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A united region helps countries affected by Hurricane Melissa rebuild with courage, compassion and collective strength

Children sit by the roadside, smiling amid the devastation of their community in Oxford, St Elizabeth, Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa (Photo credit: The Gleaner)

HOMES SHATTERED, hospitals and schools destroyed, lives disrupted, families and entire communities displaced following the devastating hurricane. Yet Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba have not faced this alone. A global wave of support, from Caribbean governments, international organisations, diaspora community and its volunteers, is helping them build back better and showing what unity can achieve. ›› p4-5

Best Wishes for the Festive Season

Inside THIS MONTH

The Voice says

ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

News, views, stories & videos

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Alone but not forgotten: practical ways to ease loneliness this Christmas

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Out and about this Christmas? Here are the top events you won’t want to miss

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Morocco calling: The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is set to kick off

Melissa shows what we can do together – and what the world still refuses to do

I

N THE aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the images coming out of Jamaica and other affected nations such as Haiti have been heartbreaking.

Yet amidst the destruction, a powerful story has emerged: one of community resilience, diasporic unity and extraordinary human kindness.

Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica across the UK, US and Canada mobilised with speed and determination. Community groups, charities and businesses rallied, launching fundraising drives, shipping essential supplies and offering support to families whose lives were turned upside down by the devastating Category 5 storm.

But while this outpouring of solidarity has been inspiring, Melissa must also serve as a warning.

Climate change is fuelling stronger, wetter and more destructive hurricanes. Warmer seas supercharge storms, leading to catastrophic winds, flooding and loss. The Caribbean diaspora can no longer confine itself to crisis-mode responses every time disaster strikes.

Permanent structures such as diaspora disaster relief programmes, coordinated networks, and organisations focused on long-term development are urgently needed.

The truth is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore: the Caribbean is suffering from a crisis it did not create. The region contributes less

This issue is 48 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

than one per cent of global emissions, yet faces the mounting costs of stronger hurricanes, rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, droughts, and coastal erosion.

Tourism, the economic lifeblood of many island, is increasingly vulnerable as storms destroy infrastructure and coral reefs.

Caribbean leaders have rightly called this a global injustice. The IMF estimates that over $100 billion is needed for climate adaptation – onethird of the region’s entire annual economic output – yet access to financing remains painfully limited.

The Loss and Damage Fund agreed at COP27 was a breakthrough, but progress has been slow and pledges fall far short of what is required. As former Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland has noted, storms can erase decades of economic progress in a single night, leaving countries trapped in cycles of debt.

Local efforts from Jamaica’s renewable energy investments to Grenada’s restoration projects are vital, but they cannot compensate for global inertia.

Diaspora communities must continue advocating, organising and supporting the region’s leaders in demanding fair climate financing.

And the world’s major polluters have a moral duty to urgently act, because the Caribbean cannot, and should not, shoulder this burden alone.

HEROIC: Layla Warren

1 2 3 4 5 6

News: Row erupts over Brixton Remembrance Sunday event honouring Black war heroes

News: ‘Jamaica Love’ stage play to help fund relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa News: Calm, brave and only 14: meet Birmingham schoolgirl Layla Warren who saved a life Ent: ‘House of MOBO’ Pub opens this month

News: Jamaica issues warning over fake Hurricane Melissa relief websites

News: ‘Patients called me the N-word. But I refused to give up my dream’ – Windrush generation nurse Allyson Williams MBE shares her powerful story of resilience News: Black judges unite to shape the future of justice

7 8 9 10

News: Jamaica to receive $150 million payout from World Bank following Hurricane Melissa News: ‘Let the hungry be fed’: how Rastafari love and labour are saving lives

News: Haiti begins three days of national mourning to honour victims of Hurricane Melissa

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DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 3

News Feature

COMMUNITY IN ACTION Youth organisation PodxParty is tackling postcode wars in an unconventional way, uniting young people across London and beyond. By Pryncess Bignell

I

N A time where divisions between young people are too often reinforced by postcode rivalries, social pressures, and the lingering effects of isolation, PodxParty has emerged as a force for unity, creativity, and empowerment.

What began as a small idea to give young people a safe space to express themselves has become a movement – one that’s breaking barriers across London and beyond.

In October, two groups of young people from Grays in Essex and various areas in London took to the stage at Thameside Theatre for a powerful theatre production tackling the realities of stop and search, racism, violence against women and girls, peer-on-peer bullying, substance abuse, and mental health.

The performance, which saw PodxParty collaborate with Uturnship and directed by our in-house acting coach Jermaine Adeniregun, successfully brought together youth from the two areas proving that art can build bridges where walls once stood.

It wasn’t just theatre – it was truth, courage, and unity in motion.

The young people met as strangers and left as family.

At PodxParty, our mission is simple but profound: to create a safe, inclusive community where young people can thrive, no matter their postcode, background, or circumstance. We’re not just running events; we’re nurturing futures.

Although we’re based in south London, we welcome young people from the capital to form lasting

connections, build confidence, and work together to combat violence, loneliness, and division.

Over the past 11 months, PodxParty has engaged over a thousand young people through a vibrant mix of activities that inspire creativity and belonging.

From family fun days and summer cookouts to live podcasts, acting workshops, music showcases, and football tournaments, every project has been designed to break isolation and foster togetherness.

We purposely work with organisations from different areas. For example, Masters Social Group, based in Mitcham, and 21UP in Essex, are two youth organisations who regularly participate in our events.

VOICES Our aim is to create a community of young people that sees beyond postcodes and champions togetherness. We’ve also hosted our live youth podcast events in the Brickstone located in Brixton, south London, and Wembley Boxpark, giving young people the microphone to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and discuss real issues – from mental health and identity to safety and ambition.

Each event has been a celebration of young people’s voices, filled with energy, honesty, and community spirit.

PodxParty recently joined forces with Westbourne Community Centre for a Family Funday event and a football tournament in Highbury and Islington, where young people from different postcodes and backgrounds came together, not as

TACKLING TOUGH ISSUES: Young people from two youth organisations collaborate to perform at Thameside Theatre in Grays

BREAKING BARRIERS: PodxParty founder and CEO Pryncess Bignell (above, second from the right) celebrates another successful event with young participants, continuing a mission to build unity, confidence, and hope; left, PodxParty teamed up with Westbourne Community Centre for a Family Funday in Islington, uniting young people through play and teamwork rivals, but as teammates. These are the moments that truly define our mission: creating spaces where connection replaces conflict.

We are committed to giving young people experiences that expand their horizons.

In Croydon, we took ten young participants to attend the prestigious Charles Gordon Black Tie Awards, exposing them to role models, community leaders, and a world of possibility beyond their everyday environment.

The collaboration and creative partnership with Uturnship on the theatre project at Thameside Theatre in Grays was a milestone for us.

This production tackled tough issues but did so with honesty and hope, showing that young people can lead conversations about change when they’re given the chance.

One young performer said: “Being part of this production showed me I’m not alone. I met people I never would have before, and we could talk about things that really matter to us.”

At the heart of PodxParty’s success is our belief that youth empow-

erment must include emotional safe non-judgemental community support. That’s why we’re proud for them to feel safe and valued in. to have Danielle Colleman, our in- As we look ahead, PodxParty conhouse young counsellor, providing tinues to build momentum. mental health support to particiAfter the success of our last Podxpants.

Party event in October we are excitAt just 23 years old, Danielle ed to announce our next signature brings a relatable and understand- panel and performances event will ing voice to young people who take place on December 22 at Wemmight otherwise struggle in silence. bley Boxpark.

Her work reminds our community This event will once again showthat healing, growth, and self-belief case youth talent, highlight positive go hand in hand. stories, and feature open discussions on the issues that matter most to young people today. It’s more BELONGING Mental health is a major pil- than an event, it’s a celebration of lar of what we do. Many young growth, unity, and resilience.

Bringing young people together people who come to PodxParty face loneliness, anxiety, or trauma. from all corners of London and beOur sessions, creative projects, and yond is groundbreaking work.

It challenges the idea that postone-to-one support help them rediscover confidence, purpose, and codes define identity and replaces it belonging. We’re not only giving with collaboration, understanding, them opportunities – we’re giving and community.

Through every project, every perthem hope.

We have many young people at- formance, and every conversation, tend our events who have been we’re helping young people realise labelled hard to reach by society, that they’re stronger together.

At PodxParty, we believe that many attend alternative educational provisions and feel ostracised by building community among young people is not just important – it’s society.

We’ve succeeded in creating a essential. When youth come to-

gether, barriers fall and bridges rise.

We see it every day: young people supporting each other, creating together, and learning that safety, respect, and opportunity come from unity.

Our mission is to keep breaking down the walls that separate our youth and replace them with shared purpose and pride.

Whether on a stage in Grays, a football pitch in Islington, or a panel at Wembley Boxpark, we’ll continue to stand alongside young people, amplifying their voices and celebrating their power to create change.

At PodxParty, we’re not just running programmes – we’re building a movement. A movement for connection, healing, and community.

We are shifting the focus in the minds of the youth we work with to seek out relatable similarities in their peers instead of leading with negative differences.

Together, we are proving that when young people are given space, support, and trust, they don’t just survive, they thrive. l Pryncess Bignell is the CEO of PodxParty

4 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

CARIBBEAN RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS The region’s nations, diaspora communities and global partners join forces after Melissa strikes. By Vic Motune

W

“

E WILL rise again.” Those were the words heard again and again in the battered communities of western Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa tore through the island as a Category 5 storm.

Words spoken by survivors who had lost homes, possessions, crops, and in many cases livelihoods, yet refused to let despair define them.

In the days after the storm, stories emerged of neighbours forming human chains to move food and water, families opening their doors to the displaced, and whole districts pulling together to clear debris and salvage what little could be saved.

Even in the worst-hit parishes, residents focused on the fact that “life is not gone,” as one volunteer put it – a reminder that hope can endure even in the face of unimaginable destruction.

In the United Kingdom, that same spirit of solidarity ignited almost immediately. Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica across Scotland, Wales, London, Birmingham, Manchester and beyond sprang into action, filling cars and vans with nonperishable food, solar lights and batteries, hygiene items, baby food, cleaning products and tarpaulins.

Many had family on the island; others had visited for vacation while scores of people were simply moved by the scale of the disaster and the urgency to help.

Numerous collection drives were organised through community groups, and WhatsApp chat after WhatsApp chat turned into real logistical support.

Swift mobilisation The mobilisation was swift and deeply personal. At JN Money branches, volunteers met people who arrived clutching bags, boxes and stories — stories of relatives still unaccounted for, cousins sleeping in churches, and friends sheltering with neighbours after roofs had disappeared, sometimes within minutes. The sense of shared

responsibility that the diaspora had a duty to stand with those back home was unmistakable. And it was happening not just in the UK, but also in the US, Canada, and other parts of the world where Jamaicans organised community drives and fundraising campaigns, all aimed at getting essential relief to those who needed it most.

That wave of grassroots solidarity was quickly matched and amplified by a remarkable surge of support from Jamaica’s artistic community.

Reggae superstar Shaggy chartered private aid flights from Miami packed with essential supplies, after teaching himself how to plan logistics.

Arriving in Black River, which he said looked “like an atomic bomb” had hit, he distributed aid and urged unity. “Every item counts” he said. “Let’s rebuild stronger” Beenie Man sent aid to cut-off rural areas, while Spice supported displaced families through her foundation.

Celebrities join relief efforts Lady Saw housed single mothers and children, Vybz Kartel supported damaged children’s homes, and Beres Hammond turned his Harmony House base into a major donation drop-off point.

Top athletes also rallied to help those affected. Jamaican track star Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce supported communities through her Pocket

“We sprang

into action the moment we realised Jamaica was in danger and needed all the help it could get to recover quickly and robustly”

-

Paulette Simpson, Executive, Corporate Affairs for JN Group

PULLING TOGETHER: A Food for the Poor volunteer drops off aid packages as recovery efforts intensify

Rocket Foundation by distributing care packages containing food, toiletries, and essential household items in badly hit areas. She personally visited the affected communities, assessing needs, talking to people, and delivering aid.

And in the UK, reggae artists also lent their voices to the diaspora’s efforts.

Songstress Etana urged the community to give whatever they could and Luciano visited JN Group’s volunteer mobilisation initiating an impromptu singalong of Lord Give Me Strength before reminding everyone: “We in this thing together,” and declaring that Jamaica would overcome.

The JN Group played a key role as the central coordinator of the UK diaspora’s relief operations.

It leveraged its network – including the JN UK Representative Office, and JN Money – to channel both financial and material support directly to communities hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa. It also collaborated with key partners in this effort.

Through its ISupportJamaica Fund for Melissa recovery, the organisation provided a structured, transparent and trusted mechanism for diaspora giving.

Donations collected through the fund are already assisting early childhood institutions, health facilities, homes for the elderly and other vulnerable groups across

Jamaica. But JN’s role has extended far beyond financial transfers. The organisation galvanised employee volunteers, coordinated mass donation drives, and facilitated a complex logistics operation involving multiple long-standing partners.

On the ground in the UK, JN Money branches served as main collection hubs, receiving non-perishable food, hygiene supplies, tarpaulins and household essentials from members of the diaspora.

Behind the scenes, JN employees and volunteers worked “like elves,” in the words of one organiser, packaging and preparing thousands of items for shipment.

Longtime partners Cleone Foods and Dees Imports donated pallets, sourced goods and provided transportation logistics to retrieve items from across the UK including locations such as Leeds, Huddersfield and Wales.

Another key partner, JLB Shipping, played a central role in sorting, packing and documenting cargo for shipment.

Through these collective efforts, at least seven 40-foot containers are being shipped to Jamaica, forming one of the largest coordinated diaspora relief consignments since the hurricane.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Paulette Simpson, Executive, Corporate Affairs for the JN Group and

SUPPORT: Reggae star Shaggy led major relief efforts (photo: Getty Images)

coordinator of the UK relief programme. “So many came, sharing their own personal stories of friends and family they had in Jamaica, whilst others had visited Jamaica and wanted to help, and they all simply brought whatever they could.”

Ms Simpson emphasised that the JN Group’s close relationship with diaspora communities made such mobilisation both natural and effective.

“The JN Group remains intimately connected to Jamaicans across all diaspora markets, so it was natural for us to harness the relationships we nurtured over the years. With their help we sprang into action the moment we realised Jamaica was in danger and needed all the help it could get to recover quickly and robustly.”

A key feature of the JN-led effort has been its innovative partnerships, particularly with Food for the Poor (FFTP), the largest charity in Jamaica, whose nationwide infrastructure allows aid to reach isolated communities.

“To reach isolated communities in need, Food For The Poor has been coordinating closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Jamaica, the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and the World Food Programme,” explained Ed Raine, President and CEO of FFTP. The charity has supplied food kits and water for delivery via US military Chinook helicopters and JDF aircraft, with each kit feeding a family of four for two weeks.

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 5

News Feature “The JN Group has long stood as a pillar of strength for Jamaicans, both locally and across the diaspora,” Raine added. “This collaboration isn’t just about logistics; it’s about love in action.”

Strategic response For Earl Jarrett, CEO of the JN Group, the gravity of the crisis demanded a united and strategic response.

“More than a million of our people across some 170 communities in the western section of our country suffered greatly as a result of this hurricane.

“This is roughly 40 per cent of our country; therefore, there is no time for us to sit by idly. Our actions must be swift, united, and targeted to build back better,” he said.

JN has also partnered with St John Ambulance Jamaica to address urgent medical needs in severely affected areas.

More than 1,000 people have received treatment from combined teams of JN employee volunteers and St John’s Ambulance medics.

“We’ve also donated meals ready to eat (MREs) to the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies for distribution to registered charities and CBOs operating in the hardest-hit parishes,” Mr Jarrett noted.

A recent fundraising concert,

For the Love of Jamaica, endorsed

by JN Money and JN Foundation, has already generated £20,000 for the ISupportJamaica Fund.

With phase one of UK collection efforts now complete, phase two is set to begin in January 2026.

“The funds will assist early childhood institutions, children’s homes, homes for the elderly and registered community groups, so that we can resurrect our communities that have been severely damaged by the hurricane,” Mr Jarrett said.

“Our recovery effort is focused on restoring dignity and hope to our communities, many of which have been vital to our identity and history. Let us join together to build back better.”

A wave of international support Though the diaspora response has been powerful, it is part of a far wider global mobilisation.

The UK government recently deployed humanitarian funding, shelter kits and medical teams, including a 12-person unit of doctors, nurses, midwives and logistics experts operating mobile clinics across areas where health facilities have been destroyed.

They opened their first clinics in Jackson Town, Ulster Spring and Wait-A-Bit, Trelawny, offering urgent care for injuries, infections and maternal health needs.

“Hurricane Melissa has caused severe damage and disruption to Jamaica’s healthcare system,” said Alicia Herbert OBE, British High Commissioner to Jamaica.

“The UK Emergency Medical Team will play a vital role in restoring essential healthcare services and supporting affected communities.”

Governments across the Caribbean have also rushed to assist CARICOM leaders, including prime ministers Mia Mottley of Barbados, Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, Dickon Mitchell of Grenada and Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali, arrived in Jamaica on November 17 as part of a goodwill tour to assess the damage and coordinate support with regional development banks and multilateral partners.

Mr Holness expressed gratitude for the commitment demonstrated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and international partners in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking during a tour stop in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, the Prime Minister said the regional and global support has been critical in the aftermath of the hurricane and will be crucial as the country rebuilds.

“The combined efforts of regional leaders and development

institutions will accelerate relief, rescue, and early recovery activities, ensuring that affected Jamaicans receive timely assistance” he said.

The British Virgin Islands, recalling its own experience of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, pledged to do “everything possible” to assist.

Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Colombia, El Salvador and St Kitts and Nevis have all mobilised shipments of food, medical supplies, rescue personnel and humanitarian aid.

Beyond Jamaica, the wider Caribbean has been reeling from Melissa’s path Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic all sustained heavy damage, with Haiti facing widespread displacement and urgent humanitarian concerns, particularly for women and girls.

UNICEF estimates that nearly 477,000 children across the region have had their schooling disrupted.

As aid moves from the UK to Jamaica and mobile clinics open, the recovery is defined by early acts of solidarity: neighbours helping neighbours, families sharing essentials, UK volunteers donating, and global icons from Shaggy to Luciano also showing their support.

And the message remains the same: “We will rise again.”

VITAL AID: Helicopters transport supplies to communities cut off by flooding and landslides; below, a resident clears debris from her property

6 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Darell J. Philip

Join the debate online: voice-online. co.uk/opinion

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE AND COMPASSION TO OTHERS

Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church Community Ministries leader, Vilma Williams, says outreach to the homeless at Christmas is motivated by love

“

IT’S THE most wonderful time of the year, it’s the happiest season of all, there’ll be much mistle-toeing, and hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near,” sung Andy Williams in on his 1963 hit record which celebrated the joys of the festive season.

For many families across the globe, Christmas and New Year is a joyous occasion where families can come together in feasting, the sharing of gifts and most importantly in remembering the birth of Christ.

Yet for others, Christmas can also be a lonely time for those who have lost loved ones or for those who are homeless.

However, one person who has made it her mission to bring festive cheer into the lives of those often forgotten has been Vilma Williams.

HOT MEALS In her role as Community Ministries Leader at the Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church based in east London, Vilma and her team have reached out not only to elderly house-bound members of the church in the local area each month, but also, over the last 20 years, homeless people in the Strand, central London, providing hot meals and warm clothing for those in need.

“As Christians, we deem it a privilege to serve our local community in meeting some of the basic needs of those less fortunate than ourselves,” she tells The Voice.

Every year, in the run up to Christmas, her team provides between 150 to 200 hot meals and beverages alongside the

TEAM BEHIND THE MISSION: Hackney SDA Community Ministries volunteers, left, are committed to supporting London’s most vulnerable; above, the Hackney SDA team in the kitchen as they cook hundreds of festive meals for those in need

HEROIC: Vilma Williams DELICIOUS: Just one of the many meals prepared by the Community Ministries team distribution of newly purchased sleeping bags and winter clothes such as coats, scarves, woolly hats and jumpers that have been donated by church members.

“Activities our team undertake includes sorting through clothes, helping to prepare food, and packing bags for individuals upon arrival,” she says. “We also serve hot meals as well as give out warm clothing, trainers, sleeping bags and toiletries to the homeless who are always very appreciative and receptive of these tokens of love.”

Among the volunteers in the Community Ministries team is 96-year-old Ann Williams, who as well as being the oldest current

STILL SERVING: At 96, Ann Williams remains one of the church’s most dedicated volunteers serving volunteer in the team, is also a founder member of the Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church.

During the October 2023 Black History Month under that year’s theme – Saluting Our Sisters – Vilma was one of 26 women honoured in a special award ceremony by mental health charity IRIE Mind based in Hackney, east London.

IRIE Mind, a mental health initiative run by and for the African-Caribbean community, works to champion Black mental health, providing communitybased solutions to those in Hackney as well as within central London.

IRIE stands for Inclusion, Respect, Integration and Empowerment – qualities which each of the women honoured and awarded had exemplified in their selfless service to the community.

Vilma was presented with her award by Hackney Councillor Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources, Equalities and Windrush. She was recognised for years of dedicated service to Hackney and the wider Central London community, leading outreach programmes that provide meals to the homeless and deliver food hampers to house-bound elderly church members.

Councillor Williams, who herself received an award for her many years of service within Hackney Council, said at the time: “I was truly honoured to join IRIE Mind’s ‘Saluting Our Sisters of Excellence Awards’ to celebrate the outstanding contributions of talented, compassionate, and dedicated women such as Vilma and others to our community.

“Their impact is immeasurable, and I felt humbled to stand alongside remarkable individuals.”

As Vilma and her team prepare to go out and meet the needs of the less fortunate once again this Christmas, she speaks about

where the motivation for such selfless service comes from.

“It’s all about love,” she says.

“Love for God and community. He has called us to serve. We are a team that all come together when it matters and share in the work. I could not have asked for a better team to work with, and I give God praise in how, for many years, he led us to put smiles on the faces of those often forgotten and disregarded during a time when many across the globe are at their happiest. As Christians, it is the very least we can do.” l Darell J. Philip is a teaching assistant, academic mentor and award-winning journalist

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THE VOICE |11

8 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

News Feature

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

The rise in domestic abuse over Christmas — and the urgent need to protect Black women is a key issue, says Ngozi Fulani

F

OLLOWING THE 2014 murders of Valerie Forde and her baby, R-J, I founded Sistah Space in 2015 to influence policies and confront the devastating impact of domestic abuse within Black communities. On this ten-year anniversary, the fight for positive change continues.

Sistah Space supports Black African and Caribbean heritage women affected by domestic or sexual abuse or rape, providing cultural competency training to mainstream services, and support and advocacy to communities.

Sadly, the festive season, traditionally portrayed as a joyful time, is often one where domestic violence can rise sharply. I write this article in the hope it will help to protect and save lives, and further the campaign to make Valerie’s Law training mandatory across all services – including the police, social services, every UK borough council, and CAFCASS. Since the avoidable murders of Valerie and her baby, there have been numerous avoidable deaths of Black women as a result of domestic abuse. In addition, many have committed suicide, or experienced life-changing injuries, mental health crises, and persistent victim-blaming.

These experiences highlight a devastating truth – that the mainstream systems currently in place are not equipped to ad-

TRAGIC: Valerie Forde’s death inspired the campaign for Valerie’s Law equately support Black women affected by domestic abuse.

The unmistakable truth is that there is a crisis within Black communities concerning the experiences of Black women affected by domestic abuse.

STEREOTYPED The way Black women are perceived is central to how they are treated. Too often, Black victims of abuse are stereotyped as loud, aggressive, or overly sexualised, and these harmful perceptions have contributed to a hierarchy of victims, one that places white women at the top and Black women at the bottom.

I led the recent research by Sistah Space, which highlights the profound impact of systemic bias, showing that many Black women do not report abuse out of fear.

They feel that they will not be believed, will be blamed, or will face further harm and discrimi-

FEARFUL: Behind closed doors, countless women experience hidden abuse, often without reporting it due to systemic racism and stigma (photo: Getty Images)

nation from the very systems meant to protect them.

I have also witnessed the very real fear among Black women that social workers or CAFCASS officers, often unfamiliar with Black family dynamics and lacking cultural competency, might remove their children due to a misinterpretation of risk or misdiagnosis of child endangerment.

Family courts are frequently overseen by individuals who lack cultural awareness, creating a situation in which Black women may encounter another hierarchy of judgement, this time imposed by predominantly White, middleclass decision-makers who often fail to recognise that they do not understand the lived realities of the families before them.

This under-reporting reflects a deep mistrust born from lived experiences of systemic racism and cultural insensitivity within mainstream services.

Sistah Space research based on over 2,200 Black African and Caribbean heritage women across England and Wales found: l 56 per cent had personally experienced domestic abuse. l 78 per cent experienced domestic abuse on more than one occasion/period. l 76 per cent expressed a desire to report abuse, but felt unable to do so. l 87 per cent said statutory services were not responsive enough when they reported their abuse. l 97 per cent of Black women said they did not feel confident

reporting abuse would lead to fair and supportive treatment.

The specialist data from Sistah Space highlights that for Black women the situation is even more acute: high prevalence, repeat victimisation, large percentages who want to report, but feel unable to, and very low confidence in mainstream services.

FEAR The under-reporting is significant: for example, the 76 per cent figure from Sistah Space suggests many Black women are not engaging with the systems, which means the true scale of abuse in these communities may be much higher than recorded.

The fear of differential treatment, and the perception or reality of being judged, stereotyped

or disbelieved, is a major barrier.

The data supports the argument that cultural, institutional and systemic failures are contributing to under-reporting and lack of support.

It is essential the community also engages with Valerie’s Law training to gain understanding of key issues, including what constitutes domestic abuse, the procedures that follow reported incidents of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or rape, and how to navigate situations where agencies fail to provide adequate support. l For more information on how you can access support, please contact; support@sistahspace.org; www.sistahspace.org l Ngozi Fulani is the CEO and founder of Sistah Space

UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC ABUSE IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP What is domestic violence?

Domestic abuse is the preferred term, as it encompasses the many different forms of harm that can take place within a relationship or family setting. It refers to the harmful actions of one person towards another with whom they are, or were, in a familial or intimate relationship.

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can involve patterns of behaviour designed to control, intimidate, humiliate, or isolate another person.

What are some of the signs of domestic abuse the community should be aware of?

It is important to understand that domestic abuse is often hidden and not always easy to spot. It is

l Loss of confidence or changes in personality. l Fear or anxiety or a shift in behaviour around a specific person or persons. l Financial struggles or lack of access to money. l Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”.

CAMPAIGNER: Ngozi Fulani

frequently committed by someone who appears to be a “nice person” or a “pillar of the community”. It’s very likely that someone you know is either experiencing abuse or perpetrating it. Signs may include: l Sudden withdrawal from friends or family.

What practical steps can someone take if they are experiencing domestic violence?

Many victims do not realise that what they are experiencing is abuse, or that it is a criminal offence under UK law. Once you recognise it, remember: You are not at fault. Abuse is a choice made by the perpetrator. If you are in danger, contact the police or a

trusted organisation for help. There are confidential services that can provide emotional support, safety planning and emergency accommodation.

Where can victims of domestic abuse go for help?

There are many organisations that provide support. However, for Black African and Caribbean heritage women, services are not always culturally competent. This means victims may not receive the understanding or support they need and will often remain silent.

Sistah Space, supporting women of African and Caribbean heritage, continues to highlight this gap through its research and advocacy.

Victims from these communities are encouraged to contact cultur-

ally competent organisations that understand their specific needs and experiences.

Other sources of help include: l National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247). l Refuge and Women’s Aid – offering support.

Final thoughts Black women face the intersectionality of racism and gender-based violence. Recognising it, challenging the misconceptions, and supporting victims with empathy and understanding are vital steps towards ending it. No one should face abuse alone, and with the right help, safety and healing are possible.

You are your sister’s keeper.

Ngozi Fulani

DECEMBER 2025

THE VOICE | 9

10 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Dawn Butler MP

Opinion

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

SHOWING OUR SUPPORT FOR JAMAICA’S PEOPLE

SCENE OF DESTRUCTION: A car drives through a destroyed neighbourhood following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, Jamaica

The country has been wrecked by Hurricane Melissa and we are here to help

I AM deeply saddened by the devastation that Hurricane Melissa has brought to Jamaica and the wider region.

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Jamaica, and as someone of proud Jamaican heritage, it has been painful to witness the storm’s impact on people’s lives.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones and those grappling with the aftermath. There are still communities hard to reach.

While the full extent of the damage is still unfolding, one thing is clear: this moment calls for solidarity, compassion and most importantly action.

In that spirit, our APPG convened an emergency general meeting with its members and the UK’s Foreign Office to assess the UK response and identify practical ways to support Jamaica’s recovery.

for UK residents attended by the Jamaican High Commissioner, His Excellency Alexander Williams, and the Hon. Julian Robinson, Member of Parliament COLLABORATION for South East St Andrew.

We discussed the Many other people also mobilisation of UK resources, attended and the updates and financial and otherwise, as guidance on offer was invaluable well as how best to deliver help where it is needed most, including areas that are hardest While the full to reach.

Central to our conversations extent of the was the need for close collaboration with local damage is authorities, NGOs, community groups and international aid still unfolding, agencies to ensure effective, coordinated relief efforts. one thing is clear: I am encouraged that the UK Government and our APPG this moment remain firmly committed to working in partnership with calls for these organisations to deliver timely assistance to priority solidarity, areas. This includes ongoing support for British nationals compassion and in Jamaica and members of the most importantly Jamaican diaspora here in the UK. action Following these discussions, I hosted a further online meeting

(photo: Getty Images)

to all of those present. I would like to remind readers that the UK Government has an active crisis centre to support British nationals affected by Hurricane Melissa. Anyone in need of assistance can contact +44 20 7008 5000.

For those wishing to contribute to the wider recovery effort, the Government has launched a dedicated donation portal.

Details can be found on the UK Government’s website.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help communities heal, rebuild and look towards a brighter future. In one of Jamaica’s most challenging moments, any generosity can make a meaningful difference.

Several attendees to our meeting called for temporary visa flexibility for UK-based families with relatives in Jamaica.

Specifically, there were appeals to waive or ease visa fees and entry requirements for elderly relatives and children who may need to stay temporarily with their family members in the UK until Jamaica is back on its feet. I have therefore written

to the UK Government urging them to consider introducing a temporary humanitarian visa arrangement or fee waiver for affected Jamaican nationals with close family ties in the UK. This would be a welcome step, and I will continue my efforts on this important issue.

ESSENTIALS I have also written to certain airlines, after receiving requests from constituents and community groups asking whether companies might consider a temporary increase or leniency in baggage allowances for passengers travelling to Jamaica in the coming months as well as a reduction in fare charges.

This would enable individuals the opportunity to carry essential items for relatives and aid efforts directly, providing much-needed relief while formal distribution channels continue to be established.

As Chair, I want to extend my gratitude to the government minister, FCDO representatives and the Jamaica High Commission for the work we

have done so far. We stand united in our determination to lead efforts in Parliament and beyond to support Jamaica through this urgent period of recovery and rebuilding.

The work doesn’t end there. We will be regularly monitoring the situation on the ground, and we will arrange further meetings as the situation evolves. If you are interested in future meetings, please visit my website and sign up for updates via the Jamaica page in my news section.

I have been so proud and moved by how communities here in the UK have rallied to support Jamaica.

In Brent – where I am honoured to represent among others a large and vibrant Jamaican community – the solidarity has been inspiring.

It reaffirms what I already knew: our diversity is our strength.

I am proud that ties between Jamaica and the UK are deep and enduring. Even in this difficult moment, we must continue to honour Jamaica’s resilience, its rich and powerful heritage, and its extraordinary global contributions. I carry that legacy

with pride every single day.

I have long been clear that the UK has a responsibility to Jamaica – not only in moments of crisis, but in acknowledging the need for reparatory justice.

Offering relief in times of need is the very least we can and should do. That larger conversation about the UK’s responsibilities should and must be held.

STEADFAST Testing times lie ahead for Jamaica and the wider region, but we remain steadfast in our support for our friends and partners across the region as they work to rebuild and recover from this catastrophic event.

As we enter the Christmas and festive season, let us hold in our thoughts and prayers all those in Jamaica who are still struggling, still rebuilding and still in need. And let’s redouble our efforts to help. l Dawn Butler is the MP for Brent East

NOVEMBER 2025

There’s a new wave connecting people to Ghana and at the heart of it is Mefie, a UK, Ghana platform uniting culture, community, and creativity through raffles, collaborations, and authentic experiences.

Founded by Ivy Adjei, Mefie was created to make Ghana more accessible to everyone whether you were born there, have roots there, or simply love the energy of its people. Through vibrant campaigns like “Chale, Come to Ghana,” Mefie celebrates Ghana’s beauty, music, food, and entrepreneurship while inviting the world to see and experience it for themselves.

Beyond its holiday raffle, Mefie Rewards lets you win concert tickets, cultural experiences, and products from Ghanaian and diaspora brands from food hampers and handmade jewellery to event passes and luxury stays.

Each giveaway celebrates Ghana’s creativity and brings a taste of home anywhere.

THE VOICE |21

Mefie’s flagship raffle gives participants the opportunity to win a full-package holiday to Ghana, including flights, hotel, and curated cultural experiences for as little as £5.

But this raffle isn’t just about travel; it’s about connection, discovery, and impact. It invites people to experience Ghana in all its colour, rhythm, and warmth turning a dream trip into a journey of cultural rediscovery.

A portion of every raffle supports community projects, local charities, and impact groups in Ghana creating real opportunities and strengthening the communities that make Ghana so extraordinary.

We’ve partnered with Taptap Send, GUBA Foundation, Miss Ghana UK, Akwaaba UK and others building a global network that celebrates and empowers Ghana.

Real people, real winners, real experiences.

12 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Lyndon Mukasa Eye on the Diaspora

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

CARIBBEAN NATIONS FACING MORE HURRICANE CARNAGE The reluctance of powers-that-be to fund climate finance for developing countries will result in decades of weather-related havoc

I

N THE aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, it is abundantly clear for regions like the Caribbean that the consequences of climate change are no longer part of a projection in the not-too-distant future.

The climate emergency is now part of a present painful reality that the region will be locked into over the coming two centuries at minimum. This means more erratic weather, droughts, floods, landslides and powerful hurricanes. This will affect the livelihoods of people living in the region and over time test their ability to continue to make the Caribbean their home.

Hurricane Melissa – one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit Jamaica – struck on October 28.

At the time of going to press, it’s estimated that the hurricane has killed more than 60 people and devastated over half the country.

The hurricane might be part of an increasing trend that sees the Caribbean battered and destroyed by supercharged hurricanes almost every year.

BATTERED Just last year the north of Grenada and parts of St Vincent and the Grenadines were hit by Hurricane Beryl, while in 2017 Hurricane Maria demolished Dominica and Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Irma battered Barbuda, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands that same year as well.

Over an extended period of time, withstanding repeated damage from more powerful hurricanes is unsustainable and over the course of this century alone it is likely that millions of people across the region will be affected in some way by climaterelated threats and disasters.

So far progress has been limited on climate-related mitigation strategies. Rich industrialised countries like Britain have been reluctant to speed up decarbonising efforts, while the US government has completely abandoned much of its climate

commitments including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement in January.

Even existing climate pledges fall short for small island states. At current emission rates, the world is set to overshoot 1.5°C and exceed 2.5°C. Rising emissions and inaction from rich countries make clear that meaningful cuts to the greenhouse gases harming developing nations are unlikely.

Hurricane Melissa’s recent impact on Jamaica underscores the urgency of COP30, held in Belém, Brazil. Yet after three decades, COP conferences have delivered little for the Global South.

In recent years they’ve shifted SIGN OF THINGS TO COME: An aerial view of flooded communities in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa – a stark reminder that into networking spaces where the climate crisis is already reshaping life in the Caribbean (photo: Getty Images) leaders and energy companies Less than 10 per cent of leaders keep appealing to global policy, it could trigger the type If withdrawal has to be made, showcase token “climate action” financing has been provided for powers whose wealth is tied to of social unrest that undermines it is important that regional while preserving the capitalist developing countries to adapt to this system, and consider how a political stability. institutions like development systems that sustain them. the effects of climate change and more radical, united Global South There could be rapid increases banks and climate funds are Decarbonisation efforts are rich countries are reluctant to pay strategy could force meaningful, in inflation, capital flight, as well pooled together. routinely delayed or diluted $300billion in climate finance to long-overdue shifts in global as increased difficulty in acquiring Internationally it would be as oil and gas interests secure help developing countries adapt climate action. grants from external funders. essential for strategic, economic new extraction deals, ensuring and industrialise with green Trade disruptions could follow and political ties to be developed continued emissions and technology.

DELINKING and development projects could with the rest of the Global South accelerating the breakdown of In order for most developing So how can dependent, be frozen. It is within this context so that south-south coordination, global climate systems. countries to build adequate vulnerable leaders and why no Caribbean or leader trade and development can be As a result, countries like infrastructure to mitigate the policymakers from developing in the Global South has ever cultivated and developed to Jamaica and Haiti have been worst effects of climate change countries in the Caribbean made an attempt or threatened a degree that such severance devastated by a hurricane that is while developing, over $1.5trillion pressure global powers to cut delinking even as a temporary could be leveraged with limited widely believed to have been as emissions? One idea that has measure. For Amin’s part, while economic pain. powerful as it has been because of would need to be provided to meet those targets. been around for decades is the he does advocate for some degree For this strategy to work, warmer oceans and atmosphere This was something that most concept of “delinking”. of severance, he emphasises Caribbean nations would need caused by increased greenhouse countries had agreed to at last This involves partially or fully building alternative non-Western the wider Global South to join gas emissions. year’s COP29. As Caribbean severing ties with major Western dependent structures and in coordinated, conditional The unfortunate truth is that leaders and representatives made institutions such as the IMF, institutions before making any engagement to increase pressure due to the politics and power their way to the conference to World Bank, WTO and even attempt at delinking. on major powers. While possible, dynamics of COP, not much will make another series of moral the UN, while limiting wider Many other activists argue that it requires political will and a change in the future even as the appeals to global powers to cooperation with the West. The instead of a complete delinking vision beyond the Westernrisks to the Caribbean increases. do more for climate justice, idea was first advanced by the from Western systems, they dominated order. something different has to be economist Samir Amin. attempt smaller more strategic It remains questionable At the time of done.

Think of it like an international forms of non-cooperation and whether leaders in the Caribbean Leaders in the Global South strike, one that challenges severance on targeted and or elsewhere currently possess going to press it’s cannot keep negotiating the foundations of Western specific areas such as the practice such this strategy or vision. economic power. If Caribbean of conditional engagement.

Yet as the climate crisis estimated that with those who created the climate crisis, because no real governments coordinated such a Coordinated conditional worsens and Western countries the hurricane has compromise exists between move – especially alongside other engagement has been used before fail to provide real solutions, it is vulnerable small island states Global South nations – it could by countries whereby threats to likely that Caribbean states and killed more than fighting to survive and oil and force major powers to act on other Global South nations will gradually remove engagement gas companies dependent on climate and finance.

But delinking eventually be forced to challenge with part of an institution in 60 people and continued fossil fuel extraction. requires strong public support order for that institution to make the existing global system.

With the climate emergency and readiness to withstand l Lyndon Mukasa is a writer and certain policy concessions on devastated over already unfolding, claims of significant backlash. issues such as losses and damages researcher. He studied International half the country progress at COP are delusional.

Development at the London School If economic hardship follows or climate proof, infrastructure of Economics We must question why our the implementation of a delinking development.

Asari St Hill

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR US TO GIVE BACK

Support Black businesses in the festive season and put money into needy families’ pockets

T

HE UK’s African Caribbean community has a long and celebrated history of charitable giving and volunteering. This is even more noticeable during the festive season.

We have a rich history of selfhelp. One of the key community initiatives is pardner. These pardner hands were used to help Black people save for deposits for property, holidays, cars and other large purchases.

Credit unions were developed across the UK by Black communities as a way of gaining access to loans often denied by mainstream banks – many of the Black churches bought their buildings with loans from credit unions.

They continue to do great work today. For example, Black-run credit unions like the Pentecostal Community Bank have a long track record of recycling the Black pound with their deposits, lending to other Black people or organisations allowing them to purchase property, or to invest in businesses.

LEGACIES Over the last ten years, the bank has been partnering with the New Testament Assembly church in Tooting and donating the cost of buying goods to fill the hampers to give out to families. They are aiming to support the distribution of 1,000 hampers this year.

Another way of gaining access to finance was through events like ‘Blues’ dances in large venues. These entrepreneurial and self-help legacies continue today. Black-owned businesses are seen by many in the community as ‘safe spaces’. They include hairdressers, take-aways and nightclubs. Businesses also raise funds for families facing hardship and for those affected by disasters in the Caribbean and Africa, working closely with local charities. The latest efforts have supported Jamaica following the recent Hurricane Melissa.

So when you spend your money for goods or services this Christmas from Black-

owned businesses, you are putting money in the pockets of Black families. And don’t just spend with Black businesses at Christmas, do it all year around.

Here are some great examples of Black-owned businesses who also actively give back beyond their own families.

Launched in 2020, Wakuda is a Black-owned online marketplace spotlighting UK Black-owned businesses. It highlights cultural gifts and lifestyle products from African and Caribbean brands.

They run Christmas campaigns encouraging cultural pride while promoting cultural gifting from these Black owned suppliers.

Vitae London is owned by William Adoasi who believes that luxury watches can do more than just tell the time, he says they can change lives. He believes in the importance of social impact. He uses a portion of its profits for charitable work such as education of children in Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria.

Natiscreations sells African print greeting cards. They use their sales to support creative workshops for young artists and donate to mental health awareness campaigns.

Hood Greetings state they “exist to celebrate black British culture through our range of premium greeting cards and gifts”. They give five per cent of the proceeds of every card sold to its Hood Love programme – supporting Black-led community programmes.

Dark Sugars Chocolate was founded by a Ghanian Nyanga Fatou Mendy who was inspired to produce wonderful chocolates from the cocoa of her beloved Ghana. She celebrates African culture while supporting ethical sourcing and community storytelling.

So, are you going to celebrate Black-owned businesses this Christmas? l Asari St.Hill is an ActionCOACH Business Coach and Founder of the Black Business Club. You can contact him at https://blackbusinessclub. org/ or via email at: Founder@ BlackBusinessClub.org

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 13

Business and Wealth

CHARITABLE : Many Blackowned businesses in the UK have a rich history of supporting the community (photo: Getty Images)

14 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

Crohn’s and Colitis:

Spot the signs of bowel disease How it feels: “My stoma saved my life” – Priscilla’s story

THE GIRLS ARE GOING OUT FOR DINNER

P

riscilla Kumi - Acheaw grew up in Luton, but she was living and working as a teacher in the Midlands when she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2022.

Now, nearly four years later and following life-changing stoma surgery, she’s been chosen as one of the faces of Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s latest awareness campaign.

“There are two things I know for sure after what I’ve been through with my health.

The first is how exhausting and frustrating it can feel to have to keep advocating for yourself, especially as a Black woman.

The second is that if you see blood in your poo, you should never ignore it – because getting over your fear and embarrassment could be what saves your life.

THE BLOOD

IN THE TOILET

BOWL KEEPS ME AT HOME.

Priscilla

LIFE’S DIFFERENT WITH CROHN’S OR COLITIS. FEEL FAMILIAR? WE CAN HELP. A registered charity in England & Wales (1117148) and Scotland (SC038632).

“ I know how

exhausting and frustrating it can feel to have to keep advocating for yourself, especially as a Black woman ” Priscilla

Before I got really sick and everything snowballed, I was an English teacher at a college. It was more than just my bread and butter: I adored it. My students came to me feeling disillusioned and silenced by the school system and I helped them find their voices so they could succeed in life. It was a dream job.

DECEMBER 2025

THE VOICE | 15

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

December 1st - 7th

is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week There are more than half a million people in the UK living with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Crohn’s causes inflammation in your digestive system – so that can happen anywhere from your mouth to your bottom. Meanwhile, in Colitis, the inflammation and ulcers are only in your colon, which is the last bit of your gut.

They’re lifelong conditions so there’s no cure, but there are lots of treatments available - including medicines and surgery.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE KEY SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

• •

Marianne Radcliffe, CEO of Crohn’s & Colitis UK

•

blood in your poo more than once needing to poo urgently including waking up at night to poo diarrhoea

that. I didn’t tell a soul and kept it completely to myself. I stopped eating because I thought that if I did that, there would be nothing to make me go to the loo and I could avoid the pain. I lost loads of weight and by the time I went home for Christmas, my mum was really worried about me.

BLEEDING

Priscilla spent months in hospital

Although work was going really well, I was already struggling with my health.

I’d been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis while at school. I tried to push through the pain, put on a brave face and almost pretend that it wasn’t happening because I wanted to get on with life and had bills to pay. But then I started going to the toilet a lot more than usual and noticed blood in my poo and I knew there was something really wrong.

I was convinced I had bowel cancer and I just wasn’t ready to think about

Two months later, during the February half-term break, I was the sickest I had ever been and ended up in hospital. I finally mentioned the bleeding and was rushed in for a colonoscopy. My bowel was so badly inflamed the doctors could barely get around to look properly or take samples to test. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and spent the next month in hospital. There’s no cure for Colitis but there are lots of treatments, so I started on some new medicine and hoped for the best.

Things were really up and down and I couldn’t go back to work properly because I was so anxious about being able to get to the toilet on time if I needed it.

I felt everything was just floating away and I was trying to grab pieces of the old me to keep my identity and independence. I stopped making plans with friends because I just wasn’t well enough and I didn’t want to feel like I was holding other people back. In October 2023, I was made redundant.

It was around then that doctors told me I needed surgery to remove part of my bowel, but they were worried it might be too risky as my body was so weak and my symptoms so severe. After Christmas, I was back in hospital again, being fed through a tube because I couldn’t eat. I was dehydrated and in agony. There were so many conversa-

• • •

unexplained weight loss pain in your stomach tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest (fatigue)

“

Our message is simple: if you have symptoms like those Priscilla mentions - frequent diarrhoea, stomach pain or blood in your poo - please don’t ignore them. If your gut doesn’t feel right then, even if you find it difficult to think or talk about your bowels, our symptom checker is a really good place to start. It’s quick and easy and it’ll help you make that first step towards speaking to your doctor about what’s been going on.

We’ve also got lots of expert information to help you understand more about Crohn’s and Colitis, as well as tips for anyone supporting someone they care about who lives with one of the conditions.

tions going on around me about if and when I could have the operation. I began to feel utterly powerless and like I had no control over my own life. Then, one day in March 2024, I became so unwell the surgeons decided it was a case of “now or never”.

When I opened my eyes in intensive care after the surgery, my mum was at my bedside and I just asked her: “Is that it? Do I have a stoma now?” I can’t tell you the relief I felt when she nodded. I’m not going to pretend that it was all plain sailing – it took me a long time to adjust to life with a stoma, but actually once you get used to the fact you’re pooing into a bag, it’s hugely liberating. And it’s important to say that not everyone with Crohn’s or Colitis ends up needing surgery or a stoma bag, it was just the best option for me by far.

So my message to anyone who’s worried about symptoms like frequent diarrhoea or blood in your poo is this: please don’t be scared and just tell someone. I think sometimes in Black communities we can ignore things because maybe we don’t trust that we can ask for medical help and worry that if we do, we’ll just have to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously.

GETTING HELP I know that can feel like a huge mountain to climb at a time when you’re scared and exhausted. But trust me, it’s so important to reach out for help if you feel something isn’t right.

There’s also real strength in community. Crohn’s & Colitis UK has helped me connect with other people who understand what I’m going through and that’s been really powerful. I’m a big believer that representation matters and I want

”

to show people like me out there that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. If I can change things for one person reading this, then great.

I haven’t been able to go back to teaching yet, but I have started going out again - including to the theatre, which I had missed so much. And all that time in hospital helped me find a talent for crochet – so that might even be my new career. Slowly, slowly, I’m getting back out there and living my life now. It’s a calmer life, a more intentional life – but it’s my life and I’m grateful for it.”

For more information, visit crohnsandcolitis.org.uk or scan the QR code on this page

16 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Dr Julie Hammond Health Matters

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

HOW TO TACKLE LONELINESS OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON Facing Christmas alone? Here are some strategies to help cope with the holiday period

DIFFICULT TIME: Images of togetherness that we are bombarded with over Christmas can make anyone spending the day alone feel invisible or forgotten (photos: Getty

C

HRISTMAS IN many African and Caribbean households is about far more than presents and decorations. It is a homecoming. It is often one of the few times in the year when the whole family are able to gather under one roof and reconnect with one another.

Food is shared, and there is friendly competition over charades and Monopoly. All the while, a much-loved set of Christmas classics plays in the background, setting the mood as the house fills with chatter and laughter.

This is the picture-perfect expectation of Christmas that fills our TV screens and social media.

However, this is not the case for one in nine adults in the UK, who are expected to spend this Christmas alone.

Bereavement, the rising cost of living, health ailments and distance can keep families apart, especially in the wake of events such as Hurricane Melissa, which will have undoubtedly impacted many families’ Christmas travel plans, leaving many unable to reunite with loved ones and making the gap between Christmas expectations and reality feel wider than ever.

The loneliness epidemic at Christmas Loneliness does not take a break at Christmas. In fact, the festive season often amplifies it.

The images of togetherness that we are bombarded with over Christmas can make anyone spending the day alone feel invisible or forgotten.

How one perceives loneliness is deeply personal. It is often brought on by the feeling that our social relationships with friends or family fall short of what we hoped for.

Christmas, with its images of gift-giving, parties, and abundance, pushes our relationships with those around us into the spotlight. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy if our preconceived ideas of what our lives should look like at Christmas do not align with reality.

The health impact of holiday loneliness Loneliness affects more than your emotional well-being. It can also have physical consequences.

Research has found that chronic loneliness is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day and is

Images)

associated with worse health outcomes and an increased risk of premature death. The impact of loneliness can be intensified during the Christmas period due to changes in routine, limited sunlight hours, reduced opportunities to spend time outdoors due to poor weather conditions, and overindulgence in food and alcohol. Well-known health implications include: l Sleep disturbance lReduced immunity l Hypertension (raised blood pressure) l Weight changes l Alcohol misuse l Low mood and anxiety Reframing Christmas Alone Spending Christmas alone does not automatically mean that you will experience loneliness. This is a distinction worth making.

Alone is a circumstance. Loneliness is a feeling. While we can't always change our circumstances immediately, you can take steps to address the feeling and ensure that you make kinder choices for yourself so you can spend the Christmas period in a way that you find fulfilling.

Practical Strategies for combating loneliness this Christmas 1. Reach Out First: Loneliness thrives in silence. Often, the people we think are

too busy would welcome hearing from us. Make that call or send that text. The worst that could happen is that they are genuinely busy, but chances are, they will be glad you reached out, which in turn may lead to a visit over Christmas or an invitation to join them in their festivities.

2. Consider volunteering: Homeless shelters, hospitals, charities and churches are in desperate need of help over Christmas. Volunteering serves two purposes: you are helping to contribute to someone’s life in a meaningful way, and you are surrounding yourself with people, so you spend the day with company.

3. Create Your Own Traditions: Who says Christmas has to look a certain way? Your perfect day might be: l A long walk in nature, followed by your favourite takeaway or meal for one in a restaurant where you dress up and take yourself out l A movie marathon with treats you never usually allow yourself l Video calls with friends scattered across different time zones l Attending a community event or church service l Treating yourself to something special you have been wanting 3. Join Community Events: Many local charities and churches organise Christmas lunches for those who would otherwise be alone. Visit your nearest

community organisation or visit your council website to find out more about what is being offered in your area.

4. Limit social media: This is something I always go on about, but if scrolling through other people's Christmas highlights is making you feel worse, you are allowed to switch off or disengage. Social media is filled with carefully curated moments, and does not depict the full reality of day-to-day life. Everyone's Christmas has difficult moments; we are often just not privy to them.

5. Connect virtually: If distance is keeping you apart, technology can bridge the gap: l Schedule a video call to have a meal ‘together’ l Watch the same Christmas film simultaneously while on a call l Send voice notes throughout the day l Create a shared photo album l Play online games together When to seek help Loneliness during Christmas is common and understandable. But please reach out to a healthcare professional if you are experiencing: l Persistent thoughts of self-harm l Complete inability to care for yourself l Feeling that life isn't worth living l Severe isolation lasting beyond the holiday period

Support is available: l Black Minds Matters: https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/ l Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) l The Silver Line (55 years and older): 0800 4 70 80 90 l Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 l Campaign to End Loneliness: resources at campaigntoendloneliness. org Not spending the day alone?

If you are wondering what you can do to help or give back this Christmas, a small act can go a long way.

Check in on a neighbour, friend, or relative you haven't heard from in a while.

It can be as simple as making a quick call or sending a message, or popping by to say hello or for a cup of tea.

If you are able, consider dropping off a plate of food or offering a spare seat at the dinner table on Christmas Day. All of these acts help to remind someone that they are not alone this Christmas.

However you spend the Christmas period, I hope the season brings you peace, joy and fulfilment. See you in the new year! l Dr Julie Hammond is a multi-award-

winning GP, health advocate and innovator.

She is the founder of the mamAR app: www.mamarhealth.com and is also writing a book on The Fourth Trimester due to be released in 2026

AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE | 5

18 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Dotun Adebayo

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

Rate him or hate him - you can’t ignore him!

Spare a thought for the devastated Caribbean nation when enjoying your festive frivolities

DEVASTATION: A man looks at a fallen tree in St Catherine, Jamaica, after Hurricane Melissa made landfall in October; below, Prime Minister Andrew Holness is being urged to inspire Jamaicans at home and abroad as the island begins the long road to recovery (photos: Getty Images)

B

EFORE YOU start putting up your Christmas tree and hanging up the lights, you do know Christmas is cancelled this year, don’t you? Or did you not get the memo? Did you not hear, we almost lost Jamaica.

How can you go out in all consciousness to ride on a one-horse open sleigh with bells jingling when Melissa hit Jamaica and the Caribbean so hard?

Did you not read all about it?

Melissa almost wiped the island out. It is already the strongest hurricane to have hit Jamaica since records began.

And it was a direct hit. When it made landfall in the south of the island, land fell to the north, east, south and west. Imagine if it had been one or two miles per hour stronger? It would have been nearer my God to thee.

That’s why we have to give thanks, rather than dream about another white Christmas.

That’s the sort of Xmas message that Jamaicans are looking to hear from their prime minister – the Xmas speech of his life to inspire Jamaicans all over the world to come together to rebuild the island.

Andrew Holness has to deliver a passionate and emotional Xmas message to Jamaicans at home and abroad that shows that he knows it and feels it too.

Like the late Queen did back in 1992 when she used her royal prerogative to talk about her annus horribilis in a year that saw several royal marriages break up and a fire burn down Windsor Castle.

I’ve never seen a queen cry, but there was a crack in her voice and no doubt she had to fight back the tears, but it endeared the monarch to her subjects and in no time at all Windsor Castle was rebuilt (even though all the queen’s horses and all the queen’s men couldn’t put those royal marriages back together again).

Mr Holness has got to call on the indomitable spirit of the peoples of Jamaica, going right back to the days of nanny and her brother Cudjoe of the maroons who resisted and defeated the British army (at the time, the mightiest army in the universe) with nothing but rudimentary weapons and a ragtag army.

THINK OF JAMAICA’S PAIN AT CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR

Remember, Jamaica is the birthplace of the Hon Marcus Garvey. Mr Holness, in his Xmas message, needs to invoke the spirit of Garvey’s “up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will” speech.

And he needs to do it soon, because once we start tucking into our Xmas feasts, we in Britain won’t be thinking about Jamaica.

We’ll be thinking about the Boxing Day football and the sales.

Honestly, it’s hard to think of the suffering of Jamaica on a full stomach, when you’re gathered

Please remember that Jamaica saw nearly a third of its annual wealth wiped out by Melissa – imagine that as you tuck into your roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts

around the open fire roasting chestnuts like we used to do back in the 20th century.

I have, of course, no doubt that Jamaica will pull through this. The High Commisssioner to Britain, Alexander Williams, said as much in one of the many fundraising drives for the relief effort that he and his counterparts all over the world have beern engaged in.

“We lickle, but we talawah,” his excellency said and he’s not wrong.

It’s a phrase that resonated with the gathered audience who raised many thousands of pounds in one evening.

We have to give thanks for Jamaican reggae and for the reggae musicians ( from all over the world) who have not wasted time in rallying for Jamaica.

Artists like Shaggy, south London’s Maxi Priest, and Luciano, who have led the drive for donations from ‘yardies’ and their families here in Britain and elsewhere around the world.

According to the stats, there are as many Jamaicans living outside Jamaica (in New York, Miami, Canada, Britain etc) as there are on the island. And it is targeting the expats and their children, wherever they may be, to come to Jamaica’s aid that is vital in the relief effort. Because we have so

much money we can fund as part of the international Relief effort.

Big-up also to all the people who have been ‘Jammin for Jamaica’ to raise money in New York and elsewhere around the world. And a special big-up to musician The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) for donating about £300,000 to Jamaica.

You see what we can achieve when we all come together? So unless you’ve got a heart made of stone and a lead belly, you may as well cancel Xmas dinner. Blame it on me.

Treat your friends and family to prawn mayonnaise sandwiches (the yellow sticker ones) and tell them it’s because radio Dotun made you feel so guilty in his article in The Voice that it’s going to be difficult to tuck into your roast turkey, with stuffing, while on a Zoom call to Jamaica to wish your family and friends there a merry Xmas as they face a festive season with little to cheer about than chicken head and chicken back on the yuletide table.

Nobody with a gram of a conscience is going to be playing charades and passing the parcel on December 25. It is going to be

your seasonal festivities regardless, please remember that Jamaica saw nearly a third of its annual wealth wiped out

by Melissa. Imagine that as you tuck into your roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Imagine if Britain lost a third of its annual wealth from a natural disaster.

The whole country would collapse. Not because of lack of cash, but because of spirit. We don’t have the Jamaican indomitable spirit that saw Usain Bolt, time and time again, defeat the rest of the world in hard pulling a Christmas cracker the fastest race on Earth. and reciting the jokes inside them.

We all have to give thanks for Here’s one I pulled out earlier: Jamaica for all the things it has given us, whether we’re from Knock-knock there or not.

Who’s there?

Europe.

Europe who?

So are you. If I’m a poo, you’re a poo, too

You see what I mean? It’s not even funny given the circumstances. Any other Xmas maybe.

But this Xmas is a Xmas to give thanks, not to give joke. And who don’t hear must feel – feel bad.

If you who are going to carry on

l Dotun Adebayo, Britain’s

most celebrated Black broadcaster, is known as the King of the Nighttime Airwaves. All views here are his own. Listen to him overnight on BBC 5 Live from 1-5am Saturday mornings – Monday mornings & 1am – 4am on BBC Radio London (Wednesday to Friday mornings). Follow him on X: @radiodotun

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Enjoying a cost-of-living Christmas Don’t let the festive season leave you out of pocket

It’s okay to be honest about what you can afford. Create a Christmas menu to help work out the food expenses and stick to it!

You can also note other festive miscellaneous costs, such as decorations, wrapping paper, etc.

Try setting a budget you do not wish to exceed.

TRUE MEANING: Christmas is about spending quality time with loved ones, not spending money

• Prioritise your Christmas purchases: If you have found your Christmas budget will leave you in the red, you may need to prioritise purchases.

• Try to decide what the most important things are to you at Christmas time: What are your essentials? Your Christmas can still be a wonderful time, even if it’s stripped back a little.

Perhaps cut down on the alcohol you’d usually buy? Or recycle last year’s Christmas decorations?

CHRISTMAS IS undoubtedly one of the most expensive times of year. It’s the season of spending, and the excitement and anticipation surrounding the festive months could leave you spending more than expected.

With the right planning and these tips, you can avoid spending a fortune over the festive period and start 2022 with a greater sense of control over your financial situation.

Makala Green, the UK’s first Black female chartered financial planner, has put together some

solutions which can help you save money without taking the ‘merry’ out of your Christmas. Four years later this advice is still as timely as ever.

• Make a Christmas budget: List names of everyone who needs a present. If you are struggling financially, try to make this as streamlined as possible.

Your loved ones would much rather you feel comfortable with your financial situation than spend money you don’t have.

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work with coaches, understand regional and cultural influences, and navigate the sometimes-overwhelming world of youth football. With Carl’s expert insights and relatable stories from parents who’ve been there, this book will show you how to be a positive force in your child’s football experience.

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For Parents: This book offers a first-hand view of the significant challenges faced by many parents who are often forced to learn on the go. It cuts through the “clutter” of competitive youth sports, providing clear insights into demystifying the balance between athletic ambition and well-rounded personal development. Parents will learn to foster a nurturing environment where their child’s talent can thrive without

• Try to avoid temptations by sticking to your wish list without too much deviation.

Buy gift cards: You can spend excess amounts because you can’t think about what to buy your loved ones.

Try a gift card instead; it may work out cheaper, and you allow them to buy what they really want.

The best things always come in small packages!

• Get creative: Christmas doesn’t have to be costly; get creative with presents and try hand-making to save money.

Making soap, pressing flowers and sticking them in a frame, creating a collage of your favourite memories all make for wonderful gifts which will last. ( first published on Voice website Dec, 2021)

• Spend less on your Christmas dinner: You may share the shopping list with family or friends to reduce the expense, or each Christmas dinner attendee could bring a dish or contribute a certain amount of money.

Christmas is about spending time with the ones you love, so asking for a monetary or edible contribution is totally reasonable. Alternatively, you can shop around to source supermarkets with the cheapest costs and best offers.

• Beware of Christmas ‘deals’: As we get closer to Christmas, the sale season begins, but not all

90 Minutes as a Football Parent

s a football parent, you want to see your child grow, both on and off the pitch. But navigating the world of youth football can be challenging, especially with the pressures, expectations, and choices that come with it. 90 Minutes as a Football Parent is here to help you every step of the way.

Written by Carl Dixon, a coach with experience at top UK football academies like Chelsea and Tottenham, this book offers practical advice on how to support your child’s football journey.

Whether they dream of turning pro or just want to enjoy the game, Carl gives you the tools to help manage expectations, balance pressure, and ensure the focus stays on enjoyment and growth.

Inside, you’ll learn how to

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losing sight of essential life virtues.

For Coaches, Administrators, and Players: This book provides valuable insight into the broader development ecosystem. It champions the idea that “Football isn’t just about developing talent; it’s about nurturing character.”

This perspective helps those involved understand their role in ensuring young players emerge not only as skilled technicians but also as principled individuals ready to face life’s challenges head-on.

Makala Green is the UK’s first Black female chartered financial planner

DECEMBER 2025

THE VOICE | 21

Christmas Special

SUPPLEMENT 2025

Overwhelmed? Here’s how to survive the festive season

Christmas is a busy time with lots of obligations and things to do. But if you plan, you can still make time to enjoy one of the happiest times of year, says Sinai Fleary CAN YOU believe it is that time again? The festive season is fast approaching and it can be stressful with so much to do and so much happening. So at The Voice, we have put together a few tips on how you can not only survive this festive season, but really thrive this Christmas and have enough time to pamper yourself, too. and family sleepovers. Plus, you will have somewhere to put all those gifts that will be arriving.

1 . WRITE THINGS DOWN

First things first, to avoid feeling overwhelmed, get a notebook and a pen and start making all your lists. Write down everything you will need over the holidays and use each page for different categories.

Have a gift list, a food list, a card list – and tick them off as you buy them. That way, you will easily see the progress you are making and won’t forget anybody. Create a list of the all-important food ingredients and items you will need for your Christmas dinner – and, of course, don’t forget the drinks! By having lists, it will inspire you to start preparations early and this will save those last-minute dashes to the shops.

4 . MAKE TIME FOR ELDERLY RELATIVES

The past 18 months or so have been tough for everyone. Make sure you set aside some time to check in on vulnerable members of your family. It will do wonders for your mood and will help spread some Christmas cheer.

If you are lucky enough to still have elderly relatives, pay them a visit and do something that they enjoy.

Play dominoes or cards or simply listen to them tell stories about when they were young. Tomorrow isn’t promised, and you will be glad you did. Don’t be afraid to get in the kitchen with them and do some cooking. After all, Grandpa and Grandma always have the best family recipes!

2 . LET TECHNOLOGY HELP We are now living in the technology age, so take advantage of it.

There are so many bargains to be found while shopping online. It’s often less stressful, less stressful, as you avoid the big crowds and long queues.

Plus, you can compare prices and save some money on your shopping. So grab your tablet, phone or laptop and shop from the comfort of your sofa – with a glass of Sorrel or egg nog.

5 . STICK TO YOUR BUDGET Whatever your budget is for spending during the festive season, make sure you stick to it. So many of us overspend at Christmas and start the new year with massive credit card bills, which causes unnecessary stress and arguments. Just imagine how great you will feel in January, when you don’t have to fear the letters from the postman and can begin your new year debt-free.

It will work wonders for your bank balance and you can begin planning your new year without worrying.

3 . DECLUTTER AND TIDY UP Having a good pre-holiday declutter and tidy up can make more space in your home and will help you feel more organised.

In addition, the extra space will come in handy for all those parties

A blessed christmas! .to you

6 . CHECK YOUR MENTAL HEALTH The festive season can be a difficult time for so many people. Make sure you check in on those around you who may be struggling with their mental health. Offer a helping hand and a listening ear and let them know they are not alone. Perhaps visit some mental health websites, so you are aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for if you are worried about a loved one. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling, as very often, early intervention can make all the difference to how well someone recovers.

7 . REST We spend so much time working, studying and looking after our families and friends, we often forget to look after ourselves. Set aside a day during the holidays that is dedicated to just you. On this day, make sure you pamper yourself. Have a long bath, have a nap, bingewatch that TV series series you haven’t had a chance to watch or curl up on the sofa with a good book. Whatever makes you relax, do that on your special day. You deserve it!

8 . AND FINALLY… LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE! Dance, smile, laugh loud and enjoy cuddles with those you love and take loads of pictures to capture your memories. But most importantly, make sure you have the best festive season ever. The Voice wishes all of our readers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

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9 Golden Rules

for Online Safety Here are simple tips from RKY Careers to help you stay protected: • Never share your PIN, OTP, passwords, card details, or any other personal information.

• Be wary of emails, calls or messages asking you to verify your account.

• Do not click on unknown links.

• Confirm you are on our official websites before making payments.

• Use strong passwords and keep your devices updated.

• Stop any transaction that feels unusual and contact us immediately.

• We will never email you asking for gift cards.

• We will never claim we are stranded or need urgent financial help.

• We will never request your passwords, one-time-password (OTP) or sensitive details.

• Any email from us will always come from our official domains.

SUPPLEMENT 2025

Holiday Spending, Holiday Scams Staying Safe This Festive Season

by Rukayat Alabi, CEO, RKY Careers

THE YEAR has come full circle again. Streets are lighting up, the air feels softer, and everyone is preparing for the celebrations that only arrive once every twelve months.

Like many people across the country, you may already be thinking about gifts for the people who carried you through the year.

The festive season brings warmth, generosity, and a familiar rush to make loved ones feel seen.

Unfortunately, it also brings something far less cheerful.

Across the UK, fraudsters are preparing for their busiest period.

In 2024, UK Finance reported that fraudsters stole £1.17 billion through both unauthorised and authorised fraud.

Unauthorised fraud refers to criminals making transactions without your consent, often by using stolen card details, and there were more than 3.13 million cases.

Authorised Push Payment fraud, where victims are tricked into transferring money themselves, resulted in £450.7 million in losses, including £144.4 mil-

lion linked to fake investment schemes.

During the last Christmas to New Year period, Santander recorded 596 scams and close to £2 million in losses, many of them triggered by emails or messages pretending to be banks or delivery companies.

This season, scammers rely heavily on fake emails to impersonate trusted organisations, install harmful software, or lure people into paying for fraudulent offers.

Staying safe begins with small habits. Never share your PIN, OTP, passwords, or card details. Be cautious of emails or messages

asking you to verify your account.

Use secure websites when paying for anything.

Keep strong passwords and updated devices. If a transaction feels off, pause and contact your bank.

To verify that an email is genuine, open the three dots in the corner of the message, select Show original, and confirm that the sender address is correctly spelled and that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC all show PASS. If any of these fail, delete the email immediately.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) confirms the sender is using an approved server. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) verifies that the message has not been altered.

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) tells email servers how to treat suspicious messages.

Together, they help block impersonation and fraud.

Protect yourself this season. If an offer looks too perfect, trust your instincts and walk away.

Enjoy the season, but stay alert

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Christmas Special

A Christmas Message from Gary Phillips at JP Logistics Solutions

I would normally start a Christmas message to you, our customers, by saying what a wonderful year it has been and how thankful I am for your continued support.

However, this year is slightly different. We are aware of the devastating impact of hurricane Melissa. JP Logistics immediately mobilized their expertise and support services during this time of need.

We hope your family has not been hit too hard and has remained safe and secure.

We have committed to shipping containers containing approved critical aid free of charge to support our Jamaica friends and have received vast amounts of aid that we have already shipped to Jamaica.

Our teams in the UK, USA and Jamaica are here to support you and your family and continue to manage these relief efforts.

JPLS have continued to support the wider Caribbean communities across the UK and Europe shipping your personal effects, cars, electrical goods, building products and more during this challenging time.

We are incredibly grateful to you, our loyal customer base, for your continued support, and to the new customers who have joined us this year to enjoy the customer-driven services JPLS offer.

January will see the launch of our new personal effects shipping app. The app will allow you to manage your entire shipping process, providing pricing, updates and tracking information. It is easy to use, powerful and we think you will like it.

We thank you for your continued support (40 years and counting) and look forward to supporting you again next year. Have a great Christmas and we wish you joy and prosperity in 2026.

THE VOICE | 23

24 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Christmas Special Special Feature

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Five festive side hustles to boost your income this christmas

By Vanessa Brown

EVERY YEAR the Caribbean community finds creative ways to keep traditions alive, support one another and celebrate with style. With the cost of living stretching many of us a little thinner, and many still doing a bit extra for family back home after the recent storm, this Christmas is a good moment to use your creativity and earn some additional income. Even small ideas can make a real difference when they are rooted in culture, community and entrepreneurial flair.

Here are five festive and affordable side hustles to help boost your income this season.

1. Bottle Your Own Sorrel Sorrel is the ultimate Jamaican Christmas drink. Rich in colour and full of ginger, it is inexpensive to make in large batches and ideal for selling in gift-ready bottles. Add extra ginger for winter warmth and people will be asking for more.

2. Bake and Sell Jamaican Rum Cake Rum cake is a Christmas essential. If you enjoy baking, this is a reliable favourite and a strong money-maker. One large cake can be portioned into smaller servings that are easy to

sell to friends, colleagues or neighbours. Nostalgic and delicious, it always moves quickly.

3. Make Traditional Jamaican Sweets If baking feels like too much work, try classic Jamaican sweets instead. Coconut drops; grater cake and peanut brittle require only a few ingredients and always bring back childhood memories. These treats sell well at community events, workplaces or through word of mouth.

4. Create Homemade Festive Candles Nothing sets the Christmas mood like a warm, cosy scent.

Making candles is simple and cost-effective. Use soy wax, wicks, and festive fragrances such as cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla. With neat packaging, they become beautiful, giftworthy products.

5. Start a Natural Skincare Mini Line DIY skincare is booming. Body oils with essential oils, whipped shea and cocoa butter and energising coffee scrubs feel luxurious, cost little to produce and make perfect stocking fillers.

Use simple strategies to help your products sell, including WhatsApp broadcasts, sample sizes, pre-orders, and tidy packaging. When we lean into our talents, we create opportunity, joy, and abundance.

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Happy Holidays Thanks for a year full of creativity here’s to 2026 6!

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Christmas Special

London Community Gospel Choir at

CHRISTMAS Tue 16 Dec Book tickets

28 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Christmas Special Special Feature

SUPPLEMENT 2025

Sip, Shop, Sail, and Create Your Festive Christmas Memories Festive memories are truly made of magical moments — and this season, Chigwell Tours is inviting you to create yours with an exclusive 10% Black Friday discount across all tours on our website.

From enchanting performances of the Nutcracker to vibrant Christmas markets and festive dining. Our Christmas tours and dining create great memories for all. Shop early, save money and bag in the bargains! Save your money as you bag in the bargains when you shop early!

Step into the spirit of Christmas with our unforgettable seasonal highlights. Enjoy a Magical Night of Christmas Delight at the London Coliseum, complete with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, a glass of prosecco, and the breathtaking architecture of this historic theatre.

Wander through Rochester and the Dickensian Christmas Market, the perfect spot for early Christmas shopping, and delicious hot mulled wine and mince pies as you shop for bargains and that elusive treat for special friends and

families.

Join us for our Victorian time adventure at the Dickensian Christmas Festival and be charmed by characters in Dickens novels. End your bargain hunting day with a magical candle lit snow falling carol singing outside Rochester Cathedral. Great memories are made of this!!

We invite you to raise the bar and join us for festive African cuisine at the elegant Stork Restaurant, Mayfair where you will be served with tantalizing pan African cuisine selected from the best of east, north west and south Africa...

Indulge in a luxurious 3-course festive dining where African-inspired flavours meet contemporary elegance — a truly sensory Christmas experience.

There’s even more magic waiting in the new year, including our Spectacular Mother’s Day Blackwater Estuary Barge Sail with Cream Tea. Visit our website today and let Chigwell Tours make this festive season a memorable one. www.chigwelltours.co.uk

‘Breaking Through Racist Clouds’ 37 Caribbean people talk about ‘how it was for them’ arriving and living in the UK and in the USA. They tell their truths.

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THE VOICE | 29

Christmas Special

SUPPLEMENT 2025

Job Searching During the Christmas Season

JOB SEARCHING over the holidays can feel challenging. However, while the focus of the season is very much on relaxation and merriment, if you are actively job hunting this period can be full of opportunities if you approach it strategically.

Here’s some points to consider: Use the downtime productively- Ensure that your CV is up to date, optimise your LinkedIn profile, research companies, and prepare for interviews.

Stay visible and active - Keep applying and networking while others take breaks. Even if responses are slower, your application will be there when recruiters return.

Less competition - Many candidates pause their search assuming companies aren’t hiring, which means less competition for active opportunities.

Companies often have end-of-year budgets to use and new year positions opening in January, so they’re actively planning and sometimes hiring over the Christmas season.

Networking opportunities - Holiday parties, year-end events, industry and alumni events are all fertile ground for finding out about possible job opportunities. As environments are often

more relaxed, people are more open to sharing about roles and provide introduction to contacts that you can follow up at a later time. A timely introduction to a key person is valuable and always helps.

The key to using this time well is to maintain your job search momentum while being realistic about response timelines and any offers. Stay patient but persistent. Many great hires happen because someone kept pushing forward while others waited for January!

Don’t forget to enjoy the holiday season too!!

Denise Meade-Hill, Career Transition Coach is a Registered Career Development Professional with the Career Development Institute and an accredited coach with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. She specialises in coaching and consultancy to facilitate mid-career change, personal and professional development Contact: Transitions Career Management and Training Ltd email: info@careertransitionsdmh.co.uk www.careertransitionsdmh.co.uk

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THE VOICE | 31

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BritCham Guyana and Maxi Priest raise £21,035 for Jamaica Hurricane Relief PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 8 November 2025 th

Venue: Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge, London BritCham Guyana and Maxi Priest Raise £21,035 for Jamaica Hurricane Relief

(left pic) Maxi Priest & Chairman of BritCham, Faizal Khan at the Chelsea Football Stadium Venue (right pic)

MaxiPriest Priest with The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) partnered with international artist, Maxi Signed Shirt to host a charity auction during its Business Forum & Networking Event at Chelsea Football Club, Stamford for Auction Bridge, on November 6th, 2025.

We are proud to stand with our Caribbean family in times of need, and this auction

The event formed part of a high-level Business Forum that featured Government Ministers, Trevor Phillips is a Sir testament to what we can achieve together.”

Please see below OBE, and representatives from major international companies, including ExxonMobil, among many others,for the list of items auctioned and the individuals who kindly bid in the live auction: highlighting the growing partnership between the United Kingdom, Guyana, and the wider Caribbean.

1) Dr. Robbie Rambarran - Signed guitar by the legendary, Ali Campbell from UB40 Ms. Orlaith Rafferty - Signed guitar by Luciano The live auction, jointly hosted by Chairman Faizal Khan and Maxi Priest, raised a total of2)£21,035 to support 3) Ms. Sheryl Fergus – Amazing 8-Day Guyana Rainforest Adventure Experience sponsored relief efforts in Jamaica following recent hurricanes. by the Guyana Tourism Authority, Wilderness Explorers, Cara Lodge, Atta Rainforest Lodge, Waikin Ranch and AirDash.

Maxi Priest shared his heartfelt sentiments: 4) Mr. Odingo Gordon – Signed Maxi Priest / BritCham Guyana Greenheart Wooden Engraved Plaque created by Branderz Guyana & XM 25-Year-Old Limited Edition Rum 5) Mr. Tonyto Thorne – Gourmet Taste of Scotland Dining Experience for Ten “Jamaica has shared its ‘one love’ message with the world for decades, and it’s truly heartwarming see that 6) Mr. Hans De Putter – signed Kadell Daniel Guyana National Team Football Shirt love and unity return in our time of need,” said Maxi Priest. from Gold Cup 2019 7) Mr. Kads Khan Jr – Large Painting donated by H.E. President of Guyana GY Dr Irfaan Ali “Unity is a healing power, and I’m so happy to see it at work. I want to thank everyone who the BritCham 8) made Mr. Damien Blackburn – Signed by the team Guyana Amazon Warriors Cricket Shirt 9) items, Mr. Ryan Burrowes he British Chamber of Commerce From the President of Guyana, H.E who Dr. MoGuyana and Maxi Priest Auction for Jamaica Hurricane Relief possible, those donated those who – Signed by 1st team 2025/26 Fulham FC Football Shirt 10) Mr. Alex Medrecki – Signed Demarai Grey Birmingham City Football Shirt Guyana (BritCham Guyana) part- hamed Irfaan Ali, who took his personal paintbid, those who attended, took photos, listened to the music, and kept the vibe alive for the auction after an all11) Mr. Michael Arnold – XM 21-Year-Old Limited Edition Rum & Signed Maxi Priest Shirt nered with international artist, Maxi ing off his wall and made sure it was carried day business 12) Mr. John Behar – Signed Guyana Amazon Warriors Cricket Bat Priestforum. to host a charity auction dur- safely and arrived at Chelsea Football Club in 13) Mr. Salim Alli – Signed Guyana Amazon Warriors Cricket Bat, Two Signed Guyana ing its Business Forum & Networking Event time for the auction, to the professional footAmazon Warriors at Chelsea Football of Club, Stamford ballersIrfaan and cricketers, sponsors, artists, the From the President Guyana, H.E Bridge, Dr. Mohamed Ali, who took his personal painting off his wall and Cricket Balls & Two Signed Guyana Amazon Warriors Hats 14) Ms. Ruth Ann Lynch – Dalgetty Tea Hamper & Signed Maxi Priest Shirt on November 6th, 2025.

Chelsea and BritCham staff, Faizal and the made sure it was carried safely and arrived at Chelsea Football Club in time for the auction, to the professional 15) Mr. Sherwyn Naughton – Signed Maxi Priest White Shirt The event formed part of a high-level Busi- executives of BritCham, and even the camfootballers sponsors,Minisartists, the Chelsea andand BritCham staff, Faizal and the of 16)executives Mr. Andy Mcloughlin – Guyana Football Team Yellow Shirt signed by Maxi Priest ness Forumand thatcricketers, featured Government eramen, singers, audio teams who stayed & Luciano ters, Sir Trevor Phillips OBE, and representaback to make the event amazing with such a BritCham, and even the cameramen, singers, and audio teams who stayed back to make the event amazing 17) Mr. Keon Howard – Guyana Football Team Yellow Shirt signed by Maxi Priest & Luciano. tives from major international companies, fantastic spirit of unity, thank you all. with such aExxonMobil, fantastic spirit of unity, all.special thank you as well to the incred18) Mr. Shabir Khan – Signed Morgan Rogers Aston Villa Shirt including among many thank others, you A 19) Mr. Martin Elliott – Signed Maxi Priest Shirt highlighting the growing partnership between ible artists Luciano and Aswad, whose perfor20) Mr. Bik Singh – Signed Maxi Priest Shirt the United Kingdom, Guyana, and the wider mances lit up the night with love and energy, 21) Mr. Navin Hansraj – Signed Maxi Priest Shirt Caribbean. and to Ali Campbell of UB40, whose generous 22) Mr. Ian Dhanraj – personal contribution for a photo with Maxi Priest The live auction, jointly hosted by Chairman donation helped make the auction a success. It Faizal Khan and Maxi Priest, raised a total of was incredible to see the ‘One Love’ spirit flow The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) independent, chamber growth in Guyana.

Our to organizations coordinating recovery and rebuilding efforts in Allbusiness proceeds will go directly £21,035 to support relief efforts in Jamaica fol- is anfrom Guyananon-profit and thebusiness UK back intocommitted Jamaica.to ” driving UK members companies and individuals from the UK, Guyana and worldwide employFounding thousands globally.

We work our members, governments, andlike many Jamaica.

If you’d toother donate to this ongoing initiative, please contact the BritCham Guyana lowingare recent hurricanes.

Faizal and Khan, Chairman ofwith Britstakeholders to support and strengthen the UK-Guyana business relationship. For more information, visit britchamgy.com.

Secretariat.

Maxi Priest shared his heartfelt sentiments: Cham Guyana, added: British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) “Jamaica has shared its ‘one love’ message “This initiative embodies the spirit of rec/o One Communications, 4th Floor, Pegasus Suites and Corporate Center, Seawall Road, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana About BritCham Guyana: with the world for decades, and it’s truly heartgional unity and the power of partnerships. t: +1 592 7089989(GY) | e: admin@britchamgy.com w: britchamgy.com The British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) promotes and facilitates trade, warming to see that love and unity return in Guyana stands at the heart of the Caribbean’s investment, and partnerships between Guyana and the United Kingdom. our time of need,” said Maxi Priest. growth, and BritCham is committed to not only The Chamber provides a platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow through “Unity is a healing power, and I’m so happy fostering business but also being a force for advocacy, networking, and strategic engagement. to see it at work. I want to thank everyone who good across the region. made the BritCham Guyana and Maxi Priest I am proud to see how quickly both the Auction for Jamaica Hurricane Relief possi- Guyanese and UK communities have come toCONTACT INFORMATION: ble, those who donated items, those who bid, gether for this cause. The generosity and spirit For more information on how to get involved in the fundraising initiatives, please feel free those who attended, took photos, listened to of the people who attended this event show to contact the BritCham Guyana Secretariat at: the music, and kept the vibe alive for the auc- how business, culture, and community can (+592) 708 9989 or (+592) 708 9993 or email admin@britchamgy.com tion after an all-day business forum. unite to uplift our region.

T

32 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Midlands News

MIDLANDS CHARITY BRINGS HOPE AND HEALING TO JAMAICA Guided by faith and strengthened by teamwork, the Midlands and US teams at Samaritan’s Purse are standing with the nation in its time of greatest need

W

HEN Hurricane Melissa roared across Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, it left a trail of destruction, flattening homes, hospitals, and entire communities.

Families were left with little more than faith to hold on to, but hope was already on its way, brought on the wings of a global Christian charity committed to bringing relief and healing in times of crisis.

Within days, Samaritan’s Purse had teams on the ground in Black River, transforming an open area into a fully operational emergency field hospital.

Skilled surgeons, doctors, nurses, and support staff worked tirelessly to set up an operating theatre, intensive care unit, laboratory, X-ray facility, and pharmacy. Their mission was clear: to bring healing, hope, and the love of Jesus Christ to those who had lost everything.

Kelly Sites, Medical Director for Samaritan’s Purse, spoke to The Voice live from Black River. Kelly, who has been part of Samaritan’s Purse COMMITTED: Kelly Sites has been part of Samaritan’s Purse for 16 years

for 16 years, painted a vivid picture of the devastation.

“Where we are here in Black River it is decimated. All of the hospital is completely destroyed, except a little part of the emergency room,” she said.

Kelly went on to describe the resilience and strength of the local community: “Countless people have lost everything. It has been a horrific disaster. Many locals are telling us that they’ve never seen or experienced anything like this.

At the same time, we’ve been welcomed by them and thanked

relentlessly. The Jamaicans are joyful, resilient and strong people.”

The field hospital was just the beginning. Beyond medical care, the team also installed four community water filtration systems, ensuring thousands of residents now have access to clean, safe drinking water, a vital resource in the aftermath of such a storm.

A global mission rooted in faith Founded in 1970 by Dr Bob Pierce, Samaritan’s Purse has grown into a worldwide organisation with six offices, including in the US, Australia and the UK. Their Midlands office in Coventry works closely with the headquarters in North Carolina, coordinating logistics and emergency responses across the globe.

The charity makes no apology for being a Christian organisation; their mission is rooted in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ while demonstrating the love of Christ in action.

The team in Jamaica are trained DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) professionals and are ready to respond quickly to crises.

Each deployment matches team members specialities

to the needs of the emergency, allowing Samaritan’s Purse to bring highly specialised aid exactly where it is needed.

Kelly has taken part in about 35 disaster missions around the world, responding to hurricanes, earthquakes, infectious disease outbreaks, and conflicts.

Her experience and faith help guide every step of the relief efforts.

Meeting urgent medical needs The field hospital treats a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Kelly explained the variety of cases the team encounters: “There have been a variety of medical needs. Many lacerations from storm debris, infections from unclean water and food, trauma wounds from various accidents along with several chronic illnesses that desperately needed attention.

It is a variety of emergent and primary care for the Jamaican people.”

The hospital is equipped with an operating room, ICU beds with ventilators, laboratory, pharmacy, and X-ray facilities, alongside all the essential services needed

GLOBAL OPERATION: Nick Cole, left, and James Brazier, Operation Christmas Child UK, a project of Samaritan’s Purse to care for both minor and lifethreatening conditions.

For patients who cannot travel, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities, Samaritan’s Purse provides additional support.

“We are receiving critical patients that are airlifted onto our site by the Jamaican Defense Forces. We also have two mobile medical clinics that are moving throughout the island into hard-

to-reach areas. Our air response team has been airlifting the mobile medical team and their supplies into various parts of the island.”

When asked how they decide when it’s time to leave, Kelly explained: “Samaritan’s Purse is here to stay for as long as we’re needed. When the island has recovered more and our services are no longer required, we will pack up and head home. Our heart is to stay as long as possible.”

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 33

By Maxine Huie IN SAFE HANDS: A patient receives treatment at the field hospital (photo: Samaritan’s Purse)

BRINGING RELIEF: Within days of the hurricane, Samaritan’s Purse had teams on the ground in Black River, transforming an open area into a fully operational emergency field hospital; below, a storm victim’s injuries are assessed at the hospital (photos: Samaritan’s Purse)

Her dedication comes from a deep sense of calling, not just a career.

“When you know there’s a need and you have the ability to do something about it, it compels me to go serve, especially knowing that we can make a difference and alleviate suffering” she said.

“Truly, these experiences help you see how big God really is. When I’m in these situations and I feel desperate, God delivers. He always shows up and He never fails us. I am blessed by serving people and being present in these difficult situations.”

“Anytime I have an opportunity to serve, even though I will be away, they always support me no matter what I will miss. When I return, I get to share about these incredible experiences and how God showed up in incredible ways.

It makes these disastrous situations feel personal because it isn’t just a number or a news headline, it is a family, a mother, a child and their unique individual needs and story.”

Kelly emphasised that their support goes beyond medical treatment, the team is also there to provide both physical and emotional care. Their support means they are walking alongside Family support fuels people during their darkest the mission Kelly’s work requires personal moments with prayer and genuine sacrifice, but her family have been care. unwavering in their support.

“They are my biggest supporters. Spreading hope across They have sacrificed so much. It is a the world family ministry; it isn’t just me. I’ve Samaritan’s Purse does not limit its missed Christmas, prom, and my work to disasters. James Brazier, Director of Communications, kids’ birthdays.

around the world and together with the local Church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Supporters can take part by packing their own shoebox at home with toys, personal care items, school supplies and fun gifts ( full guidelines on samaritanspurse.org. uk) or they can choose to donate a pre-packed shoebox gift.

They can choose a themed shoebox such as Classic, Sparkly Princess, or Dinosaur, pray for the recipient child and the Samaritan’s Purse team will carefully pack and send the gift on their behalf.

Nick shared that “in 2024, 30,000 shoeboxes were sent to Jamaica via the local church network on the island and we sent a total of 200,000 to the Caribbean.

“Globally, we sent over 11 million shoeboxes and around 250,000 of those came from the UK. The churches in Jamaica that receive and distribute the shoeboxes are the same churches that we work with to distribute hurricane relief items across the island.”

Nick added that children receiving shoeboxes are also invited to participate in the 12week ‘Greatest Journey’ Bible study course. In 2024, 5.5 million children took part, learning lessons in faith, hope, and resilience.

It is true to say that the great global work of Samaritan’s Purse could not take place without volunteers and the DART.

invited me to visit the UK Samaritan’s Purse Ministry Centre in Coventry.

During the visit, the sheer scale of the global operation was clear.

Vast warehouses store medical equipment, hygiene kits, cooking sets, solar lights, tents and shelter materials. Everything packed and ready to be deployed wherever they are needed.

A smaller version of the field hospital demonstrates how every detail is considered. James explained how everything is carefully chosen and the beds specially made to ensure durability, safety and a rapid set up on arrival. An invitation to serve Kelly encourages anyone Operation Christmas child considering volunteering at Nick Cole, Director of Operation Samaritan’s Purse or joining the Christmas Child UK, explained the DART to take the step in faith. charity’s wider outreach.

“On the outside looking in, it Operation Christmas Child, a seems crazy for us to go to these project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks difficult and devastated places to demonstrate God’s love in a but when God shows up, he tangible way to children in need meets needs in miraculous ways. I

shudder to think what I would’ve missed if I didn’t step out in faith to see how God is changing lives all over the world. If you feel any inclining of wanting to do something like this, trust God and step out of your comfort zone, come and join the team.”

Kelly shared her hope for Jamaica and the world.

“The world is in desperate need of hope. When we come to disasters, people wonder ‘why did this happen to me? Does anyone care’ we have the opportunity to

“It is a family

ministry; it isn’t just me.

I’ve missed Christmas, prom, and my kids’ birthdays”

- Kelly Sites, Medical Director

for Samaritan’s Purse

show up and remind them that not only do we care, but we care because God cares. It is out of His love for us that we can love others in their darkest hour. Hope has a name and it is Jesus Christ.”

A message of Christmas hope The work of Samaritan’s Purse serves as a powerful reminder: even in the darkest moments, faith, compassion, and teamwork can bring light. From the Midlands to North Carolina to Jamaica, the charity’s teams are living proof that love and hope cross borders, reaching the hurting and transforming communities. Their efforts mirror the true spirit of Christmas offering healing, restoration, and the enduring promise of hope.

The Samaritan’s Purse UK website provides opportunities to volunteer, intern, or join the Disaster Assistance Response Team and above all, the team asks for prayers for their continuous work and for Jamaica. l To volunteer or donate to this global cause, please visit samaritanspurse.org.uk

34 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Jacqueline McKenzie

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

DIASPORA DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAMMES ARE VITAL

Hurricane Melissa’s destruction of Jamaica has been a hugely costly wake-up call for the Caribbean

N

EWS OF any natural disaster is heartbreaking, but more so when it hits the epicentre of your world.

I’m used to hurricanes battering Grenada, the home of my teenage years and land of my mother.

But Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation of Jamaica, the birthplace of my late father, has been shattering.

After each natural disaster, we donate and send supplies, and before long, life on the island returns to a semblance of normality.

I visited Grenada a few weeks after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the island’s worst after Hurricane Janet in 1955. Ninety per cent of houses and buildings had suffered damage, energy grids and telecommunications were affected, and the tourism and agriculture sectors suffered serious setbacks.

Damage was estimated at $1billion, twice the island’s then GDP. But in quick time, Ivan’s trail of destruction was less visible and only months later, the barren lands caused by the hurricane were green again and many houses had been repaired.

Today, the main ongoing impact of that hurricane has been the failure of various governments to restore the sites of national heritage that were damaged, including the national library.

However, Jamaica’s challenges are greater. Hurricane Melissa was its most powerful, registering as a

Category 5 hurricane, with wind speeds of 185 mph and torrential rainfall.

The impact has been severe with damaged roads, homes, hospitals, schools and businesses spread over a large area.

As of mid-November, damage is estimated at US $48 billion, with the Jamaican government reporting 45 deaths and 1.6 million people affected, many of whom remain in shelters.

Despite the country grappling with inflation, 4.7 per cent remains high and is likely to increase due to shortages, especially in the agricultural sector.

POVERTY There are already reports of business profiteering in the sale of essential foods, transport and materials needed for house repairs.

And despite the country’s progress in reducing poverty, with the national poverty rate falling to 8.2 per cent in 2023, half that of 2021, there will be an inevitable setback as jobs are lost in many sectors, particularly in the tourism and agricultural processing industries, braced only slightly by the inevitable short-term increase in remittances from the diaspora.

Hurricane Melissa is devastating for Jamaica, but provides a salient wake-up call to the Caribbean.

Climate change has worsened this natural phenomenon causing warmer sea temperatures which according to experts is providing more energy for hurricanes,

DEVASTATION: Children sorting through the wreckage of a school near St George’s, Grenada following Hurricane Ivan in 2004 (photo: Getty Images)

CARNAGE: An aerial image showing the devastation caused in Jamaica by October’s Hurricane Melissa (photo: Getty Images) leading to higher winds, more rainfall and floods, and the risk of more intense hurricanes.

As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Jamaica is particularly vulnerable to the serious negative impacts of climate change.

Jamaica has been working

towards alleviating the risks through its Long-Term Emissions There’s a Reduction and Climate Resilient Strategy for 2050, but the fundamental consequences now are devastating, particularly for those officially question on recorded as living in poverty, and the significant numbers on the how the margins.

Jamaica’s misfortune has been diaspora can slightly eased by it being one of the help protect most loved countries in the world.

Much of this is down to the our Caribbean disproportionate impact, given its size, that it makes on the world homelands through music, food, literature and sporting prowess. from natural Less well known is the impact it is also making in the arts and disasters sciences. And let’s not forget that some of its past political leaders, wonderful, necessary and will not least, Marcus Garvey, have spurred international movements provide an important stop gap.

But there’s a fundamental which raised Black consciousness. question on how we in the This reverence for the country diaspora can be better organised to has meant that Jamaicans and non-Jamaicans alike are rallying to help protect our Caribbean support relief measures. This is homelands from the inevitable

natural disasters. How do we develop structures that alleviate the panic-stricken response we see each time disaster strikes?

The need for permanent diaspora disaster relief programmes is crucial, as are organisations involved in assisting the Caribbean with its long-term development goals.

On the latter, work is taking shape on a UK Caribbean Institute of Development, but more is needed.

With the British government’s response to Hurricane Melissa being deemed woeful by many, and with there being no initiatives to enable displaced Jamaicans, who still have the British monarch as their head of state, to come to the UK, we place our future development solely in the hands of our former oppressors, at our peril. l Jacqueline McKenzie, is a Partner at Leigh Day and a social justice campaigner

Lifestyle

36·37

Where to go, what to do during the 2025 festive season

38

42

DOM TAYLOR MADE CHRISTMAS

Fill your room with the sound of Zara Hudson-Kozdoj’s debut cello album

43 Jasmine Richards brings ‘The Other Father Christmas’ to market

36 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Lifestyle ‘Tis the season to be busy – and we have plenty to fill your calendars this festive season. By Joel Campbell

LIFESTYLE WAS invited down to Glide at Battersea Power Station last month for the opening night of seasonal ice skating. But that isn’t our only festive suggestion when it comes to you and the family getting out and about this Christmas.

The Battersea Power Station attraction returned this winter with the introduction of London’s first ever scenic ice-skating trail.

The venue is open to the public up until January 4, offering an unforgettable experience set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Grade II-listed Power Station along with inspiring views of the River Thames and London skyline.

The Glass House bar is back — providing the perfect spot to warm up or wind down after skating.

Alongside Made of Dough pizza, tasty bar snacks, and a wide range of drinks, guests can indulge in hot chocolate, low calorie beers, vintage sparkling wines and a tempting lineup of festive cocktails.

Open to both skaters and nonskaters throughout the season, The Glass House will also feature a lively programme of entertainment, from KISS DJ sets to lively acoustic music sessions. Visitors can also unwind in the warmth of the private hire Igloos. Situated just outside The Glass House, the igloos offer the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the surroundings in comfort and style, this year, the igloos will take on a Canadian campfire vibe, complete with Jenga and board games, a ski lift photo spot and Maple Margaritas on the menu.

To make the day even more memorable, features also include a vintage carousel, helter skelter, and— new for this year— onsite darts and curling, alongside returning favourites like the colours game and tin can alley. n Tickets are available to book now at glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk

EXTRA RNB DATE FOR 2025 LL XMAS BA blic demand,

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GET YOUR SKATES ON FOR CHRISTMAS FUN

Photos: David Jensen, Joshua Atkins

MAMA GOOSE @ STRATFORD EAST

Stratford East pantos are famous for tearing up the rulebook and telling classic stories with a special east London twist. Round up your friends and family and head to the venue for a reimagined telling of the fairy tale classic, suitable for all ages, written and directed by Vikki Stone and Tonderai Munyevu. Will Mama Goose be able to resist the temptations of fame and fortune, or will she learn that the best things in life are free? n Mama Goose plays at Stratford East until January 3

PINOCCHIO @ SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE

Shakespeare’s Globe is hosting the musical, Pinocchio, running at the Globe Theatre throughout the festive period until January 4.

From December 16 to January 5, 2026, families can explore the Globe on a Festive Family Tour to discover how Christmas was celebrated during Shakespeare’s time. Additional attractions see two interactive workshops for young people and their grown-ups offer fun opportunities to engage with the enchanting world of Pinocchio. The Puppetry and Drama Workshop for five- to eight-year-olds explores the story, characters and puppetry of Pinocchio through fun activities led by a Globe practitioner. For nine- to 12-year-olds, a companion workshop explores the tale through performance and puppetry. Both workshops run until December 20, 2025. n See shakespearesglobe.com for more details

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 37

What’s On guide ALICE IN WONDERLAND @ THEATRE PECKHAM

Step into a world turned upside down where nothing is quite what it seems. Theatre Peckham invites you on a journey through Wonderland with a bold reimagining of a timeless tale—bursting with music, colour, and unforgettable characters.

With original songs, dazzling visuals, and a fresh Peckham twist, Alice In Wonderland is a joyful, unpredictable festive show for the whole family. n See theatrepeckham. co.uk/show/alice-inwonderland/for more details

BALLET SHOES @ NATIONAL THEATRE

The Ballet Shoes return forms part of director and coCEO Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural National Theatre season and will run in the Olivier theatre until February 21, 2026.

In a crumbling house full of dinosaur bones and fossils, three adopted sisters — Pauline, Petrova and Posy — are learning who they are and what they want to be. Under the watchful eyes and guidance of their guardian Sylvia, Nana, and some unlikely lodgers, they fight to pursue their individual passions. But in a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, can they forge a future, keep their family together, and even learn a dance or two along the way? . n Info and tickets available at nationaltheatre.org.uk.

CINDERELLA @ HACKNEY EMPIRE

Cinderella, directed by Clive Rowe, plays at Hackney Empire up until December 31.

This year’s pantomime promises everything audiences have come to love from Hackney’s legendary festive show – dazzling design, laugh-outloud comedy, sensational music and, at its heart, a celebration of local talent and creativity. In the title role

is Siobhan James, returning to Hackney Empire where her performing journey began.

From appearing in her first ballet show on the Empire stage aged three, to taking part in the theatre’s Creative Futures Artist Development Programme (ADP) in productions including The Temp’East (2012) and Don’t Knock Tap (2014), Siobhan’s story is a full-circle Hackney fairytale.

“From three years old in my first ballet show, through to dancing in ADP and now returning home as Cinderella, it’s a divine full-circle moment,” said James.

The theatre also continues its long-standing partnership with Vestry Dance School, whose young dancers will appear as the Young Ensemble, working with choreographer Michael Ward. n Tickets and more info at hackneyempire.co.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY @ ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas: December 11, 2025 Trevor Nelson is back with a big party this Christmas.

Bringing the house down since 2019, Trevor returns with a host of special guests performing re-imagined and re-scored Soul and RnB tracks, with a little help from the incomparable BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Troy Miller. A DJ set afterparty is included.

The London Community Gospel Choir – December 16, 2025 The London Community Gospel Choir are back with their annual festive party.

Expect Christmas tunes and gospel classics, plus a host of special guests. Featuring The Heritage Orchestra and the powerhouse London Community Gospel Choir band conducted by Tom Richards. With special guest YolanDa Brown and more to be announced, don’t miss out on the night of soulful harmonies and festive cheer.

38 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Music

ZARA’S ALBUM URGES US TO REMEMBER WHO WE ARE A blend of cultures, a blend of genres — Zara Hudson-Kozdoj’s debut album is a feast for the ears, whatever your taste. By Joel Campbell

A

SKED WHAT she wanted people to take away from her debut album, Zara HudsonKozdoj, paused, before saying that no one has ever asked her that. But she’d better get used to it.

Sitting in the Voice newspaper’s office in South London, the Polish-Jamaican cellist, composer and producer radiates. There is an air of confidence about her but it’s a shiny surface that covers the life experiences which have left an indelible mark on her.

The journey of mastering the cello is no mean feat.

Add to that challenge, battles with anxiety and OCD, by the end of the conversation with Lifestyle, it’s understandable why she is beaming with pride.

The project she released in Black History Month represents so much to her. It’s the culmination of her life thus far.

Entitled Remember Who You Are, it was the obvious place to start the conversation was by finding out just who she was reminding herself to be.

“This album was totally autobiographical, about me.

“When I was asked by my therapist when I was about 20, what phrase could I tell myself when I’m feeling bad, and I felt very bad at times. I had crippling OCD and anxiety. The phrase that came to mind was remember who you are. That was written in my therapy book in 2018.

“So when I came to completing the album and nothing had track titles, it was just clear that that should be the title for me. It was just very obvious.”

Explaining more about her period in therapy, HudsonKozdoj said: “With regard to the therapy, obviously that was quite a long time ago now, so what the meaning is, does vary. At the time my problems were with OCD, really intrusive thoughts about me being not a good person in various different ways.

“It was just so horrible because the way OCD works is often, it surrounds itself with what you care about most and the intrusive thoughts are violently attacking your brain very loudly about the opposite of what you’d want and

they just feel very real, those thoughts.

“So at that time I’d mainly remind myself that I’m moral, I’m kind, I’m loyal, I’m honest, those kinds of things.

“But where it’s not ruining my life anymore and it basically doesn’t affect my life since then, I’d say I wouldn’t have been diagnosed with it over the last like five years, so that’s been an amazing growth for me.

“So now it means stuff a bit more broadly, not obsessing over my moral compass, but more remembering my roots.

Like my family on both sides are immigrants from Poland and Jamaica.

“And for me to be here today and happy and successful required so many chances and lucky situations on both sides.”

Hudson-Kozdoj’s mother, born in 1957, hails from Poland and her grandparents grew up in Nazi occupation.

Her father came to the UK from Jamaica just after the Windrush, residing in Hackney with a ‘fragmented family’ and ‘a mother that was having to work as a nurse all the time’.

Hudson-Kozdoj enthused: “For him to survive even and not be ruined by racism and police issues in those times and for them

(my parents) to meet and for me to be here and not struggling, is amazing,” In a time when younger generations move easily between genres, Hudson-Kozdoj doesn’t just blur the lines, she stamps out the box altogether and creates a space that’s entirely her own.

Her sound is shaped by a celebration of heritage and culture, class, and a home where dub, jungle and classical music could all share the same space.

As the 29-year-old found her groove after college, she realised that her passions lay outside the orchestral framework, and spread out into electronic music and playing with bands.

Her eclecticism came in part from her family: her Polish mother is a musicologist, and through her Jamaican heritage on her father’s side she developed a deep connection with sound system culture. Intertwined with her cello playing, we hear influences of dub, jungle, reggae and techno.

This summer, Hudson-Kozdoj completed a residency at Studio Richter-Mahr in rural Oxfordshire for emerging artists.

Ideas spilled out of her in the form of scribbles, poetry, text, photos, and musical ideas, which were sculpted into the album across a week and with HudsonKozdoj recording all instruments and co-programming all drums — as well as producing alongside Raz Olsher.

Immensely grateful for where she finds herself at this point in her career, Hudson-Kozdoj said, despite the bumps in the road, so much has gone her way, that it’s important to be positive.

“All of the amazing opportunities I’ve got from people taking a chance on me, believing in me, mentors and teachers and also (people) financially investing in me. I’ve received generous scholarships from various amazing personal and government donors throughout my life, scholarships for school, funding for my instruments, living costs, and things like that.

“So yeah, I’m always just remembering to be grateful for all of those positive things.”

So, what did she want people

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Polish-Jamaican cellist Zara Hudson-Kozdoj draws from her own experiences in her debut album (photos: Claudia Hampton)

I feel like I wanted it to be a diverse listening trip so that you got to know me to take from the album? “It’s just my offering to the world. You take from that what you will,” she said.

“I feel like I wanted it to be a diverse listening experience, so you could get to know me and so there’d be something for everyone.

“I wanted to make extremely

accessible music because I feel like a lot of the contemporary classical music that comes out by contemporary class musicians, whatever they’re actually producing, is extremely inaccessible.

“And although one of my songs, the one about mental health, is an unpleasant listen, it might not be your favourite song ever, I wanted people to feel like they could respond to it emotionally in some way.

“It’s not the most metaphysical work ever.

It’s just very personal and I’m really interested to see, and speak to people about which pieces resonated with them the most and why.

“Streaming-wise there are two that are doing significantly better

than the others. But when I talk to people from the live shows I’ve done, and I’ve done about 10 in the last year, who likes what is pretty even spread and it’s really interesting who likes what and why.

“I just wanted to write something and I hope people listen.”

DECEMBER 2025

THE VOICE |39

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40 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Music

MIXTAPE’S EXPLOITS ARE PURE MADNESS!

Celebrating being an ‘urban music’ platform for 15 years is something to shout about. By Joel Campbell

B

L ACK-OWNED organisations lasting more than a decade will understand just what a respectable feat Mixtape Madness have achieved as the ‘urban music’ platform celebrates 15 years in business.

Founded in 2010 by friends Kwabz Oduro Ayim, Kingsley Okyere, and Eddie Agyeman in London, Mixtape Madness set out to build an open, accessible platform for people in the UK rap space to upload their music to a dedicated audience.

Eddie admits he didn’t see the platform growing to experience the type of success and influence which it has over the last decade and a half. The other two, though, were convinced from the get go.

Kingsley explains: “The mission for Mixtape Madness at the beginning, when Eddie came to me with the idea, was how do we get the Wretch 32’s, the Blade Browns, the Youngs Teflon’s of this world, these were the road rap guys that we started off with, how do we get their music out to everyone, so that we can be a reputable source of UK music and for the scene to explode.”

He added: “Obviously, you start, you dream and put things into action, you manifest for these things to happen and ultimately, we put in the work.

“If you had asked me this a couple of years ago, I might have been conservative and said, ‘oh, I don’t know’, but looking at it now after 15 years, I realise that we actually put in the work. I had tunnel-vision focus on what we wanted to do with Mixtape Madness. I did the website, uploaded the music and actually saw what was happening.

“I wasn’t getting paid, it was just something that I was passionate

about. So, do I feel like I felt it was going to be a success? Yeah, I do.”

Kwabz added: “Similar to Kingsley, the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’, otherwise it wouldn’t have been a bedroom concept for the first seven or eight years when we weren’t getting paid.

“We’re doing 9-5 jobs and pouring our own resources into it.

I often tell people that one of the first partnerships we ever did was with Spotify. I took that meeting over the phone in the toilets at work.

“They were asking me why I was whispering and I’m telling them I had a bit of a sore throat.

“You’re not going to go to that level of sacrifice if you don’t have that innate belief that you’re building something that is fruitful and beneficial to the whole UK music ecosystem.”

At its core, Mixtape Madness has become a talent incubator.

For the past 15 years, they have helped to unearth talent across music, from artists to journalists and record executives.

From freestyle platforms Mad About Bars, Next Up?, and The Cold Room, there have been countless artists who have

If you’re young, make sure you’re doing your research and anything you dream can be a possibility

stepped through and raised their profiles exponentially.

While their journey is one of commitment, the type you find is synonymous with the come up of any organic entity that survives the test of time, their love for the business hasn’t wavered, ever.

In fact, this year Kwabz says they have worked with more talent from the community than anybody of note in the space.

He enthused: “In 2025, we’ve done more deals with artists from our communities than any of the major record labels in the UK. I want to deep that. It’s a fact.

“Again, we’ve done more business with artists from our communities than any of the major quote unquote record labels.”

TALENT Asked how that feat alone makes him feel, you can see he hasn’t really thought about his own personal satisfaction, it’s all about the work.

The ethos of staying focused on the endeavour runs strong through the trio. They don’t care for any flowers, although, let the record show, they deserve them.

One of the standout elements of MM is their connection with grassroots talent. Not just the connection, but an ability to understand the youth that are, for the most part, pushed to the side, especially if their artistic expression doesn’t tie in with what’s being widely considered as palatable.

No era in the existence of the Mixtape Madness platform highlighted this commitment to ‘the work’ more than the emergence of Drill music.

“If we go back, the whole purpose of Mixtape Madness, it was to create a platform for UK musicians or UK music to have its

MAIN MEN: Kwabz Oduro Ayim, Kingsley Okyere, and Eddie Agyeman

own place and have its voice and be promoted. So it was inevitable that we’re always going to just follow the sound of the time,” Kingsley enthused.

He added: “That whole era was very turbulent. But we, Mixtape Madness, still represent a generation, a culture, a community of people that Drill was connected to, so if we were to step back and say, ‘Oh, no, we’re not touching all of this because the police is, whatever’, then what’s the point of what we’re doing?

“What was the ultimate point of coming in this game and saying we’re going to help promote UK music?

“So it was a mixture of resilience and having a good team.

“Honestly, big up the guys that were with us in that era because they really drove the narrative to hold on, and just for them having the foresight to continue to build that infrastructure around it.”

Kwabz added: “It was important that we didn’t disconnect with our young creatives during that era because in many respects we saw ourselves in a lot of those creatives and we know how it is to be a very young teenager in

a challenging socio-economic environment.”

Both Kwabz and Eddie have a huge amount of love for the contributors to MM that have helped to shape how the platform is seen today. Check out the video interview on our website where they name them all.

Eddie said the work his team have put in over the years is testimony to the fact that once you put your mind to something, anything, you can achieve it.

JOURNEY “What started as a dream between friends has grown into a movement, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team behind Mixtape Madness and the countless people who’ve been part of this journey along the way.

“Thank you to everyone who’s supported, contributed, created, and believed in the vision. And most importantly, thank God for guiding us through every step for what he’s done and continues to do for us as a culture and as an independent music company.”

He added: “To all creators, artists, entrepreneurs, keep pushing and pushing our scene,

our community and our industry to the next level.

“If you’re a young entrepreneur, make sure you’re doing your research and anything you dream can be a possibility. To the ones that have a negative opinion about Mixtape Madness, phone me if you want to have a conversation.”

From talks with leading women in the music industry at the Royal Albert Hall to continued support of the Art Not Evidence charity, Mixtape Madness has also always strived to develop a sense of community.

This has also manifested itself in local outreach to schools as well as unearthing talent across the country with pop up shows.

The label continues to thrive and there are plans to expand the roots of Mixtape Madness outside of London.

To mark their 15th year, the company will be hosting events in Leeds, Leicester, and Manchester, branching out their footprint across the Midlands and north of England and showcasing the talents of local artists and djs on a national scale.

The next 15 years should be an exciting time for the platform.

Watch this space.

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 41

Technology

Lifestyle

CONNECTING THE FUTURE CREATIVE ECONOMY: Participants receive hands-on access to deep tech expertise

Programme accelerates growth of Black-founded technology companies. By Joel Campbell

D

EEP TECH innovation organisation Digital Catapult, in partnership with Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK, and in collaboration with Channel 4, has announced the 12 Black-founded startups joining the 2025 cohort of its Black Founders Programme.

Designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential creativetechnology companies and enable them to scale, it connects entrepreneurs with mentorship, technical support and targeted funding to prepare them for investment and successful commercialisation.

With less than one per cent of investment in the UK going to Black founders between 20132023, and just 0.14 per cent of investment going to Black female entrepreneurs, the programme provides investment-readiness

(photo: Getty Images)

support, peer-to-peer mentoring and business strategy advice to refine founders’ solutions.

Participants receive handson access to deep tech expertise and technological consultancy in areas including artificial intelligence and immersive technologies to strengthen their business models and help raise investment in the long-term.

Now in its third year, the latest cohort features companies tackling challenges across the creative industries, from reimagining classic stories with augmented reality, to using AIpowered tools to support dyslexic children.

Other solutions include new tools to support grassroots sports, fan-first ticketing platforms, digital tools to support the beauty sector, and digital passports to ensure the safe and sustainable movement of creative goods,

meeting demand for new solutions to grow the sector and equip the UK to be future-ready.

Participants in previous cohorts of the Black Founders Programme have gone on to achieve further success, securing investment and applying their deep tech innovation to industry.

Jessica Rushworth, Chief

Partnerships Officer at Digital Catapult, said: “This wave of startups represents the UK’s diverse creative economy and the innovative ideas driving new deep tech breakthroughs into music, entertainment and culture.

“The Black Founders Programme helps unlock growth through access to tools and

connections, and we’re delighted to continue working with Sony Music Group and Channel 4 to support these creative deep tech companies to scale successfully.”

Hari Ashurst-Venn, Senior Director of Digital & New Tech, Sony Music UK, said: “The calibre of this cohort is

exceptional and aligns with the rapid advancements we’re seeing in the industry, spanning the full spectrum of music and entertainment.”

James Bullock, Operations Manager, Sony Music Publishing UK, said: “Along with our sister company Sony Music, Channel 4 and Digital Catapult, we are excited to provide each founder with access to our network, resources, and executive expertise to help them develop their unique business solutions.”

Wayne Charran, Head of Technology for Data, Architecture & Technology Strategy and Marcia Williams, Director of Equity & Inclusion, Channel 4 said: “Channel 4 is delighted to welcome this year’s 12 outstanding Black‑founded startups onto the Black Founders Programme.

“By connecting brilliant founders with mentorship, technical support and targeted routes to funding, the programme is helping powerful ideas become investable, scalable businesses that can shape the UK’s creative technology economy.”

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42 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Food

DELIVERING CARIBBEAN CLASSICS WITH A TWIST

Chef Dom Taylor has been a busy man after his success on Five Star Kitchen. By Joel Campbell

D

OMINIC TAYLOR, professionally known as Chef Dom, has been working in the industry for 26 years.

A product of Lewisham College, where the Huddersfield-born foodie cut his teeth, he’s been focused on Caribbean cooking since 2017.

The last three years however, things have really started to ramp up.

Having featured in Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef and subsequently winning the show which aired on Channel 4 and Netflix, Taylor went on to host a ‘wonderful’ six-month pop-up restaurant residency at the The Langham Hotel called, The Good Front Room.

“That’s really what put me on the big stage,” he tells Lifestyle.

“People were like, okay, he can cook Caribbean food and he’s refined it and it felt luxurious.

The community really responded to it.”

Taylor admits that he wasn’t a very competitive person and even after being approached by the production company to take part in Five Star Kitchen, he didn’t have any real ambitions to win it.

That all changed when culinary legend Michel Roux Jr, one of the three judges on the show, tasted his chicken.

Sharing where his passion, approach and attitude to food prep stems from, Taylor explained: “I believe I can cook, but I’d never really thought about it in comparison to other people’s food. You know, art is subjective.”

He added: “I really enjoy my cooking and I really love Caribbean food. And I’ve really been thinking about how do you refine it? How do you heighten

DELICIOUS: One of Chef Dom’s mouth-watering dishes

it while staying respectful of the culture, the heritage?”

The son of a Jamaican mother and a Saint-Lucian father and one of five siblings, Taylor says the love for cooking started at home and while Caribbean flavours and influence are his base, over the years he has broadened his scope on what’s doable where food is

I left the Langham and suddenly realised, well, how do you follow that?

concerned.

“I love food from all across the Caribbean. I’m probably a little bit biased, I love Jamaican food, but I also love Bajan food. I love Guyanese food, Trinidad and Tobago, their roti’s and their curries. I love food.

“I also love African food.

I love the African diaspora.

So, Brazil and Cuba and I love their food and I really like to see how it interlinks.

“So, if you’ve ever had or made Jollof rice, for example, you understand the principle of that, you see all around the Caribbean and in Central and South America. So, I really like to pick up some of the different flavours.

“So when you see my food, you kind of go, ‘okay, there’s interpretations that I recognise and he’s brought it together in a way that feels harmonious’.”

Since winning the show and completing the six-month popup residency which, as well as being a complete sell-out was also extended due to popularity with diners, Taylor has been a busy man.

Between residencies at other restaurants and hosting private events, his stock continues to rise amongst the culinary elite.

The plaudits are not before their time, the adulation he is currently receiving is testament to the years he has been in the game.

But while it may appear to be all hunky-dory on the surface, there are some downsides.

“Being thrust into the public eye, there’s that pressure to be consistent,” he explains.

“I left the Langham and suddenly I realised, well, how do

HERITAGE: Dominic Taylor has refined Caribbean food

you follow that? What are people’s expectations? What expectations do I have of myself?

“It was tough and I’ve gone through lots of battles, mental battles about understanding that I don’t have to perform.”

He added: “I don’t have to live up to expectations. The beautiful thing about art is the art should come from the artist and then the buyers are the buyers based on the art.

“I shouldn’t modify my art to the audience. I should produce my art and believe in it and it will be bought by the people that it’s relevant to.”

For the upcoming Christmas season Taylor will be presenting his art in the form of a festive popup in east London.

Set to kick off from December 5 and taking place at 1 Thomas Tower, Dalston Square, formerly known as Mildreds, he’ll be feeding up to 60 people each night and will be catering for all dietary requirements.

“I am going to do a Good Front Room pop-up over December which will be named the ‘12

days of Christmas,’” he enthused.

“It will be the classic dishes that people love. There will be food, drink, music and merriness.

Please come down, if you’ve already made plans, unplan them.

I’d love to see you.

“I’ll be serving one of my wonderful dishes, ham hock stew peas, which comes with a cornmeal dumpling, really nice and heightened.

“My ackee and saltfish cakes will be back with my scotch bonnet aioli and a roasted pineapple

chow. You’ll see my curry goat come back in some context and there will be a vegan Christmas roast which will be going on with a nice vegan Yorkshire pudding.

“I’m also looking at doing an event for Christmas Day. Watch this space.”

While Taylor has promised to deliver the classics with a twist, he won’t be deviating too far away from the taste and flavours that are quintessentially Caribbean.

“It’s a really guarded cuisine. We don’t allow people to come in and start changing it easily. You’ve got to do it gently, you’ve got to do it respectfully.

“The flavours have to be right so they’ll accept change, but you’ve got to have that flavour profile.

If you don’t wow them, they’ll be cussing.”

Cussing at Christmas? Perish the thought. l Book your Christmas spot with Chef Dom on his website: www.chefdomtaylor.co.uk l Watch the full video interview on our website today

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 43

Lifestyle

Books

ALL JASMINE WANTS FOR XMAS IS TO SEE US ON THE SHELVES Award-winning author making dreams a reality with new festive tale. By Joel Campbell

W

HEN 10-YEAROLD Mikey secretly enters his grandad into Santa Search, a magical competition to find the next Father Christmas, he starts a journey that will change both their lives and prove that Christmas magic belongs to everyone.

Written by award-winning authors Jasmine Richards and Priscilla Mante, under the shared pen name Serena Holly, Richards told Lifestyle that she felt compelled to bring The Other Father Christmas to market as nothing else on the book shelves reflected the type of festive season she and many families across the country enjoy.

She enthused: “My kids are older now, but when they were younger, one of the things that really struck me was just how white Christmas was. It was truly a white Christmas.”

Richards added: “So, it’s always kind of bugged me, because I don’t know about your Christmases, But when I look at that table of food on Christmas Day, it encapsulates what it means to be Black British.

“So whether it’s rice and peas on the table or Jollof on the table, you got turkey and you got sorrel, you got all of the things and that’s what it means to be Black British, what’s on the table.

“That isn’t reflected in kids books. That sense of Christmas being really inclusive.

“So I felt like there wasn’t an offering that did that and it felt like a real gap in the market.”

Richards says they developed this project in house. The idea centering on the ‘real Santa Claus’ retiring and there being a need to look for his replacement.

“It’s like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Willy Wonka — but Willy Wonka is Santa in this case,” Richards explains.

Digging into the topic around the dearth of certain children stories that reflect wider British narratives, Richards doesn’t blame anyone in particular for the lack of diverse Christmas offerings out there, in fact, if there is any finger pointing

MIND THE GAP: Storymix founder Jasmine Richards is increasing representation of Black families — and authors

to be done, as someone who has spent a large part of her career in the book publishing industry, she looks at her own role first.

It’s one of the reasons she started Storymix, a springboard to racially minoritised creators, which incubates talent by working collaboratively to produce fiction for children and teenagers to be sold directly to publishers.

“I started the business because I was standing in a bookshop with [my son]. He was five at the time — he’s 13 now.

“I was looking at the bookshelves and there was not a single book that featured a child that looked like my son.

OUTSIDER “I think there were quite a few people at that time who felt like that. But the real kicker for me is I’d worked in publishing at that point for 15 years.

“Some of those books on the shelf I’d edited. Some of those books I’d ghostwritten. So to look at that shelf and not see my son, I couldn’t say as an outsider looking in, ‘Oh, that’s terrible, that’s awful’.

“I’ve been part of the problem and I know how it happened. So often, too often, the only Black woman in the room, the only person of colour in the room.

“You know, somewhere like Penguin, where I had my first job in

publishing, you get off the Tube and it feels very multicultural, you walk into the office... not so much, right?

“So I understand that I was trying to survive at points, keep my head down, keep progressing but then those chickens came home to roost, because I’m looking at the shelf and I can’t see my son in there.

“So, it was at that point I was like, ‘Okay, I understand how this

industry works and it’s a funny old industry. I understand how it works. I’m going to take all of my knowledge I have as an author, as an editor, and as a book packager.

I’m going to change that shelf as quickly as possible.’”

True to her word and actively living the mantra ‘Be the change you want to see’, Storymix, since 2019, has sold more than 500,000 copies of various titles.

In 2021, the organisation won the Precious Awards Creative Business of the Year Award and in 2022 they also won the FutureBook Start-up of the Year Award.

Two years ago, middle grade fiction title The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries, written by J.T. Williams and published by Farshore, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and won The Week Junior Award and Little Rebels Award in 2024.

Asked how she plans to traverse the future landscape, push out more books and continue the good work which

I don’t want to have to think about the cost of paper, I just want to work on ... bringing through talent has culminated with The Other Father Christmas being brought to market, Richards said: “Because I’ve worked in publishing for 20 years, I always said I never wanted to be a publisher.

“I don’t want to have to think about the cost of paper, how I distribute books, I just want to work on the creative. I want to bring through talent.

“But we’re having to move

into that space of becoming a publisher now because we can’t sell the license to our ideas to publishers anymore. They’re just much more reticent.”

She added: “I think it’s just reminding myself, ‘It’s not your fault that the world is the way it is right now, but it is on you to keep this thing going because there’s still so much to do’.

“So it might mean not developing as many brand new projects, but we’ve got over 20 different series that we are the IP holders for. Each one of those could be a TV show. I talk about stretchy IP, so you could take them to younger or older audiences.

“They could have spin-offs, It could be a game, they could have all kinds. I got to stay in the game, myself, so, I can make that happen.” l Watch the full interview with Richards on our website where she shares her thoughts on the current book and publishing industry in more detail

44 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Christmas Gifts

FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL...

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Whether it’s adults, kids, him or her, Lifestyle has been busy identifying some cool and functional presents

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9

4 6 5

1. SO CHILL MINI FRIDGE INFINITY, £44.99, FROM SMYTHS A clever addition to a bedroom or gaming setup. The LED infinity light mirror door looks great, while the four-litre compartment holds drinks, skincare or snacks.

USB powered, small enough for a desk and customisable with the included stickers.

2. SMARTPHONE PROJECTOR 2.0, £20, FROM SUCK UK

A smart little gadget that turns a phone into a projector with no setup stress. Drop a smartphone inside, switch off the lights and enjoy instant wall-sized viewing. Great for travel, student rooms or late-night film sessions.

3. STAR WARS CABLE GUYS DARTH VADER CONTROLLER HOLDER & PHONE STAND £29.99, FROM EXGPRO.COM

Welcome the Dark Side into your home with our Darth Vader: A New Hope Cable Guy based on one of the evilest and most beloved characters from the Star Wars franchise, our Darth Vader: A New Hope Cable Guy is armed with his lightsaber and ready

to attack anyone from the Rebel Alliance who may want to get their hands on your most treasured items – from your phone to your controller, and even your lightsaber.

Just remember not to “underestimate the power of the Force”.

4. ORB RETRO MINI ARCADE MACHINE, £34.99, FROM THUMBSUP.COM

A tabletop arcade cabinet loaded with 300 games. Great colours, responsive controls and a bright screen make it a fun choice for gamers who enjoy quick sessions without booting up a full console.

5. CARE BEARS DIGITAL PETS, £20, FROM THUMBSUP.COM

Fun, low-maintenance and bright. These digital pets make a sweet little tech gift for those who love interactive toys.

6. MINDFUL BATH £24.99, FROM SUCK UK

Mello waterproof A5 notebook & incense.

Put pencil to paper and let your thoughts and ideas flow in the steamy comfort of your own bathtub. Includes a 100 per cent

waterproof A5 notebook (no crinkled pages or slippery fingered accidents here!) and scented incense sticks and holder to get you in the perfect headspace

7. PLANT WITH WILLOW STARTER PACK – £34.99, AVAILABLE FROM PLANTWITHWILLOW.CO.UK The Plant With Willow Starter Pack gives your houseplants a voice, quite literally. A discreet soil sensor tracks moisture, light, temperature and nutrients, sending realtime updates to your phone via a beautifully intuitive app. You’ll know when to water, when to feed, and when your monstera simply needs a moment in the sun.

8. PHOTO CREATOR VIDEO PROJECTOR CAMERA £69.99, FROM SMYTHS

With the 3-in-1 Video Projector Camera from Photo Creator, you can snap photos, shoot crisp HD video, project your creations in colour, and connect to cast your favourite content onto any surface. This exciting allin-one device projects photos and videos from up to four metres, creating a big screen projection display up to

200 x 112cm, with adjustable focus to capture the perfect picture. Take 48MP photos and films crisp HD video on the 2.4 screen, with 27 fun effects, including digital frames and filters to personalise your work. With simple projection in bright, bold colour, this video projector camera offers endless creative fun, with a 16GB MicroSD card that lets you capture, save and share with friends and family. Connect devices wirelessly to cast your favourite content onto any surface for an even bigger viewing experience and home-projector fun

9. PAD CREATOR INSTANT PRINT TABLET – £129.99, AVAILABLE FROM SMYTHSTOYS.COM

For the next generation of digital dreamers, the Pad Creator is part tablet, part instant printer, and entirely brilliant. With six creative modes, kids can shoot photos, film mini movies, sketch, add filters and print their masterpieces instantly from the eight-inch touchscreen. There’s even a child-friendly browser for inspiration hunting – making it as safe as it is inspiring. The kind of gift that turns rainy afternoons into studio time.

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 45

TOP SPORTS COVERAGE 24/7 VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK/SPORT

OF SPORT NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2025 | THE VOICE

A DREAM FOR AAMILAH

Aswat competes in a race at Kempton Park, the first British Black female jump jockey ever to do so. By Rodney Hinds

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AMILAH ASWAT has made history as the first-ever Black British female jump jockey to race when coming fifth in the JCB Handicap Hurdle at Kempton Park in November aboard Guchen for trainers Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls.

Aamilah said: “I can’t believe that my dream to race has finally come true. I couldn’t ask for a better horse – Guchen gave me such a great feeling and I will remember this day forever.

“I just wanted to get round safely and repay the trust that Kim and Mat have had in me. I am so grateful to them and the owners, the Friends of Ebony Horse Club for giving me this opportunity.

“I am really proud to be the first Black British female jump jockey.

When I was growing up I looked up to Khadijah (Mellah) and I hope that now other young people will look up to me as well and know they can also reach their dreams.”

Mellah, one of the cofounders of the Riding A Dream Academy, said: “I have watched

Aamilah progress over the years and I could not be more excited and proud to see her race today. She is a brilliant role model for the other Riding A Dream Academy students.

“Visibility is so important and I am excited for her to have the opportunity to display her talent and hard work.

Huge thanks to Kim Bailey, Mat Nicholls and their team and also the Friends of Ebony for facilitating this huge day. It is a privilege to support the next generation and Aamilah is the future of talent in horse racing.”

Naomi Lawson, co-founder of the Academy, added: “Representation really matters and what we’re seeking to do at the Riding A Dream Academy is ensure that young people from diverse ethnic communities have the chance to shine in the sport.

“Only around two to three per cent of licensed jockeys come from these communities, far below the national

IN THE GROOVE: Guchen and Aamilah Aswat make steady progress at Kempton

(photos: John Hoy/ Jockey Club)

average, so we hope Aamilah is the first of many to come through the ranks and succeed in the sport.

"None of these things happen without a huge number of people and we are so grateful to our funders the Racing Foundation, the staff at the Riding A Dream Academy and British Racing School and the team at Kim Bailey’s”

Aamilah grew up in Gloucester and first learned to ride at St James’ City Farm in the city, under the tutelage of Imran Atcha, ahead of competing in pony races in 2017 and 2018 with the Pony Racing Authority. She then joined the inaugural Riding A Dream Academy scholarship programme in 2021-22 (where she was sponsored by The Jockey Club) which was

set to support young people from diverse ethnic communities into horse racing after Mellah won the Magnolia Cup in 2019.

The young rider then went on to complete the Foundation Course at the British Racing School before joining the yard of Bailey, the Grand National winning trainer.

Night of celebration for the good and the greats of track and field

By Milton Boyce

FORMER ATHLETE turned broadcaster and presenter, Jeanette Kwakye, was presented with the Track and Field Inclusion (TAFi) Recognition Award at the inaugural ceremony, which took place at The Ivy in Tower Bridge.

Kwakye picked up one of three legacy awards given out on the evening along with Ken Pike and Glenys Morton landing the TAFi Unsung Hero of the Year and Lloyd Cowan Bursary awards, respectively.

A total of ten awards were given out, with the other seven being voted for by the public.

Winners included The TAFi Male Athlete of the Year, Seamus Derbyshire, Female Athlete of the Year, Amy Hunt, Male Paraathlete of the Year, Thomas Young, Female Para-athlete of the Year, Hannah Cockroft, Male Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, Teddy Wilson, Female

YOUR GENIAL HOSTS: Jordan Jarrett-Bryan and Donna Fraser, right, with Jeanette Kwakye, centre

ROLL OF HONOUR TAFI 2025 WINNERS: (public vote) TAFi Male Athlete of the Year, Seamus Derbyshire TAFi Female Athlete of the year, Amy Hunt TAFi Male Para-athlete of the year, Thomas Young TAFi Female Para-athlete of the year, Hannah Cockroft TAFi Male Breakthrough athlete of the year, Teddy Wilson TAFi Female Breakthrough athlete of the year, Alessia Scala TAFi Coach of the year, Sharon Morris TAFI LEGACY AWARD WINNERS: TAFi Recognition Award, Jeanette Kwakye TAFi Unsung Hero of the Year, Ken Pike TAFi Lloyd Cowan Bursary Award, Glenys Morton

Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, Alessia Scala and Coach of the year, Sharon Morris.

Backed by chief sponsors UK Athletics and supported by England Athletics and The Ivy Collection, The TAFI Awards were brought to life by co-founders Joel Campbell and Michael Facey

(photo: Paul Simon)

in order to celebrate the most inclusive sport in the world.

Hosted by four-time Olympian and current Director of EDI at the Professional Cricketers’ Association, Donna Fraser, alongside award-winning journalist and broadcaster Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, the event was attended by the great and the good across UK track and field with speeches coming from UKA CEO, Jack Buckner and Dame Denise Lewis DBE, president of Commonwealth Games England.

TAFi was created to honour the many individuals whose passion, dedication, and contributions shape the track and field community — shining a light on those whose love for the sport keeps it thriving.

In a joint statement, the cofounders said: “TAFi was an idea both of us came to realise had to happen.

“Uniting the various people that make the sport so special and inclusive was a no-brainer and to see multiple generations

celebrating the most inclusive sport in the world, is something that will stay with us forever.

“Big congratulations to all of the winners and nominees, keep up the good work, you are all inspirational people.

“A big thanks must go out to UK Athletics, England Athletics and The Ivy for their unwavering support to ensure this idea went from concept to reality.

“We’d also like to recognise the Voice Newspaper for being the first media partner in the event’s history.

“There’s only one opportunity to do things for the first time and we’re happy everyone left the event with a smile on their faces.

“To everyone that attended, be they athlete, fan of the sport, coach, administrators or media, thank you, your support is truly appreciated.

“We have plans for the future which we’ll make everyone aware of sooner rather than later.”

46 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Sport

PRIMED TO SHOWCASE AFRICAN EXCELLENCE AFCON 2025 will again show to the world how much quality there is on the continent. By Vlad Andrejevic

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ACE ACH: Morocco right-back Achraf Lakimi is a big player for French giants PSG

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Yaya Touré

Ria Brand Ambassador

HE Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to kick off in Morocco on December 21 in what promises to be another enthralling display of African excellence in football.

The 35th edition of the biennial tournament will see 24 qualified nations vie to be crowned the champions of Africa as they compete over three weeks, with the final set for January 18.

The prestigious competition, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was first held in 1957 in Khartoum, Sudan. Only three nations participated in that tournament, but it has since grown exponentially in both stature and excitement as African football has flourished.

For Africans, the importance of the tournament has always been prevalent. AFCON has always possessed a unique ability to unify home nations, as a rich mix of cultures combine in celebration of talent, despite the competitive nature of the sport itself.

The growing influence of African players in the world’s top football leagues has also seen the global audience steadily increase.

The last tournament, AFCON 2023, both held in and won by Côte d’Ivoire in dramatic fashion, broke multiple worldwide viewership records, having been streamed in approximately 180 countries.

At a press conference in Abidjan at the end of the tournament, Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF, said: “We have had close to two billion people watching AFCON globally. We should be proud and the next one will be even better.”

The astonishing figures, which put the AFCON as the seventh most-watched sporting event of 2024, are a testament to the ever-growing pool of talented footballers making their mark on a global stage.

While individual superstars like Achraf Hakimi and Mo-

HOW THEY LINE UP Group A: Comoros, Mali, Morocco, Zambia Group B: Angola, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe Group C: Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda Group D: Benin, Botswana, DR Congo, Senegal Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan Group F: Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique

hammed Salah will have played their part in piquing worldwide interest, the influence of African players stretches far beyond a select few.

Just from the Premier League, up to 45 players could be travelling to Morocco. Sunderland, whose rise to fourth in the table after promotion last year has been the story of the season so far, boast seven players likely to feature, who have been integral to their success thus far.

QUALIT Y: Bryan Mbeumo

The likes of Alex Iwobi at Fulham, who in October became the Nigerian with the most Premier League appearances (302), and Bryan Mbeumo at Manchester United have made telling contributions in the most competitive league in the world for several years. The rise of African influence on football extends beyond AFCON, with hundreds of players of African descent making their mark on European football.

Ousmane Dembele, whose mother is Mauritanian Senegalese and father is Malian, picked up the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or award in September ahead of 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is also of African descent.

Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, both of whose parents are from Nigeria, showed how important they are to England as they each scored a goal as the Three Lions beat Serbia 2-0 last week to conclude their successful World Cup qualifying campaign.

AFCON has become an important stage for young, lesserknown players to be given the chance to showcase their talent to a global audience.

Morocco, who will host across nine different stadiums, will go into the tournament as favourites and as the highestranked team, and having reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2022, the Atlas Lions will feel in good stead to capitalise on home soil.

Senegal will have high hopes, while holders Côte d’Ivoire will look to retain the crown.

Egypt will look to capitalise on what could be Salah’s last appearance for the Pharaohs in this competition, while Nigeria will hope to do one better after falling short in the final.

The tournament is likely to throw up a few surprises, setting up for what will be another memorable three weeks showcasing Africa’s best talent.

DECEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 47

Sport

INSPIRATIONAL AFRICANS

Some big names have been – and still are – a class act both on and off the pitch. By Milton Boyce

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HE recent Best of Africa Awards honoured not only brilliance on the world stage, but also the values that define true greatness: compassion, community, and contribution.

Nowhere is this more visible than in the journey of African footballers who have transformed not just the Premier League, but countless lives beyond the game.

Since the league’s inception, African players have brought resilience, and extraordinary talent.

But perhaps more importantly, many have carried with them a deep sense of responsibility to give back, to uplift their communities, to open doors for others, and to use their platform for positive change.

From the early days, Moroccan pioneers like Mustapha Hadji and Youssef Chippo brought more than skill to Coventry City in the

“While building a reputation for tactical intelligence and precision, Iwobi is also known for his commitment to community projects”

late 1990s – they brought pride to a continent.

Hadji’s dazzling feet and infectious humility made him a role model not just in Morocco, but for young African players dreaming of a better life. Today, he remains involved in youth development and mentorship, nurturing the next generation.

That spirit of service continues in today’s stars. Alex Iwobi, while building a reputation for tactical intelligence and precision in Europe, is also known for his commitment to community projects.

Like many of his peers, he understands that success is not just measured in trophies, but in the lives impacted along the way.

From north to central and west Africa, this thread of giving remains strong. The Democratic Republic of Congo has gifted the Premier League talents like Yannick Bolasie and Benik Afobe, both of whom have used their visibility to support education, health and refugee causes.

Yoane Wissa, another star from the DRC, has used his platform to speak about resilience and identity, becoming a beacon of pride for Congolese youth both at home and in the diaspora At Brentford, Wissa’s partnership with Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo lit up the 2023/24 season. Together they represented more than just goals – they represented the power of African unity family, and purpose. Both are active in causes that support children and underprivileged com-

ALEX THE GREAT: Alex Iwobi is known for his commitment to community projects; inset, Mustapha Hadji is helping to nurture the next wave of footballing stars (photos: Getty Images)

munities in their home countries.

Then there’s Mohamed Salah, whose 29 Premier League goals last season were matched by quiet acts of generosity building schools, funding hospitals, and

supporting struggling families in Egypt; Salah’s legacy will be measured as much by his impact off the pitch as by his place in Premier League history.

These players remind us that

football is more than a game. It is a platform for giving, inspiring, and healing. They carry the hopes of a continent with every step while investing in futures far beyond their own. For the true lega-

cy of Africa in the Premier League is not just in goals or glory, but in how these athletes use their success to help others give back, and leave the world better than they found it.

WHICH STARS WILL SHINE BRIGHT AT AFCON IN MOROCCO? Sam French profiles six players to watch during the African Cup of Nations Bilal El Khannouss: Morocco At only 21 years old, Bilal El Khannouss is starting to make a name for himself. His first international goal came back in March. After a promising time in the Premier League last year with Leicester, he’s currently on loan at Stuttgart and has played 16 games in all competitions.

Victor Osimhen: Nigeria Victor Osimhen could make history at AFCON. He’s on 31 goals for Nigeria and trails all-time leading goalscorer Rashidi Yekini by just six. Only seven players have scored at least six goals in a single AFCON in the tournament’s history, but Osimhen will travel to Morocco looking to get close. At Galatasaray he’s scored nine goals in 12 games across all competitions – with six coming in the Champions League.

Anis Hadj Moussa: Algeria Born in Paris and a part of RC Lens at a young age, the left-footed winger took an unconventional path by joining Olympic Charleroi of the Belgian Third Division in July 2022. Since March 2024, he has been a full Algerian international, following stints in the U20 and U23 national teams.

Previously linked with a move to the Premier League, the player’s scored six goals in 16 games for Dutch giants Feyenoord this season.

Ronwen Williams: South Africa The South African goalkeeper deserves recognition, and he got just that earlier this year – shortlisted among 22 goalkeepers worldwide for the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award. He was also among the nominees for the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or – keeping 22 clean sheets in the league that season – becoming the first African-based goalkeeper to be listed for that award.

Karl Etta Eyong: Cameroon Only Kylian Mbappe, Julian Alvarez, and Robert Lewandowski have scored more than the Levante striker’s six La Liga goals this season.

Originally a midfielder, he was spotted in Cameroon by scouts for Cadiz’s academy. He moved to Villarreal last summer, from Cadiz, where he scored 19 league goals in 30 games for their ‘B’ team. Etta Eyong has averaged a goal every 146 minutes since his La Liga debut for Villarreal.

Evann Guessand: Ivory Coast It may have been a difficult start for Guessand since signing for Aston Villa but, previously, the 24-year-old’s style of play have led to comparisons with Didier Drogba. He possesses the ability to beat his man. Last season, he scored 12 league goals and was named player of the season as Nice finished fourth in France’s Ligue 1. Currently, Guessand has 12 international caps and two goals.

48 | THE VOICE DECEMBER 2025

Sport

THE VERY BEST OF AFRICA

TRAILBLAZER: Eniola Aluko has amassed 105 caps for England across a glittering career

Nigerian-born Eniola Aluko has her feats recognised by the National Football Museum and she hopes to inspire others. By Rodney Hinds

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NIOLA ALUKO has been inducted into its prestigious Hall of Fame.

The National Football Museum announced the news just before Christmas.

Eni, one of the sport’s most iconic players, has proved beyond doubt what can be achieved from humble beginnings.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Eni moved to Birmingham, England, at six months old and ultimately went on to have a stellar career.

Upon finding out the news of her induction, Eni said: “I am truly honoured, proud and delighted to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.

“For more than 20 years, the game has given me purpose, joy, challenge, and community – from growing up playing on local pitches in Birmingham to wearing the England shirt 105 times, to leading within the growth of the women’s game off the field.

“I have always believed that football can be a powerful

transformational force for equality and a platform for women and girls to see their talent valued and their ambitions realised.”

“My work in advocacy, charity, and grassroots development is rooted in that belief, and in gratitude for all who opened doors for me along the way.

“This recognition is shared with every teammate, coach, family member, and young girl who dares to dream in football and believes in themselves.”

Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said:

“I believe that football can be a powerful transformational force for equality and a platform for women

“Eniola Aluko’s outstanding career and her list of achievements across three countries and two continents speaks for itself.

“She is undeniably one of the key figures of the modern era that has helped propel women’s football to where it is today in England.”

Eni’s career spanned over an impressive 19 years. From scoring on her debut for Birmingham City aged just 14, she would go on to earn some of the biggest accolades in the women’s game.

After honing her craft at Birmingham and picking up the Young Player of the Year award in 2003, she would move to Charlton, instantly helping them lift the Women’s Premier League Cup with some crucial goals.

From there she moved on to Chelsea in 2007, the first of two stints with the Blues, before heading to America in late 2008, playing for St. Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat and Sky Blue FC. 2012 saw Eni return to the club where it all started for her, and

CUP GLORY: Aluko lifted the FA Cup in 2015 with Chelsea

ended Birmingham City’s 44-year wait for a major trophy, lifting the FA Women’s Cup against Chelsea.

Thereafter, she returned to Chelsea in 2012 and won two WSL titles in the 2015 (they spanned a single year at first) and 201718 seasons, the FA Cup twice, and the WSL golden boot in 2016.

The forward would end her career in Italy, joining Juventus in 2018. In just an 18-month period

Eni lifted the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, as well as being Juventus’ top scorer in her first season.

Internationally, she earned a remarkable 105 caps for England and featured at three FIFA Women’s World Cups and two UEFA Women’s Championships.

Eni was a key figure in the growth of women’s football and is widely recognised as one of the

pioneers who helped elevate the women’s game in England.

Following her retirement from professional football in 2020, the African has carved out a remarkable post-playing career. She became the firstever sporting director in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League with Angel City FC and later held a similar role at Aston Villa Women.

In addition, she has become a prominent media figure across major broadcasters excelling in punditry, commentary and analysis.

Eni will join esteemed company in the National Football Museum Hall of Fame, with Emma Hayes, Steph Houghton and Mary Phillip all recently entering the HoF.