Untouchable in America

By Sunita Sohrabji

Dalit activist Prem Pariyar says his family was brutally attacked in Nepal for being “untouchables.” He fled to the U.S., but finds caste discrimination persists here as well.

In 2014, Prem Pariyar’s father, who lives in Kathmandu, rented a truck for a day at a cost of 50 Nepali rupees. He asked the owner of the truck to come back the following day to get the payment, the equivalent of 38 cents in the U.S. Pariyar’s family are Dalits, sometimes derisively referred to as “untouchables.” Caste oppression and discrimination are currently on the front burner in California: on May 11, the state Senate overwhelmingly passed SB 403, which would make discrimination on the basis of caste illegal in the state. The bill was sponsored by Democrat Sen. Aisha Wahab, the first South Asian American woman in the California state Legislature.

Brutal Attack caste truck owner and his gang started to attack his sister and father, viciously beating them while chanting anti-Dalit vitriol. “My dad fainted, he fell to the ground.”

If the bill passes through the Assembly and is signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, California would become the first state to explicitly ban caste-based discrimination. Opponents of the measure say protection for Dalits already exists in California state law.

The Seattle, Washington City Council passed a similar resolution in February.

Brain Bleed and Nightmares

Pariyar’s wife called Prem, who returned immediately and called police. The family was taken to the hospital. Pariyar’s father sustained a slow brain bleed, which lasted about six months. His mother and sister suffered extensive bruising throughout their bodies. The family remains traumatized to this day, often suffering nightmares of the horrific event, he said.

Pariyar said he tried to file a report with police, but allegedly got nowhere. He fled to the U.S. in 2015, using caste oppression as the basis for his asylum claim, which was approved by the State Department, according to him.

State Dept. Criticizes India and Nepal

that are reported rarely result in official action, according to the State Department report.

Asylum in the US

The State Department cited similar conditions in India.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs immediately denounced the report as “motivated and biased commentary” and added that “such reports continue to be based on misinformation and flawed understanding.”

Pariyar’s case is an acknowledgm,ement that the State Department recognizes that caste oppression is a valid condition upon which to approve an asylum claim, said Thenmozhi Soundararajan, founder of the Oakland, California-based Equality Labs, the largest Dalit organization in the U.S. “Caste discrimination is a known reason for asylum; we have seen cases across multiple states,” she told EMS.

Discrimination Continues

Five reasons lawmakers need to improve public health emergency preparedness

By Phyllis Arthur and Tom Cotter

attended college at CSU East Bay; discrimination against him persisted by other South Asian Americans.

“People used to ask my name. When I said ‘I’m Prem Pariyar,’ their body language changed immediately. Silence descended. They could tell by my surname that I was Dalit.”

“So many people in my community have changed their surnames to hide their caste identity. But I have never hidden who I am,” said Pariyar.

‘Polluted’ Food

The associate mental health clinician, who is currently practicing at the Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health and Training Center, said that shortly after arriving in the US, he went to a house party. “When it was time to have food together, I was stopped many times. They didn’t want me to touch the food because I would pollute it. They have a fear of polluting their food.”

A similar incident occurred at a contract worksite, during a birthday celebration of a Nepali co-worker. Everyone at the office was invited, so Pariyar went. But when he went to get his food, he was stopped. “The hostess immediately stopped me. ‘Excuse me, Prem, can you stop? Please don’t touch that food. I will prepare a plate for you.’” will save money in the long run. A report from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board found that getting ready for the next pandemic would cost $39 billion. That's about $5 for every person alive today. That figure is nothing next to the estimated $11 trillion cost of the 2020 response to Covid-19 and the $10 trillion in lost earnings.

The Covid-19 pandemic is seemingly behind us; in fact, President Biden recently ended the official national health emergency [April 10].

So perhaps it's unsurprising that Americans want lawmakers to start preparing for the next public health threat, according to a new survey from the Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Healthcare Ready. Here are five big reasons lawmakers need to get the ball rolling.

1. The federal government is woefully underprepared to address future public health emergencies.

According to the BIO/ Healthcare Ready survey only 22% of respondents believe that the U.S. would be "very prepared" for a new public health emergency today.

An investigation by the chairman of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee criticized the initial Covid-19 pandemic response as "historically unprepared." His report found that lack of a clear leadership structure, poor domestic manufacturing capacity, inadequate infectious disease surveillance, and poor communication were all contributing factors.

2. Government agencies designed to address public health emergencies are underfunded.

4. Public health threats are also threats to national security.

An overwhelming 92% of survey respondents agree that "The ability to effectively prevent public health emergencies is a crucial part of maintaining U.S. national security." And 80% of respondents were at least somewhat concerned that the nation will face a bioterrorism attack in the next five years.

The budget of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the body in charge of developing medical countermeasures, was barely $745 million in fiscal 2022. A mere $76 million was available for the agency's public-private partnership program designed to help address health security threats.

5. State lawmakers are key actors as well.

Pariyar told Ethnic Media Services the truck driver was very angry. “He said: ‘oh, you untouchables. How you dare to say that? Do I have to come again just to receive Rs 50? Okay, wait, I will show you your label.’”

The truck owner came back with 25 men, who broke through the door of the Pariyars’ home and tore the place apart, according to Prem Pariyar. He was not home, but his mother, father, sister, wife, and little son were all inside.

Pariyar alleged that the higher

At press time May 19, the State Department had not responded to a request for comment on Pariyar’s case or whether caste oppression is a valid criteria for asylum cases. But in its annual “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Report,” the agency noted that while castebased discrimination is illegal in Nepal, the practice still continues and is often violent.

The report cited Dalit activists as saying discrimination laws were too general and did not explicitly protect Dalits. Most cases go unreported, and those

“Immigration case law is one of the robust bodies of US law where caste discrimination is recognized,” said Soundararajan.

“This happened in front of my fellow co-workers. I was feeling like I was not a human being at that time,” said Pariyar. “I was so embarrassed. But nobody stood up and told the hostess ‘this is wrong,’ which made me feel even more bad.”

‘Casteism Still Alive’

Spurred on by Pariyar’s activism, in January 2022, the California State University system added caste as a protected category to its system-wide antidiscrimination policies.

“I used to think the United States, this is the dream land for everyone. Because here people can have all kinds of freedom. This is the land of human rights.”

Of the $3.6 trillion America spends on health annually, less than 3% goes to public health and preventive measures.The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, the agency with primary responsibility, saw its inflation-adjusted budget decrease by 10% between 2010 and 2019.

Fully 71% of survey respondents believe the federal spending for public health preparedness should increase.

3. Funding for preparedness

A nearly unanimous 97% of respondents believe that state governments share at least some responsibility for public health emergency preparedness. And 72% believe that the federal government should coordinate with state and local governments on response plans.

The verdict is in: Americans want us to be ready for the next emergency.

Phyllis Arthur is the senior vice president of infectious disease and emerging science policy at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization and the chair of Healthcare Ready. Tom Cotter, MPH, is the executive director of Healthcare Ready.

Summer reading helps students store needed knowledge... continued

After fleeing to the US, Pariyar self-confidence in young Black and brown boys ages 6 to 10 years old. For example, ‘B’ is for Black King, celebrating African royalty. teacher caused her to fall a little behind in reading.

“But the truth is, casteism is still alive and well today in California. Dalits are suffering daily from the effects of historic and modern casteism,” said Pariyar.

“Summer reading gives students that extra push to be avid readers,” said Clark.

Keeping It Real: Officers Should Share the Financial

Costs from page 1

of Their Bad Behavior...continued

to settle claims nationwide.

One would think Riverside County has deep pockets because the report shows that between 2010 and 2020, the county paid an astounding $77 million in payments resulting from judgements and settlement claims resulting from officers’ aberrant actions.

Although the county and its sheriff’s department has insurance to pay for such costs, with any such claim, taxpayers are still on the hook whether it’s to offset the cost of lawyers, investigators, miscellaneous court costs, etc. There is always a price to be paid and depending on how long a case drags on, the more those costs accrue.

Although some can claim budgets include funding to offset these costs, those budget dollars come from the taxpayers.

Many activists have argued police misconduct costs should be directly linked to police budgets as a way to mitigate bad behavior by deputies/police. There is also a case to be made for those who abuse citizens–especially repeat offenders who continue to do so–should be personally penalized financially.

I personally believe they should be terminated, however termination is difficult as long

Summer reading helps students store needed knowledge

By Ashley Winters, St. Louis American

“It hurts my heart when my kindergartner leaves my class reading all their sight words, and when they get to first grade their teacher complains to me about how behind my former student is in reading,” said Taylor.

“I encourage my daughter to take a book with her wherever she goes, even if it’s to the park,” said Clark as she smiled with pride.

Clark’s books can be found at Witty Kids Club: The Red Book as the protections of qualified immunity remain in place.

When SB 2 became effective in January 2022, although it did not do away with the protections afforded officers via qualified immunity, it did make it easier for victims of excessive force to press civil lawsuits by eliminating certain immunities.

Recognizing that SB 2 should not be the final word in this regard, perhaps California should look to Colorado for an innovative option that may move the state further along in its quest to reduce police misconduct.

Colorado has implemented a hybrid system where officers found guilty of using excessive force or other violations, are now required to pay five percent of a judgment up to $25,000–whichever is less. In addition, the law allows the officers to purchase liability insurance.

Requiring officers to share the cost of his/her bad behavior could be a giant step toward finding a solution to the issue of excessive force and police misconduct in general. However, recognizing the stranglehold police/sheriff unions have over politicians in this state Colorado’s approach may be a heavy lift in California. Of course, this is just my opinion. I’m keeping it real.

The school year will soon fade into summer, which means family vacations, sleeping in, and staying up late.

According to the American Library Association, summer reading encourages youths to develop a lifelong habit of reading. It also helps those who are reluctant to read books become more interested through activities over the summer. Students that have a summer book reading plan in place are at a lower risk of losing reading skills from the previous school year.

Scholastic research shows that summer reading helps youths foster social-emotional development. 83 percent of educators say reading helps students understand people that are different from them, 81 percent say reading helps students develop empathy, and 81 percent say reading helps students see themselves in characters and stories.

The St. Louis American interviewed Chandria Taylor, Rebecca Clark, and Tracie McGhee, children’s book authors, they discussed what their book is about and the benefits of summer reading.

The ABC’s To Black Boy Joy Authors are encouraging Black students to grow their confidence with characters that look like them in their stories. (Courtesy Photo)

Written by Chandria Taylor, a kindergarten teacher in the metro-east, the book encourages

Taylor advises families to make reading fun. They can have their young readers read the signs of restaurants and local attractions. She also recommends online sites including pbskids.org and Starfall.com.

Summer reading gives students that extra push to be avid readers.

Taylor’s books can be found on Amazon: Witty Kids: I Dream To Be

Educators say that reading helps students improve crosscultural understanding. (Courtesy Photo)

Author Rebecca Clark, Clark is a mother of two— a high schooler and a second grader. Her book teaches young minds to explore a world of endless possibilities through a variety of careers – such as a veterinarian, astronaut, or engineer. Clark’s book encourages kids to dream beyond their imagination, and to see themselves in careers they thought they would never be in. Her book is for readers between first and fourth grade.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Clark’s youngest daughter was entering kindergarten and she witnessed the struggles her daughter was facing learning through a computer screen. She says that her young learner missed learning to read the traditional way, and not having that one-on-one time with her

Written by Tracie BerryMcGhee, a therapist who focuses on the mental development of pre-teen through young adult girls, “The Red Book” features letters and poems written by women from St. Louis. She calls her books “teen girls’ advice for the soul.”

Berry-McGhee noticed during the pandemic more teens were turning to TikTok than picking up a book. From her point of view, teens lose interest in reading because many books don’t speak to them.

She recommends parents should start a book club within the family— the choice of the teen. This creates bonding and gives them something to do besides staring at a screen. She also recommends books that have short stories and recommends that teens start a book club within their friend circle.

“Teens having books to read that spark their interest helps keep them out of trouble,” said the therapist.

Berry-McGhee says that as a community we must push literacy, enjoy reading, and not make it a chore. She said, “Our children have nothing to do, but do something they will regret.”

This article was originally published by the St. Louis American.

Mental health must be taken as seriously as physical health

By Chris Dunne

IRS Free Tax Filing Service Could Further Harm Black, Low-Income Taxpayers...continued

harm a government-run system will have on vulnerable taxpayers and the true costs to taxpayers. The prices estimated in the study to build, operate, and maintain are laughable. “

Plummer also said, “The study cherry-picks data to support its flawed conclusion ignoring that only 12% of taxpayers said they would use a government-run system if state returns are not included.” officials expect 168 million individual tax returns to be filed this year.

A report from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) released in January, found that Black Americans were more likely to be audited by the IRS than another taxpayer group.

LA County Library Recognized as a 2023 Recipient of Nation’s Highest Museum and Library Honor

National Medal for Museum and Library Service Recognizes LA County Library’s Community Contributions

As Mental Health Awareness gets underway, there’s no better time for our industry’s leaders to make one simple commitment that’s proven to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace.

I was recently given the opportunity to appear at The Media Leaders Awards, along with some of my fellow Future 100 inductees, to present a personal manifesto to our industry’s leaders; my perspective on an issue that I believe we should be prioritising in the year ahead.

For me, there is no greater threat to our industry’s ability to prosper than the present and growing mental health crisis, and in particular the impact it’s having on our emerging talent.

Now, you probably don’t need me to tell you why we’re in the midst of a mental health crisis: the aftermath of a global pandemic, the economic downturn, costof-living pressures, political instability, incessant culture wars, and record-breaking NHS waiting lists (and not in a good way).

In our workplaces, hybrid working is still in flux and has reduced social interaction levels across the board. Every business is under increased economic pressure whilst everyone is expected to deliver more with less to work with.

And it’s our junior teams, as the newest and lowest paid employees, who are feeling the sharper end of these pressures and who don’t necessarily have the experience or confidence, or feel they have the permission, to speak up when things get too much.

Sobering statistics

Okay, some numbers now – I wouldn’t be from Thinkbox if I didn’t halt proceedings for a few numbers.

A recent Deloitte study estimated that the total annual cost of poor mental health to employers was £56bn in 2021.

The same study suggests that of the young people who have recently left their job or plan to do so in the next 12 months, two in three say the decision was driven by poor mental health.

Meanwhile, mental health calls to NABS are up 31% yearon-year, but up 74% on prepandemic levels. And as their CEO Sue Todd shared recently at The Future of Brands event in London, new data suggests that for almost 70% of people, their manager has more impact on their mental health than their therapist or doctor, and it’s equal to the impact of their partner.

If you’re a leader, you’re right to find these stats sobering. And to try and meaningfully tackle such a huge issue alongside the day to day running of a profitable business can seem a hugely daunting task.

You’ll no doubt already have a number of polices and initiatives in place to look after the wellbeing of your people. But can you honestly say that everyone in your organisation feels as comfortable talking about their mental health in the same way they might their physical health?

Having a direct positive impact I grew up with a parent with severe mental ill health, so I

IRS Free Tax Filing Service Could Further Harm Black, Low-Income Taxpayers

By Hamil R. Harris

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - The IRS is exploring a direct e-file system for tax returns. However, some believe the system would bring undue harm to historically marginalized communities – including Black and lowincome taxpayers - based on recent reports concerning IRS enforcement actions.

The Internal Revenue Service submitted a report to Congress, required by the Inflation Reduction Act, which evaluated the feasibility of providing taxpayers with the option of a free, voluntary, IRSrun electronic filing system, commonly referred to as "Direct File."

This report was issued just days after IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel sent a letter to Congress admitting that Black taxpayers are unfairly subject to audits more than any other group.

The letter confirmed the findings in a Stanford University study released in January showing that Black taxpayers are 3-5 times more likely to receive an IRS audit than others.

Another academic study issued in January by Syracuse University noted that low-income taxpayers – primarily those who qualify for the earned income tax credit – are five times more

The IRS report concluded that effective execution of a Direct File program would require sustained budget investment and careful management of the potential program's operational complexity.

The report focused on three areas: taxpayer opinions, cost, and feasibility. The information included an analysis conducted by an independent third party, as required by the statute. The report also outlines the potential benefits and challenges associated with the IRS implementing a Direct File program.

“The IRS is committed to delivering significantly improved services by providing taxpayers with tools, information, and assistance to make it easier to comply with their tax filing obligations. Direct File – used by numerous tax jurisdictions worldwide – has long been discussed as an option for improving the customer experience for taxpayers in the U.S.," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.

Before the study's release, lobbyists for tax preparers criticized how the IRS historically targeted people of color when processing tax returns.

Last month activists protested tax prep giants TurboTax and H&R Block for trying to slow the release of government tax filing programs, which was part of a mega million-dollar lobbying effort.

April 18 was the deadline to file taxes in 2023, and the IRS reported receiving 90 million returns as of March 30. Agency

“What we found was that the audit rate of Black taxpayers was 3 to 5 times the rate of audits for non-Black taxpayers, Stanford Researcher Daniel Ho told NPR.

He says the disparity doesn't appear to be deliberate. The IRS doesn't ask taxpayers about their race, and most audits are conducted by mail. But something in the way the agency decides who to audit results in Blacks being disproportionately targeted. And the new IRS commissioner, sworn in just two months ago, told NPR, “Our tax system must be fair.”

“I engaged with my team on day one to make sure it's a priority to understand fully,” Werfel said. “How do we get to the bottom of it and figure out what we need to do going ahead?

While the agency is looking into the matter of disproportionate Black audits, an Intuit blog post notes that when it comes to direct e-file, taxpayers are concerned with “the conflict of interest of having the IRS as the judge, jury, and executioner of a taxpayers’ personal finances.”

According to the IRS report, approximately 60 percent of multiracial, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander recipients received a payment in the first week, compared to roughly 55 percent of White, American Indian, Alaska Native, Black, or Asian recipients.

In contrast, White and Asian recipients were the most likely to receive their payments in the first six weeks, though more than 90 percent of revenues were received in the first six weeks for every racial/ethnic subgroup the authors examined.

Ramos bill with exemption for military pensions heads to Senate

LOS ANGELES, CA— The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced LA County Library was selected as one of eight recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Over the past 29 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

“IMLS is delighted to announce the eight worthy recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, including LA County Library.” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “LA County Library meets the needs of one of the most complex and diverse communities in the nation.”

Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US, serving 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 85 community libraries, 1 institutional library, and mobile fleet of 15 vehicles. It provides culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services to meet the literacy, information, personal enrichment, and entertainment needs of all residents across Los Angeles County.

Selected from 30 national finalists, the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.

“It is a profound and humbling honor to be selected as a winner of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from among so many vital cultural institutions across the nation,” said Library Director Skye Patrick. “I am proud of our extraordinary team here at LA County Library, who embody outstanding customer service, help make our libraries the welcoming community hubs they are, and routinely inspire residents to learn and grow throughout all stages of their lives. We accept this award on behalf of the communities of Los Angeles County that we have the privilege to serve every day, by removing barriers to access and increasing equitable opportunities for all.” likely to receive an audit than other tax filers. Both studies were conducted using data directly from the IRS.

The award will be presented at a ceremony this summer in Washington, DC. For a complete list of 2023 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal winners, visit the IMLS website.

Industry experts familiar with the e-file program developments and the reported imbalance in IRS enforcement actions noted that a new system built on a foundation of bias is risky and will have a negative impact on individuals and families already suffering from over audits.

More broadly, industry experts say the new system would make the process of filing taxes less transparent and undermine access to independent tax experts and advocates for all Americans. This could risk low-income and working-class taxpayers receiving smaller tax refunds than they deserve.

While the IRS report found that many taxpayers are interested in using a free IRS-provided tool to prepare and file taxes and that the agency is technically capable of delivering a Direct File program, the study is drawing fire from tax industry preparers like TurboTax.

Derrick Plummer, spokesperson for Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, said in a statement. “The report released by the IRS is not grounded in reality. The study ignores the

National/Political News

SACRAMENTO—Military retirees and their surviving spouses are one step closer to seeing their armed forces pensions exempt from state taxation after the Assembly today approved AB 46 on a bipartisan 77-0 vote. Several past attempts at similar legislation have failed to pass the house of origin.

The bill, AB 46, was introduced earlier this year by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino who also authored a similar measure last year that did not make it out of the Assembly. “I’m not one to give up on something I think is important,” Ramos said. “California is the only state to tax the pensions of our military personnel. We need to make the state more veteran friendly and honor the many sacrifices of our armed services personnel and their spouses.”

AB 46 tax benefits would begin on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2034.

First time military retiree measure leaves its house of origin of valuable capacities, and they and their families have frequently done so at great personal sacrifice. California needs to more fully acknowledge the contributions they make.” Jeffrey Breiten, retired Naval Officer and member of the California Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America, endorsed the Ramos measure. “I want to thank Assemblymember James Ramos for his efforts. California is the only state in the nation that fails to provide an exemption on military retirement from state income taxes. California is home to the largest number of active-duty military personnel in the country, yet California’s military retiree population has realized a steady decline dating back to 2010. Military retirees contribute to the state's workforce development where they chose to retire. Our state loses out on millions of dollars in federal funds that follow military retirees after retirement.”

Esmeralda Soria, chairperson of the Assembly Committee of the Military and Veterans Affairs Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced) and a joint author said: “I am proud to be a co-author on this important legislation that supports retired veterans and retains them in California.”

Ramos said the tax relief would help make California more veteran friendly. “Military retirees bring benefits to our state such as stability, job skills used in second careers, and federal funding. These men and women served our nation in a variety

Mental health must be taken as seriously as physical health...continued

became fluent in the language of the subject from a young age. But to bring some of that experience into the workplace and do some good with it, I became a Mental Health First Aider in 2021.

It’s a two-day course that requires no previous experience or knowledge in the subject. Much like physical first aid, you’re trained to be the first responder in a mental health crisis, but you’re also equipped to be able to talk confidently about different mental health conditions, to understand the definitions, and to be able to spot the signs of mental ill health before it gets out of control.

Become more fluent in the language of mental health

There’s enormous power in our industry’s leaders taking the lead in this commitment, using just two of your 260 days to better educate yourself in mental health.

Taking a physical first aid course doesn’t signal to your people that you now suddenly take heart attacks and burst varicose veins more seriously than you used to, but with mental health it really does make the difference.

AB 46 is sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America and the California Council of Chapters Affiliated Military Officers Association of America. It is also supported by the San Diego Military Advisory Council, Orange Empire Military Officers Club, California Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, California State Commanders Veterans Council, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, and individual chapters of the military officers association.

There’s ample evidence that it improves attitudes towards mental health issues, reduces stigma in the workplace, and has a direct positive impact on the health and well-being of those who attend.

MHFA England has a goal to train one in 10 of the population, so this Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m looking for one simple commitment from every leader who believes in nurturing the wellbeing of their people:

That 10% of your workforce is trained as Mental First Aiders within the next 12 months – and a further commitment that that number is doubled to 20% of the senior leadership team.

Help your organisation become more fluent in the language of mental health. Ensure that there is always someone within arms reach to provide support and to spot when things are not okay. And actively demonstrate to your people that you care about their mental wellbeing, that you take it seriously both as an organisation and as a human being.

GroupM CEO Josh Krichefski said it best recently in his inaugural speech as IPA President:

“We don’t have factories, trucks, manufactured goods. Our people are everything. It’s their brilliance and imagination which is what makes us who and what we are. And that’s why we have to look after them.”