has the option to book a safe journey home too.

Eligible individuals who have been invited to make an appointment with the vaccination centre, will be able to claim their free journey using a dedicated account and provided by the Teldoc telephone operator.

Patients will then be able to phone Go Carz dispatch centre to book their free ride using this information.

The gesture of goodwill will benefit the elderly and vulnerable within the local community who, without Go Carz and Teldoc’s help, would have had their vaccination delayed.

Graham Hoof, Regional Director of Go Carz, said: “Many of the elderly and vulnerable may feel safer in a private hire vehicle rather than public transport.

Safely transporting them to ensure they can get their vaccination is a vital step that we can assist with to help our local community beat COVID.” Go Carz was also one of the first transport companies to introduce additional health and hygiene measures in 2020 to make journeys as safe as possible for all passengers and driver-partners.

The measures, designed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, include specialist cleaning regimes, in-vehicle protective screens, the wearing of face coverings and passengers sitting in the rear of the vehicle.

l (L to R) Graham Hoof, Regional Director, Go Carz, with patient Sheila Mildoon, 85 and Kate Tatton, Lead Covid Nurse at Teldoc

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80,000 EXAMPLES OF THE CONTINENTAL GT

T

he Home of Bentley in Crewe, UK has produced the 80,000th individual, made-to-order example of the Continental GT – the world’s definitive luxury grand tourer.

The 80,000th car – a righthand drive Continental GT V8 in Orange Flame – was handcrafted earlier this week, in the world’s first carbon neutral factory for luxury car production.

In 1952, the Bentley R-Type Continental made its debut; a Mulliner-bodied coupe with a top speed of just less than 120

mph. It was the fastest fourseater car in the world and very quickly earned a reputation as the ultimate in high-speed luxury.

In 2003, the Continental GT was launched – the first car of the modern Bentley era. Inspired by the R-Type, the first Continental GT established an entirely new market segment – the modern luxury Grand Tourer.

Ever since, it has been the unchallenged benchmark for the sector that it founded, with an average of nearly 5,000 examples a year being delivered to customers around the world.

MOTORS

Keep Your Love On Track LEADING driving experience provider – TrackDays.co.uk – has just launched a new ‘Driving Experiences for Two’ section, including supercars and classic cars, ahead of Valentine’s Day. Spearheading the drive for loved-up couples, or those looking to possibly reignite a dwindling passion, is a desirable selection of superhot supercars including Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, at locations across the UK. Depending on the package, these prestige motors can either be driven by the participants or enjoyed ‘in the back seat’ with a high-speed passenger ride!

And with prices starting from just £75, experiences make an affordable alternative to flowers and chocolates.

Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: “Our new ‘Driving Experiences for Two’ section is the one-stop shop for romantics looking to surprise their partner this Valentine’s Day.

Today, eighteen years later, Bentley’s skilled craftspeople – many of whom will have worked on the very first example of the Continental GT (still owned by Bentley) – have handcrafted the 80,000th car.

Over this period the style, technology and engineering beneath the car has evolved significantly, seeing an increase of up to 27 per cent in peak power, whilst models within the range have also achieved a reduction over the original Continental GT of 48 per cent in CO2 emissions.

‘Armchair’ car sales shoot up in lockdown MORE PEOPLE are buying their next used car from their living room, with new digital car sales platform Carzam predicting sales of more than 20,000 high quality, late model used cars in its first full year following unprecedented demand.

Just six weeks since it went live at www.carzam.co.uk, the new online used car sales platform has delivered more than 1,000 cars.

The revolutionary new company, which puts customer service first and foremost, can

offer a next-day turnaround on much of its stock and is led by a team of high profile automotive industry experts with unrivalled experience in the motor trade.

Carzam founder Peter Waddell said: “We’ve seen a trend toward people buying more and more significant things online over recent years, but the three recent lockdowns have accelerated the UK’s thirst for e-commerce.

“People are now making much bigger purchases online – and with confidence – from

cars to houses, consumer electronics to domestic appliances.”

The company is on track with it’s strategy to sell more than 20,000 cars in its first year of trading, all ordered online and delivered directly to the new owner’s door with a no-quibble guarantee – and that number is only going to get bigger as consumer trends evolve.

“A few years ago, you wouldn’t buy a TV or a cooker without going to look at one in a showroom first,” added Waddell.

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ARTS VENUES TO GET SLICE OF CULTURE RECOVERY FUND I t has been announced that the Birmingham Hippodrome is among the latest recipients of emergency government arts funding and will be receiving almost £3m from the £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.

Town Hall Symphony Hall in the city has been awarded £2.53 million. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is to return to Symphony Hall Birmingham, as its doors open for the first time in over seven months to enable live concerts for socially-distanced audiences.

The announcement follows the decision by Arts Council England to also award Town Hall Symphony Hall £2.53 million from the Fund which is designed to help the sector until March 2021 – while the CBSO received £843,000 earlier this month.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre has also been awarded a grant, of £1.38 million, with

its Artistic Director, Sean Foley and Executive Director, Rachael Thomas saying: “COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on our communities, city, and industry. We are hugely grateful to The Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the grant announced today for Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of the Culture Recovery Fund.

“Without this essential grant there is no doubt that the future of our historic theatre would have been greatly compromised.

Thanks to the support from DCMS and Arts Council England we can now channel our efforts into securing the future of The REP, protecting jobs, and employing freelancers”.

Birmingham-born actor Adrian Lester, a Trustee of the Board of The REP, said the £1.38m would allow it to "inspire and entertain again" when it is able to reopen.

Shakespeare's Globe, the

Sage Gateshead, the replica Elizabethan theatre in London, Birmingham Royal Ballet, the CBSO and the Lichfield Garrick theatre are amongst those who will receive almost £3m from the

£1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.

Museums to benefit from this tranche of funding include the Ironbridge Gorge Museums in Shropshire and the Black Country Living Museum in

Dudley. More than £500m has now been allocated from the Culture Recovery Fund to almost 2,500 cultural organisations and venues.

Schoolboy Skier Channels Eddie The Eagle

A BIRMINGHAM schoolboy is following in the tracks of his hero Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards by skijumping in his back garden.

George Brown was, originally, wanted to be a gymnast, but took up skiing after his and is now using the converted the back garden of his family’s home in Moseley.

And with the help of dad, Stuart, he has a winter gym complete with a mini ski-jump on the back steps.

After taking up the sport five years ago, George, 13, is now the country's top skier in the under-14 category.

With being ‘World No 1’ his dream, the ski whiz’s locked down training routine, which came about after watching the film-biography of legendary ski jumper Eddie the Eagle, the teenager is drawing inspiration from the Winter Olympics' star who also learned to ski jump in his garden.

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MY PERSONAL BATTLE WITH SIRUS THE VIRUS A

t one time I would ask the same question; do you know anyone that has Covid or has had it? And all the time the answer was No. Up until 3 weeks ago when that statistic became a name, my name, Big Dave.

It doesn’t matter how strong you think you are, nothing prepares you for what is about to come.

Firstly it was a feeling of lightheadedness, feeling a bit woozy and ringing in my ears but then the aches started, every single joint in my body, my hips, thighs, knees, shins, fingers and even my grip had all deteriorated and then I was overcome with a total lack of energy.

The lightheadedness was replaced by skull numb smashing pain which was constant. Even my eyes and the back of them was so painful which then led on to a total lack of appetite and to those of you that know me this is totally unheard of.

Prior to Covid I would consume five/ six thousand calories a day no problem, but with Covid this was reduced to zero calories. I took to my bed and found myself now totally bed bound, every bit of my amazing strength and energy had gone.

Luckily throughout all of this I had my own Florence Nightingale, my nurse, my rock, my wife Tina attended to me throughout this period to make sure I had taken onboard enough fluids and numerous paracetamol tablets throughout the day and night.

Next came the night sweats but not just throughout the night but throughout the day as well, getting ringing soaking wet with the sweats which would then turn into cold chills and shivering at times when I wasn’t sleeping.

Every small task turned into a giant one even reaching over to get a glass of water was an effort and I just could not shift the raging headaches that were constantly there.

Then after days of loss of appetite, not eating and reduced fluid intake came the next part. Which to a hard, fit, strong

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 31

BIG DAVE’S SAFE PAGE

MADE BIRMINGHAM IN

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@PhoenixNewsUK

Mind, Body & Soul

“What’s Love Gotta Do With It?”

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trainer like me with twentysix world strength records to my name, who knows so much about exercise, nutrition, the body and how it works, came the muscle wastage and dramatic loss of weight.

All of those hard years of working out, training and nutritional intake to allow me to train daily. A man who could drop to the floor and smash out one hundred press ups, could not now manage one.

So if you think Covid 19 is a huge conspiracy I totally urge you to think again, this is for real, this for keeps. I don’t know how I will come out of this

only time will tell from now.

I don’t know how I contracted this virus as I followed the Government rules and guidance that were out there to help keep us all safe including masking up, social distancing and good house- keeping but I still managed somehow to contract the virus.

Apparently I was told this is a mild case and I was fortunate due in part to my fitness to avoid the need for ICU, but if this was just a mild case then my heart goes out to those that have experienced the extreme.

Don’t think you are invincible, you are not, as fitness is no shield from the virus itself. Although the fitter you are the more chance you have to fight it off, but it will still get you and put you on the floor but fitness will help to get you back on your feet.

So it is important to focus on body maintenance using nutrition and workouts where you can. As soon as my turn comes around I will be in the que for my vaccine.

I urge you to follow and take up the offer of the vaccine as I believe this is the way out for us all to fight back against the virus.

Stay Safe, Stay Fit and Stay Strong.

hat’s love gotta do with it” sang the beautiful, iconic Tina Turner, well, it’s got everything to do with it.

Love is being deeply connected or committed to something - a person, your faith, work, the planet, a hobby, the list goes on.

Love is used as an everyday word. It’s thrown around in general conversation, but it also has a deeper meaning that can not only break our hearts, but can also elevate us to a place beyond words.

Love makes the world go round . It makes it a better place and humans more bearable. To love one another - your fellow man.

February also has Valentines Day slap bang in the middle of it... remember your loved ones the adverts say.Personally, I feel that ‘loved ones’ should be remembered all year round not for just one day.

Love knows no boundaries. Our loved ones in spirit will often make their presence known to those loved ones left behind.

They will move things around the home, switch lights on and off, you may smell cigarettes if they smoked or their perfume or aftershave, this is how they show us that they’re still around and giving us their love.

Our spirit family continue to love us and are never far away. They continue to share our joys and our sorrows throughout our daily lives.

Spiritual love has no limitations or boundaries. Their love is unconditional and everlasting.

This months Oracle Card pull is aptly named the ‘Eternal Love’ card from the Gaia Oracle by Toni Carmine Salerno.

As a world we have been, and still are, continuing to go through difficult

times.

Although we may not feel that there is any happiness, harmony or fulfilment in our lives, it’s asking us to find these things again as they are there , it’s just that we’ve forgotten how to see and connect with them.

The Red wavy line in the card depicts the turbulent times that we are/ have been experiencing, but above that there shines a beautiful sun.

The colours are uplifting and joyous showing better times are coming, giving us the warmth and hope to see us through.

It may take a little longer than we would like, but we will get back on track and begin to enjoy life again.

And finally, that beautiful rainbow is the icing on the cake so to speak...

What is always at the end of a rainbow? That wonderful pot of gold that we all truly deserve.

Bring out your inner child and see how breathtaking a rainbow truly is.

The darkness will disappear and that beautiful sun will shine brighter than it ever has before ...Stay positive beautiful Souls Be kind, be safe, be love Ruth G Soul Butterfly

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

Telly-Mad Brummies Watch 1,440 Hours Of TV A Year A NEW survey has reveals that, on average, those polled in Birmingham currently spend 30 hours of every week glued to their tellies, clocking up to 120 hours a month.

With 80 percent of Brits having enjoyed watching more TV during 2020, the research reveals that, in Birmingham, the average household is set to enjoy 22 box set episodes, seven sit-coms, eight soap opera episodes and four football matches per month.

A fifth of those polled said that in 2021 they could not live without their TVs. In an average month this year, viewers in Birmingham will also enjoy 11 reruns of their favourite shows, nine films, seven game shows and six reality shows - as well as a staggering 71 YouTube videos.

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A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR 2021 FROM BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

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i r m i n g h a m Hippodrome released a special new poem by Birmingham’s Poet Laureate Casey Bailey to mark a message of hope for this year.

The special commission, titled Slice of Sunshine was created to run alongside public images of the Global Rainbow light installation that the Birmingham Hippodrome Festivals team ran over the New Year period.

Global Rainbow – an art installation by international artist Yvette Mattern - was beamed northwest from the city’s iconic Rotunda building on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, marking a message of hope and peace for 2021.

Graham Callister, Director of Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We were thrilled to work with Casey on such a special message of hope for the New Year.

“We would also like to thank

everybody who shared photos of Global Rainbow too, we have been overwhelmed by the fantastic response to the installation and hope we can bring more moments of positivity to the region throughout 2021.”

Poet Laureate Casey said: “When I first heard that the Global Rainbow was coming to Birmingham, I was so excited to see it light up the sky above the city.

“When I was asked to write about what this meant to me, I thought about the way that rainbows come from a combination of ‘good and bad’ weather and how I hope 2021 could redress the balance of a predominantly bad 2020” ‘Global Rainbow’ is an ongoing public artwork by Artist Yvette Mattern was presented by Birmingham Hippodrome as part of Global Streets, a national project funded through Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants.

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@PhoenixNewsUK

Sheldon Melando Barnett

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heldon Barnett (aka Steven/Shelly) was born in Clarendon, Jamaica - a talented sportsman who was a prolific member of the Oaklands Football Club in the 1970’s.

Sheldon also loved to play cricket and joined a regional Cricket team touring the country in the 1980’s. He could also be found potting the ball with the snooker team at Handsworth Snooker Hall on Friday evenings/weekends.

Sheldon later joined the BCA Birmingham, actively

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Junior Sealey

orn in St Thomas, Barbados, he a talented sportsperson , who was part of Continental Stars Football Club in the 1970s.

Known and loved by many, he touched the hearts of all he met and was well-known and loved for his infectious laugh.

Losing his battle against coronavirus he sadly spread his

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with the launch of the L’Affaire boutique, he went on to produce saris adorned with polka dots, zebra prints and more, as well as championing the trouser sari.

His retail empire - which covered eight Indian cities, and also online - also made scarves and ties.

He died at 78.

Lloyd Cowan MBE

pecialised in the 110 and 400 metres hurdles during his athletics career, the Londoner became a highly respected coach who helped Christine Ohuruogu to the Olympic 400m titles he represented England in the 110m hurdles at the 1994 Commonwealth Games before becoming a coach.

He coached Ohuruogu to

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wings, leaving behind his parents in Barbados, three children, one sister, three brothers and his parents in Barbados, plus nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, the family would like to thank everyone for the well wishes, messages and support during this difficult time.

Forever missed - Rest In Peace!

He was 61.

Satya Paul

favourite of many Bollywood stars, the Indian fashion designer’s prints helped to modernise the traditional sari having made his name with his use of contemporary colours, patterns and materials.

He set up India’s first sari boutique in 1980 and launched his own label six years later.

After making his breakthrough

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participating in regional and overseas tournaments as a lively member of the Dominoes team.

Following a life-threatening diagnosis in recent years, Sheldon was treated at his local hospital until the outbreak of COVID-19, when NHS chiefs prioritised the global pandemic above all medical procedures/treatment therapies, resulting in his treatment being stopped.

Despite this devastating setback, Sheldon fought bravely but sadly lost his fight for life. He was 68.

400m silver at London 2012 and 4x400m relay bronze in 2008 and 2016.

He also guided England’s Andy Turner to Commonwealth and European 110m hurdles titles in 2010, former British 100 metres champion Simeon Williamson and coached his son Dwayne, who won a 4x400m bronze at the 2017 World Championships.

He died age 58.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 33

OBITUARIES

Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart

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he Jamaican native founded and chaired Sandals Resorts International (SRI); housing Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts, Fowl Cay Resort and several private villas.

He initially bought two derelict hotels in Montego Bay - spending $4 million in renovation opening it as the Sandals Resort Beach Club; later to be known as

he had two spells as manager. He was later Slovakia’s first national team boss after independence in 1993.

He also managed Australia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Malaysia and Oman, plus Fenerbahce and Sporting Lisbon.

Holding a doctorate in Physical Education and specialising in Psychology he lectured at FIFA academies worldwide. He died age 84.

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Cicely Tyson

T

he pioneering Hollywood actress always portraying strong African-American characters, she was the first Black woman to take on a main role in the TV 1960s drama East Side/West Side and won two Emmys for her performance in the 1974 civil rights-era film The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.

Born in New York, to parents from Nevis in the Caribbean, she turned down stereotypical roles,

only playing characters that were strong, positive and realistic.

She played Binta - in the 1977 TV drama Roots - and was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar and Golden Globe in 1973 for her role in the film Sounder – she later received an Honorary Oscar. Whilst in office, US President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

She died age 96.

Gerry Marsden MBE

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reator of Liverpool anthem and Gerry and the Pacemakers, his version of You’ll Never Walk Alone became a terrace anthem for his hometown club.

Working the same Liverpool club circuit as The Beatles in the 1960s his band was one of the biggest success stories of the Merseybeat era, and in 1963 became the first to have their first

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three songs top the chart. Their other best known hit, Ferry Cross The Mersey, came in 1964, which he wrote as a tribute to his city, and reached number eight.

He was made an MBE in 2003 for services to charity after supporting victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

His family said he died after a short illness not linked to Covid-19. He was 78.

Marion Ramsey

est known for her role in the Police Academy films, she was adored by fans for her portrayal of the squeaky-voiced Officer Laverne Hooks. She also had an illustrious career on Broadway.

Born in Philadelphia, started her career in the theatre, appearing in both the original Broadway and subsequent touring productions of Hello, Dolly!. She was prolific

Dr Jozef Venglos

ormer Aston Villa and Celtic boss was the first manager from outside Britain or Ireland to take charge of a top-flight English team, the Slovakian made history when he was appointed at Aston Villa in 1990 - lasting only one season. He also served a single-season with Celtic in 1998-99.

A former assistant coach when Czechoslovakia won the European Championship in 1976,

Sandals Montego Bay, the first to popularise the sale of all-inclusive holidays in the Caribbean; with the region’s first swim-up bar. He also created SRI properties in The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Turks & Caicos, Barbados and Married to Cheryl, he had eight children, including son Jonathan, who was killed in a car crash in 1990.

He passed following a medical diagnosis – he was 79.

on Broadway, co-starring in many shows, including Harold Prince’s Grind with Ben Vereen, and Eubie! with Gregory and Maurice Hines. She was one of the singers in the original Dreamgirls Broadway production.

She also appeared on hit TV sitcoms The Jeffersons and Cos, Bill Cosby’s sketch show.

She died at home after illness age 73.

Jessica Campbell

orn in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the USA, the star of her first major role the 1999 film Election, which revolves around a high school student election – she appeared in the 2001 film The Safety of Objects and the two-episode guest role of Amy Andrews in

the TV series Freaks and Geeks.

She retired from acting in 2002 to begin training to become a naturopathic practitioner.

Married to Daniel Papkin with one child, her sudden death at her home was announced by her family. The cause was unknown.

She was 38.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

AZUZA STREET

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Be The Light In The Darkness

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irmingham’s annual commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day was hosted online for the first time, due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mohammed Azim, led the virtual event which this year called for people to ‘be the light in the darkness’.

Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and Nazi persecutions, as well as other genocides around the world.

Be the Light in the Darkness was the theme for this year’s event - which was streamed via the city council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts - and encouraged everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also how individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the

light’ before, during and after genocide.

This year’s programme featured a virtual candle-lighting ceremony as well as testimony from Mindu Hornick MBE, who talked about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor, plus performances from violinist Simone Schehtman and Birmingham’s Young Poet Laureate Fatma Mohiuddin.

Cllr Azim, said: “This year we came together virtually to light a candle, to remember victims of atrocities and genocides around the world, as well as those who are still sadly losing their lives through war, conflict and hate crime.”

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Community Safety and Equalities, closed the event with a short speech.

BELOVED PARISH PRIEST PASSES

l Father Patrick Joyce before his retirement in 2017

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ather Patrick Joyce, the Priest at St Mary & St John Parish Church on Gravelly Hill for over 32 years sadly passed away last month.

He was featured in the October 2017 edition of The Phoenix Newspaper when he officially retired as Parish Priest.

Born on the Aran Islands, County Galway, off the West Coast of Ireland on January 22nd 1937, Father Joyce died

just over a week before his 84th birthday.

On the 22nd January, there was a Memorial Mass held by Father Joe at SS Peter and Pauls through Zoom, and restreamed to Facebook with over 150 people in attendance virtually, and many more have watched the video since.

Father Joyce was a mentor, teacher, confidante and friend to so many who passed through the school, as well as the Parish

over the 32 years that he was at the Church, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

There are plans to stream both his reception into St Mary and St John’s church on Thursday 11th February at 6:00pm, and his Funeral Mass on Friday 12th February at 10:00am from Erdington Abbey to Facebook via a dedicated group facebook.com/groups/ frjoycefuneral.

The Reception and Mass on the Thursday evening will be celebrated by the Area Bishop, Bishop David Evans and then the Funeral Mass on the Friday morning will be celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Bernard Longley.

Due to Government legislation regarding Funeral services, numbers are strictly limited and therefore this will not be a public/ parish celebration.

Mosque Used As Covid Vaccine Centre PEOPLE in Birmingham received their Oxford/ AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine injection at the Al Abbas Mosque in Birmingham as it began being used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre.

The mosque, in Balsall Heath, the first to do so, started as it set out targeting the top four priority groups eligible to get their coronavirus vaccine in England, which means people who work in health and social care, as well as everyone over 70, care home residents and clinically extremely vulnerable can be contacted for an Covid-19 jab appointment.

Imam Nuru Mohammed said: “I am elated and inspired that the NHS centre had been

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set up after help from several medical professionals among the community.

“We stepped in with the intention that this will help to inform those people who are not well-informed about the vaccination.”

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By David Kalloo

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losing Ranks: My life as a Cop charts the endeavours of one man, Leroy Logan, who believed that he could make a difference and change attitudes in an organisation and a system that was - and still is - disproportionally biased in its statutory obligation to the society it serves, regardless of colour, class, creed or race.

Closing Ranks: My life as a Cop is a long overdue account on how the Metropolitan Police Service have sought to, and to a great extent have, criminalised people of ethnic minority background, especially those in the African Caribbean society.

There is a constant throughout Closing Ranks: that Leroy Logan did not embark on anything during his time with the Metropolitan Police Service with bitterness or prejudice, despite having experienced this from the start of his policing career.

Instead, he approached everything he did with an open mind, heart, and faith.

His decision to become part of an organisation that was not translucent, nor showed diversity in the society it served, threw his life ‘on a collision course’ from the moment he signed up.

Logan has been very meticulous in the way he has narrated his story through the course of 30 years in service to the Metropolitan Police, but the meticulousness of his commitment and tenacity to serve his community is equally palpable.

It was no surprise when he discovered that diversity was ‘not a priority’ of the Metropolitan Police.

However, his perception of ‘not having a stunted view of life’ had enabled him to unshackle ‘any form of mental slavery.’

Closing Ranks explores the many challenges that people of African, Caribbean, and other ethnic groups faced when embarking on a policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service.

One of the early challenges that Logan was presented with was the unprovoked assault on his dad by the Metropolitan Police; the very organisation that prejudiced people of colour.

Logan’s athleticism was not only displayed on the tracks, his ability to overcome hurdles in the tidal currents of his

professional career was as exemplary as that of his athletics.

Throughout his career, Leroy maintained his passion for good policing.

Closing Ranks did not expose ‘institutional racism’ in the Metropolitan Police, as this was without a doubt already known to those on the receiving end of such a culture.

While the Macpherson Report did much to solidify this, Closing Ranks was able to demonstrate from the inside, by a black officer, the magnitude and severity of the problem that exists within the Metropolitan Police.

Despite these drawbacks, Logan has demonstrated that through discipline, integrity and faith, there wasn’t any barriers that could not be dismantled.

This book should not only serve the purpose of illuminating Logan’s illustrious tenure in the Metropolitan Police, it should be reading material for every serving police officer regardless of their race, creed, class or colour.

It should serve, too, as an introduction manual for African, Caribbean, and other ethnic groups when considering a career in policing.

Despite the best efforts and recommendations, the Metropolitan Police still has a long way to go in reflecting the community it serves.

There is an underlying message in Closing Ranks too: while it categorises the misfortunes of prejudice in the Metropolitan Police, it also tells us that we must become part and parcel of the fabric of our society.

Only when we become part of that thread that weaves the

tapestry of society can change be implemented.

Closing Ranks has shown us that if you want change, you cannot straddle the perimeters of society to exact change.

To bring about change you must immerse yourself in what you believe in and do so with full integrity. Leroy Logan has shown how discipline, integrity and faith can carry you through.

And as Logan states, “I firmly believe that we had to do things right and if not, to explain why not. We had to make sure we were extremely ethical to reassure the public, especially black people who historically lacked trust in the police.”

But while these issues of trust, race and equality have not been totally eradicated, some strides have been made through the foundation of the Black Police Association.

Despite the tremendous strides

by The Black Police Association the question of race, diversity and equality was overshadowed by a wider perspective.

After the Morris Inquiry, where greater emphasis was focus in the final publication on ‘gender, disability, faith and sexuality.’

You can sense Logan’s disdain that through two major inquiries, Macpherson and Morris Inquiry, there was still a ‘huge dereliction of duty’ and the Metropolitan Police are still very much ‘institutionally racist.’

There is a constant in Closing Ranks that has kept Leroy Logan focused. His engagement with family, community, faith, profession, respect and integrity played an intrinsic role throughout his life as a cop.

You could sense that the words of his father, ‘You got to use common sense in the choices you make’ echoing in his ear at every with every important decision that faced him.

Even as he questioned is own sanity during his early days at Hendon.

One of the defining attributes of Logan was the fact that he thrived operating outside his comfort zones.

He demonstrated this when he was passed over for promotion because he had no allegiance to the Freemasons, it was ‘another challenge; apart from the colour’ of his skin.

Closing Ranks has shown us that the ‘hostile environment’ in the Metropolitan Police Service w a s

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 35

NEWS

preventing them from capitalising on the strengths and experiences of black police officers around race and equality issues.

Closing Ranks: My life as a Cop should serve as a beacon to people of African, Caribbean and other ethnic minority groups who have considered a career in policing.

Closing Ranks has given hope to those put off by the endemic racism that exists within police forces across the country that with discipline and integrity and the belief in what is right.

Logan has demonstrated, despite the adversities he was up against from the beginning of is career as a police officer to the very last days in the Metropolitan Police.

He maintained the motto of Sir Robert Peel, ‘The police are the public and the public are the police’ both are fundamentally necessary in the service of policing.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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l Sherril Donaldson – NU:GEN CARE CIC

MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CROWNED OUTSTANDING CHARITY OF THE YEAR

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idlands Air Ambulance Charity, the rapid response, lifesaving charity and one of the longest established and busiest air ambulance operators in the UK, was crowned Outstanding Charity of the Year at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Awards, the lifesaving charity then went on to also win Overall ABCC Business of the Year.

It was presented to celebrate a local charity that has

demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership as well as being a forward-thinking organisation that always has the future in mind.

The awards were presented to Emma Gray, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity virtually at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Awards and come in addition to the charity being shortlisted for the Adaptability and Innovation Award at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Business Heroes Awards, earlier this month.

The vital, pre-hospital emergency service, which does not receive any government funding for its daily lifesaving missions was crowned for its proactive response to the pandemic and for continuing to demonstrate vision and leadership through what continues to be a difficult and unprecedented time for everyone. In addition, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has also shown it’s a forwardthinking organisation by making plans to future-proof its clinical operations.

Research shows hand sanitiser use falling as vaccine hopes rise

Chief executive, Hanna Sebright, said: “We were delighted to not only be shortlisted, but to be named as Outstanding Charity of The Year by the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. It would not have been possible without the ongoing resilience, hard work and dedication shown by all of the team.

“I also thank the public for their support throughout the lockdown periods andr their continuous donations.”

THE LATEST research* carried out by new Hypochlorous hand sanitiser Steril-eeze has revealed that worryingly, we are relaxing our hand hygiene, with 25% fewer people now hand sanitising up to five times a day than in lockdown one.

Nearly a quarter of us cite the forthcoming vaccine as the reason for relaxing our hand hygiene, with a fifth saying they are less scared of the impact of the virus and some also blaming laziness and the impact of hand sanitiser on their skin, or ‘lockdown hands’.

Says Dr Sarah Jarvis, Medical Advisor to Sterileeze, “Hand hygiene is so important. Always have a hand sanitiser with you for when you’re out and about and can’t access soap and water or if you need to sanitise a door handle or surface.

Hand sanitisers that contain at least 60% alcohol are highly effective. However, if you find your skin is irritated and dry as a result of these, hand sanitiser containing 300 PPM (parts per million) hypochlorous acid can offer an effective alternative which is kinder to skin."

Voice For Our Black Elders T he year has started with so much conflict and confusion for everybody as we faced another lockdown and the continuing increase in death rates from the virus.

It is hard to make sense of the message from the medical professionals on whether taking the vaccine will provide immunity or not, but, the one thing we can be sure of is that our Elders are frightened and in need of support to make the decisions that is right for them and their future health.

The issue of “is all medication right for us as the Black Community”, is one that has been in my sphere of consciousness this week.

I visited an elder a couple of weeks ago and she was in a state of bewilderment as she had been prescribed some new medication and the side effects had triggered some symptoms she was all too familiar with as allergies from the ingredients.

So, she decided she would check the ‘Package leaflet -: Information for the user’. What she read, and showed me, in the ‘side affects’ was mind boggling as they mentioned all the symptoms she had experienced before with medication and even went so far as to saying, ‘not suitable for users from the African/Caribbean heritage’!

She was shocked that her doctor would have prescribed the tablets in view of who she was and the previous experiences of taking similar medication.

Naturally, she stopped taking the medication straight away

and reported the incident to the surgery. The question is, was anything done about the incident? I doubt it.

So what lessons can we learn from that real life story?

As Black People we must make sure we read the warning notes and information before we start taking any medication.

We must recognise that, clearly, doctors do not always take into consideration our ethnic origins, even through there could be serious implications for us as Black People.

We need to pay more attention to exactly what is being prescribed for our conditions as ‘their’ medical solution may not be right for us.

We need to make sure we report such incidents to the appropriate Governing Body as a way of triggering changes in the way medication is prescribed and administered.

In this case, the Elder was sufficiently aware of her body and its reactions to certain medications, to avert any serious medical mishap.

But, to a person less aware, ask yourself the question, what could have happened?

WE need to work together to identify our pressure points and the existing organisation in a position to lead a movement to alleviate those challenges.

So, I ask you to contact me at sherril@nugencare.org.uk, with your thoughts on the way forward and topics for discussion in this column to ensure we work to change the landscape of care for our elders.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 37

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

THE TOUR 21 SOLD OUT FOR 2021

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021 cycling event, The Tour 21, has now sold out with 25 amateur cyclists signed up to ride the full Tour de France route, one week ahead of the professionals from Saturday 19th June – Sunday 11th July this summer.

The team, led by ex-England, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Nottingham Forest footballer and blood cancer survivor Geoff Thomas, aim to raise over £1,000,000 for national blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia.

Cure Leukaemia - announced as the first ever official Charity Partner of the Tour de France in the UK last October - recorded a £1,500,000 fundraising shortfall in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and The Tour 21 team, which was increased from 20 to 25 riders after this event’s postponement last summer,

l Pope Francis

Pontiff Receives Covid Vaccine

AS THE Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis received the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine the pontiff advocated that everyone should get the vaccine, calling it an “ethical option” performed not only for one’s own health but for the “lives of others.” The City has beefed up coronavirus restrictions amid a spike in cases in Italy.

The 84-year-old, who is missing part of one lung since a surgery in his 20s, has been saying the traditional Angelus blessing from a library in the Apostolic Palace, and not a window overlooking St Peter’s, in a bid to prevent gatherings. Vatican City has had at least 27 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including a cluster among the Swiss Guards last fall.

The Pope has since been calling for an equitable distribution of the jab.

The Vatican said that it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive Covid-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions.

A note from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican's watchdog office for doctrinal orthodoxy, said the use of such vaccines was permitted as long as there were no alternatives.

The doctrine office noted that bishops, Catholic groups, and experts have offered “diverse and sometimes conflicting pronouncements” on the matter.

Both the Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc vaccines have some connection to cell lines that originated with tissue from abortions in the last century, according to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which issued a separate note to American Catholics. The Vatican note said the granting of moral legitimacy was related to the principle "differing degrees of responsibility of cooperation in evil."

aim to help the charity address this shortfall in funding by completing all 21 gruelling stages of the world’s most famous and prestigious professional cycling event 150 days from now.

All funds raised will be invested in the national Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) which has been solely funded by Cure Leukaemia since January 2020.

TAP is a network of specialist research nurses at 12 blood cancer centres located in the UK’s biggest cities and a facilitatory hub based at the Centre for Clinical Haematology in Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

This network enables accelerated setup and delivery of potentially life-saving blood cancer clinical trials to run giving patients from a UK catchment area of over 20 million people access to treatments not currently available

through standard care.

Cure Leukaemia Patron Geoff Thomas, 56, said: “I am delighted that we have a full team of 25 cyclists signed up and committed to not only taking on this gruelling challenge but also to raising vital funds to help blood cancer patients across the UK. COVID-19 decimated charity fundraising in 2020 and Cure Leukaemia were no different and that is why we, as a team, have an even greater responsibility to go beyond the initial £1,000,000 target for the event.

“This will be my fifth and final Tour de France cycling challenge since I was declared in remission from chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2005 and I am determined to ensure that this is the most successful and memorable of them all.”

l Geoff Thomas

Chad Gordon Remembered

By Haringey Council HARINGEY resident Chad Gordon, who was murdered last May, will be remembered by the council, with a new autism campus named after him.

Situated in Waltheof Gardens, The Chad Gordon Autism Campus will commemorate Chad, who was fatally wounded, in a case of mistaken identity. The campus will be home to two new services for adults with autism: • Complex Learning Disabilities and Autism Day Service Haringey Opportunities Project • The Autism Hub called #ActuallyHaringey Haringey Opportunities Project will provide day services for residents with Complex Learning Disabilities and Autism in a newly refurbished building especially designed for this cohort. #ActuallyHaringey is designed to deliver early help provision to address the needs of adults with autism, and those approaching adulthood and their support networks. The service was codesigned and developed with autistic residents and community

l Chad Gordon groups.

Chad, who was himself autistic, was described as ‘loving and caring’, by his mother, AnnMarie. He lived in Haringey from his birth, attending Moselle School and sixth form before going on to Harington School, where he studied horticulture for two years.

Councillor Sarah James, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health said: “As a community we want to remember the life of Chad Gordon. Chad’s family remember him as a loving, protective person, who cared deeply for those around him.

“These are precisely the values that we wish to see embedded in our new autism services. His family said that they thought Chad would have loved to attend the #ActuallyHaringey Autism Hub and I am pleased that they feel naming the new autism campus after him is a fitting tribute to Chad.”

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Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

S

cotia Heights, an Exemplar Health Care complex needs care home in Stoke-on-Trent, has achieved a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The CQC rated Scotia Heights as ‘Good’ overall for being responsive, caring effectively with inspectors also assuring that the service was safe.

The report published on the 15th December, praised the care home’s efforts for conducting a staff recruitment drive and training as well as working tirelessly to keep service users safe and well during these unprecedented times.

CQC inspectors said that the service was consistently well managed with positive leadership and had a culture which promoted high-quality, person-centred care.

Sandra Rhodes, Home Manager at Scotia Heights, said: “We are beyond proud of our home and team based at Scotia Heights for being recognised by the CQC as “Good”.

The home has seen massive improvements over the past 8 months and continues to improve.

“This care home, without a doubt, goes above and beyond to make every day better for the residents.

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EXEMPLAR HEALTH CARE SECURES ‘GOOD’ RATING FOR SCOTIA HEIGHTS “The whole team are an inspiration and deserve the recognition they have received.

They’re an absolute credit to our Exemplar Health Care family.”

Scotia Heights has six 10bed units, which specialise in supporting adults with complex physical disabilities and mental health needs.

It is currently recruiting for a variety of roles, and more information on the roles available can be found on the Exemplar Health Care website Exemplar Health Care has 32 care homes across Yorkshire, the Midlands, the North West and North East which support adults living with complex needs.

l Exemplar Carers Celebrate

Study Suggests Pfizer Vaccine Is Working Against Key Variant THE Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine can still target a key mutation that has emerged in two new variants of coronavirus, laboratory studies show.

However, this is only one of many mutations that are found in the new forms of the virus.

So while the study has been welcomed, it is not being seen as definitive scientific evidence about how the vaccine will perform.

New variants have been detected in the UK and South Africa. Both forms of the virus are spreading more quickly and this has raised questions over what level of protection vaccines can offer against them.

The widely held view is that vaccines will still work, but researchers are on the hunt for proof.

The study by the University of Texas Medical Branch focuses on a mutation called N501Y, which as emerged in both new variants. This is thought to be important because it is in the part of the virus that makes first

contact with our body's cells and changes could make it easier to get in and cause an infection.

The researchers created two forms of the virus - one with and one without the mutation - and then bathed those viruses in blood samples taken from 20 patients that had been vaccinated in clinical trials.

The results showed the immune systems of vaccinated patients were able to take out the new mutation. However, the variant that emerged contain multiple mutations whose combined effects may help the

virus evade the immune system.

"The mutation selected is only one of eight in the UK variant, and in fact was not expected to have significant impact alone," Professor Ravi Gupta, from the University of Cambridge said.

Prof Stephen Evans, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "Had the opposite result been found... that would have been bad and very concerning. So, yes this is good news, but it does not yet give us total confidence that the Pfizer (or other) vaccines will definitely give protection."

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GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER WITH DR TONI LUCK

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS A NEW AFRICA-US POTENTIAL?

I

have a question for us: Does the advent of the new President of the United States bode well for Africa-US relations? I believe so.

By the time you read this epistle, the United States of America will have a new President and Vice President – President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris -the first woman and woman of color to ever hold that post.

Along with the rest of the world – we breathed a great sigh of relief as we watched the former Administration fly off for the last time in Air Force One, taking with him the tumultuous and deeply troubled four years of a failed and awful administration.

More than a great change for the people of the United States of America, I believe there is a

great opportunity for an enhanced and expanded Africa-US connection.

Believe me, I am very well aware of the fact that with everything from a Pandemic raging out of control to White Supremacy rearing its ugly head, to a failing economy, to the great need for immigration reform, and an opioid crisis, along with strained international relations, to name just a few of the challenges facing the United States, President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris have a plate so full, they actually need a platter or two.

So how shall we put Africa, her gifts, her challenges, her benefits on President Joe’s platter that would be able to produce significant and sustainable benefits to us here in Africa as well as present a win-win for America’s businesses as well as her people.

This task surely won’t be easy especially given the legacy of the former President’s “America First” foreign policy which included the firing of the most Senior State Department expert on Africa and diplomacy, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, (thank God President Biden had the good sense and

grace to bring her back, now in the powerful Cabinet position role of Ambassador to the United Nations).

The former President continually signalled disengaging from America’s engagement with Africa, referred, by him as “sh*t-hole countries” including the Muslim Ban which affected several African countries, all of which without a doubt negatively affected the Africa-US connection.

Once again, thank God that President Biden has seen the necessity and rightness to rescind this heinous racist policy.

I believe among other contributory ingredients to ensure deeper Africa-US connection during this new Administration, is America’s amazing African American communities of more than 40 million, who have in the past couple of decades begun a love affair with our original homeland, culminating most notably in 2019 when the Republic Ghana, with input from DAF (the Diaspora Africa Forum) and other Diaspora groups, unconditionally opened it borders to us with the incredible Year of Return which saw more than one million African Americans visit Ghana and other parts of Africa.

It seems to me that we to hold an exciting key for an expanded USAfrica engagement,

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as our votes and voices seen and heard, in the middle of a deadly pandemic, were instrumental in propelling President Biden and Vice President Harris to the White House.

Moreover, through incredible efforts we also were able to ensure them a Senate majority that is so vital to allow for an environment of positive and useful engagement to get America moving again.

There are so many to thank for motivating these amazing results, not the least of which is one of my favorite Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina and the amazing Stacy Abrams of Georgia.

In all fairness, in past U.S. administrations, both Democrat and Republican, there has been comprehensive and sustained US–Africa engagement which began in earnest during the Clinton administration and continued during both the administrations of Bush and Obama, both public channels through USAID’s humanitarian efforts and private ones that accessed natural resources, like coco for the 100-Billion-dollar chocolate industry, however not much sustainable good for Africa overall.

Moreover, the record shows that way too much of US engagement and money was used for the expansion

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 39

of US Military presence in Africa as the US focused its national security imperatives, in large part based on Islamic fundamentalist insurgencies in certain hotspots in Africa including but not limited to Nigeria, Mozambique, Mali and Somalia.

Nevertheless, during this time, Africa-US relations subsequently deepened somewhat with significant bipartisan support for economic and social engagement, motivated and pushed by such business organizations as the Corporate Council on Africa and the US Chamber of Commerce among others.

Not the least of which is Congresswoman Karen Bass who heads the U.S. Congressional Africa Subcommittee, who has always had a very active and exemplary role in fostering bipartisan cooperation that has often characterized U.S.-Africa legislation which has ensured, in some cases, that Africa could remain top of mind for the US engagement.

Now I believe there is an opportunity to do a bit differently under this new US Administration.

While, I do admit that it is likely that President Biden will continue the military presence, however, hopefully his capacity for compassion, wisdom and empathy will allow him to reduce some of that military spend in favour of enhanced economic engagement.

It is also my hope that the punitive economic measures taken against African countries like Zimbabwe will be reviewed and reversed finding a place in the understanding of President Biden for peace and justice because these type of conditions really hurt the average person and rarely touch the leaders who are actually being targeted.

Moreover, I am hoping that the perceived imperative to contain China that was a motivating factor in previous administrations that Africa seems to elicit, will give way to President Biden taking the opportunity to expand and extend AGOA (The African Growth and Opportunity Act) which ends in 2025.

AGOA provides almost 7000 tariff free products for over 35 countries into the United States.

In addition there is the innovative and exciting African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA, now one year old, aims to create a single African market of over 1 billion consumers

for goods and services. This unprecedented African initiated dynamism is creating tremendous commercial opportunities in trade and investment.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Africa is on course to be the world’s next big growth market, which a savvy and wisely engaged United States and her economy can truly benefit from -it is my prayer that the new Biden Administration sees this opportunity and comes to Africa with mutual respect.

In this regard, it is my hope that President Biden and Vice President Harris will definitely be more action than talk as it comes to African engagement, pushing forward the current Prosper Africa program which is a coordination and consolidation of the different strands of US bureaucracy on the continent which has worthwhile components which could double trade with Africa that the new Administration could take hold of and expand into a meaningful engagement along with the Power Africa initiative of the Obama Administration and even the GW Bush Health initiative.

These initiative can surely go a long way to successfully engage Africa in the area of Health, Wealth Building and Infrastructure, all great ingredients for an incredible Africa-US significant re-connection, providing the US with a roadmap for charting a foreign policy course that aligns with the aspirations and values of Africa and her people, while at the same time, being consistent with the core American values that President Biden outlined in his historic Inauguration speech at the US Capital which was affirmed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

It is my deepest hope that this new visionary United States administration will give us, on both sides of the Atlantic, an opportunity to collectively build a mo’ better mutual connection and durable alliance for the benefit, safety and development of our Continent.

So Africa, LETS WAKE UP and vigorously engage with a new vibrant partner who will respect our value, our worth and our enormous contribution to the development of the world.

0208 865 1922 (London)

Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

OVERSEAS NEWS

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Patience Urged As Ghana Awaits Final Results THE COMMONWEALTH Observer Group (COG), which has been on location in Ghana observing the recent elections has today issued an interim statement calling for peace as they await full results.

The Group’s interim statement noted the voting exercise was held successfully, despite unprecedented circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results are yet to be released by the Ghana Electoral Commission but speaking on the release of the COG’s interim statement its Chair, former President of East Africa Court of Justice, Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, said: “The electoral process is yet to be concluded and the greatest test of leadership is called for now. All parties must exercise patience and restraint while Ghanaians await the announcement of full results.

We urge the Ghana Electoral Commission to continue to expedite the collation of all election results, with the transparency and professionalism which they demonstrated on election day.”

NEW ENGINEERING HUB IN INDIA OPENS L

e a d i n g communications, safety, and security systems integrator, Optilan, have just announced the official opening of its new office in Mumbai, India.

One the UK’s major communications specialists for the energy, power, rail, and infrastructure sectors, it is involved in key UK infrastructure projects such as Cross-rail and major international energy infrastructure works, including the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline.

Optilan’s new Indian Engineering Hub will serve as a primary centre for driving cutting edge innovation.

The decision to open the Engineering Hub is testament to Optilan’s growing commitment to invest in India’s world class engineering talent, as part of its mission to create security,

safety, and communications related solutions that can have a genuinely global impact.

The new office houses employees from diverse disciplines, with a focus on the provision of skilled services to support the rest of the Optilan Group as part of a seamless international operation.

It will facilitate Optilan’s drive to develop its innovative approach to service solutions and project delivery.

Bill Bayliss, Chief Executive Officer at Optilan, said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new Indian Engineering Hub. Optilan operates within a highly competitive industry that’s characterised by constant change.

This evolving landscape demands innovative approaches to how we transfer both skills and expertise, in order to produce hubs of engineering excellence to

service our global business.

“The decision to set up the Engineering hub in India was more than justified, given it is home to some of the world’s most exceptional engineering talent.

Its addition to our portfolio is driven by Optilan’s strategic plans for continued growth and development across the Middle East and South Asia region, through an investment in local operations with local presence.

“We are excited to tap into the engineering talent available in this part of the country, motivated by our vision of creating a truly pioneering organisation that will build innovative solutions for global impact.”

The new office complements Optilan’s existing offices in the UK, UAE, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.

Commonwealth Secretary-General on United Republic of Tanzania Elections THE Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, has strongly urged authorities to investigate allegations regarding the recent general election in the United Republic of Tanzania of serious electoral irregularities, violence and of deaths, particularly in Zanzibar.

Secretary-General Scotland stated: “By turning out to vote, the people of Tanzania once again placed their hope in our shared values of democracy. I laud them for their unwavering commitment.

“However, I am deeply

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concerned by reports alleging serious incidents of violence and electoral malpractice. I urge the relevant authorities to transparently and expeditiously conduct the necessary investigations and ensure the rule of law, justice and accountability prevail, in order to maintain the people of Tanzania’s confidence in democracy.”

The Secretary-General reaffirmed her hope that positive lessons from previous elections could inform current processes, and added: “I hope that every option will be explored to maintain trust in the electoral process and to

ensure that democracy, peace and unity are safeguarded in Tanzania. The Commonwealth will remain ready to offer support if required.”

0208 865 1922 (London)

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12-YEAR OLD CHEF LANDS DEAL FOR COOKING CLASSES C hild chef and entrepreneur Julian Frederick is teaching other children how to build their culinary skills and empowering them to be leaders in the kitchen and beyond.

His company, The Step Stool Chef, which is dedicated to building kids’ confidence and independence through cooking, is partnering with SideChef, the all-in-one home cooking platform, to launch The Step Stool Chef Cooking School For Kids brought to you by SideChef Premium.

The 12-year old Step Stool Chef CEO and co-founder said: “I want to help kids build their cooking skills and confidence while creating great family time memories.

“The Step Stool Chef teaches

kids to be leaders in the kitchen, providing tools and solutions for them to learn to cook in a safe space with little to no help from parents.

“At the Step Stool Chef, the kids are the chefs, parents are the assistants.”

SideChef Premium is an immersive cooking subscription service that offers home cooks hundreds of recipes, tips, and behind the scenes knowledge from worldrenowned chefs and culinary influencers.

Kevin Yu, CEO, and Founder of SideChef said: “In these uncertain times, what is certain is that home cooking has become an essential part of everyday life, even for kids, and we are dedicated to persistently innovate with renowned partners like Step Stool Chef to help kids start

their cooking journey with a strong foundation.

“Teaching the future generation life skills early on in their childhood development means we are fulfilling our mission to empower even the youngest of eaters everywhere to cook great food.”

Step Stool Chef Cooking School for Kids, by SideChef Premium, is broken down into two class modules – Intro to Kid Cooking and Next Level Cooking.

Within both modules, kids learn essential cooking skills as well as how to integrate math, science, and reading into the overall cooking experience.

These classes are easy to follow, engaging, and most importantly, entertaining for children.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 41

OVERSEAS NEWS Internet service returns following Ugandan elections UGANDANS are celebrating the resumption of internet services after a shutdown was imposed ahead of the resent election. However, social media platforms remain blocked and are only accessible using Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

President Yoweri Museveni, who won an unprecedented sixth term in office, had accused the platforms of being biased. Bobi Wine, presidential candidate for the opposition National Unity Platform, alleged the poll was marred by fraud.

The party's spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi accused Mr Museveni of shutting down the internet to prevent them from sharing evidence of fraud. Mr Ssenyonyi told the Reuters news agency that NUP's offices had been raided saying; "They don't want work to continue at our offices because they know that we are putting together evidence to show the world how much of a fraudster Museveni is."

Law enforcer Yogananda appointed Acting Chief of US Capitol Police

l Yogananda Pittman YOGANANDA Pittman, a senior-ranking female law enforcement officer and HBCU graduate, has made history after her recent appointment as the acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police department.

Pittman began her law enforcement career with the United States Capitol Police in April 2001, and she has steadily

worked her way up the ranks to be named Assistant Chief of Police in October 2019.

In 1991, she graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.

In 2018, she completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and graduated from the National Organization of Black Law

Enforcement Executives’ CEO Mentoring Program.

In 2019, she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.

“It is very important for young female law enforcement officers to see someone who looks like them in leadership positions,” Yogananda says.

“It says to them that these positions are obtainable and available to them. I enjoy being a mentor. I was very fortunate to have great mentors myself.

“Often officers will stop me and ask my advice, and it means a lot to me to be able to discuss their future plans and offer my insights. I am very appreciative of WIFLE and its mission, and for their selecting me for this honour.”

Her appointment came just one week after the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., was breached by hundreds of Trump supporters, which resulted in multiple injuries and at least 5 deaths.

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Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Sandals, AMResorts offer Covid tests on their properties IN RESPONSE to the latest U.S. CDC travel requirements, AMResorts and Sandals Resorts are deploying Covid-19 testing programs at their properties.

Since January, AMResorts guests have be able to schedule a test through their concierge.

The tests will be administered by the Hospiten international network of private hospitals, and results will be available the same day.

Their testing program will be available at most AMResorts destinations, except in Costa Rica, Curaรงao, San Martin and Acapulco, Ixtapa and Huatulco, Mexico. According to AMResorts, details of the test provider in those markets were "pending".

In addition, AMResorts is providing free and extended quarantine coverage for all guests traveling to the U.S., through to March 31.

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JAMAICA POSTS J BEST NUMBERS SINCE REOPENING

amaica has this week reported its highest seven-day cumulative arrival figures since reopening borders on June 15th. Preliminary statistics from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) show that for the period December 22-28, just over 21,000 passengers arrived on the island.

Jamaica has this week reported its highest seven-day cumulative arrival figures since reopening borders on June 15th. Preliminary statistics from the Jamaica Tourist

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Board (JTB) show that for the period December 22nd-28th, just over 21,000 passengers arrived on the island.

The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay welcomed 16,841 and 4,203 additional passengers arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Between December 1st-28th, Jamaica welcomed over 98,000 visitors, an increase of more than 30,000 compared to the previous month. Sangster International Airport continues to account for the majority of arrivals.

Between June 15th and December 28th, a total of 376,044 passengers arrived on the island.

The JTB recently announced tourism sales and marketing strategies that will deliver on the Destination Assurance promise of a safe, secure and seamless visit.

Destination Assurance prioritizes health and safety, while positioning Jamaica as the premiere holiday choice for GEN-C, the generation that transcends demographics and reflects the shared psychographic of living through the pandemic.

0208 865 1922 (London)

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OVER 40% WON’T TRAVEL IN 2021 A

ccording to a survey of 1,500 people, commissioned by AccuraCast, 41.5 percent of respondents said they did not plan to travel in 2021.

The survey asked consumers what was the most important aspect of a travel insurance policy and the majority of respondents said they did not plan to travel in 2021, so wouldn’t have any need for travel insurance.

While this is good news for health officials, it spells continued trouble for the travel industry, which has globally suffered a loss of 75 million jobs and $2.1 trillion in revenue, according

THE APPOINTMENT of British supermodel Naomi Campbell as Kenya's tourism ambassador has caused a Twitter storm in the East African nation.

Many queried why it had not been given to a prominent Kenyan like Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong'o.

Others leapt to her defence, saying the debate already justified her role. Kenya's tourism sector has been badly hit by coronavirus, with visitor numbers down by 72% between January and October last year.

Kenya's Tourism Research Institute reported: ‘The sector hence lost over 110bn Kenyan shillings [$1bn, £738m] of direct international tourists' revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic.’

The style icon and philanthropist has been posting images of her stay on Instagram, where she has 10 million followers.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala said: "We welcome the exciting news that Naomi Campbell will advocate for tourism and travel internationally for the Magical Kenya brand."

But the statement, posted on Twitter, prompted instant outrage from some, and her name was trending in the country.

One tweeter cited other Kenyan

to estimates from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

The top priority for travel insurance – for those who were planning to travel – was ‘cancellation due to Covid restrictions’ (21 percent), followed closely by ‘medical cover, including Covid cover’ (11.5 percent).

It would seem that delays were no longer such a worry for consumers, with only 3 percent of respondents stating it was the most important aspect of a travel insurance policy.

Those in the 65 year plus age group were most likely to say they would not travel in 2021, (50.5 percent). In contrast, only 36 percent of

18 to 24 year olds surveyed said they would not travel – making this group the most likely to travel in 2021.

Respondents aged between 35 and 44 years were most likely to rank ‘cancellations due to Covid restrictions’ as their priority.

Respondents aged 45 and over weren’t as worried about cancellation cover, presumably because health concerns take priority for travellers in this age group.

With the travel industry already taking a massive hit in 2020, the results of the survey show that 2021 isn’t going to be an easy ride back to normality for the industry.

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 43

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Royal Caribbean cancels cruises through to May ROYAL Caribbean has extended its suspension in the U.S. through April 2021, with the first sailings from the country now planned for May. The new adjustments announced

by Royal Caribbean Group on Tuesday morning impacts all owned cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Azamara.

Royal Caribbean International which is the leading operator was previously planning on returning in March but now that won’t be the case. The cruise line has canceled sailings through April 30, 2021.

Supermodel Naomi's Kenya tourism role creating ruptures

l Naomi Campbell celebrities better suited to the ambassadorial role, including models Ajuma Nasenyana and Debra Sanaipei, as well as Nyong'o. Another tweeter said the backlash revealed an unhealthy attitude in Kenya:

"At the end of the day, it's all about who will get the job done. This mentality is what causes nepotism and tribalism in Kenyan institutions, it should be about the most suitable candidate not 'one of our own' thing."

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Page 44 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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Noel Park Tenants Set For Major Transformation COUNCIL tenants living in Noel Park are set to receive a major boost as 117 properties will undergo major external works to ensure that all homes in the area are at or above the Decent Homes standard.

Haringey Council, in London, are committed to improving housing standards in the borough and approved a cabinet decision for Engie Regeneration Limited to carry out works that will cost £11.3million.

Bathroom Pod extensions were added to the rear of hundreds of homes in the area back in the 1970s but have now reached the end of their life span and need replacing.

Council residents living on the Noel Park estate will see a major transformation as they benefit from the replacement of the pods including bathroom suites and associated works, construction of kitchen extensions, renewal of kitchens and roof replacement.

Repairs will also take place with window and door replacement, rewiring, boiler replacement and heating installation works, fire protection works, brickwork and concrete repairs and external decoration.

The works will be carried out in two phases with phase one made up of 47 tenanted dwellings in Farrant Avenue, Morley Avenue and 70 purposebuilt flats comprising tenants only on Gladstone Avenue.

“Residents living on the Noel Park estate, and across Haringey, will see significant improvements to the standards of their homes, improvements to the safety in their homes and increasing resident satisfaction.

The overall project will contribute to achieving the Borough Plan objectives for housing, as we work together to drive up the quality of housing for everyone.

MERCURE BIRMINGHAM BARONS COURT HOTEL BROUGHT TO MARKET

S

pecialist business property advisor, Christie & Co has brought to market, the Mercure Birmingham Barons Court Hotel, a stylish and contemporary mid-range hotel located in Walsall Wood.

The Mercure Birmingham Barons Court lies in the middle of England’s heartlands, to the north of Birmingham. The hotel is well positioned near the M6 toll, with good links to the M6, M5 AND M42 leading to the M40.

Additionally, Birmingham International Airport is just over 20 miles away, making the hotel a popular choice for both leisure and business layovers.

The hotel is situated in an historic property dating back to 1901 and now comprises 98 modern en-suite bedrooms, an in-house bar and restaurant, and conference and event space for up to 700 guests.

It is currently managed by the Talash Hotel Limited as part of their portfolio of 12 hotels. The group is now looking to sell the business to pursue other property interests.

The sale of the Mercure Birmingham Barons Court presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial hotel in the Midlands, with the benefit of the Mercure franchise agreement in place.

Equally, the site offers various asset management opportunities, subject to the relevant planning permissions. The hotel will be sold as a TOGC. Talash Hotels said: “The hotel commands an enviable position on Lichfield Road and is in close proximity to key conurbations and businesses in the area.

“We have deployed a significant amount of capital expenditure in recent years to bring the hotel up to brand standards. As such, very little additional investment

is required, so it’s a great opportunity for a new owner to take on the business and build on its existing success.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed managing the hotel, but the time has come to pass it on, and we look forward to finding the right new owner with the help of Christie & Co.” Charles Jones, Associate Director in Christie & Co’s Hospitality team is handling the sale and comments: “2020 proved to be a challenging year due to COVID-19, however branded hotel opportunities remained very much in high demand, with our team achieving in excess of 360 offers accepted.

“We’ve seen similar demand levels in the first few weeks of 2021, so we’re excited to launch this opportunity to market and expect a significant level of interest.”

SALEH & SONS

Specialising in Caribbean Produce Fresh Meat & Vegetables TEL : 0121 551 1736 250 LOZELLS RD, BIRMINGHAM B19 1NP

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The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 45

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

T

NEW HOPE FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS

he Government’s Help to Buy scheme, designed to help first-time buyers on to the property ladder, is changing soon, offering fresh opportunities to would-be home buyers in Birmingham, says Persimmon Homes.

Introduced in 2013, Help to Buy enabled purchasers to put down just a 5% deposit on a newly-built home, with up to 20% of the full cost of the home being funded by a shared equity loan, which is interest-free for the first five years.

Originally aimed at both first-time buyers and existing homeowners, the new equity loan scheme will be limited to those new to the housing market from April 2021.

Neil Williams, managing direct of Persimmon Homes Central, said: “Starting on 1 April next year, the new Help to Buy programme lets eligible first-time buyers in this area borrow up to 20% of the cost of a new Persimmon home from the Government. This applies to new homes up to £255,600 in value on many of our developments.

“At Persimmon we are registered for the new scheme and believe it can bring home ownership within the reach of thousands who may otherwise have struggled, especially after the unique circumstances we’ve all faced over the past year.

“Across the UK, Help to Buy has already helped more than 270,000

into home ownership, of which four-in-five are first-time buyers.

The revised scheme aims to build further on this success.”

How Help to Buy works: • You pay a deposit of 5% of the purchase price of your new home when contracts are exchanged • You take out a repayment mortgage of at least 25% of the purchase price of your new home • You are not charged interest on the loan for the first five years • Interest fees start at 1.75% and rise each year in April by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) plus 2% • You pay a monthly management fee of £1 for the life of the equity loan •The equity loan is secured against your property in the same way as a repayment mortgage. You must repay the equity loan when you sell the home, pay off your repayment mortgage or reach the end of your equity loan term. But, you can repay all or part of the equity loan any time before then • Buyers can apply for a Help to Buy: Equity Loan from 16 December 2020 Persimmon Homes operates new build homes developments at more than 380 sites across England, Scotland and Wales. The company is currently rated four stars in the Home Builders Federation (HBF) rating system.

Black Country Housing Group Donates Tablets to Local Children BLACK COUNTRY Housing Group (BCHG), an awardwinning housing association based in Blackheath, has gifted 10 tablets to support young people in Wrens Nest with online learning and communication during the coronavirus pandemic.

The tablets were distributed as part of BCHG’s Dudley Community Cohesion Project, funded by Dudley Council (Dudley Innovation Fund).

Managed by the Wrens Nest Youth Centre, Dudley Community Church and BCHG’s Social Business Team, this employability and positive behaviour project aims to reduce anti-social behaviour within the Dudley borough.

As the Wrens Nest Youth Centre is currently closed due to the national lockdown, the tablets will allow youth leaders to hold weekly sessions, allowing the young people to reconnect with each other in positive, innovative ways.

Most importantly, the 10 children will form a local Youth Committee, meeting every week via Zoom with Avija Cerevko, the youth centre’s Community Development Officer.

PC Hubert ‘Hughie’ Treasure MBE, who is overseeing the Wrens Nest project, said: ‘’The incredible donations will make a significant difference

to these 10 children who do not have access to IT facilities at home, enabling them to not only reconnect with each other in positive, creative controlled ways, but also to have a focus during these difficult times’’.

Speaking of the project and BCHG’s involvement, Peter Hoarle, Head of Business Development, said: ‘’Black Country Housing Group is more than bricks and mortar; we are a social business investing in people and communities.

“Our Community Development and Employability Officer, Merisha Smith, has exemplified this in how she has formed relationships with Dudley Council, the Police, the Church, the youth centre and the local community to enable this and other projects to take place during a time of national lockdown’’.

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SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Joshua helping to fund British amateur boxing WORLD heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has made a substantial donation to help fund amateur boxing in Britain - saying he “hopes we haven’t lost the next generation of fighters” with clubs closed and boxing not included on a list of sports that received a £300m bailout last November.

IBF, WBA and WBO titles holder Joshua, 31, gave a six-figure sum to the amateur boxing federations of England, Wales and Scotland.

Turning professional after winning Olympic gold at London 2012, he said: "Without grassroots boxing, there is no Anthony Joshua. The doors to these gyms are always open to any kid from any background.

"It's not just financial help. I will often try and motivate these kids by being among them, bringing my belts down and training with them.

I believe in the next 10-15 years, you are going to see the leaders of tomorrow, but I hope it's not 25-30 years because we have lost this next generation."

Gethin Jenkins, chair of England Boxing, said: "We are delighted and we thank Anthony for this muchneeded financial support, and for drawing attention to the role and support the clubs offer in their local communities - and with it, the need for greater government support to grassroots boxing clubs."

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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TEAM INDIA CREATES A ‘NEW DAWN’ IN THE GENTLEMAN’S GAME A

By Dr Christopher Johnson s Indian farmers (especially in the Punjab) protest against unjust agricultural laws that threaten to reduce their market share and vanquish their farming livelihood(s), India’s recent triumph over the Australian cricket team, is more than a pyrrhic victory.

When India retained the Border-Gavaskar Cricket Trophy in the just concluded Test series, it heralded a new generation of cricketing heirs’ commitment and dedication to the ‘Gentleman’s Game’.

Most teams who visit Australia are often subjected to vituperation, ridicule and perceived as underdogs particularly at a time, when the Aussies are at their peak in batting and bowling departments.

With world class batters, Steve

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Smith and pacer Pat Cummins, the likelihood of an India victory in the four-match series, was unlikely according to several naysayers.

When Australia won the First Test after bowling out India for 36 in the second innings at Adelaide, media pundits perceived a ‘reckoning’ for Virat Kohli and his men.

They were subjected to racial abuse, pandemic-quarantine or self-isolation and a spate of injuries to some of their top players.

It seemed that fate had dealt the Indian team, a ‘cruel hand’.

Kohli’s departure to see his new born back home, further compounded the situation.

However, the appointment of the stylish, cool and unflappable Ajinkya Rahane to the helm, had an immediate effect as it changed the fortunes of this subcontinental star-studded team, for good.

In the remaining series, India’s

l India’s wicket keeping dynamo Rishabh Pant modern generation of cricketers (products of the Indian Premiere League -IPL) coupled with a tiny fraction of veterans (Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja), took the spotlight as they helped to defeat Australia, 2-1.

Young superstars Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini, performed brilliantly to give their team a redemptive win against their superior rivals.

They outclassed the Aussies

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with imaginative strokeplay, inventiveness and an awesome display of tact and resilience.

Noteworthy, before the series began, Mohammed Siraj’s father passed away but India’s newfound paceman was determined to remain and play for his country.

This was in order to fulfil his father’s dream of seeing him play Test cricket. Siraj became the first debutant for India in seven years to take five wickets in a Test match.

He finished the second Test match against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with 5 for 77 runs in 36.3 overs.

As the series ebbed and flowed, there was a phenomenal evocation of leadership, responsibility and stoicism as India’s cricketers recrafted a unique model in Test cricket.

As Rahane’s men combined defence with aggression, they literally outplayed the team of Time Paine and reflected the demonstrative qualities of assertiveness, determination and proactiveness in the face of adversity.

Goaded by fans in Australia and billions worldwide, India’s cricketers exemplified literarily, the principle of ‘succeeding against the odds’.

Theirs will certainly have a rippling effect on their farming countrymen and women in their unity-battle to maintain collective economic self-reliance and social justice.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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LONDON MARATHON OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 2021

M

a r a t h o n organisers say they are "very optimistic" a record 50,000 runners will be able to take part in the race when it is held on October 3.

The 2020 race involved only elite athletes running a specially designed closed-loop course because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Event director Hugh Brasher said he hoped the vaccination programme would allow amateur runners to participate.

The government is aiming to offer every adult in the UK a vaccine by autumn. Reaching the 50,000 target would

involve marathon organisers accommodating a record number of people on the course.

A record 42,906 started the 2019 race. Organisers estimate the event also attracts about 750,000 spectators and needs about 6,000 volunteers to help on the day.

Event director Hugh Brasher said: "The government has been talking about the fact that everyone will be vaccinated in the country by September. This is 3 October, so we really hope that this is a beacon of hope in the future. And that we really are living in a different world to what we are now in.

"We're talking to scientists

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 47

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Former Test umpire Holden suing ECB over racism

l Pre-COVID Marathon and to other organisers around the world, where events are happening and how they have happened. And that's why we are positive about October 3."

For the second year running the race has been moved from its traditional April date. In

addition to the runners taking part, organisers are also inviting another 50,000 people to complete the 26.2 miles virtually

using a tracking app.

Last year 38,000 runners took part virtually.

FORMER Test Cricket umpire John Holder is suing the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) over allegations of racial discrimination during his time working for the board.

The legal claim that is lodged follows after Holder, and another former umpire Ismail Dawood, made accusations of “institutionalised racism.”

A first-class umpire between 1983 and 2009, he (Holden) related it to his employment, where he became the most notable Black British umpire in England cricket.

He claims that he was discriminated against on the grounds of race, with his - and Dawood’s - concerns over the fact that no non-white umpires have been appointed to the first-class list since 1992.

Tiktok Partners With BBL For First Ever #Britishbasketball Campaign TIKTOK has today partnered with the British Basketball League and Basketball England to launch the #BritishBasketball hashtag challenge and showcase the best of British basketball.

In what is the first ever basketball focused campaign on TikTok in the UK, the BBL and Basketball England are inviting basketball lovers to share their best basketball tricks, skills and content on TikTok. TikTok Creators will have access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content from professional clubs like Sheffield Sharks, Leicester Riders, London Lions, Glasgow Rocks, Plymouth Raiders, Bristol Flyers and Surrey Scorchers.

Basketball England Marketing and Communications director Anthony Jepson, "Our team have been using TikTok to share basketball content to a new audience and we've been encouraged to see it getting a great response."

"We’re excited to be working with TikTok to showcase #BritishBasketball and the talent in the BBL to people not only in the UK but across the world. From the hustle of training to the thrill of gameday, TikTok allows us and

our clubs a unique and direct way to share with our fans and communities. We’ve also loved seeing great basketball content shared by fans and creators from the basketball community and cannot wait to see what they share on the hashtag to celebrate the sport we love!,” said Selina Conroy, British Basketball League's Head of Communications Professional players including Mike Tuck, Jamell Anderson and Tayo Ogedengbe will also be sharing exclusive content to highlight what it's like being a pro basketball player in the UK.

"We're seeing great videos being shared by fans, contentmakers and teams across the sport and would encourage everyone who loves the game in Britain, whether your thing is NBL, BBL, the national teams or up-and-coming young talent, to use the hashtag to celebrate it," Jepson said.

With more than 31 billion video views, #basketball has cemented itself as one of the most popular sports on TikTok and #BritishBasketball is on the rise with numerous clubs from the BBL joining the platform.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Team India creates a ‘New Dawn’ in the Gentleman’s Game- Page 46

London Marathon optimistic about 2021 - Page 47

CHAMPION JOSHUA HELPING TO FUND BRITISH AMATEUR BOXING W

o r l d heavyweight champion A n t h o n y Joshua has made a substantial donation to help fund amateur boxing in Britain - saying he “hopes we haven’t lost the next generation of fighters” with clubs closed and boxing not included on a list of sports that received a £300m bailout last November.

IBF, WBA and WBO titles holder Joshua, 31, gave a sixfigure sum to the amateur boxing federations of England, Wales and Scotland.

Turning professional after winning Olympic gold at London 2012, he said: "Without grassroots boxing, there is no Anthony Joshua. The doors to these gyms are always open to any kid from any background.

"It's not just financial help.

No guarantee Olympics will go ahead says IOC’s Dick Pound

l Dick Pound

DICK POUND, the longest serving member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), remains uncertain whether the Tokyo 2020 Games will go ahead.

It comes after organisers said they will be ready to host the rescheduled Games - despite the city declaring a state of emergency over Covid-19.

Pound said: "I can't be certain because the ongoing elephant in the room would be the surges in the virus." The rescheduled

Games are set to take place between July 23 and August 8.

He added that competitors should be high up the priority list when it comes to getting vaccinated, and also suggested that organisers could make it a condition for them to declare they have received the jab before entering Japan.

The IOC earlier stated athletes would not be obligated to do so, but added: "At the same time, the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee are fully aligned in their commitment to have as many foreign participants as possible vaccinated before the Games.

I will often try and motivate these kids by being among them, bringing my belts down and training with them.

“I believe in the next 10-15 years, you are going to see the leaders of tomorrow, but I hope it's not 25-30 years because we have lost this next generation."

Gethin Jenkins, chair of England Boxing, said: "We are delighted and we thank Anthony for this much-needed financial support, and for drawing attention to the role and support the clubs offer in their local communities - and with it, the need for greater government support to grassroots boxing clubs."

Although boxing was not included in the government's bailout, Sport England has distributed £2.5m to local clubs since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Carlin Are First Official eSkootr Championship Team LEGENDARY British motorsport outfit Carlin has become the first organisation to announce its participation as a team in the eSkootr Championship (eSC).

It will field three riders when the eSC series, which was launched last July, hosts its first competitive events later in 2021.

The British race operation, founded in 1996, has achieved

success at almost every level of the sport – including an unsurpassed title-winning run in the British Formula 3 series and championships in Formula 2, Formula Renault 3.5 and F4. More recently, it has successfully expanded into North America, where it currently contests the IndyCar series, the USA’s premier single-seater championship.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com